I am often surprised when some buyers are not aware that there are no sewer lines out in the country. So if you are planning to live in the country you're going to need to install a septic system. That is, of course, if you want to have indoor plumbing and the modern conveniences... who doesn't?
First thing one has to do is to hire a soil tester who will make an appointment with the zoning office. The term, perc test, is still used, however the correct name for this test is actually a soil test. The local zoning office and a certified soil tester will, by appointment come out for a fee and examine the soil to determine if a permit can be 
granted for placement of a septic system. The procedure consists of digging two or more 5 to 7-foot or deeper pits, which required an excavator on site. The pits or "test holes" have replaced the traditional percolation or "perc" test that used to be common in most areas. Perc test used to measure the time it took to percolate water out of the hole. These soil test pits are dug with a backhoe 5 or more feet deep, and wide enough and sloped so that the tester may walk down into them and sample the soil in the sidewalls. The outcome of reading the soil types determines what type of system you are allowed to place on your land.
This is a group of photos were taken by me at an actual soil test. The cost runs around $500. It is the sum of usually 3 fees; one for the county office for a site visit, a second fee for the licensed soil tester and a final 3rd fee is for the excavator. You must pay the fee at the time of the test.
Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin
call Mary Strang therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599
Hi Mary I wanted to pay back the visit to my blog. This is such great information for consumers. Now that I think about it ..there are many consumers who have no idea what a perc test is and what they do. Good post
Hey Mary, we actually do these too. It's nice to know other rural realtors and the unique scope of expertise required. BTW-Thanks for visiting my post.
I am also paying back a visit, and what a great post for me to arrive on! I lived 8 miles out, on a dirt road, in a previous home. We had never lived in the country, and never been on a well or septic. We had never used propane, and never had a HUGE mercury light as a "yard light". The house had been empty for 4 years, so we had to have all sorts of tests on all sorts of systems, and we learned a TON of information. Our Realtor was helpful, as she also lived out of town, on well, septic and propane...