I want to build a home on two lots that I own within a coastal community in NC, and have had cleared. However, the lot next to mine just failed the perc test, so I'm certain mine will also. This area has much sandy soil and very little clay. My question is whether planting some kind of ground cover or something with deep roots will help break up the soil. How about deep tilling? Is there anything that can be done other than waiting the 7 years before the city sewer system is brought in?

Why did it fail? Because of high water table? In sandy soil, the water should have disappeared in a flash.

Another option, if the soil is indeed impervious, would be to excavate the drainage field area, and fill it with porous material. Talk to a good civil engineer in your area, who should be able to outline your options.

Thanks for your response. According to a realtor in my area, the lots don't perc because they are "hardpan." How can that be if the soil is predominantly sandy?

The soil may not be sandy at the depth where the perc test must be taken. There are ways to install a septic system in almost any condition. Consult a good civil engineer in your area.

I'm perchasing a property in the Pocono Mtns of PA near Tobyhanna. I was wondering about who would be a good contact person to do the perc test in that area. There is a house on the adjacent lot, so I'm wondering what the chances of my lot perc-ing as well. what can I expect to pay to improve a lot to pass the perc test. I'm also looking for a reputible builder near Lake Wallenpaupeck.

I have the same situation as you. Also, in coastal NC, our lot failed perc test. I have been told I should hire a soil scientist and have been given the name of a really good one. However, I was wondering if you have found any solution to your problem. Our soil was high in shell material and the "wrong color". Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I'd be glad to share the name of the scientist.

quote:

Originally posted by Vicki in NC:
I want to build a home on two lots that I own within a coastal community in NC, and have had cleared. However, the lot next to mine just failed the perc test, so I'm certain mine will also. This area has much sandy soil and very little clay. My question is whether planting some kind of ground cover or something with deep roots will help break up the soil. How about deep tilling? Is there anything that can be done other than waiting the 7 years before the city sewer system is brought in?

Here in Minnesota we have areas with a lot of thick hard clay. Obviously not ideal for septic systems so a lot of homeowners go with what's called a "mound" system. Basically it's a big hump on top of the ground that is your septic system. The point behind it is to distribute the sewage over a greater square footage, thus requiring less perc per square foot. Like Richard said, talk to a civil engineer or a septic installer in your area. They are the people who would know what your options are.

You may be in luck. I have installed a number of alternative system in Coastal NC and would recommend the pure flow system by Bord na mona. It is a above ground system with two tanks which pump the effluent into above ground pods filled with 7 layers of peat. The effluent leaving the bottom of the pods is very clean and this system may get you where you want to be. I would contact a soil scientist in you area and ask about designing a system for you lot.

It worked on my lot....
Bill
ReddiWall@yahoo.com

Have you had any experience with failed perc tests in the NC mountains? Our lot just failed because of rock, even though there are homes on either side of it. Any suggestions?

try puraflo.tv It's a local PA website but a national solution if you can get 10" of perc. Tell him Dr Weston I said hi. He'll be able to refer you to a NC dealer. Good Luck

To Vicki and Ann in NC: the best potential solution to your perc problems is to hire a qualified consulting firm that is Licensed in North Carolina. The rules in NC are different from those in other states such as PA. Different technologies and approaches are also more appropriate in the mountains versus the coastal areas. I recommend contacting Soil & Environmental Consultants. They serve NC and SC from the mountains to the coast and have been a leader in this industry for 20 years. They have an office in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Concord. Thanks, let me know if you have any questions. I work for S&EC, my direct phone number is 336-669-0648.