Frequently Asked Questions

What is a perc & mantle test?

​​The soil mantle test typically comes first. It involves excavating test pits with a tractor to determine the effective soil depth of the proposed leachfield area. This test determines what type of septic system will be approved and where it will be located. This test is witnessed by a County representative. ​Perc testing comes next. It involves excavating postholes and filling them with a certain quantity of water to determine the absorption capacity of the soil. This test determines the size of the leachfield.

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​​How long does it take?​​​

​​​Typically, the County inspector's schedule is the most restrictive. Currently, we are scheduling perc & mantle tests within 10 weeks.

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What does it cost?

​*Placer County Health Department's site evaluation fee is: $959.00​

*Nevada County Health Department's site evaluation fee is: $769.48

​*El Dorado County Health Department's site evaluation fee is: $245.90

​​Please call for a quote of our fees.​​

*Note that each County will charge an additional fee for the septic construction permit.