Soils & Perc Testing
Professional soil evaluation and percolation testing — the required first step before any septic system permit can be issued in Arizona. In-house testing and site design for both conventional and alternative systems.
Soils Evaluation & Perc Testing
A soils evaluation and percolation (perc) test is required before installing any onsite wastewater treatment system in Arizona. The perc test measures how quickly water absorbs into the soil at your property, which determines what type of septic system will work for your site.
The results tell us whether your property can support a standard conventional septic system or whether an alternative system design is needed. This testing is not optional — it is a county requirement before any septic permit can be issued.
At SewerTime, we perform all testing in-house with our own crew and equipment. We handle the soil samples, perc testing, site analysis, and permit applications so you don't have to coordinate between multiple companies.
Our Testing & Design Services
- Comprehensive soil evaluation and analysis
- Percolation (perc) testing per county standards
- Site topography and constraint assessment
- System type recommendation (conventional vs. alternative)
- All testing performed in-house (not subcontracted)
- Permit application assistance included
Why Soil Matters
Your soil is the final treatment stage of your septic system. After wastewater leaves the tank, it flows into the drain field where the soil filters and treats it before it reaches the groundwater table. For this to work properly, the soil must have two critical characteristics:
Absorption capacity: The soil must be able to accommodate the volume of effluent your household produces daily. If the soil absorbs too slowly, effluent will pool on the surface. If it absorbs too quickly, untreated waste can reach the groundwater.
Microbial activity: Healthy soil contains the microorganisms necessary to break down bacteria, pathogens, and other contaminants in the effluent. Without the right soil composition, treatment fails and contamination occurs.
This is exactly why the perc test is required — it tells us whether your soil can do the job and what system design will work best for your property.
Site Limitations & Alternative Systems
Standard septic systems are designed to work with gravity flow. However, not every property has ideal conditions for a conventional system. Common site limitations include:
- Poor soil percolation rates (too slow or too fast)
- High water tables or seasonal groundwater
- Rocky terrain or shallow bedrock
- Steep slopes or limited available space
- Proximity to wells, washes, or protected areas
When these limitations exist, an alternative or engineered system is required. We design both conventional and alternative systems in-house, so we can recommend and build the right solution regardless of your site conditions.