Septic · East CT branch
Soil & perc testing in Colchester, CT
Deep test pits and perc tests, dug by our crew under the direction of your health district. Health department fees included.
- Residential soil testingFrom $1,150
- B100a soil testingFrom $1,150
- B100a testing and locatingFrom $3,500
- Full day of testingFrom $2,500
What is included
What the test covers.
- Up to three test pitsDug with a mini excavator under the direction of your health district.
- Perc testingPercolation tests that measure how fast your soil takes water, which sets the size of the field.
- Health department feesThe health district fees for the testing are included in the price.
- B100a locatingFor additions, our Level 2 package also locates your existing system for accurate setbacks.
- Credit toward the installIf we install your system, the testing cost comes back to you, minus the health district fee.
- Clear next stepsWe explain the results and what they mean for your design and budget.
Starting prices
Testing prices.
Pick the test that matches your project. Health department fees are included in every package.
- Additional test pits
- Per pit
- Credit when we install
- Testing cost
| Service | What it covers | Starting at |
|---|---|---|
Residential soil testing New or replacement system |
Soil and perc testing for a new septic design, up to three test pits. | From$1,150 Estimate Get a quote → |
B100a, Level 1 Additions and pools |
Soil testing component for a B100a review, up to three test pits. | From$1,150 Estimate Get a quote → |
B100a, Level 2 Additions and pools |
Soil testing plus locating the existing system for accurate setbacks. | From$3,500 Estimate Get a quote → |
Full day of soil testing Large or complex sites |
A full day of operator and mini excavator for exploration and testing. | From$2,500 Estimate Get a quote → |
Stake out a septic system Pools and additions |
Locate and mark the tank and field with paint and flags. | From$1,500 Members from $949 Get a quote → |
New system consultation Planning |
Review possible locations and walk through the install process with you. | From$299 Estimate Get a quote → |
The health district schedules and witnesses soil testing, so dates depend on their calendar. Member prices are for Septic Plan and Family Plan members. Starting prices from our 2026 pricebook. A real person confirms your price before anything is scheduled.
How it works
Book. Dig. Test. Design.
Soil testing is the first step of every new septic system and most additions.
- 01
Book
We schedule the test with your health district.
- 02
Dig
Our mini excavator digs the test pits where the sanitarian directs.
- 03
Test
The soil is logged and perc tests show how fast it drains.
- 04
Design
The results go to the engineer who designs your system.
Watch
What is soil testing for a septic system?
What happens during soil testing for a new or replacement septic system. Recorded by the Drainworks crew.
Connecticut rules
B100a, explained.
Section 19-13-B100a of the Connecticut public health code protects your septic system when you change your property.
- When it appliesAdditions, pools and conversionsAdding bedrooms, building near the system or changing how a building is used triggers a B100a review.
- What it checksRoom for a code-compliant systemThe health district confirms your lot can still support a septic system after the change.
- Soil dataTesting proves itSoil testing shows where a future repair area could go.
- SetbacksLocate the existing systemOur Level 2 package locates your current system so the plans show accurate distances.
Questions
Soil & perc testing, answered.
Answers from licensed plumbers and septic installers. Still unsure? Call East CT at (860) 292-0484.
How much does a perc test cost in Connecticut?
What is a B100a?
Who digs the test pits?
Do I get the testing cost back?
How soon can testing happen?
Related services
The rest of the system.
The same crew handles every pipe on the property, from the well to the leach field.
Building or replacing? Test the soil first.
Soil and perc testing across eastern Connecticut, with health department fees included.