Accurate Perc Testing in Show Low Starts Your Development Right

A perc test determines everything — system type, design cost, and whether your land is ready to build.

If you need perc testing in Show Low, the result you get from that single test determines the entire trajectory of your septic system project. Show Low sits at the junction of U.S. Route 60 and State Route 77, and properties across Navajo County vary considerably in soil composition — from looser sandy soils near Fool Hollow Lake to denser materials in elevated terrain heading east toward Pinetop. McCall Hauling & Dirt Works conducts percolation tests that produce accurate, code-compliant results your engineer and county inspector can work from directly.

The perc test itself involves excavating test holes to a specified depth, saturating the soil over a set period, then measuring how long it takes for the water level to drop a defined amount. That absorption rate — expressed in minutes per inch — is the number that your septic designer uses to calculate drain field size and system type. If the rate is within the acceptable range for a conventional system, installation is straightforward. If the soil absorbs too slowly, an alternative engineered system is required, which carries a substantially higher design and installation cost. Knowing this before you close on land — or before you commit to a build budget — protects your investment.

Show Low property owners who perc test early also benefit from faster permitting timelines, since county reviewers can process applications with complete test data rather than sending projects back for additional information. Contact us to schedule your percolation test and move your Show Low project forward with complete information.

The Perc Testing Process in Show Low, Step by Step

McCall Hauling & Dirt Works handles the full perc testing process in Show Low — from excavating the test holes to documenting results in the format required by Navajo County Planning & Development Services. Each phase of testing follows ADEQ guidelines to ensure results are accepted without revision.

  • Site assessment to identify where test holes should be positioned relative to the proposed drain field location and setback requirements
  • Excavation of percolation test holes to the appropriate depth using equipment calibrated for the rocky and variable soils common to Show Low parcels
  • Soil saturation period — typically 24 hours — to pre-soak the site before the timed percolation measurement begins
  • Timed water drop measurement recorded at intervals and documented in a format accepted by county permit reviewers
  • Results delivery with a written report usable by your septic designer to specify the correct system for your Show Low property

Once perc testing is complete, the path to system design and permitting becomes clear. Request your free estimate for perc testing in Show Low and get the data your project needs to move forward.

What Show Low Property Owners Look for in a Perc Test Provider

Choosing who conducts your percolation test matters more than most Show Low landowners realize. The quality of documentation, the accuracy of hole placement, and the experience of the crew reading results all affect whether your test produces usable data the first time — or requires costly retesting.

  • Verify the contractor understands Navajo County's specific documentation requirements — not all counties accept the same report format
  • Confirm test hole excavation uses proper equipment for the soil type; shallow or improperly sized holes produce inaccurate absorption readings
  • Ask whether the contractor identifies secondary test locations in case primary sites fail — planning for this in advance saves scheduling delays
  • Look for contractors who have completed perc tests on Show Low parcels specifically, since local soil variability around US-60 and SR-260 corridors is well-documented
  • Ensure results are delivered in written form with the measurements, timing, and site notes a septic engineer needs to proceed with design

Accurate perc test results from the start keep your Show Low project on schedule and on budget. Schedule your perc test today and get the data your development needs.