Info needed on perk testing in Crossville? (Lake Tansi: how much, home)

[Rick8164]

I own a lot in Lake Tansi. I was recently told my perk test was only suitable for building a one bedroom home. Is this some sort of advisement concerning water pressure issues or is it a strict building code that must be followed? I have a wife and two children, so really need to build a 3 bedroom home to be sufficient. I can purchase the lot next to mine, but it hasn't been perked yet. I am almost affraid of buying it at this time because the man who perked mine told me it needed to perk for at least a 2 bedroom, in order to make both pieces sufficient for building a 3 bedroom. If I purchase this piece too and it olny perks for a one bedroom, then I am stuck with land that can't even be used. Does anyone know more about these issues and requirements in building a home larger than the perk test requires or is it even allowed. As you must have figured out, I know much of nothing when it comes to septic tanks and well-water. Also, if anyone knows of a good company or individual that performs these perks, that would also be helpful.
Thanks so much for any advice.
Rick

[Rick8164]

What are my options if my land only passes a perk test for a one bedroom and I need a larger home?

[v8eater]

What is a Perk test?

[daniellefort]

Originally Posted by v8eater

What is a Perk test?

something to do with the soil absorbtion i believe to do with septics, etc.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by v8eater

What is a Perk test?

A perk test (short for percolation test) tests how much water can be absorbed into the soil. It's required for those who will have a septic tank instead of being connected to a sewage line. Unfortunately, as Rick8164 discovered, that's normally something that should be done before you buy property.

Rick8164, I'm really sorry for your predicament, and I just don't know what else you can do other than maybe buying the lot next to you (which you at one time said you could do) and pray that it perks for a larger home.

Do they have any plans to extend sewage lines out to Lake Tansi?

[Kklynnt]

Originally Posted by Rick8164

What are my options if my land only passes a perk test for a one bedroom and I need a larger home?

How far are you from a actual sewer system? It is possible to obtain a small pump to pump your waste to a sewer system. (Not sure of the cost, but I know towns that have several of these small pumps operating.)

Depending on your local requirements, you may be able to pump to an area on your property with better perc results.

I'm assuming your local state health official did the perc testing--he/she may be able to offer some suggestions.

Unfortunately there may be some added costs in your situation. I would ask the health dept to see what they my have approved in similar cases.

Kerry

[Kklynnt]

Your perc test has nothing to do with your water supply to the home.
The local utility that serves fresh water there should be able to provide adequate pressure for the potable water needs.

The perc test deals with how fast your wastewater is absorbed into the soil in your fieldline. In other words there is a standard that has been set to make sure the soil leaches away the water and doesn't pool up and start running out of your yard.

I was under the impression that lake Tansi has both water and sewer services (I could be wrong)

If by chance they do have a sewer system, you may be able to install a small waste pump to pump to their lines if you are not situated in a way to drain into the lines naturally.

I made some comments on your other posting too, so check there for more ideas.

Kerry

[ML10950]

Did you have a qualified person perform the perk test for you? Normally you need to hire a soil scientist, land surveyor or engineer to perform the perk test. If you did, they normally would explain what you need to do.

You can get information from the Tennessee Department of Enviroment and Conservation, http://www.state.tn.us/environment/gwp/. You do have different options, and they will explain them to you.

[daniellefort]

how much does a perk test cost? i may need to do one shortly before i buy my property

[alexxx]

Build a 1 bedroom home with a "library" and "sewing room"...If you convert them later well...who cares.. Just be certain to get a qualified soil scientist to determine if in fact the soil can perk at higher usage levels. You will not get this in writing if the town (or Corp of Engineers) have stipulated otherwise....

alexx