If you live in a rural area or plan to build a new home in the country, youll need a septic tank to handle the waste you produce in your home. These systems are responsible for waste removal and filtration so that wastewater can be released into the soil.
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We use real-world data from RSMeans, a building materials database used by contractors across the United States, to provide you with real septic tank installation data. Along with this data tool, we gather real quotes so you know what to expect when you install a new septic tank.
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Boiler Replacement
Generally, you can expect to pay $5,300$9,500 to replace your homes boiler. Price will vary for electric, gas, and wood models.
GET ESTIMATESEmergency Plumbing
You can typically expect to pay $68$450 for emergency plumbing, depending on the severity of the problem at hand.
GET ESTIMATESEjector Pump
Generally, you can expect to pay between $850$5,500 for a new ejector pump, depending on the type of pump you need.
GET ESTIMATESOn average, installing a septic tank costs between $3,500 and $11,000, but installation can cost anywhere from $3,000 to more than $20,000. Septic tanks only cost $500 to $2,500, so most of the cost can be attributed to labor and installation. This is good news for homeowners who already have a septic tank since youll just have to replace the tank, but it means that initial installation is quite a costly project.
Low EndNational AverageHigh End$3,000$3,500 $11,100$20,000Cost data include the material costs and labor, if applicable. All cost data in this article were gathered from RSMeans construction materials and labor database and bids from top contractors.
Anaerobic septic systems are the conventional type and the most affordable to install. However, theyre not as efficient as aerobic septic systems, which are more than double the cost.
Type of Septic TankAverage CostAnaerobic$3,000 $8,000Aerobic$10,000 $20,000Cost data include the material costs and labor, if applicable.
As the most affordable type of septic system to install at $3,000 to $8,000, conventional septic systems use anaerobic bacteria that dont consume oxygen to break down your homes solid waste. Anaerobic systems have a simple design that consists of a pipe that leads from your house to the tank and then to the drain field.
When your kitchen, bathroom or laundry room discharges waste, it is sent to your anaerobic septic system, where solids (and fats/grease) are separated from the wastewater and anaerobic bacteria start to break down the waste. The septic system discharges the effluent (wastewater) into a large leach field where oxygen-consuming bacteria continue the breakdown process.
Aerobic septic systems are much more efficient but also more expensive to install at an average of $10,00 to $20,000. These systems break down waste much better than traditional septic systems, so you dont need a large drain field, which is perfect for anyone who lives on a smaller property.
This type of septic system relies on aerobic bacteria that need oxygen to break down waste. Because aerobic bacteria are used, aerobic septic tanks produce higher-quality effluent that can be directly transferred to soil.
Interested in learning more about how a septic system works? Check out the video below.
The material your septic tank is constructed from can impact the total cost. Concrete and plastic septic tanks tend to be the most affordable but are more prone to damage and cost more to repair when they are damaged. Fiberglass tanks have a higher price tag but are built from a stronger material.
If you currently have a steel septic tank, you should replace it with a tank made from more durable material. Unlike steel tanks, concrete, fiberglass, and plastic tanks are not prone to rust and corrosion.
MaterialAverage Cost (Septic Tank Materials Only)Concrete$700 $2,000Fiberglass$1,200 $3,000Plastic and polyethylene$800 $2,900Cost data include the material costs.
Concrete septic tanks are the most common type installed in the United States because they are durable and affordable. At $700 to $2,000 for the septic tank, concrete tanks have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years, so they can be a good investment. Concrete septic tanks are rust-proof but can crack, leading to expensive septic tank repairs.
Fiberglass septic tanks are the most expensive at $1,200 to $3,000 for the tank, but because they weigh less than concrete, they are less expensive to install. Fiberglass doesnt crack and is stronger than plastic, so its a good choice for homeowners looking for a durable and low-maintenance septic system.
Plastic and polyethylene septic tanks are also affordable at $800 to $2,900 for the tank but are not approved for use in every state because they can break when exposed to pressure or certain soil conditions and climates.
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The material and type of septic tank are only two factors that play into your total cost, and many other cost factors impact your bill. In the following sections, well cover leach field installation, tank size, alternative system types, and additional costs to look for.
The leach field, also known as the drain field, is one of the most important parts of many septic systems. Your drain field is a series of underground pipes situated next to your septic tank, where the septic system disposes of wastewater. Once the wastewater is released into the soil, soil bacteria continue to break down the waste. Not all septic systems need drain fields, but when they do, theyre expensive to install at $10,240 to $14,370 on average.
Leach Field SizeSeptic Tank SizeAverage Cost600 square feet1,000 gallons$10, square feet1,500 gallons$12,,000 square feet1,500 gallons$14,370Cost data include the material costs and labor, if applicable.
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If you live on a smaller property, you may not have room for a large leach field. In this case, youll need an aerobic septic system installed.If you live on a smaller property, you may not have room for a large leach field. In this case, youll need an aerobic septic system installed.
The size of your septic system also plays a major role in up-front costs. As can be expected, the larger your septic system, the more it will cost. For example, a 500-gallon septic tank might cost between $500 and $900, but a 1,500-gallon septic tank will cost up to $2,500. Most homeowners need a 1,000-gallon tank or smaller, but your plumber or contractor can help you choose the right size septic tank system for your home.
Check out the table below for the cost ranges of septic tanks by size and number of bedrooms in your home.
Septic Tank Gallon SizeNumber of BedroomsAverage Cost500 gallons1 bedroom$500 $ gallons2 bedrooms$700 $1,,000 gallons3 to 4 bedrooms$900 $1,,200 gallons4 to 5 bedrooms$1,200 $1,,500 gallons5 to 6 bedrooms$1,500 $2,500Cost data include the material costs.
Although most homeowners will opt for an anaerobic septic system, other septic system designs are available. For example, a mound septic system uses piles of sand instead of a drain field, and an evapotranspiration septic system uses an open-air tank to let the wastewater evaporate naturally. These are not commonly used in homes unless you have very limited space for your septic system, but they are still an option.
Below youll find the average septic system cost by type, and youll notice that these alternative types tend to be more expensive than traditional septic models.
Septic TypeAverage Price RangeBuilt wetland$8,000 $15,000Chambered$5,000 $12,000Drip$8,000 $18,000Evapotranspiration$10,000 $15,000Mound$10,000 $20,000Sand filter$7,000 $18,000Cost data include the material costs and labor, if applicable.
The septic tank and labor costs will likely make up the bulk of your total cost, but other smaller costs can quickly add thousands of dollars to your bill. Land excavation is the most expensive additional cost because youll need a 6.5-foot by 3-foot trench, which can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000.
Another expensive add-on cost is a soil percolation test. These tests inform the drain field design by determining how long a certain soil type will take to absorb a certain amount of water. Youll pay between $250 and $2,000 if you need a perc test.
You can find other common additional cost factors in the table below (some are replacement part costs).
Additional Installation CostAverage Price RangeBaffle$250 $400Land excavation$1,500 $6,000Building permits$250 $2,300Pump alarm$600 $3,000Riser installation$300 $750Septic distribution box$50 $700Sewer line or sewer pipe$100 $250 per linear footSoil test and percolation test$250 $2,000Tank lid replacement$100 $300Septic tank pump replacement$600 $1,500Cost data include the material costs and labor, if applicable.
Septic tanks are necessary if you live in a rural area, but they also come with their own benefits. Septic tanks are low maintenance, offer onsite water treatment, and are even environmentally friendly.
Septic tanks only need to be pumped every three to five years to remove accumulated solids, so theres not much you have to do in between to maintain it. However, its always a good idea to get annual maintenance to make sure your system is in good working condition.
With a septic system, you have your own water treatment system. Your septic system and drain field are specifically designed to release treated water to the groundwater so the latter doesnt become contaminated.
Sewer lines can sometimes leak and contaminate groundwater, but septic systems are much less likely to be problematic. Because your septic system is likely connected only to your home, theres also less strain on it, making it much less likely to deteriorate quickly.
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We dont recommend DIY septic tank installation because its a complex system connected to nearly every major plumbing component in your home. Further, you need large equipment to excavate a hole for the tank to live in. Instead, its best to leave this home project to the professionals.
You shouldnt install a septic tank yourself. To complete this project, you need specialized permits from your local jurisdiction, heavy-duty equipment to excavate, and professional expertise to design your drainage system. If your septic tank is installed incorrectly, it could lead to sewer backups, groundwater contamination, and thousands of dollars in repairs.
Because septic system installation is complex, we recommend working with a professional installer to get the job done correctly. Your local contractor or plumber will work with you to choose the best septic system for your home. Plus, if you have a connection with a local plumber, youll have someone who can perform regular maintenance on your septic system.
Use the steps below to get started with your septic tank installation:
Ready to install or replace your septic system? Use the tool below to get connected with a septic tank installer near you:
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You dont need a septic system if youre in a suburban or urban area connected to a municipal system. But if you live in a rural area and want indoor plumbing, youll need a septic tank. These systems take the solid waste from your home and use bacteria to break it down so that it can be released into the soil. Septic tanks cost an average of $3,500 to $11,000, but alternative types can cost up to $20,000 to install.
The cheapest new septic system to install is a traditional anaerobic septic system. Unlike aerobic or alternative septic system types that cost up to $20,000 to install, anaerobic systems cost an average of $3,000 to $8,000.
Most septic systems have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years. With regular maintenance, your septic tank should last at least 25 to 30 years, so its worth the annual investment.
You only need a septic tank if youre not on a municipal sewer system. If you live in the country or a rural area, youll need a septic tank and system if you plan to have indoor plumbing. When solid waste leaves your home, it goes to the septic tank to be turned into effluent (wastewater) and remaining solids that need to be removed every few years. Septic tanks are made from fiberglass, concrete, or plastic and sit underground.
To determine the size of your new septic tank system, you need to determine how many people will use the system on a regular basis, count the number of bathrooms you have, and assess how many plumbing fixtures are in your home. For example, if you have a one-bedroom home, you can get away with a 500-gallon tank. But if you have a three-bedroom and four people, youll need a larger tank. Ask your contractor if you are unsure what size tank you need.
150 gallon plastic septic tank
200 gallon plastic septic tank
Plastic Septic Tank InformationVolumeMaterialUsageSizeWeight0.8m3PE3-mm*980mm*920mm32.8KG250 gallon plastic septic tank
Plastic Septic Tank InformationVolumeMaterialUsageSizeWeight1m3PE3-mm*940mm*975mm40.8KG375 gallon plastic septic tank
Plastic Septic Tank InformationVolumeMaterialUsageSizeWeight1.5m3PE8-mm*mm*mm49KG500 gallon plastic septic tank
Plastic Septic Tank InformationVolumeMaterialUsageSizeWeight2m3PE13-mm*mm*mm84KG625 gallon plastic septic tank
Plastic Septic Tank InformationVolumeMaterialUsageSizeWeight2.5m3PE13-mm*mm*mm117KGFrom small plastic septic tanks to large plastic septic tanks, such as 200 gallon, 500 gallon, gallon, it performs well serving on either singles houses or huge companies.
The use of plastic septic tank greatly depends on the user purpose. For villas, residential areas or small residential areas, it is recommended to use PE septic tanks; on bigger companies and structures which needs a longer lifespan of septic tank, fiberglass septic tanks is recommended.
The Style
Plastic septic tank lids appear quite the same as with fiberglass septic tanks. In terms to its compartment, single or double compartment is available.
The Price
There are cheap septic tanks for sale available in the market but consumers has to make sure of its quality depending on the brand. If one is thinking for a long term use, then You can choose a 100% new PE septic tank or FRP septic tank, which can be used for more than 10 years.
The Durability
Plastic septic tanks vs concrete has of clear difference. Since plastic is a light-weight material, it can be damaged during installation unlike in concrete or fiberglass septic tank. Therefore, it requires professionals to assemble or find a professional team to carry out the construction.
Aside from that, underground septic tanks plastic is not actually approved at all state. This caused a big issue if you are living in a state not allowing plastic septic holding tanks to be use even by your own house.
The Maintenance
Maintenance of polyethylene septic tanks is not very important because this product is disposable after reaching the end of its service life. If it is properly installed and maintained, it can still be used for a period of time beyond the warranty period.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Frp Septic Tank.