It typically costs about $4,300 to install a septic tank. While the cost can range from about $3,000 to $6,000 to install a standard septic system, more complex systems can cost upward of $18,000. The total cost of your project will depend on the type and size of septic tank you choose as well as the amount of labor required during installation.

• How much does it cost to install a septic tank?
• How much do different types of septic tank systems cost?
• How much does a septic tank cost by size?
• How much do septic tanks cost by material?
• What are the labor costs of installing a septic tank?

If your home isn’t connected to a municipal sewage line, a septic system offers an on-site alternative. Septic systems work by gradually filtering out liquid waste, or effluent, through a drain field, while solid waste remains in a tank underground and becomes sludge. Essentially the soil buried around your home, the drain or leach field is where any dangerous bacteria naturally get broken down before the effluent disperses. It’s essential to have your septic tank pumped every few years to get rid of the solid waste. Whether you’re building a new home in a rural area or finally need your septic tank replaced, it’s wise to contact a professional to install your new system.

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One of the biggest factors in the cost of septic tank replacement is the type of system you choose to install. The most affordable option is an anaerobic system, although an aerobic system works more quickly and keeps odors and pollution to a minimum. Some landscapes may be more fragile and require a more engineered or aerobic system. See a breakdown of the differences between the two below.

• Cost: $3,000 to $6,000 installed
• Mechanism: Essentially, this is a passive system. Household waste travels through a pipe and into a septic tank buried underground. There, anaerobic bacteria gradually break down waste, and liquid is gradually allowed to exit into a drain field.

• Cost: $10,000 to $18,000 installed

• Mechanism: Engineered septic systems include aerobic systems, those that use a sand or peat filter as well as those that use a mound.

  • Aerobic Systems: This is essentially an active system that uses energy to speed up the process. Once household waste enters the septic tank, aerobic bacteria break it down. This means that oxygen must be pumped into the tank for the bacteria to feed on. In contrast to an anaerobic system, aerobic bacteria work quickly to move the process along. Liquid waste then exits into a drain field, peat filter or mound.
  • Sand/Peat Filter: For rocky, excessively wet or wetland environments, a conventional drain field may not be sufficient. In these cases, using a sand or peat filter is a good alternative. Liquid waste flows from the septic tank to a peat bed, where it is naturally treated before flowing into native soil.
  • Mound System: Another option for environments in which a drain field would be insufficient is a mound system. Liquid waste flows from the septic tank into a mound of soil above the ground, where it is treated before traveling into the ground around it.

The overall cost of septic tank installation will depend on the size of the tank you choose. Septic tanks generally cost about $600 to $1,500 before installation cost. The cost varies by the size of the unit, and septic tanks for residential homes typically range in size from about 1,000 to 1,500 gallons.

The larger your home and the more occupants you have to account for, the larger the tank you’ll need. Smaller homes typically need a 1,000-gallon tank, while large homes with several bedrooms need a 1,200- or 1,300-gallon tank. A small apartment building might use a 2,000-gallon septic tank.

• Small homes (one to three bedrooms): 1,000-gallon tank
• Large homes (four to six bedrooms): 1,200- to 1,300-gallon tank
• Small apartment building: 2,000-gallon tank

Plastic or fiberglass septic tanks are generally more affordable than concrete septic tanks, although the difference in price is often only a few hundred dollars. Some homes also have steel septic tanks, although these can be dangerous, as they can easily rust and corrode over time. When choosing a material, you should consider your state’s septic system requirements, as well as the pros and cons of each type. Keep in mind that plastic septic tanks are not allowed in all states.

Pros:

• More affordable than other materials
• Easier to install, which may reduce labor costs
• Don’t rust

Cons:

• Their light weight can cause them to float to the surface
• More vulnerable to damage
• Not allowed in every state

Pros:

• More durable than plastic or steel tanks
• Won’t rise to the surface; good at staying in place

Cons:

• Can crack over time, which would require repairs or replacement
• More expensive than other materials
• Heavy metal, which can make installation more intensive

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The bulk of your septic tank project budget will go toward labor. Septic system installation is an intensive process that typically takes several days and isn’t something most homeowners can do themselves. Labor costs generally fall between $2,400 and $4,500. The cost can be even higher if the job is particularly difficult or if you’re having a complex system installed.

• Soil Percolation Tests: Before you excavate, it’s wise to have the soil around your home tested to see what sort of septic system would be suitable. You can consult your contractor to see if this is necessary for homes in your area.
• Permits: You’ll also need to determine whether any permits are required before installation. Permits can cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000, so it’s a good idea to check with your local sanitation department while you’re setting a budget. Your contractor should also be able to assist with the permitting process.
• Concrete Removal: Putting in a septic tank requires intensive excavation to bury the tank and piping. If you have concrete that needs to be removed, this could add to the cost of your project, and you’ll also have to factor in the cost to pour new concrete.
• Landscaping: Any landscaping you have will also need to be dug up and laid back down again once the job is finished. If the soil conditions around your home are particularly rocky or wet, this could make the job more difficult and increase costs.

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