How Much Does a Septic System or Tank Cost?
Typical Range:
$3,546 - $11,857
Typical Range:
$3,546 - $11,857
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,214 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
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Updated July 19, 2022
Reviewed by Jeff Botelho, Licensed Journeyman Plumber.A complete septic system—including a leach field (also called a drain field), tank, and piping—costs $10,000 to $25,000. Additionally, septic tanks cost between $3,546 and $11,857, or $7,695 on average for large units designed for community systems.
Ultimately, what you'll pay to install a septic tank depends on the size, type of system, and material. This guide covers the two types of systems—aerobic and anaerobic—as well as the various types of setups, from conventional to drip, mound, evapotranspiration, recirculating sand, built wetland, and chambered.
Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?
Where are you located?
National Average | $7,695 |
Typical Range | $3,546 - $11,857 |
Low End - High End | $500 - $24,250 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,214 HomeAdvisor members.
Labor makes up 50% to 70% of your total project cost. In a typical installation, labor is more expensive than the price of the tank itself. Whereas the tank size needed for a three- to four-bedroom home may cost $900 to $1,500, the cost to install can range from $1,500 to $4,000.
How much you'll pay for a septic tank depends on the size. Larger homes require a larger tank that can meet the demands of a bigger household.
Tank Gallon Size | House Size | Average Price Range |
---|---|---|
500 | 1 bedroom | $500 – $900 |
750 | 2 bedrooms | $700 – $1,200 |
1,000 | 3 – 4 bedrooms | $900 – $1,500 |
1,200 | 5 – 6 bedrooms | $1,200 – $1,600 |
1,500 | 6 – 7 bedrooms or small duplex | $1,500 – $2,500 |
2,000 | Duplex to small apartment building (~14 occupants) | $3,000 – $4,000 |
3,000 | Small apartment building | $4,500 – $6,000 |
5,000+ | Apartment building or community tank | $7,500 – $14,000 |
Anaerobic septic tanks are traditional systems where anaerobic (non-oxygen consuming) bacteria digest the solid waste. Once turned into wastewater, the waste exits the tank and goes to a large leach field where oxygen-loving bacteria get to work breaking down the waste. As the wastewater penetrates the soil, the bacteria kill off potentially harmful organisms.
Aerobic systems are more complex and often include a composting toilet and a continuous flow system. This septic system is more expensive than the traditional anaerobic type but is more efficient. Because the effluent (or the sewage or wastewater) is of higher quality, these systems require a smaller leach field. Read more about the two system types below.
The classic anaerobic system installed costs $3,000 to $8,000 on average. Anaerobic systems are typically more inexpensive to install than the more complex aerobic system, but they're not as efficient at cleaning the tank, so you'll need a larger leach field to pick up the extra workload.
An anaerobic septic system is a relatively simple system consisting of a pipe leading from the house to the tank and a branched pipe leading from there to the drain field. These systems rely on anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that don't use oxygen) to break down waste in the tank before further bacterial processing in the soil.
Aerobic systems cost $10,000 to $20,000 on average. You'll likely need a second tank if you're converting from anaerobic to aerobic, but it'll only cost $5,000 to $10,000 to convert. Aerobic systems break down waste more effectively in the tank than anaerobic systems, meaning you can often use a smaller drain field, which is great for smaller properties.
An aerobic system is a wastewater system that relies upon aerobic bacteria (oxygen-loving bacteria) to break down waste in the tank. You'll need an aerator and an electrical circuit running to the system, and with small, mounded, or specialty fields, you may also need a dose or pump tank to push the effluent uphill or out in doses.
You’ll want an alternative septic system when you have a small property, high water table, high bedrock, bad soil, or simply want to use less space.
Septic Type | Average Price Range | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Chambered | $5,000 – $12,000 | $8,500 |
Built wetland | $8,000 – $15,000 | $11,500 |
Sand filter | $7,000 – $18,000 | $12,500 |
Evapotranspiration | $10,000 – $15,000 | $12,500 |
Drip | $8,000 – $18,000 | $13,000 |
Mound | $10,000 – $20,000 | $15,000 |
Chambered systems cost $5,000 to $12,000 to install. They use plastic perforated chambers around pipes often set in sand, eliminating the need for gravel. They're quick and easy to install but more susceptible to crushing forces, like vehicles.
Built wetland systems cost $8,000 to $15,000 to install and more if you use an aerobic tank. They mimic the natural cleansing process found in wetlands and are treated by microbes, plants, and bacteria in a wetland tank before passing to the soil. The waste also supports the wetland plants and microbe population.
Sand filter septic systems cost $7,000 to $18,000 to install. They're constructed either above- or below-ground and use a pump chamber to push the wastewater through a sand filter prior to dispersal in the ground. The filter box typically has a PVC lining, and the pump pushes the effluent through the sand and back to the pump tank, where it's then dispersed through the ground.
Evapotranspiration systems cost $10,000 to $15,000 to install. They use a unique drain field setup that allows the liquid to evaporate from the top of an open-air tank and are only useful in dry, arid climates that see little rain or snow.
Drip systems cost $8,000 to $18,000 to install. They work like other systems, except they use extensive drip tubing and a dosing system. They release smaller timed doses, which work well in shallow soil depths. But a drip system costs more than a traditional system since it requires a dose tank, pump, and electricity.
A mound septic system costs $10,000 to $20,000 to install. It’s the most expensive system but often necessary in areas with high water tables, shallow soil depth, or shallow bedrock. It relies upon an elevated sand mound for the drain field rather than excavating into the soil. Its increased expense comes from both the added machinery needed to pump effluent uphill into the mound and the materials and creation of the mound itself.
The type of septic tank you choose will cost between $500 and $14,000, depending on the use, material, and size. You'll rarely spend more than $3,000 on the tank itself for most residential settings. Most large, higher-priced units are designed for apartments or community septic systems.
Septic Tank Material | Average Price Range (Material Only) |
---|---|
Concrete | $700 – $2,000 |
Plastic and poly | $500 – $2,500 |
Fiberglass | $1,200 – $2,000 |
Steel | N/A |
Concrete tanks cost $700 to $2,000, and total installation costs run $2,300 to $6,500. They’re one of the most common types installed and usually durable for a couple of decades because they’re susceptible to cracking or separation. It's important to have it manually inspected regularly against cracks and runoff. Inspections and regular cleanings help prolong its life span. Your pro can tell you how often to have it inspected, but it’s usually anywhere from one to three years.
Plastic septic tanks cost $500 to $2,500 on average, not including installation. Plastic is a durable, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive material, and it rarely cracks like concrete and doesn't rust. However, plastic can be vulnerable to damage during installation because it’s so lightweight.
Fiberglass septic tanks cost $1,200 to $2,000 on average, not including installation. Fiberglass doesn't crack easily or rust, but it's susceptible to damage during installation, like plastic. Also, the lower weight makes it more susceptible to structural damage, and the tanks themselves can shift in the soil.
You'll likely never see a new steel tank installed. Regardless of how well-made one is, it'll eventually rust or corrode. Many local building codes don't allow them anymore, and you'll often only see them in existing installations. Steel isn't durable in the ground, and it's the least popular septic tank type.
A leach or drain field is the section of the septic system that transports the wastewater back to the soil and costs anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to install. The first sign of a problem with the drain field is often a swampy area in the yard or sewage odor on the property. A drain field replacement can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on how much remediation you need for clogged or flooded fields.
Besides the tank and leach field, you'll have a few other fees you'll need to consider in your budget. You may have some of these included in your overall project price, so ask for line-item costs on your estimate.
Land excavation costs: $1,500–$5,600
Cost of building permits: $450–$2,300
Perc test cost: $750–$1,900
Riser installation: $300–$600
Sewer pipe cost: $100–$240 per linear foot
Septic distribution box: $50–$650
At around $3,000 to $10,000, replacing the tank is considerably less costly than installing a completely new system because there are no excavation costs. If you do need to replace the whole tank, there are some costs you need to be aware of. For example, you'll need to have the tank pumped and cleaned first to eliminate any remaining waste. Pumping a septic tank costs an average of $420, and cleaning afterward costs an additional $100 to $800, depending on the tank size.
When the system begins to fail, it may crack or corrode, causing the waste to leach into the groundwater. When this happens, the well water may become contaminated, the yard may turn swampy, and the septic system may stop functioning. Here's a rundown of specific septic tank parts and their average prices:
Septic tank pump replacement: $800–$1,400
Baffle replacement: $300–$500
Filter replacement: $230–$280
Tank lid replacement: $30–$70
Drain field replacement: $7,000
When replacing your system, consult with your service pro about the pros, cons, and costs of upgrading to a more efficient aerobic system.
Septic system installation is a complicated process. An improperly installed unit can lead to water pollution, damage to the home, and expensive repairs. In addition, an unpermitted installation can make a home difficult to sell and insure. Be sure to interview at least three pros before choosing someone. For estimates on your project, contact a local septic tank installer today.
Depending on several elements, a septic tank will typically last 14 to 40 years.
Tank material: Concrete requires more maintenance, but commercial-grade fiberglass and plastic tend to last decades.
Maintenance: Get inspections every one to three years and pump it out every three to five years. If you have a larger home with more than three bedrooms and tend to use a lot of water, aim for every three years at a minimum.
Vehicle traffic over the leach field: Driving over the leach field compresses it and may cause it to fail.
Soil composition: Varying soil types and depths affect how long it may last.
There are a few signs you should get a new septic tank. These include the following:
Unpleasant odors: If you smell sewage, you may be dealing with an overfilled septic tank that's solid waste.
Standing water: If there's no obvious cause for standing water like heavy rainfall, you may have an oversaturated drain field or a broken pipe or septic system.
Slow draining: A full septic tank will cause pipes to drain more slowly.
Patches of vibrant grass: A wastewater leak can actually fertilize grass, making it grow thicker and greener over your septic area.
Home addition: Building onto your house or adding more residents will affect the septic system. Make sure your septic tank can handle any additions.
Nearby water contamination: A septic tank leak can lead to wastewater contamination that can deposit nitrate, nitrite, or coliform bacteria in water sources near your home. If these bacteria are found nearby, check your septic system to see if it's the source.
Old age: If your septic tank is at the end of its life span, it's time for a new one.
Septic tank repairs cost $650 to $3,000 by a septic system repair pro near you. Tank repairs usually cost less than $1,500 for each type of repair or part (listed below), while leach fields run $2,000 to $20,000.
Tank pump: $800–$1,500; a septic tank located lower than the drain field may require a pump to bring wastewater up to the drain field.
Pumping cost: $300–$600; even a properly functioning system will need to be pumped every three to five years to remove the solid waste.
Tank lid: $100–$300 to purchase and install; you'll only spend $50–$150 buying the lid and putting it on yourself.
Tank lid risers: $300–$1,000; they raise the lid level up to the surface for deeply buried tanks.
Inspect and pump your septic tank regularly, and it's a smart idea to have the tank cleaned and inspected simultaneously. Cleaning a septic tank costs between $100 and $800, and a septic tank inspection costs between $200 and $900. Your septic inspector will visually examine the system but can also use special equipment for more thorough examinations:
Initial inspection: $250–$500
Annual inspection: $100–$150
Camera inspection: $250–$900
Make sure you use water efficiently, repair leaky taps and toilets, and use water-efficient appliances to reduce wastewater and its burden on your septic system. Another key way to take care of your septic system is never to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Common nonflushable offenders that cause problems include:
Cooking grease or oil
Baby wipes or wet wipes
Dental floss
Diapers
Feminine hygiene products
Cigarettes
Cat litter
Paper towels
Keeping your drain field in good order is also important. Your drain field is a part of your septic system that removes waste from the septic’s liquid. Take measures to maintain it, including:
Never park or drive on your drain field.
Never plant trees on your drain field.
Keep roof drains, sump pumps, and other drainage systems away from your drain field.
You need a leach field with a septic system or raw sewage can spill out and pollute your land and water. However, you can choose the type of septic system that best works on your property if a traditional leach field won’t do, such as if your water table is too high.
In this case, you’ll need an alternative approved by your local municipality. One of the most common options is a mound septic system, where you place a leach field into a large mound of sand above the ground instead of having both the tank and leach field underground.