How much does a septic tank system cost? The average cost to put in a new septic tank system for the home is $3,900, with most property owners spending anywhere from $3,200 and $5,000 for a 1,250-gallon system, which is a recommended size for a three or four-bedroom house.
Every septic tank project is different so there’s no quick and easy answer for a septic system cost estimate. We know trying to get an estimate for a septic system can be overwhelming. There are a lot of different things you will need to consider before making a final decision.
Spending time talking with a professional about the options available to you is a necessary step in this process. And yes – you need a professional plumber to help with this process. Installing or replacing a septic system isn’t something most homeowners should do on their own.
The average cost of your complete septic system will depend on the decisions you make for your conventional septic system. We’re going to share everything you need to know about getting an estimate for your new or existing septic system and septic system installation costs.
What’s Part of a Septic Tank System?
So you need to install or replace your septic system and are wondering what a septic system costs. What all is included with that? Depending on the type of septic system you choose or need for your yard, there could be several different things included in the septic tank cost.
Here are some of the most common parts of a septic system:
- Septic tank
- Leach field
- Piping
- Planning and permitting
A tank pump may also be needed as part of your septic system. You can also have a pump alarm to alert you if your septic tank gets too full or empty or even if it shuts off.
The cost for landscaping the area where the septic tank and septic system should also be considered when you’re planning and budgeting for your septic system. It can be as simple as some grass seed or putting down something more expensive like sod.
When you’re putting in a new septic system, you’ll need all the pieces of your septic system. If you’re just replacing parts of your septic system, your estimate might be less because you’re only replacing part of the septic system.
You’ll also want to know your town’s requirements regarding planning and permitting for your new septic system. Ask the plumbers you speak with about costs associated with that in your area.
What Kinds of Septic Tank Systems are There?
There are lots of different options for the types of septic systems you can choose from. Two of the most popular types of conventional systems are anaerobic or aerobic septic tank systems.
Anaerobic Septic Systems
These anaerobic systems are more simple and just consist of a pipe from your house to the septic tank, then another pipe runs to the leach field. Waste is broken down by anaerobic bacteria that don’t need oxygen in this type of tank. An anaerobic septic system like this requires a large drain field, so anaerobic systems won’t work well for smaller properties.
Aerobic Septic Systems
For an aerobic septic system, you’ll still need the pipe from the house to the septic tank. You’ll also need an aerator and electrical hookup, adding to the cost of aerobic systems. A pump tank may also be needed with some aerobic systems. These septic systems use bacteria that need oxygen to break down waste and are more efficient than an anaerobic system. Because they also need a smaller drain field, these septic systems are a good choice for smaller properties.
Both of these septic systems rely on bacteria to help break down solid wastes in your septic tank. This is why it’s so important to not treat your septic systems with harsh chemicals; you don’t want to kill the bacteria!
Talk with your plumber to see if there are other septic tank options available in your area that better meet your specific needs or budget.
What Kinds of Septic Tanks are There?
Just like there are different types of septic systems, there are also different kinds of septic tanks. Septic tank types include:
- Plastic tanks
- Concrete tanks
- Fiberglass tanks
- Steel tanks
The type of material you choose can affect your septic tank cost. For example, a concrete septic tank might be more expensive than plastic septic tanks, but one may better meet the needs of your septic system.
A plastic septic tank may crack and you’d need to replace it sooner than a concrete tank. Concrete septic tanks are some of the most common types of septic tanks because they’re sturdy and last a very long time.
Each of these septic tanks has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to talk to your plumbing professional to see which one will work best for your property, needs, and budget. They can all affect the cost of septic system installation and septic system costs.
What Size Septic Tank Do I Need?
To determine what septic tank size you’ll need, start with the size of your house. The larger the house, the larger the septic tank you’ll need.
Counting the number of bedrooms in your house is the easiest way to compare sizes. Here are some basic guidelines to help you decide on the right size septic systems for your home or business:
- 1 bedroom: 500-gallon tank
- 2 bedrooms: 750-gallon tank
- 3 bedrooms: 1,000-gallon tank
- 4 bedrooms: 1,250-gallon tank
- 5 – 6 bedrooms: 1,500-gallon tank
The average house has a 750 – 1,250 gallon septic tank. Larger septic tanks cost most but the size of the septic tank depends on it being able to safely handle the amount of solid waste expected to be produced. If you have a septic tank that is too small for your property, then you may need to have your septic tank pumped more frequently to prevent sewage backups. Picking the right size is critical in avoiding overwhelming your system.
What’s Included in the Cost of My Septic System?
Be sure to ask exactly what’s included in the septic system installation costs when you’re gathering estimates for your new septic tank installation. Generally, you should expect to see things like:
- New septic tank
- Labor costs to remove the existing septic system and install the new septic system
- Septic system components like piping and leach fields
- Permitting
The cost of septic system supplies will vary depending on the type of system you choose as well as materials. For a homeowner on a specific budget, let your plumber know so they can suggest materials and systems that will work best within the cost to install that.
The plumber who comes out to give you an estimate for your new septic system will also look at the condition of your soil by doing soil testing. They’ll also look at the water table. The land surrounding your property is another thing they’ll look at to see if there are wetlands or anything around.
The septic system installers will work to gather the septic tank materials and get your system installed quickly and safely once you decide on the type of system you need.
What If I Need to Replace My Septic System?
How much does a septic tank system cost to replace? Your septic system replacement cost depends on the status of your current septic system. If things need to be removed to put in the new system, there can be additional costs with that.
Be sure to ask your plumber about the costs of replacing your septic tank and system compared to the costs of the repairs that need to be done. It might wind up being cheaper to put in a new septic tank system in the long run instead of just repairing pieces one or two things at a time.
Depending on the type of septic tank you choose, it can affect your septic tank system cost. If you’re looking into a septic tank replacement instead of a brand new system, now is the time to change the type of septic tank you have if you need to.
If you’re replacing your septic system due to unexpected damage, your homeowner’s insurance may cover part of your costs. Being able to show regular maintenance on your septic system is an important part of having a claim like this paid.
Septic System Accessory Costs
There are a few additional pieces of your septic system that may need replacement or repair over time. At The Original Plumber & Septic, we can help Atlanta area homeowners determine if they need to have their entire system repaired or replaced, or if just a few parts need some assistance. These include:
Septic Tank Baffles
A septic tank baffle protects your inlet or outlet pipes from scum buildup. A baffle costs around $200-$600 on average to replace.
Tank Covers
Your tank cover is made from concrete. These can get damaged with time, especially in the event of inclement weather. These are only a few hundred dollars to replace.
Concrete Distribution Boxes
The distribution box is also known as a D-box. These are made from concrete and are smaller tanks that help move the flow of liquid. These bring the liquids from your septic system out into your drain field. These can cost, on average, anywhere from $500-$1,500.
Septic System Pumps
We may find that you need your pump replaced in order to get your septic system working again. These typically need to be replaced every decade or so. They can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 depending on your tank.
How Can I Keep My Septic System Working Well?
It’s important to have regular maintenance on your septic system to be sure it’s functioning properly. This will help the septic system cost down because you’ll know what’s going on with your septic tank and repair things instead of being surprised by a septic tank emergency.
Regular maintenance can help to keep your septic system replacement costs down because you may only need to replace one part of your septic system instead of the entire system.
We recommend scheduling routine maintenance every three to five years. Having your septic system pumped can help prevent septic backups. A sewage backup can be a costly nightmare, so routine maintenance saves you money and hassle in the long run.
How Can I Tell if My Septic System is Overflowing?
If you suspect that you may be at risk of a sewage backup, there are a few warning signs you can look for. Look out for these signs of an overflowing septic tank. If these apply to your septic system, give us a call right away so we can have your system pumped.
Standing Water Around Your Yard
Do you notice standing water or puddles forming in your yard? If it’s near where your septic system is located, this can signal trouble. This could mean that your septic system is backing up, and the water is not entering your drain field properly.
The Grass Is Greener Over Your Tank
Is the grass over your septic system’s site extra lush or green? Maybe you’ve noticed some additional flora and fauna growing in that spot? Excess water coming from your septic system could be the cause.
A Foul Smell Coming From the Yard
Do you smell anything unusual coming from your yard? Make sure it’s not coming from your septic system! In the event of a sewage backup, the wastewater can contaminate your home. If you start to smell it, then it’s time to give us a call.
Struggling to Flush The Toilet
If you notice the toilets in your home are not flushing properly, then it could be a sign of a septic backup. If you treat this and find that you don’t have a clogged toilet, then it could be an issue in your septic system.
Atlanta’s #1 Septic System Professionals
The professionals at The Original Plumber & Septic can come out to inspect your existing septic system or area you’d like to put a new septic tank system in your yard. We offer fair, honest, and upfront pricing when we install a septic system. This way, you won’t have any surprises and can trust you’re receiving high-quality work.
Our friendly and helpful team members can give you a free estimate when you give us a call. We’ll factor in the cost of septic tank needs when building your estimate. We can also schedule your septic tank maintenance to keep your septic system functioning properly.
