A lot of people think of septic systems as rare in homes. But did you know that as many as one in five American homes boasts a septic tank, especially in rural areas like Northern Georgia?
A septic system should last you up to forty years if properly maintained and taken care of. However, sometimes, accidents can happen that result in you needing septic tank repair.
Find out what goes into your septic repair cost with this guide.
Average Septic Repair Cost
The average costs for septic tank repairs can vary from $750 to $3,000. This can vary so much depending on how much damage your septic tank or lines have.
What Goes Into a Septic Tank Repair Cost?
Multiple factors can go into your quote when you need work done on your septic system.
Septic Tank Lid
Your septic tank lid is an easy fix. This cost ranges from $150 to $500. Septic tank lids are built to last. However, external elements can damage these over time.
Septic Tank Lateral Lines
A broken septic lateral line is one of the more costly repairs. The average cost to repair a broken lateral line can range from $1,500 to $5,000.
However, if it’s just a smaller pipe, then that won’t be as costly. A broken pipe will cost around $600 on average. Make sure you don’t park any heavy machinery or vehicles over your drain field and this will help avoid breaking your pipes.
Septic Tank Baffle
Your baffle directs the wastewater through your tank. A septic tank baffle replacement can vary from $50 to $250 on average depending on exactly what is needed to repair or replace it.
Septic Tank Distribution Box
A septic tank distribution box, also known as the D-Box, can run you between $500 and $1,500. The D-Box controls the distribution of wastewater. If this gets damaged, it can lead to an overflowing leach field in the future.
Leach Field Replacement
Your leach field (also known as your drain field) is the most expensive part of your septic system to repair or replace. Depending on the size, full leach field replacement can cost you as much as $20,000.
How Do I Know if My Septic System Needs Repair?
You can prevent most issues through routine septic system maintenance. We recommend having your septic system pumped every three to five years to prevent clogs and backups. Plus, we can identify smaller problems before they become large, costly issues with routine maintenance.
But, sometimes, emergencies happen that are out of our control. Here are some common signs that your septic system needs repair.
- A septic smell coming from your yard
- Standing water in your yard near or over your septic system
- Trouble flushing your toilets, including gurgling noises whenever you flush the toilet
- Slow drains in your sinks or showers
- Increased flora and fauna in your yard near or over your septic tank.
If you have already identified an individual septic system problem, you should consult a licensed and experienced plumber regarding advice on your plumbing issue.
Why Do Septic Tanks Break?
Sometimes, nature takes over and can cause a rare accident. It’s not unheard of for people to have tree roots grow through a septic pipe and cause it to crack. Heavy rains can also cause issues in a leach field, preventing it from being able to properly drain.
Other times, issues are caused by overloading a septic tank. This is what happens when you overload your system with anything that is not solid waste and septic-safe toilet paper. This can result in a sewage backup, which can be a smelly, unsanitary nightmare for homeowners.
Helpful Tips for Maintaining Your Septic Tank
Make sure your system receives proper maintenance, don’t use additives with chemicals that could harm the beneficial bacteria, and take good care of your drain field. If you have your septic tank pumped every three to five years and cut back on your water use, you should run into no or minimal problems.
How Much Does A Septic Tank Replacement Cost?
If you need a septic tank replacement, it can be a costly project. The cost of the new system will vary depending on the type of system installed, the septic tank you need, and the size of your septic tank.
For a 1,250-gallon septic tank, the cost of septic system will range from $1,500 to $5,000. This price range includes both the actual tank itself and also labor costs.
The material you use will play a big part in the price. Septic tank materials include:
- Plastic septic tank
- Concrete septic tank
- Steel septic tank
- Fiberglass septic tank
Types of Septic Systems
One can reduce septic system cost by installing an anaerobic septic system. Anaerobic septic systems are more affordable options. These do not use oxygen to keep the helpful bacteria in your septic system alive and thriving. They cost around $2,000 to $5,000 to install.
An aerobic septic system uses beneficial bacteria that require oxygen in order to survive. These are great options for homes that are located near water. These are more expensive. You can expect the septic tank installation cost to range from $10,000 to $20,000.
A mound septic system is used when it’s difficult to bury a drainfield, such as in areas with shallow soil or high groundwater. A mound system uses raised trenches to safely direct effluent flow. These are most expensive because a sand mound must be created for the trenches. These can run between $10,000 and $20,000 to install.
A conventional septic system is a fully underground water treatment system. In a conventional system, the septic tank feeds to a soil or gravel drain field. It will typically cost between $2,000 to $5,000 for this type of septic system installation.
A chamber septic system is a graveless septic tank system that uses connected underground chambers instead of an open drainfield. These cost between $1,500 and $5,000 to install depending on the size of the tank.
Northern Georgia’s Top-Rated Plumber
At The Original Plumber & Septic, we offer a variety of septic system services for the Atlanta metro area. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We understand that in an emergency, you may need your septic system pumped right away! Our septic services include:
- Septic system inspection
- Septic tank maintenance
- Septic tank installation
- Septic tank repair
- Septic tank pumping
We’re proud to be one of Georgia’s best septic tank repair companies. We pride ourselves on integrity and upfront pricing so you don’t have any surprises during the repair process.
Even if you don’t notice any signs of your failing septic system, it’s still a good idea to make sure your system is functioning properly with a septic inspection. Whether you have a failed septic system and need a septic system replacement, or you just need routine pumping, contact The Original Plumber & Septic today for a quote!
