How much does it cost to have a septic tank installed? It depends on a lot of things.
Here is an estimate of installation costs and factors that determine prices.
As a homeowner, your septic system will have to be maintained or completely replaced. New structures will require the fresh installation of a septic system. It is called a system due to its many parts that function together to treat sewage.
Now, there are four basic components or parts of a septic system. These consist of the septic tank, pipe, drain field as well as soil.
Here, we’ll be focusing on one of such components; the septic tank. Septic tanks have a lifespan after which they’ll need to be replaced.
Therefore, we’ll be discussing the installation costs for these tanks.
Factors Affecting Septic Tank Installation Prices
Before we delve into details on the cost of septic tank installation, we’ll first consider the factors affecting installation costs. These are necessary as they give you a better perspective of what to expect and what may apply to your particular case.
That way, you have a better idea of what is involved.
These factors include the installation location, your septic tank material, tank size, labor costs, as well as the drain field. There is also a cost disparity between aerobic and anaerobic systems.
For more clarity on these, let’s start by providing you with explanations on each.
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Septic Tank Installation Location
What does this mean? It simply refers to the type of septic tank you have. Now, there are two main types; those meant for above-ground or surface installation as well as those designed for below-ground installation.
The cost of installing surface or ground septic tanks is cheaper compared to underground tanks.
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Septic Tank Material
Septic tank material also contributes to its installation costs.
For tanks made with higher quality materials, installation is also expensive. The opposite applies to septic tanks made of lower grade materials like concrete. These have a lower lifespan and will have to be changed more frequently.
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Labor Costs
Labor costs play a major role in determining septic tank installation.
On average, you should expect to be charged anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500. Bigger septic tank installations are likely to attract even higher labor costs.
As you read, you’ll find more information on this.
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Tank Size
The tank size impacts its installation costs.
As expected smaller tanks will cost less to install while bigger septic tanks typically attract higher installation fees. The type of tank you go for will depend on the volume of waste you’re likely to generate.
Larger septic tanks will be most suitable for bigger households.
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Drainfield
What has a drain field got to do with septic tanks? Everything! The type of septic tank you choose will determine if you need a drain field or not. Underground septic tanks will require drain fields to filter treated wastewater.
Before choosing a drain field, an assessment of the ground is necessary to help determine if it will be suitable or not. Now, this adds to the cost of the septic tank installation.
Average Cost Of Septic Tank Installation
This is where we’ll focus on the different aspects of installation costs for a septic tank. Here, the points discussed above will be elaborated on in addition to providing other information relating to cost.
When discussing installation costs, we’re looking at the national average, the typical range as well as the low to high-end aspects of costs. Hence, the national average starts at about $6,094.
The typical range fluctuates between $3,096 to $9,471. While the low to high end starts from $450 to $17,600 respectively.
Other Aspects of Installation Costs
There are lots of other aspects to consider when discussing the cost of the septic tank installation. There’s the gallon tank size consideration to make, tank lid replacement, the type of tank involved as well as the red tape involved.
All of these contribute to determining the cost of the septic tank installation.
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Tank Size
Septic tanks come in varying sizes which in turn affect the installation costs. Using tank gallon measurement, there are 1,000, 1,200, 2,000 and 3,000 gallon tank sizes. The suitability of these for households depends on the size of the household or occupants within such buildings.
The bigger the tank, the higher the installation costs will be.
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Replacement of Septic Tank Components
Sometimes, septic tanks may not require outright replacement.
Some components of the tank may need to be replaced instead of the whole thing. Some metal septic tanks may have rusted lids that will need to be changed.
This is considered a minor repair and won’t cost much. The cost of replacing one is quite cheap and ranges from $30 to $70.
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Type of Septic Tank
Septic systems are made of different materials. These range from steel, concrete, plastic, and fiberglass.
Now, the durability of septic tanks will depend on the material they are made of. This also impacts the cost of installation.
Still, confused? The following explanations should help;
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Steel
This name shouldn’t trick you. Unlike what you may be thinking, steel septic tanks aren’t the most durable. These are among the least durable.
Now the installation costs most often than not follows or correlates with the quality of the tank.
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Concrete
Concrete septic tanks are among the most common you’ll find in most places. Now, the installation cost for concrete septic tanks typically ranges from $2,350 to $6,750 depending on their size.
When compared to steel septic tanks, it costs more to install concrete tanks.
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Plastic
Although made from relatively inexpensive material, plastic septic tanks are quite durable. Nevertheless, these are easier to damage. On the whole, installing plastic septic tanks will cost less than say, installing a concrete tank.
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Fiberglass
Septic tanks made of fiberglass material aren’t so durable and may easily damage when there are structural defects.
Like plastic tanks, the installation of fiberglass septic tanks doesn’t cost a whole lot of money as it is lightweight and easier to install.
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Red Tape
What does this mean? When it comes to the installation of septic systems, certain jurisdictions or locations may have stringent requirements. This largely involves obtaining permits among other things.
Due to this red tape, the installation cost for septic tanks is impacted by climbing costs.
There you go! This article has provided information on the installation costs for septic tanks.
Despite providing you with cost information, your best bet is to call an installation technician to discuss your situation. The information provided here will go a long way in helping you anticipate the likely costs.