In this article, we will be discussing the costs incurred during septic tank repairs.
A septic tank typically has a lifespan of between 30 to 40 years. During this time, it will need to be maintained and fixed when faults develop. There are bound to be issues resulting from tanks especially when these have been installed for a considerable period.
Before delving into details on cost, we’ll consider the common signs associated with septic tank failure. In other words, we’ll consider signs indicating the need for septic tank repair.
What more? There are common problems associated with septic tanks you may want to know about. These form the bulk of issues with septic tanks and may likely apply to your situation.
All these and more will be discussed here as you read on.
Signs That Point to Septic Tank Problems
Several signs point to the likelihood of a septic tank problem.
These affect the normal functioning of your septic system and will require calling an expert to inspect what it is. Such problems include strong odor, robust growth of grass near tanks, and depression over the tank area.
Additional signs include puddles around tanks, drainage backup among several others. Now, finding any or a combination of these signs point to the likelihood of a faulty septic tank. To find solutions, you’ll need to call in the experts.
The services of experienced septic system technicians come at a cost and we’ll find out just how much costs such repairs will incur.
Average Cost To Repair A Septic System
As discussed above, septic tanks are bound to develop faults throughout their lifespan. The only way to ensure these tanks remain functional is to call for repairs. So, how much will it cost you to have the problem fixed?
When discussing septic tank repair costs, a lot of things are involved. The nature of damage significantly impacts costs. In other words, septic tanks develop a wide range of faults or problems. The specific type of problem that needs to be fixed will determine the repair costs.
For a better understanding of what this entails, we’ll need to point to common septic tank problems as well as the cost of repairs for each. They include tree root damage, collapsed baffle, disused system, faulty installation, clogs, overflow, and high hydrostatic pressure.
Others include ground movement, tank or line leakages, and damaged pipes as well as drain field failure.
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Cost of Tree Root Damage
This is a common problem with septic tanks especially when there are trees close by.
Apart from affecting tanks, roots are also likely to cause damage to pipes. Depending on the severity of the problem, the cost of repair may range from $1,500 to $7,000.
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Cost of Fixing Collapsed Septic Tank Baffle
Baffles help with the regulation of the contents of a septic tank. These are found at junctions of pipe inlets and exits.
These components aid with the inflow of wastewater to the septic tank. When these develop faults, it will cost you about $100 to have them fixed.
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Cost of Revamping a Disused System
As the name implies, disused septic systems have long been inactive hence will require restarting to make them functional again.
In such situations, the bacteria that helps with breaking down sewage have long become deactivated.
It will cost from $500 to $600 to fix this problem. Fixing this problem involves adding new bacteria to help restart the system.
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Cost of Fixing Faulty Installation
It’s not uncommon to find issues arising from the faulty installation of septic tanks. This is mostly the case when non-professionals are called to install a septic system.
Having the tank inspected and incorrect installations properly fixed will cost between $100 to as much as $50,000.
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Clogs
Clogs are among the common problems associated with septic tanks. This is as a result of floating solids getting in the way of wastewater. To ensure the free flow of wastewater, such clogs will need to be removed or broken up.
Fixing this problem will cost you about $600.
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Overflow
Overflow is a situation where a septic tank exceeds its limit due to a problematic leach field or being overdue for pumping. To repair this fault, your septic tank may need to be pumped or the drain field replaced.
Such repairs will cost anywhere from $500 to $7,000.
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High Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure simply refers to the pressure exerted on a septic tank from beneath. This is caused by groundwater exerting upward pressure. This can lead to your septic tank popping out of the ground.
Draining off this pressure will cost between $500 to $2,000.
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Ground Movement
Sometimes, there are slight ground movements around septic tanks. These can go unnoticed until they cause significant damage to your septic tank and the entire system.
Moving and relocating the tank and leach field will cost around $6,000 to $20,000.
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Tank or Line Leakages
Septic tanks and lines are likely to develop leakages at some point. When this happens, identifying leakages and patching them will be necessary. In severe situations, tanks, pipes and even the leach field will have to be replaced.
The cost for this can be quite significant and ranges from $6,000 to $20,000.
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Damaged Pipes
Pipes are important parts of the septic tank. These are sometimes broken. As such, they’ll need to be replaced immediately. The cost of this repair starts at $1,500.
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Drain Field Failure
Drain field failure impacts negatively on a septic tank. This is because treated wastewater won’t get filtered away but increases the back pressure which affects your septic tank. To fix this problem, the drain or leach field will need to be moved to a new location.
This will cost around $6,000 to $20,000.
Factors Affecting Septic Tank Repair Cost
A wide range of factors affects the eventual cost of septic tank repair. These include the location of the tank (that is, whether it’s above or below ground, interference of tree roots in pushing the tank to a new location as well as the amount of labor necessary to get the problem fixed.
Additional factors affecting septic tank repair costs include the type of soil in your yard, the urgency involved (emergency repairs cost more), and the materials used in your tank.
Septic tank repair costs have been captured here with the most common problems highlighted. We’ve also included factors affecting repair costs as well as signs that point to a septic tank problem.