Septic systems are customizable and cater to the specific needs of each person and property they serve. There are several factors to consider when tallying up the overall cost of a septic system. Tank location, construction material, and system type can all affect the final installation and maintenance costs for your home’s septic system. Below in this article, we will cover how much does a septic system costs.
How Much Does a Septic System Cost?
Location We sometimes overlook location as a factor in septic system cost. It plays a more significant role than you might think, like determining the cost of the permit you need to install your system. Site and leach field preparation costs can also vary greatly and depend heavily on the composition of the soil at the location. Additionally, the distances between the tank, your home, and the leach field affect the cost due to the plumbing.
You will need to install pipes to connect the house to the system at about $70 per 100 feet. Then, you’ll need to do the same to attach the septic system to the leach field. Tank Material The next factor to consider is the material used to build your tank, which can significantly impact the overall cost of the system. The most expensive option is fiberglass, which runs about $1,600 for a 1000 gallon tank. Unlike the less costly materials to follow, fiberglass is entirely rigid and smooth. This eliminates the risk of cracking as well as controls the algae growth in the tank.
Polyethylene septic tanks are the least expensive option, but they can break or crack under pressure. Concrete is the most popular material for septic tanks. Concrete tanks are both durable and affordable—the best of both worlds. System Type Finally, the type of septic system you want is the most critical factor to consider when calculating costs for installation and maintenance. The design process will ensure that you have the best system for your needs, but it will also raise the overall cost of installing your system. The type of bacteria used in your system also affects the cost.
Aerobic septic systems are the more expensive option, with a hefty price tag in the $13,000-$26,000 range. However, this septic system is so effective that your wastewater can be used for irrigation and so efficient that you only need half the space for leaching. Anaerobic septic systems are significantly more affordable, with a typical installation cost between $2,000 and $5,000. These are the conventional option, and they still work well. As you can see, the cost of a septic system depends on so many factors that it’s virtually impossible to get an accurate estimate without the details.
The better the tank, and the better the system, the higher the initial cost. The lower the initial costs, the higher the likelihood that you’ll need even more costly repairs in the future. So the question really isn’t, “How much does a septic system cost?” It’s, “Do you want to pay more for a better system now, or a less durable system later?”