How Much Does a Septic System Cost?
Septic systems are used in homes that do not have access to a municipal sewer system. The basic principal is that household waste water (including toilet discharge) is sent into an on-site holding tank where the waste matter is treated with chemicals and slowly filtered through underground soil. According to CostHelper.com, the installation and equipment costs for a septic system ranges from $2,000 to $20,000 or more, varying by region of the country and type of equipment used. Does this Spark an idea?
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Different Options
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According to CostHelper.com, a conventional septic system, including the tank, averages between $2,000 and $5,000 in the Midwest, but can exceed $12,000 in states where construction materials and wages are higher. More complicated systems that include excavated mounds around the tank, created wetlands, sand or peat filters, or mechanical enhancements for removing solids from the tank can exceed $20,000. Some of those devices may be required in communities with high groundwater tables, or if the septic tank is near a drinking water supply.
The Bare Minimum for Do-It-Yourselfers
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The tank itself runs between $500 and $1,800; sizes range from 300 to about 1,000 gallons, according to CostHelper.com. Pipes, plumbing materials and other items needed to secure the tank could total up to $200.
A guide for septic tank installation is available for free on watertanks.com. It explains how big a hole should be dug, what precautions should be taken, and the importance of complying with local environmental regulations.
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Additional Costs
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Some municipalities require building permits for septic tank installation, which could cost $250 to $1,000 or more, depending on the site and the project's design, according to CostHelper.com. Local code enforcement officers and planning department personnel can provide details and the necessary application forms. State code enforcement websites may have a schedule of fees and regulations by county or municipality.
Replacement of grass, turf or other plantings that were removed during the septic tank installation is an additional cost.
Hiring a Contractor
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In rural areas, it's not unusual for some contractors to specialize in septic tank installation, removal and pumping services. According to The Laundry Alternative Inc., it is wise to hire someone who is experienced in all three areas, in addition to septic tank inspection, because they will be familiar with local regulations and codes.
Figure on labor costs to exceed $250. Soil type; the number of discharging devices on your property (toilets, sink, dishwasher, pool); permit requirements the distance between the home and septic tank area; the distance between the property and a wetland or body of water will all play a role in the labor costs.
Semi-regular Pumping and Treatment Costs
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According to the Laundry Alternative Inc., it costs between $75 and $200 to have a septic tank pumped and inspected, though that price can exceed $300 in the northwest. That procedure should be done every two or three years. By comparison, municipal sewer services can range between $300 and $800 per household per year, not including hook-up fees and equipment costs for when a home first goes on line.
A septic system can last 20 to 40 years. The Laundry Alternative Inc. estimates that the typical total cost for a new septic system over a 20-year period, figuring in equipment, materials, labor and maintenance, is $6,300 to $13,000.
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