The Average Cost for a Well & Septic System
Estimating the average cost for a water well may depend upon how deep drilling has to go in order to hit water, and what type of pump is best suited for your needs.
Estimating the cost of a septic system may include determining the amount of wastewater that will occur each day, as well as the terrain, to determine lateral line placement.
Does this Spark an idea?
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Depth of Water
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The terrain, and depth of the water will determine costs on a water well A local contractor may have an idea as to the depth of other wells drilled in the area. This would give you a good idea as to how deep the drilling on your site would need to be. Under normal circumstances, in normal terrain, the average cost of drilling can run from 70 cents, to more than $2 per foot. This does not include the pump or casing--only the possible drilling costs.
Type of pumps
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The number of faucets in the home and the occupants determine the size of pump and the amount of water needed The type and size of the pump you choose will have an effect on the cost of water well. Jet pumps have all the electrical parts above ground, and are used in wells that are shallow--up to about 25 feet deep. Submersible pumps can be set hundreds of feet below the ground. A 1/2 horsepower 12 gallons per minute submersible pump may start at an average cost of $350.
The pump size should be determined by the number of faucets in the home, the number of people in the home, and whether landscaping or pool water will be needed. The New Jersey Ground Water Association suggests allowing 75 to 150 gallons of water, per person, per day.
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Types of Septic Tanks
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Septic tanks come in different sizes. The size of the tank will be determined by the amount of estimated waste water it will have to handle, which in turn will be established by the number of people living in the home. Average tank sizes range from under 1,000 gallons, to over 2,000 gallons. The average cost of these size tanks, as of 2009, can run from $600 to over $1500.
When averaging the costs of septic systems, take into consideration whether a pressure system will be used, which forces flow, or a gravity system, where flow occurs naturally.
Lateral Lines
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The amount and lay-out of lateral lines depend upon the size of tank purchased, and the number of people in the home. The cost of lateral lines will vary depending on the type and styles available in your area, as well as the need for rock or sand. Some lateral lines require placement on a sand and/or gravel bed for adequate absorption.
Costs Vary
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Types of terrain have an impact on the cost of well and septic system installation A shallow water well may run from $500. to $1500 in some areas, and in other areas may exceed $7000. Terrain has an impact on the cost of a well and septic system. Costs will vary depending on the needs of the family. Costs may also vary due to the availability of contractors in the area.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Casey Serin Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sherrie Thai Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kevin Dooley
