Septic System costs are not one-size-fits-all, and their cost reflects this customization and personalization. Many factors determine the overall cost of a septic system. Location, system type, and tank material can all affect your system’s final installation and maintenance costs.
How Much Does a Septic System Cost?
Location
Location plays a more significant role in the final cost of your septic system than you might think. Site preparation costs depend heavily on the type of soil you already have, as does the preparation cost of the leach field. Beyond this, the distance between the tank, your home, and the leach field also plays a part. Additional pipes will need to be installed to connect the system to both the house and the leach field. Finally, you’ll need to obtain a permit for septic tank installation, the cost of which varies by location.
System Type
The type of septic system you want is another factor to consider when calculating costs for installation and maintenance. Anaerobic septic systems are significantly less expensive and are the conventional choice for septic systems. Aerobic septic systems are more expensive, but they are also considerably more effective and clean the wastewater enough that you can use it for irrigation.
Tank Material
Finally, the material used to build your tank can have a considerable impact on overall costs. Plastic, or polyethylene, septic tanks are the least expensive tanks available. Still, those initial savings can cost you more in maintenance and repairs as plastic tanks are prone to cracking. Concrete tanks are the Goldilocks option; they are more durable, more expensive, and the most popular type of septic tank. Fiberglass tanks are the most costly option, but they are also the most durable because they don’t flex or develop cracks like their less expensive counterparts.
So, how much does a septic system cost, on average? Septic systems typically range from $13,000 to over $26,000. Complications and upgrades from any of the factors mentioned above and tank size can drive that cost up even further. Ultimately, the overall cost of your septic system will depend on your needs and how much you want to pay up-front to save you money down the road.
