Cost of Septic System: From Planning to Install

The cost of a septic system cannot be closed down to a single price. There are a lot of variables that need to be accounted for and some cannot be known without visiting the physical location where the unit will be placed. A general ballpark is around $10,000 to $12,000 for a traditional gravity-fed unit. We’ve broken down the cost of a septic system based on the processes involved so you can get a better idea of what to expect. If you need hard figures, call us, as your total price may be lower or considerably higher than what’s described here.

Cost of Septic System Planning, Design, and Install

A properly designed system is an engineering feat. When everything is laid out properly, your unit will run efficiently and last for decades. The fees associated with the planning, design, and installation will typically run from $1,500 to $4,000. This includes things like:

Site survey: General things about the land will be noted, such as how much vegetation will need to be removed, as well as how difficult accessing the property is. The slope of the land makes a difference as well. Typical units need a 15% grade or less. Anything more than this may require an alternative unit. The assessor will also verify where the water table sits to determine if a standard leach field is appropriate.

Perc test: The percolation test determines whether the soil absorbs water at a good rate. If it soaks in too fast or too slow, a leach field may not be appropriate. A mound system may be a substitute used in planning, though if the soil is totally not an option, the fee for an on-site sanitization unit may push your total price to over $20,000. This is fairly rare, especially in Metro Atlanta, GA.

Written plans: Armed with the information, written plans and the layout are created. This allows the company to provide you with an estimate and get approval from the county to begin work.

Permits: Depending on where you’re located, multiple permits may be required.

Price of the Tank

Most homes today find a 1,000-gallon reservoir to be sufficient for their needs. Concrete tends to be the best option and it may reach $800 to $1,000 by itself. Fiberglass tends to be comparably priced, though it’s generally only used when the site conditions make hauling a cement reservoir difficult. Plastic is the final option. It’s not as durable, but it may shave a couple of hundred dollars off the price. Steel reservoirs, though once acceptable, are illegal in many places and rust quickly, so they tend to not be a viable option. Because you may need a larger or smaller reservoir, your costs may be different.

Price of the Leach Field

The leach field has the job of discharging the water and effluent into the soil where it finishes treatment. The costs associated with the leach field generally account for half of the overall expenses because there is so much involved.

• Excavation: Trenches must be dug to allow for all the lines to be placed. These are generally 8 to 12 inches wide and 2 to 3 feet deep.
• Pipes: Soil conditions determine how large the leach field needs to be. As a starting point, approximately 4,500 square feet will be needed, but some may need as much as 9,000 square feet or more. For every 100 feet of pipe, $65 to $80 should be set aside.
• Gravel and rocks: The trenches are filled in with gravel or rocks to help the effluent distribute evenly. Depending on how it is sourced and how far it has to travel to get to you, it will run $15 to $30 per ton.

Additional Costs

There may be additional costs as well, such as those associated with including risers in the design. These bring the level of the access ports up to ground level, so you don’t have to dig when the unit needs pumping or service later. They can run $100 to $200 or more, depending on the size and the materials used.

Call Ms. Rooter to Get the Cost of a Septic System for You

Because there are so many variables, from the way the land is to soil absorption and how you use water, your expenses could be higher or lower than what’s outlined here. If you’d like an estimate drawn up for Metro Atlanta, GA, call us at (770) 280-9981 today.