Key Takeaways
- The cost of replacing a septic system can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the unit’s size, material, complexity, and location.
- In addition to traditional septic tank replacement costs, extra expenses may arise for permits, soil testing, labor-intensive excavation, or custom system design.
- Most septic tanks last at least 15 years, but early replacements may be needed due to wear, overloading, or poor maintenance. Look for signs of septic system failure, such as foul odors, slow drains, or gurgling toilets.
- Keeping up with septic system care by scheduling regular inspections, pumping, and maintenance is a great way to prevent costly replacements and catch issues before they result in other problems like sewage backups.
Septic System Replacement Costs
The cost to replace septic systems is directly tied to the price of individual parts and the labor required for installation. Therefore, factors like tank material, property size, and drain field conditions can greatly impact the final septic system replacement cost, causing some property owners to pay thousands of dollars and others tens of thousands.
In addition to the standard cost to install a septic tank and leach field, some properties may have to pay for permitting fees and additive services like soil testing and system design customization. Nevertheless, each project is different.
It is important to remember that new septic system costs are an investment in safe and effective sewage and wastewater management. You can keep your current or new system running as long as possible by scheduling regular maintenance services, including septic tank pumping and cleaning.
The considerations below can help you understand what to expect from a septic tank replacement. Still, it is essential to consult a professional septic system service provider to receive an accurate estimate of the cost of septic system services you need.
How To Tell If Your Septic System Needs Replacement
Nothing lasts forever, including septic systems. When left unaddressed, a failing septic system can lead to issues like sewage backups and groundwater contamination that present health hazards to inhabitants. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye out for signs you need to replace your septic system, including:
- A foul smell radiating from the portion of your yard the tank is in
- Standing water pooling above the septic system’s location
- Unusual toilet behavior, such as gurgling noises after flushing
- Slow drains in showers or sinks throughout the property
- Unusual grass or plant growth occurring near the tank
Many things can cause a septic system to fail and exhibit the warning signs mentioned above.
What Contributes to Septic System Failure?
Some of the most common factors that are at the root of a septic system’s failure are:
- Natural wear and tear – As septic tanks age, materials can degrade, causing some pipes to crack and components to become less effective at processing waste.
- Overloading – If too much wastewater enters the system too quickly, proper waste treatment may be prevented, potentially leading to backups or drain field failure.
- Improper maintenance – Flushing of harmful materials or neglecting pumping or inspections may accelerate damage and raise the risk of costly repairs or complete system replacement.
Although overloading and improper maintenance are avoidable, time-fueled wear and tear are not. Eventually, everyone with a septic tank will have to get a replacement. Thus, knowing what goes into septic system replacement costs and what to expect from the process is crucial.
What Factors Influence the Cost To Replace a Septic System
Septic system replacement costs can vary widely depending on the types of septic tanks being replaced and the size or condition of their properties. The following factors can substantially impact the required effort and cost of septic system replacements.
Septic Tank Material
The material of the septic tank can significantly impact the final septic system replacement cost. The most commonly used material types and their respective cost estimates are:
- Concrete – This is the most common septic tank material and usually features a middle-of-the-road price ranging between $700 to $2,000.
- Fiberglass – This lightweight material can resist rust and cracks, putting it at a slightly higher price range of $1,200 to $2,000.
- Plastic – This material can offer affordability and lightweight construction, but the numerous designs that plastic tanks come in give this material an expansive price range of $500 to $2500.
- Steel – Although this material was used to create septic tanks in the past, it is rarely used on new tanks due to the risks of rust and corrosion, making pricing irrelevant.
Keep in mind that the price estimates above are for the tank alone and do not include installation costs.
Property Size
The size of the home can also influence the cost of septic system replacement because the larger the home is, the larger the septic tank has to be to accommodate the wastewater and sewage from the additional inhabitants. The table below illustrates some common house sizes and corresponding tank replacement costs.
| Home Size | Tank Size | Estimated Cost |
| 1-bedroom | 500 gal | $500-$1,000 |
| 2-bedroom | 750 gal | $500-$1,000 |
| 3-4 bedroom | 1,000 gal | $1,000-$1,500 |
| 5-6 bedroom | 1,200 gal | $1,600-$2,000 |
However, these estimates are just benchmarks, and actual costs may vary based on individual circumstances.
Drain Field Conditions
Drain fields or leach fields allow soil to absorb wastewater in a safe, controlled manner using a series of underground pipes. Because of their complexity and importance, drain fields are usually the most expensive part of a septic system installation. Ultimately, they may cost between $3,000 and $10,000 due to the high level of engineering and hands-on labor that may be required to transform an area into a leach field.
However, not every septic system needs a drain field, potentially saving money for the property owner. Suppose the property already has porous, well-draining soil or uses an aerobic septic system that discharges treated water through a different dispersal method like a sprinkler system. In that case, the property owner may be able to avoid the cost of installing a septic tank and leach field simultaneously.
Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Septic Systems
Aerobic and anaerobic septic tanks break down waste differently, affecting septic system installation costs. Aerobic septic systems rely on oxygen to support housed bacteria’s decomposition of waste, often producing cleaner effluent that can be discharged into a sprinkler system. They typically cost more to install and maintain than anaerobic systems because they require electricity to operate an aerator. Sometimes, aerobic systems can cost upwards of $10,000 to $20,000.
On the other hand, Anaerobic septic systems solely use non-oxygen-dependent bacteria to break down waste. Therefore, this system type does not need an aerator or electricity, making them simpler, more common, and generally less expensive. Most anaerobic systems cost between $3,000 to $10,000 to install, but they typically require a larger drain field to filter wastewater into the soil properly, potentially adding extra expenses.
Costs of Additional Parts
Depending on the system’s condition, additional parts may be required on top of the septic tank itself. Some examples of noteworthy components and their respective prices are:
- Sewer line – Typically costs between $1,000 and $4,000
- Distribution box – Usually costs between $500 and $1,500
- Field lines – Generally costs between $1,000 and $4,000
- Baffle – Commonly costs between $300 and $600
- Tank pump – Regularly costs between $800 and $2,000
- Tank lid – Normally costs between $50 and $300
- Risers – Typically costs between $200 and $600
- Tank tee – Usually costs between $40 and $100
A professional should be able to determine which individual parts are needed for your specific tank. Sometimes, the specialist can opt to replace a specific part instead of the entire system.
Time and Labor
In addition to the parts, the cost of replacing septic systems must account for the workers’ labor. Labor costs vary based on the project’s complexity. For example, if the septic tank is difficult to access due to the hardened, rocky ground, the property owner may have to pay more to have the professionals work around that obstacle.
Still, each environmental company has its own expectations for pay. Therefore, it is always a good idea to get multiple quotes to help ensure a fair price. Rely on online reviews, referrals from people you trust, and the price estimates you collected to determine if an environmental team is the right fit for you.
Additional Factors that May Influence the Cost of Septic System Replacement
Aside from the expenses required to complete the septic tank replacement itself, you may encounter other costs. For instance, permit fees may be required before excavation and installation can begin to ensure regulatory compliance. You may need other services like soil testing to detect toxins and confirm your yard’s suitability for a septic system.
Soil sampling can detect heavy metals, petroleum-based chemicals, pesticides, and industrial solvents that have the potential to disrupt the natural bacterial balance needed for waste breakdown and overload the unit. Even if the soil test shows that the ground is free of contaminants, hard or rocky soil can also increase the cost of installing septic tanks and leach fields because more labor may be required to dig and position the unit.
Similarly, if you are trying to replace your existing septic system with a custom unit, you may need additional design and engineering work, which can result in extra expenses. Still, not everyone has a need for these additional services. The uniqueness of properties and a property owner’s requirements can alter the job requirements and resulting prices.
Tips to Reduce the Costs of Septic System Replacement
Constantly maintaining your septic system can mitigate the risk of unexpectedly having to replace it in one expensive fell swoop. So, property owners with a septic tank should have a reliable environmental specialist who regularly performs maintenance and is ready to handle emergencies as soon as possible.
Early detection is the best way to catch problems before they worsen and demand more extensive and expensive remediation efforts. For example, blockages can occur without septic tank pumping, leading to system failure and overflows that cause water damage to your property. Therefore, trained professionals like the ones at Alpha Environmental should routinely inspect the tank to identify minor issues and promptly address them to help you save money in the long run.
How Long Do Septic Tanks Usually Last?
Numerous factors contribute to how long a septic tank lasts, ranging from the tank’s material and usage frequency to the environment it is in and the quality of maintenance it receives. Some of the most noteworthy septic tank types in the greater Portland, Oregon, area are:
- Concrete tanks – These are usually incredibly durable and, if regularly maintained, can last over 40 years. Unfortunately, without routine maintenance, their lifespan can decrease to about 20 to 30 years.
- Plastic and fiberglass tanks – Similar to concrete tanks, these can last over 40 years with recurring professional-led inspections and as-needed repairs. However, they may only last 15 to 25 years without consistent maintenance.
- Steel tanks – This material has been used less frequently in recent years due to its short lifespan. Most steel tanks only last 15 to 20 years before they start to rust and corrode, ultimately requiring replacement.
Thankfully, property owners have some control over their septic tank’s longevity, possibly allowing them to avoid septic system replacement costs for a longer amount of time.
Ways to Make Your Septic Tank Last
As mentioned earlier, you should schedule regular inspections and pumping to keep your septic tank healthy and extend its life for as long as possible. You should also be mindful of what goes down your drains—do not flush non-biodegradable items or wash down grease or harsh chemicals that can disrupt the system. Lastly, water must be conserved to reduce strain on the tank, and heavy vehicles or structures must be kept away from the drain field to minimize the risk of damage.
Does Insurance Cover Septic Tanks?
Like traditional sewer systems, septic tanks are an imperative part of your home. Therefore, some home insurance policies cover early or unexpected septic tank repairs and replacements. However, this coverage usually has many limitations.
Insurance companies usually only cover septic tank services if the unit experiences weather-related damage that shortens its life. Situations involving negligence, damage from external forces, or natural wear and tear may not qualify.
Common Exceptions for Septic Tank Insurance Coverage
Some common situations that could potentially void your insurance coverage for your septic tank are:
- Driving a vehicle over the drain field
- Flushing harmful materials
- Installing an unapproved or improperly designed component
- Neglecting routine maintenance and ignoring signs of failure
- If there was pre-existing damage before you obtained coverage
Although the situations above may prevent your insurance company from offering financial assistance to amend the issue, you should always check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details; each policy may have different restrictions.
Unlike many other remediators, Alpha Environmental will gladly serve as an intermediary between property owners and their insurance companies to ease the lives of our clients. As experts in the field, we can deliver timely insight into what your insurance provider will and won’t cover. When needed, we can also provide the appropriate documentation to ensure the claim is appropriately covered.
Get Support for Your Septic System from Alpha Environmental
The cost to replace septic systems varies depending on the property’s specific needs and the specifications of the new tank. For instance, installing an aerobic unit usually results in a higher septic system replacement cost than anaerobic ones because they require oxygen to keep beneficial bacteria alive.
By scheduling regular maintenance services, you can prolong the life of your unit and postpone the cost of installing a septic tank and leach field. However, all units eventually need to be replaced, making new septic system costs inevitable. After a consultation, a reliable environmental specialist can estimate your final cost to replace a septic system based on your specific situation.
Alpha Environmental’s team of trained septic tank specialists offers various services, such as pumping and cleaning, to prolong the life of your unit. We can also assess your property and help determine if and when you should get a new septic tank. Plus, we always offer a reasonable, transparent cost for septic system work and any other services we offer.
Schedule a consultation with Alpha Environmental to learn how our effective, affordable septic tank services can benefit your property.
