The answer to the question of how much does a new septic tank cost is much more complicated than many people might think. The type of system that is best for your home is determined by what kind of soil you have and the height of the layers in the ground. Your septic tank installer may be able to do the perc test for you. This test isn’t cheap, however: it costs anywhere from $670 to $1430.
Alternative septic systems collect sewage using oxygen instead of naturally occurring bacteria
A variety of alternative septic systems are available. Each requires a different amount of land, soil depth, materials, and money. You should choose the system that is appropriate for your situation based on the size of your property, surrounding environment, and budget. If you are concerned about water quality, you may also want to consider installing a septic tank system. These systems are also considered an excellent choice for homes near water bodies, such as streams, rivers, and lakes.
The plastic chamber leach field is a popular alternative septic system that is excellent for small lots and high groundwater tables. Instead of gravel in the leach field, plastic chambers are buried into the soil. These chambers allow wastewater to flow through a void, allowing bacteria to naturally treat it. A similar process is applied with sand filters. These filters utilize sand to remove toxins from wastewater.
Plastic vs. fiberglass septic tanks
The choice between plastic and fiberglass septic tanks can be an important one. Fiberglass tanks are more durable than plastic tanks. They weigh 300 to 350 pounds and are much more structurally sound than plastic tanks. However, they may not be available at your local home improvement store. However, they are expected to last at least 30 to 40 years. In some cases, plastic tanks may even shift. Shifting can be both expensive and inconvenient.
If your home has expanded in size and/or features, you may need a larger septic tank to keep up with your growing wastewater needs. According to Aqua Test Inc., a standard two-story single-family home with one to three bedrooms needs a 900-gallon tank. This is an ideal size if the home uses 500 gallons of water per day.
Steel septic tanks rust and corrode
Although they last for about 15 years, steel septic tanks rust and corrodes over time. If they are not taken care of properly, they can rust and corrode far earlier than that. Check your septic tank periodically for signs of rust. Regardless of whether the rust is on the outside or inside, you should get it repaired or replaced before the tank starts to corrode.
Unlike plastic septic tanks, steel septic tanks deteriorate over time. Steel tanks are usually made to last twenty to twenty-five years. However, if you live in a climate that corrodes steel quickly, it can rust far sooner than the tank’s lifespan. And the steel tank’s cover will eventually corrode, making a steel tank unsuitable for a modern home. Fortunately, steel tanks can be repaired without replacing the entire tank.
Steel septic tanks cost $10,000 to $20,000
While steel septic tanks are a popular choice, they do have a few disadvantages. Besides their low durability, they also rust and corrode over time. Some local building codes even prohibit the use of steel tanks for new installations. They also do not hold up well in the ground. Because of this, they are considered the least expensive septic tank material, but they can be extremely expensive.
While the initial cost of a new septic system is usually quite low, labor costs can be high. While traditional septic systems don’t require much electrical work, systems with pumps or other mechanical apparatus may require a substantial amount of electricity. For this reason, you should shop around for a reputable contractor. In addition, remember that labor costs can easily double or triple depending on the area in which you live.
Other factors that affect septic system costs
Septic system costs vary considerably, depending on the size and type of system you need. While gravity-based systems are the cheapest, they can also be the most costly. Besides the tank, there are also other factors to consider, such as the soil you have on your property. If your home’s groundwater has a high water table, you may want to consider a mound system. These systems cost around $10,000 and up to install, and pump wastewater into a sand mound before it flows into the soil. They are necessary for areas with high water tables.
While a concrete or steel septic tank will last for many decades, a steel tank will rust. Poorly made tanks will rust faster than others. Rust can be harmful to your health and may lead to a nasty smell in your yard. Concrete tanks will typically last up to forty years. But even if they last for 40 years, they will need to be replaced more frequently. A septic tank pump can cost anywhere from $1,000 to two thousand dollars.
Reports:
Choosing the Right Septic Tank Drain Field Layout – Septic Service Center
How Do You Know If Your Septic Tank is Full? – Septic Service Center
How to Find a Septic Tank in an Old House – Septic Service Center
