How Much Does Septic Tank Replacement Cost?

In this guide, we’ll be looking at the average costs of septic system replacement and factors that impact them.

Every septic tank is made with an expected lifespan after which it becomes less effective in holding and treating sewage. Such tanks will need urgent replacement.

To get the job done, one of the primary things you’ll need to consider is the replacement costs you’re likely to incur.

So how much does it cost to replace a septic tank? Here are the facts and figures.

Average Cost To Replace A Septic Tank

This is what we’ll be discussing here.

Knowing the replacement costs enables you to budget properly and also known what to expect when calling a technician.

Experienced technicians will assess the situation and determine if the tank needs fixing or outright replacement. We’re more concerned about the latter.

When Does A Septic Tank Need To Be Replaced

Sometimes, it’s difficult to determine if a septic tank needs repairs or replacement. This is a problem faced by a lot of homeowners.

SEE: How Long to Replace Septic Tank

Here, we’ll show you common signs that indicate when a septic tank needs to be replaced.

Before calling for a replacement that may not be necessary, you should look out for these signs. They include greener grass, sewage backing up, contaminated well water, puddles in the yard as well as a foul odor.

• Greener Grass

Remember that you’re looking out for these signs because you want to spend in solving the problem the best way possible.

If you notice greener grass close to your septic tank area, it could indicate leakage which calls for a replacement of your tank.

• Sewage Backing Up

One of the most common signs involves sewage no longer flowing freely but backing up. This is as a result of clogging or other reasons.

A technician will need to inspect if the tank needs to be changed or the problem can be fixed without spending on a new tank.

• Contaminated Well Water

A septic tank must hold its contents without leakage. Leakages or seepage lead to surrounding water bodies including wells being contaminated.

Such contamination poses a great threat to health and must be fixed immediately. A septic tank replacement may be required.

• Puddles in Yard

In the absence of rain, finding puddles in your yard is a likely indicator of the need to have your septic tank replaced.

Also, excess wastewater in your drain field points to the need to have your septic tank checked.

• Foul Odor

A foul odor is one of the indicators of a possible septic tank problem. This shows the possible failure of your tank to contain or treat its contents.

Linking the Cost of Tank Replacement To Problem Identification

As you read through the points above, there’s a likelihood of asking how they relate to septic tank replacement costs. There’s a link and this has to do with the difference in repair costs vs replacement costs.

The above indicators of septic tank issues may be solved by repairs. However, in most cases, such symptoms point to the need for total replacement. Septic tank replacement costs are generally higher than repair costs.

Therefore the best way to prolong the life of the tank is by proper maintenance.

How Much Does It Cost To Have A Septic Tank Replaced?

When discussing septic tank replacement costs, you’ll need to consider the removal of the old tank.

Removal fees add to the overall costs.

Also, a septic tank has several components that will also need replacement.

Such include the drain field, tank baffle, pump, filter, and tank lid replacements. Let’s consider each of these;

• Drainfield Replacement Costs

An important part of any septic tank is the leach field.

Now, when replacing a new tank, a new leach field or drain field is provided. It will cost anywhere from $3,500 to $11,000 for a drain field replacement. The larger the size of the leach field, the higher the cost you’re likely to incur.

Drain fields are made of filtration materials which are carefully laid after the ground has been dug.

Now, digging the drain field alone costs about $30 per linear foot while the cost of laying up filtration materials ranges from $9 to $12 per square foot.

• Tank Baffle Replacement Cost

Baffles are additional components to septic tanks that help with the control of floating scum layers as well as directing flow. When changing the septic tank, these also will need to be replaced.

The cost of replacement ranges from $23 to $44.

• Tank Pump Replacement Costs

An important component of your septic tank is the pump. This helps in pumping out effluent out to the drain field. To replace the septic tank pump, you’ll need to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,200.

• Septic Tank Filter Replacement

Every septic tank needs a filter to function effectively.

This is an essential component of the tank and will also need to be replaced when changing your tank. It will cost around $230 to $280 to have a new one fixed in place of the old one.

• Septic Tank Lid Replacement

Every septic tank comes with a lid. The type of lid will be determined by the material the tank is made of.

Metal tanks for instance come with metal lids. These types of lids will rust over time and will have to be changed as they can easily give way when stepped on.

Lids for concrete septic tanks are likely to be concrete too. These last longer although they’re susceptible to getting cracked. When changing your tank, the lid also has to be changed. The cost of replacing your septic tank lid costs between $30 to $65.

• Septic Tank Removal Costs

For any septic tank replacement to be possible, the old tank must be removed. This will be factored into your total removal costs. Before the tank is removed, it will need to be emptied.

This means you’ll incur additional pumping costs of between $250 to $600.

Now, the cost of removing the old septic tank will depend on its size. Larger tanks will attract higher removal fees. For a 1,000-gallon concrete tank, expect to pay a starting fee of about $5,500.

Consult With Technicians

One of the easiest ways of finding out the cost for septic tank replacement is by consulting technicians. These are professionals having experience and expertise when it comes to septic tank replacement and installation. You should have a better assessment of costs from such professionals.

Before you proceed to have your septic tank replaced, it’s important to find out the replacement costs. This helps in making cost comparisons as well as properly budgeting for the task at hand.