The wastewater your household creates is full of dangerous bacteria. Having a fully functioning septic tank is essential to help dispose of it safely — and to keep it from backing up into your sinks and toilets.

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What Is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is an underground chamber that moderately treats domestic wastewater. It's designed to hold the wastewater long enough for solids to settle at the bottom and oil and grease to float. Liquid waste is then filtered out.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Septic Tank?

On average, the cost of installing a new septic tank system is $6,300 (CAD 8,551), based on data from Forbes. The price ranges from $3,600 to $10,000 (CAD 4,887 to CAD 13,574). Occasionally, prices can reach as high as $20,000 (CAD 27,148) for particularly large or specialized systems.

This cost is inclusive of the tank itself, which costs around $2,500 to $9,000 (CAD 3,393 to CAD 22,216) for a conventional tank and between $4,000 and $20,000 (CAD 5,430 and CAD 27,148) for an engineered or alternative system.

According to Forbes, labor costs are also included in the installation price and usually range from $1,400 to $4,100 (CAD 1,900 to CAD 5,565).

Types of Septic Tank Systems

The total cost of installing or replacing your septic tank is largely dependent on the type of system you choose. Here are some of the most common kinds of tanks:

Anaerobic Septic System

Anaerobic systems are a common choice for many homeowners because they don’t require additional power or chemicals. An anaerobic system contains bacteria that don't need oxygen to survive. The bacteria break down solid waste, and the remaining liquid waste is piped out and distributed under the soil. The waste is naturally recycled as the water passes into the soil.

These systems cost about $2,500 to $6,500 (CAD 3,394 to CAD 8,825) to install.

Aerobic Septic System

Unlike anaerobic systems, aerobic systems use bacteria that do require oxygen to survive. Oxygen is pumped into the tank to activate the bacteria, which then feed on solid waste. Aerobic systems work well where the soil isn't favorable for other systems and the groundwater table is high. It's a good option for homes located near a body of water.

Aerobic systems are more expensive to install. Forbes says you should expect to pay between $10,000 and $20,000 (CAD 13,597 and CAD 27,154).

Gravity Septic System

A gravity septic system uses gravity for filtration and water flow. It needs to be installed on a gentle slope to enable water flow without a pump.

Gravity septic tank installation costs $6,700 to $8,500 (CAD 9,097 to CAD 11,540).

Conventional Septic System

The conventional septic system consists of a septic tank and a trench that acts as a drain field. The trench is constructed on stone or gravel and allows water to pass through. To prevent sand or dirt from contaminating the clean soil, geofabric is installed on top of the trench. A conventional septic system needs a large space to operate.

These systems cost between $2,500 and $9,000 (CAD 3,394 and CAD 12,219) to install, according to Forbes.

Mound Septic System

If your groundwater is close to the surface, a mound septic system is the best choice. A sand mound is constructed on the septic system area to pump wastewater from the tank into the mound in small quantities. The sand then filters the water before it gets into the soil and groundwater. This design requires a lot of space.

Mound septic systems are also expensive to install because a sand mound has to be constructed. Mound septic systems cost between $10,000 and $20,000 ((CAD 13,597 and CAD 27,154).

Chamber Septic System

Chamber septic systems have recently become a popular choice. They’re similar to conventional systems except plastic chambers are used in the drain field instead of gravel. These are easier to construct and have a smaller carbon footprint.

They cost $4,000 to $11,000 (CAD 5,431 to CAD 14,935) according to HomeGuide.

Septic Tank Materials

Another factor influencing cost is what your septic tank is made from. Here are some of the most common materials:

Concrete

Concrete tanks are the most common type of septic tank because they’re durable. Properly maintained, they can last 20 to 30 years. However, concrete may crack over time. Reinforcing the concrete with rebar helps increase its strength under pressure. Installation is more challenging, and extensive equipment is needed because of its weight. According to HomeGuide, the cost for an average-sized concrete tank is between $1,000 and $3,000 (CAD 1,358 and CAD 4,073), excluding installation labor.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doesn't weaken when used underground, and it’s nonporous, so it won't attract algae growth. Installation is easier because the tank is light. Unlike concrete, it won't expand or contract, so you don't have to worry about cracking. The average fiberglass tank costs $1,400 to $2,000 (CAD 1,901 to CAD 2,716).

Plastic

Plastic tanks are light and easy to install. They're also quite durable. Depending on the type, plastic tanks cost $700 to $2,500 (CAD 950 to CAD 3,394), on average.

Steel

Despite steel's strength and durability, septic tanks made of steel can rust and collapse if not properly cleaned. As a result, some local authorities have increased regulations to discourage their use. You'll usually find them in areas where the system already existed. If you can get one installed, steel septic tanks cost $500 to $2,500 (CAD 679 to CAD 3,394), according to Remodeling Expense.

What Size Septic Tank Do You Need?

Septic tank size is typically determined by the number of bedrooms your home has. This is used as a way to estimate how much water will flow through the system daily. Generally, the larger the system, the higher the cost.

Two Bedrooms

A two-bedroom house requires a septic system with a minimum of a 750-gallon septic tank. However, in many municipalities, a 1,000-gallon tank is the smallest size allowed.

Three Bedrooms

A three-bedroom house will need a minimum of a 1,000-gallon water tank, which regularly handles about 360 gallons of water per day.

Four Bedrooms

A four-bedroom home requires a larger tank with a minimum volume of 1,250 gallons. It handles around 480 to 600 gallons of water per day.

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Septic Tank Repair Costs

It’s possible your entire septic tank doesn’t need to be replaced, just a specific part. Repairs and replacement parts can cost far less than a full system replacement.

Drain Field

Drain fields can overload and flood, causing a backup of sewage in toilets and sinks. Drain or leach field replacements cost $1,000 to $5,000 (CAD 1,358 to CAD 6,788), according to data from HomeGuide.

Tank Pump

Usually, repairing a septic tank pump costs $250 to $400 (CAD 339 to CAD 543), while replacing the pump costs between $500 and $1,300 (CAD 679 and CAD 1,765).

Tank Filter

The tank filter is the most common replacement done by homeowners. It usually costs $200 to $300 (CAD 272 to CAD 407).

Tank Lid

Over time, concrete covers may crack, and steel lids may rust. You can typically replace a septic tank lid on your own for $150 to $600 (CAD 204 to CAD 815). It costs a bit more to have it replaced by a professional.

Tank Baffle

Baffles direct wastewater through the septic tank. Expect to pay $250 to $900 (CAD 339 to CAD 1,222) to repair a tank baffle.

Additional Factors to Consider

A septic tank can be installed either under or above the ground. Installing a tank underground is costly because of the digging and footing preparation involved.

Underground septic tanks require a drain field that can be fitted with a soakaway. The soakaway makes the tank require less emptying because it allows for some of the wastewater to filter into the ground. This can reduce your spending over time.

Different jurisdictions require different permits. Some require that an inspector visit and approve the site, which could entail a fee. Septic tank permits vary from state to state, but in general, you'll need to pay renewal fees upon the expiry of your permit.

How Long Does a Septic Tank Last?

A septic tank's life span varies depending on the material and type of system installed. Clogging caused by roots or flooding from groundwater can decrease the septic tank’s life span. On average, septic systems last 15 to 20 years.

Regularly servicing your septic tank is the best way to increase its longevity. It's important to note that servicing is more than just pumping out the tank; it's also necessary to have a professional inspect your tank regularly and perform routine maintenance.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.