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| | | For homes that aren't connected to a municipal sewer plant, a septic is an on-site system that collects, treats and disposes of household wastewater by slowly filtering it through underground soil. Typically there are two main parts, a septic tank and a soil absorption system (also called a drainfield, leachfield or disposal field). These are located underground and connected to the house by sewage pipes. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Installing/replacing a conventional septic system (including the tank) averages $2,000 -$5,000 in the Midwest, but can be $4,000 -$12,000 or more in areas where materials and labor rates are higher.
- Enhanced, engineered or alternative septic systems that use mounds, sand/peat filters, aerobic systems and/or constructed wetlands can cost $10,000 -$20,000 or more, according to the Rhode Island Regional Water Quality Program.
- These alternative septic systems work better than the conventional approach for sites with high groundwater or slowly/rapidly percolating soil, or near drinking water supplies, wetlands, coastal ponds or other water resources.
- The cost of a septic tank alone runs about $500 -$1,800 depending on size (ranging from 300-1,000 gallons) and type. Piping and other needed items adds another $100 -$200 to the total cost of materials.
- WaterTanks.com illustrates basic tank installation procedures. However, many regions require a septic system to be designed and installed by trained and licensed professionals; contact your local or state sanitation department for details.
What should be included: | - Septic systems are used when sewage treatment plants are not accessible, which usually means rural or suburban homes on large lots. The septic tanks itself is a large, underground, watertight container made of concrete, fiberglass or plastic (polyethylene).
- The North Carolina State University Ag Extension explains how septic systems work and where they can be used.
- It can take several days to a week or more to install/replace a septic system. The process involves extensive digging, often with heavy earth-moving equipment.
Additional costs: | - Most counties and states require a building permit for installing or replacing a septic system, at a cost of $250 -$1,000 or more depending on the location and the complexity of the project. Check with your local building/planning department for details.
- Installing a septic system usually involves extensive digging and damage to the landscaping; replacement turf and other plantings can run $100 -$1,000 or more.
Discounts: | - In a cluster septic system, each house has its own underground septic tank but they all feed into one drainfield/leachfield/soil absorption system. Typically installed by developers, a cluster septic system splits the cost of the drainfield installation and maintenance among many houses.
Shopping for a septic system: | |
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Article updated July 2008 |
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