Millions of Americans are using septic systems to trap and filter their toilet waste.
Generally, a septic tank should last about 40 years if taken care of and maintained. Still, accidents happen, and you might need to repair yours.
It’s important to focus on septic tank costs, and our guide can help you understand the price before scheduling a septic repair service from a plumber.
Septic Tank Repair Cost Guide
How Much Does It Cost To Repair Septic Tank?
The average repair cost for a septic tank varies from $750 to $3,000. It depends on many factors, such as the number of lines you have and the damage to the conventional septic system.
What Goes Into the Septic Tank Repair Cost?
Multiple factors go into the septic tank cost, such as:
Septic Tank Lid
Typically, this is an easy fix and ranges from $150 to $500. They’re designed to last, though external elements might damage them.
Septic Tank Lateral Lines
Lateral lines are the most costly repairs, which can be anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. If it’s a smaller pipe, it might be less (around $600).
Septic Tank Baffle
The baffle moves wastewater through the septic tank. Replacement or repair might range from $50 to $250, depending on the materials required.
Septic Tank Distribution Box
Your distribution box (D-Box) controls how wastewater is distributed and runs between $500 to $1,500 to repair. If it gets damaged, your leach field might overflow.
Leach Field Replacement
The leach field (drain field) is the most expensive component for septic system repairs. You might spend up to $20,000 for a full replacement.
Tank Repair or Replacement
Overall, the septic system repair cost might be expensive.
If you require a new septic system, it depends on what tank you need, the size, and the type of system. The material you use also plays a part. You’ve got these options:
- Concrete tanks
- Plastic tanks
- Fiberglass tanks
- Steel tanks
There are also various types of systems, such as:
- Aerobic septic system
- Anaerobic septic system
- Mound septic system
- Chamber septic system
- Traditional septic system
It’s also wise to replace the septic tank filter when factoring in your septic system repair costs. Sometimes, getting the septic system pumped is also required.
FAQs for Septic Tank Repair Costs
How Much Is a New Pump for a Septic System?
A new pump for septic systems might cost $1,000 or more. However, repairs are often cheaper than this.
We always factor in the septic tank inspection cost when determining if you should get a new septic system or repair what you already have.
How Many Years Does a Septic Tank Last?
Generally, septic systems last about 40 years if they receive appropriate maintenance. This means you should get the septic system pumped regularly.
What Are the Signs of a Failing Septic System?
The signs that your tank needs to be repaired include the following:
- A sewer smell in your yard
- Standing water near or on the septic system
- Sewage puddled over the drain field or on the surface
- Plumbing backups and slow drains in the showers and sinks
- Gurgling noises while flushing your toilet
- Grass growing densely over the drain field or tank
- Sunken areas on or over your tank
- Contaminated well water because sewage seeped into the area
Do Septic Systems and Tanks Ever Need to Be Replaced?
Yes. Even with regular septic system maintenance, you’re bound to require replacements and repairs. Solid waste frequently runs through it, and it’s often easy to get a cracked septic tank.
Most septic tank repair companies offer septic system installation. Make sure you inquire with a trusted plumber about septic tank pumping and regular septic tank maintenance to protect your investment.
[Read: How Often Should A Septic Tank Be Pumped?]
Why Do Septic Tanks Generally Break?
Nature might take over and cause an accident. While most homeowners think it’s a rare occurrence, many people have tree roots growing through the pipes, which cause them to crack. Heavy rains might also lead to problems in the leach field because it can’t drain correctly.
Sometimes, the problem happens because you overload the tank. It’s wise to only let septic-safe toilet paper and waste get flushed away. Otherwise, you might end up with sewage backup, which is unsanitary and smelly.
While you want to save money on your septic system cost, DIY projects aren’t the best idea. You may not know what you’re doing and likely don’t have the right tools to install a new system.
Getting help from professional plumbers is the safest and most efficient way to go.
Are You Worried About Your Septic Tank?
Are you worried about septic repair costs or have a failed septic system? Stellar Plumbing is a reputable plumbing contractor in Arizona and we can help you with your septic tank needs.
We start by providing a septic system inspection and tell you if we can repair a septic tank or if installation costs are necessary for a new system. Schedule a plumbing inspection today to request our septic services!