How Much Does a Septic Tank Cost?

Thinking of having a septic tank installed or your current one changed? As you can imagine, doing so comes at a hefty cost, one with several additional expenses to consider.

To plan your budget accordingly, here are all the costs involved in installing and maintaining a septic system.

How Much Is a New Septic Tank in Canada?

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Soil Analysis

Before proceeding with installing a septic system, a soil test (percolation test or hydraulic conductivity test) may be necessary to determine the soil permeability level.

A trade professional will detail the different types of septic tanks corresponding to your needs. As for soil testing, you’ll need to shell out between $600 and $2,000. However, this amount may differ depending on your area of residence.

Installing a Septic Tank: Average Price Range

When it comes to installing a septic system, the amount payable will vary widely. However, on average, it’ll be between $10,000 and $45,000 and can be as high as $60,000. This amount will vary depending on several factors including:

• Type of installation (a more or less sophisticated model)

• Site accessibility (accessing the site involves encountering obstacles or the use of additional measures)

• Size of your septic tank (assessed according to the water flow to treat)

• Materials used

Residential Septic System Inspection

An inspection may be necessary to confirm that your septic system does indeed comply with current standards. For this, you’ll have to pay between $400 and $500.

On that note, bear in mind that some municipalities may require your septic tank construction process to be supervised by a system designer, from start to finish, and for the hired contractor to submit a certificate of conformity at the end of the project. Naturally, such additional fees will drive up the final invoice.

Septic Tank Maintenance

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When it comes to pumping your septic tank, expect to pay between $150 and $700, the latter being the average cost for a three-bedroom house. As such, plan your septic tank pumping project ahead of time. 

Note that additional costs may be applicable during holidays and weekends, as well as for pumping needs exceeding a certain number of cubic metres, for unnecessary travel, and for deploying a pipe over a certain distance.

Since the additional fees above-mentioned may differ from one region to the next and are entirely dependent on the hired service provider, do plenty of research so you aren’t stuck with a massive bill at the end.

If you’re looking into septic system services for your primary residence, note that your septic tank should be pumped about every two years—or more frequently, depending on the number of occupants. However, if it’s your vacation house, pumping may only be required every four years.

Government Grant to Replace a Septic Tank System

In March 2017, the Government of Quebec announced a refundable tax credit (rebate)—valid until 2027—to encourage homeowners to upgrade stand-alone wastewater treatment systems for residential dwellings.

This tax credit covers residences built prior to January 1, 2017, and must be either the homeowner's primary residence or a four-season cottage that’s typically occupied by the homeowner. 

The tax credit can be up to $5,500 per eligible household—20% of the eligible expenses upwards of $2,500, incurred during a sanitation system’s retrofit process.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Septic Tanks?

Type of System

When undertaking this sort of project, one of the most common cost-defining factors is the type of septic system installed, which can be split into three categories: basic systems, secondary treatment systems, and tertiary treatment systems. For example, chamber septic systems are considered basic systems and are typically more affordable. Biofilters for wastewater treatment are secondary systems, whereas UV disinfection systems are tertiary treatment systems. Generally, costs soar with treatment levels, starting with basic systems, and skyrocketing with tertiary systems, which are undeniably more expensive.

Property Accessibility

Installation site accessibility greatly affects overall septic tank installation costs. Remote and difficult-to-access locations may require additional resources and time, which, in turn, incurs more costs.

Size of Septic Tank

The septic tank’s size is also an important cost-determining factor. The bigger the tank, the more installation material and labour required.

Materials Used: Concrete, Fibreglass, and Plastic

Septic tanks are commonly manufactured with three materials: concrete, fibreglass, and plastic, each with their respective advantages and drawbacks. Concrete tanks are some of the most used, yet are prone to cracking over time. Fibreglass tanks are more durable given their lightweight structure and ability to better withstand shifting soils below buildings, thereby limiting the risks of damage. Plastic tanks are the cheapest, most cost-effective option, but are subject to breakage due to their less robust construction, making for a risky investment for homeowners. 

What Are the Additional Costs?

Permits and Regulations

Acquiring the necessary permits and complying with local regulations are essential when installing a septic tank. Permit fees can vary based on region of residence and must be considered during the overall planning stages of the project.

Soil Type

Soil testing is an essential step before installing a septic system as it allows for assessing the soil type and condition. Different soil types, such as clay, sandy, or chalky soils, can complicate the installation process. For example, chalky soils may require additional excavation, resulting in increased labour costs.

Percolation Tests

Percolation tests are another crucial step when assessing the feasibility of a septic system installation. Said test assesses the soil’s drainage capacity and quality in the designated septic tank zone. A failed percolation test is indicative of insufficient soil drainage, resulting in ill-fitting soil for a septic system. In such cases, homeowners can consider alternative septic solutions or carry out additional tests in different areas within their property limits.

FAQ

When and why should I change my septic installation and septic tank?

Given that septic tanks are designed to function according to a specific number of occupants, should there be a change in the bedroom count, it may result in a no longer-compliant septic system. As such, you may be ordered to update your system. 

Moreover, if your septic tank is near a water table, sitting on unsuitable land (which may be the case for certain clay soils), or too small, you may be required to replace your septic system.

Why is it important to ensure septic systems are up to current standards?

Updating a residential septic tank is an essential step for ensuring public health, preserving the environment, and occupants’ well-being. Current regulations are designed to improve the quality of treated wastewater and minimize the risks of pollution.

While it may incur significant upfront costs, the long-term health and environmental benefits, as well as property value severely outweigh the initial investment, making it a worthwhile choice. By taking the necessary measures to comply with standards, all homeowners contribute to preserving our precious ecosystem and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

What’s the difference between an advanced secondary treatment system and a tertiary treatment system?

In some cases, your property will necessitate a septic system fitted with a secondary or tertiary treatment system. The former is often recommended in cases where the land is close to a waterway or size-restricted. Moreover, this type of treatment meets higher purification standards. As for tertiary treatment systems, these are suitable for land with limited to no permeability.

Besides, note that if the septic tank you purchased contains an advanced secondary treatment system (such as Ecobox or Ecophyltre, for example) or a tertiary treatment system (Ecophyltre with disinfection bed), you may have no choice but to draft an annual maintenance contract with the manufacturer. Therefore, consider the cost of sludge pumping on top of regular maintenance fees.

What is the cheapest septic system to install?

The cheapest system you can install is a plastic septic tank. Note that this system is generally lighter, easy to install, and corrosion-resistant. Albeit, plastic septic tanks tend to be more prone to damage during the installation process. Plan on spending between $500 and $2,500 for such a system. 

What is the most expensive part of a septic system?

Without a doubt, the most expensive part of a septic system is its drain field, which is also known as a leach field. The bigger the tank, the larger the drain field. On average, if you purchase a 1,000-gallon septic tank, you'll need a 600-square-foot drain field, which could end up costing you upwards of $10,000.

For more information, check out these articles:

• Effective Ways to Unclog a Septic Tank

• How to Ensure Your Septic Tank Is Watertight

• Everything to Know About Advanced Septic Systems