How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Septic Tank?

If you have had the same septic tank for over 25 years, no amount of pumping and cleaning would be enough to make it work like new again; you need to replace it. The cost of replacing a septic tank is directly related to how much the parts and installation labour cost. Because of this, the total cost of replacing a septic tank can vary widely depending on things like the tank material, the size of the property, and the quality of the drain field. Some property owners may have to pay thousands of dollars, while others may have to pay tens of thousands. 

In this article, we’re going to dive deep into how much it costs to replace a septic tank based on the septic system leach field and multiple other factors.

Why Septic Tank & Drain Field Replacement Is Important

Before we get into how much the septic tank drain field cost is, we first need to understand what both of these are. To put it simply, a septic tank is a waterproof tank that is sunk and made to hold and partially treat raw sewage from homes. Greases and lighter solids float to the top of the tank, while heavy solids sink to the bottom. The sediments stay in the tank, and the wastewater goes to the septic system leach field, or drainfield for more treatment and spreading.

On the other hand, the septic system leach field is used to get rid of pollutants and contaminants from the liquid that comes out of a septic tank following anaerobic digestion. A microbial community breaks down the organic matter in the liquid.

A septic system is made up of a septic tank, a septic drain field, and the pipes that connect them. So why is replacement important? Well, nothing lasts forever, and after a certain time, you need to change your septic system to make sure it works optimally.

Now, if you’re thinking, “Well, my system is working just fine”, the reality is, you still need to change your septic system leach field. If you don't want sewage to back up, you need to know when to start replacing system parts. Some reasons are:

What to Avoid: Common Mistakes That Increase Replacement Costs

Now, some common mistakes increase the replacement costs. If you make these mistakes, you’re a few steps away from googling “How to unclog sink.” The mistakes are:

• Ignoring early signals that the drain field is failing

• Putting off drain field repair and inspections

• Using too much water or flushing things that don't break down

• Putting a structure or parking lot over the drain field

• Employing contractors without a license

• Not getting permits or testing the soil

If you’re not making these mistakes, fixing septic drain field may solve the problem. However, the same may not be enough after the septic tank is old enough. Then, septic field replacement is the only solution.

Factors That Affect Septic Tank & Drain Field Replacement Cost

Now, undoubtedly, certain factors affect the septic drain field repair cost, and knowing them can give you some pointers on how you can reduce the costs by a good margin.

• System Size: The first factor that impacts the septic field repair cost is the system size; the larger the system, the higher the cost, and it is because you need more material and more labour, which means higher costs. To save up some money here, it’s recommended to pick a system size that would be just enough to fulfil the needs of your family.

• System Type: The cost also depends on the type of septic system; some types are:

• A traditional system that absorbs treated sewage in a gravel drainfield

• A drainfield having several chambers in proximity to the ground

• An aerobic system that injects oxygen into the septic tank to speed up the decomposition process

Each of these has different material needs and ends up having a different cost associated with it.

• Tank Type: The type of tank you use also matters a lot in this context. Tanks can be made of either fibreglass, concrete, or plastic, each of it affecting the cost. For instance, concrete tanks cost an average price, while plastic tanks are the most affordable.

• Existing Landscaping: The last factor affecting the septic tank and drain field cost is the landscaping. 

• Existing plants

• Existence or absence of rocks

• The gradient of the land

These things need to be excavated, and the harder they are, the higher it drives the septic tank drain field cost.

Septic Tank Replacement Cost With Drain Field

Now, let’s take a look at the actual septic tank drain field cost for replacement.

How to Reduce Septic Drain Field Replacement Costs

Now, let’s take a look at how you can reduce the septic drain field cost when it comes to replacement. Some of the tips are:

• Pumping and routine septic system inspections

• Using less water in the home

• Using cleaning Dr Pooper septic-tank safe solutions for regular maintenance 

• Keeping heavy machinery away from drain fields

• Making little repairs as soon as possible

• Comparing estimates from different contractors

If you follow these simple tips, you will be able to reduce the septic tank field lines quite effectively without much compromise.

Conclusion

Now you must know that a septic system leach field replacement costs somewhere between $5,400 to $19,500, depending on the septic system size, tank type, and a lot of other factors. If you’re looking to maximise the lifespan of your septic system, the best way to do so is by using Dr Pooper’s accelerator and septic tank cleaning liquid, as they’re specifically designed to increase the population of the beneficial bacteria in your septic system for the natural breakdown of sludge and other waste materials.

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between a leach field and a septic field?

There is no real difference, as “leach field” and “septic field” are interchangeable terms for the area where treated wastewater is absorbed into the soil.

Q2. How long do septic drain fields last?

Septic drain fields typically last 20 to 30 years, depending on soil conditions, water usage, and maintenance practices.

Q3. What are the signs of a failing leach field?

Common signs include slow drains, sewage odours, standing water, and unusually green or spongy grass over the drain field.

Q4. How expensive is it to replace a leach field?

Leach field replacement generally costs between $5,400 and $19,500, depending on system size, soil type, location, and labour requirements.