How Much Does a Concrete Septic Tank Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $700 - $2,000
A concrete septic tank costs anywhere from $700 to $2,000, depending on tank size and added factors, like permits and leach field installation.
The average price for a concrete septic tank is $1,300. However, depending on the size of the tank, costs may range from $700 to $2,000. Concrete septic tanks are a popular choice for their durability and longevity, but the material can be more expensive, especially for larger-capacity tanks. You should consider concrete septic tank prices for tank installation, leach field installation, and other add-ons when choosing the right septic tank material for your home and yard.
- Average
- $1,300
- Low end
- $700
- high end
- $6,500
Concrete Septic Tank Price Breakdown
The average price of a concrete septic tank is $700 to $2,000. You may even pay up to $6,500 for the materials and labor, but costs will vary based on the size of the tank, permits you need to secure, and whether you’re installing a new leach field.
Tank Size
A concrete septic tank’s size is one of the biggest factors in your final project price. The larger the tank, the more expensive material and installation costs will be. Plus, you’ll need to check your local septic tank regulations, which often require a minimum septic tank size of 750 gallons or more.
| Tank Size in Gallons | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 750 | $900–$1,200 |
| 1,000 | $1,250–$1,500 |
| 1,200 | $1,500–$1,800 |
| 1,500 | $1,600–$2500 |
| 1,750 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
Household Size
The size of your home will affect the estimated wastewater usage and, in turn, the right size septic tank for you. If you choose a concrete septic tank that’s too small to handle the amount of wastewater your household generates, it could cause backups in your drains or overload the drain field.
| Household Size | Tank Capacity in Gallons | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2-bedroom | 750 | $900–$1,200 |
| 3- or 4-bedroom | 1,000 | $1,250–$1,500 |
| 5- or 6-bedroom | 1,200 | $1,500–$1,800 |
| 6- or 7-bedroom | 1,500 | $1,600–$2,500 |
| 8- or 9-bedroom | 2,000 | $2,300–$3,450 |
Labor
The labor costs for installing a concrete septic tank will range from $1,600 to $4,500, or 50% to 70% of the total installation price. Many municipalities have strict laws around septic tank installation, and your area likely requires licensed or certified pros to handle installation. It’s a complex and difficult job, which is why labor will make up most of your final concrete septic tank price.
Permits
Any septic system installation or tank replacement requires permits, and building permits cost $450 to $2,300. The total cost of permits depends on your local regulations, but a local septic tank company can help you pull the proper permits and avoid unexpected fees and fines.
Prep
Installing a concrete septic tank requires a lot of prep, and there’s even more to do if you’re also installing a new leach field. First, you’ll need to pay for the cost of a soil test, about $690 to $2,200, to make sure your property has soil that can properly absorb wastewater. Once you know the soil type, a septic tank pro can assist you in choosing what type of septic system works best for your soil.
You’ll need to spend $380 to $770 on the cost of a land survey, which will help you determine where to install the tank safely and legally. Your initial installation quote may or may not include excavation costs, so make sure to ask your contractor about excavation. If it doesn’t, budget $1,500 to $6,300 for excavation costs.
Concrete Septic Tank Ongoing Costs
Septic systems require regular maintenance, and from time to time, parts can fail and require repairs. Plus, in the event of a broken part or a failing septic tank or leach field, paying extra per month for insurance and warranties can save you money in long-term septic system costs.
Maintenance
Septic tanks require regular maintenance, and you can expect to spend $250 to $1,250 every three to five years for the cost of septic tank pumping. Annual septic system inspections cost $200 to $900, and these regular inspections can help catch any issues before they result in costly damages to your yard and plumbing.
Insurance
"Concrete septic tanks are extremely resistant to buoyancy, so consider concrete instead of plastic if you live in a flood-prone area."
— Bethany Uribe, Division Manager/Estimator, ASAP Restoration LLC, Tempe, AZ
Homeowners insurance may cover about 10% of the total value of the policy toward some septic system repairs or installation. However, you can pay for added protections with a home warranty plan—just double-check that the plan you choose covers septic systems. These warranties cost $30 to $60 per month.
Repairs
For concrete tanks, septic tank repairs cost $700 to $5,000, depending on the type of repairs you need. Repairing a filter is a less expensive fix, ranging from around $200 to $300. Fixing a septic line is one of the more expensive repairs, costing $1,000 to $4,200.
Cost of Common Septic Tank Add-Ons
Whether you’ve moved into a property with an existing septic system or you’re installing an entirely new concrete septic tank and leach field, there are some additional projects you may want to tackle at the same time.
Going off the grid? Consider costs for adding a water source or getting utilities on your land. Looking to boost the look of your yard after septic installation? Try some new septic landscaping ideas. Here are the costs of common add-on projects:
Landscaping cost: $1,260–$6,000
Cost to install new utilities: $6,500–$30,000
Cost to drill a well: $5,300–$9,100
Lawn leveling cost: $1,000–$3,300
3 Ways You Can Save Money on Concrete Septic Tank Prices
Installing a new septic system or replacing a septic tank can be a costly investment for homeowners, but if you’re having trouble affording a septic system, there are some ways to reduce the costs.
Choose the right tank size: While you don’t want to go too small on a septic tank, don’t go over budget by getting an oversized tank suited for a larger household, either.
Check for incentives: There are state and federal funding programs that can help offset septic system costs. Check with the Environmental Protection Agency for your potential options.
Buy some of the materials: Septic systems need gravel for drainage, pipes, and other materials. You save money by purchasing materials independently. Compare the rates you find with the cost provided by the septic system company.
Frequently Asked Questions
An anaerobic septic system is the least expensive to install, and this type of septic system costs $3,000 to $8,000. Smaller systems, like those with a 500- to 750-gallon septic tank, are less expensive, and plastic tanks tend to be the least expensive option. When it comes to fiberglass or concrete versus plastic septic tanks, concrete and fiberglass cost more, but they are more durable and have longer life spans.
The dimensions of a 500-gallon concrete septic tank can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the tank is large enough to handle the wastewater of a small home with up to one bedroom. Keep in mind that some states have a minimum septic tank size, and this often starts at 750 gallons. A 500-gallon septic tank may be too small to meet local regulations.
A septic tank with a 1,500-gallon capacity is good for larger homes with up to 6 or 7 bedrooms. The average home can go with a smaller tank, about 1,000 gallons, which supports a home size of up to 2,500 square feet, or a home with about three bedrooms.