Septic tanks and leach fields go hand-in-hand
Septic systems have multiple components, including septic tanks and leach fields.
Wastewater gathers in the tank and leaves the septic system through the leach field.
If you’re installing a traditional septic system, it will need a leach field.
You can explore other types of septic systems if you can’t install a leach field.
Alternative options include mound and sand filter septic systems.
A leach field plays a pivotal role in your septic system, guiding waste out of your pipes and back into the soil. Unfortunately, they can take up a lot of space in your yard and are often expensive to install, which might make you wonder: Can you have a septic tank without a leach field? Not really, but there are alternatives, which we’ll cover below.
If your home isn’t connected to the public sewage system, you’ll need a septic system to get rid of your household waste safely. One of the key components of a septic system is the septic tank, which collects all of the wastewater that leaves your home through your toilets, drains, washing machines, and other plumbing fixtures.
Most septic tanks are underground, but there are certain cases where you might need an above-ground septic tank (for example, if you don’t have much space on your property or the soil isn’t suited for burying a septic tank).
The cost of a septic tank depends on a few factors, including its size and material. As you might expect, the larger the tank, the more expensive it is. For instance, a 500-gallon septic tank costs anywhere from $500 to $900, whereas a 1,500-gallon tank runs between $1,500 and $2,500.
In terms of materials, plastic septic tanks are the most affordable, with an average price of $500 to $2,500 (without installation or labor). Concrete tanks tend to be the priciest, at $700 to $2,000. Not sure which type of septic tank is right for you? Reach out to a local septic tank company to discuss your options.
Also known as a drain field, a leach field is another part of your septic system. It receives wastewater from the septic tank and releases it into a set of buried pipes, which push the wastewater into the soil. With proper maintenance, your leach field can last up to 50 years.
If you need to install a new leach field or replace an existing one, the price you pay will depend on the type of septic system and the size of your field. You’ll pay more if you need a larger field or if you have a more advanced septic system (such as a mound system). A new leach field generally costs between $2,000 and $20,000 (for an average price of $6,000).
Unfortunately, you can’t have a conventional septic tank without a leach field. Otherwise, the wastewater wouldn’t have anywhere to go after it reaches your tank. So, instead of seeping into the soil, your waste would sit in the tank and start coming back into your house when the tank fills up. Without a leach field, you’d have to get your tank pumped regularly—which isn’t a practical or financially savvy decision.
If your property isn’t suitable for a leach field, there are alternative types of septic systems to consider. Each one still has its own version of a drain field, but they aren’t as deep or extensive as a traditional leach field. Here are some of your options.
Mound systems are a type of engineered septic system typically installed in places with shallow soil or high water tables. Instead of using an underground drainage system, the leach field on this type of septic system sits above the earth’s surface in the form of an elevated mound of sand.
In a mound system, wastewater gathers inside the septic tank. Then, it goes into a pump chamber, where it’s pumped into a gravel and sand mound. Eventually, it filters through the sand and down into the soil. On average, these types of systems cost between $10,000 and $20,000.
Drip distribution septic systems rely on a system of underground tubes to disperse wastewater back into the soil. The difference is that these pipes are buried just below the surface, so you can access them more easily than traditional leach field pipes.
Like other types of septic systems, drip distribution systems have a septic tank that collects wastewater from your home. After that, it goes into a large dosing tank, where it’s released into the tubes (and, from there, the soil). You’ll likely pay between $8,000 and $18,000 to install a drip distribution system. You should also be aware that these systems use electricity to pump the wastewater at timed intervals, so that will increase your operating costs, as well.
Similar to mound systems, sand filter septic systems perform well on properties with a high water table or shallow soil. They have a sand-filled box that’s lined with either PVC or concrete, which can be either above or below ground.
They work by pushing wastewater into a septic tank that connects to a pump chamber. It’s then pumped into a layer of sand and filters through the sand-filled box until it reaches the drain field underneath. If you choose a sand filter septic system, you can expect to pay between $7,000 and $18,000 to get it up and running.
Most households will need to pump their septic tank every three to five years. If you have a smaller tank or more people living in your home, you’ll likely be on the lower end of this spectrum (with less time between pumpings)—and vice versa if you have a bigger tank or live alone. On average, a professional septic tank pump costs $400.
Anaerobic septic tanks are the most cost-effective type of septic system, with an average cost of $3,000 to $8,000. Sand filter septic systems are the next most affordable, ranging from $7,000 to $18,000. Mound systems have the highest price tags of the bunch, coming in at $10,000 to $20,000 per installation.
In most cases, septic tanks are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet beneath the earth’s surface. Several factors, including the conditions on your property and local regulations in your area, will determine your septic tank’s depth. Similarly, most leach fields are at least 3 to 4 feet below ground level.
