How much does a septic system cost in Atlanta? Dig into cost factors, site prep, materials, and types of septic tanks before investing in this project.
How Much Does a Concrete Septic Tank Cost? [2026 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 by a licensed professional.
How we get this data
Photo: Kwangmoozaa / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Kwangmoozaa / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Cost Insights
The most significant cost factor is system type. Complex aerobic systems require additional equipment and can cost up to eight times as much as anaerobic systems.
Larger septic tanks and drain fields for bigger homes will require far more excavation, which drastically increases installation costs.
Both initial septic tank installation and resizing require percolation tests.
Estimate the cost of routine septic pumping and tank maintenance to avoid unexpected charges in the future.
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.
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
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.
Pro Tip
Concrete septic tanks are extremely resistant to buoyancy, so consider concrete instead of plastic if you live in a flood-prone area.
Cost of Common Septic Tank Add-Ons
Photo: SimplyCreativePhotography / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
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.
Why You Should Hire a Concrete Septic Tank Installation Pro
Labor accounts for most of the cost of concrete septic tank installation, so if you’re trying to save money, you might be tempted to tackle this job yourself. However, for safety and legal reasons, it’s far better to hire a local septic tank company for this project.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a concrete septic tank installation pro
Installing a concrete septic tank is best left to the pros for the following reasons:
In many areas, DIY septic tank installation is against the law.
Professionals understand local septic tank installation regulations and permit requirements, which can be difficult to navigate if you aren’t familiar with them.
Concrete septic tanks weigh several tons, making them difficult (and dangerous) to move and install.
Pros already have the expensive, specialized equipment required for septic tank installation.
A septic tank is the heart of your septic system, and if you install yours incorrectly, you could end up with a soggy lawn, sewage in your home, and other issues.
Septic tank pros have insurance and warranties on their work, which will protect you if any issues arise during installation.
Pros have the skills and experience to perform the job safely and efficiently.
If you want to DIY concrete septic tank installation
While we don’t recommend installing your own concrete septic tank, there are a few things you can do to prepare for a pro’s visit, including:
Remove items (like large rocks, kids’ toys, and lawn accessories) from the installation site.
Open any gates to create a clear pathway for the pros to bring in equipment and access the work area.
If needed, shower, run your washing machine, and make sure you have enough drinking water before the pros arrive (since you’ll be without water while they work).
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Prepare to discuss which size septic tank is best for your home, depending on local regulations and your household size.
If your yard is difficult to access, describe the challenges to your pro and ask how they’ll get the septic tank and equipment to the work site.
Ask for an estimate of how long the project will take and how long you’ll be without running water.
Find out how the installation will affect your landscaping and how much grass you’ll need to replace afterward.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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