Don’t flush your time down the toilet
It takes anywhere from one to eight weeks to replace a septic tank.
Installing a new tank only takes around a week.
Replacing your whole system will take four to six weeks.
Time depends on the type of septic system, extent of damage, and local regulations.
Most homeowners need to replace their septic tank every 20 to 30 years.
How long does it take to replace a septic tank? It’s not as simple as just cracking into new ground. There are a lot of moving parts and a little red tape.
In a perfect world, you can swap out the tank in around a week—provided you don’t hit a snag. If you need to replace other components in your system along with the tank, expect your local septic tank installation company to tackle the job in four to eight weeks.
This guide will show you how long it takes to replace a septic tank, from planning to your first flush.
| Task | Time to Complete |
|---|---|
| Testing | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Obtaining permits | Varies |
| Planning/excavation | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Septic tank installation | 5 – 7 days |
Your septic tank works in conjunction with a leach field, also known as a drain field. If your septic system is leaking waste and contaminating the area around the tank, you’ll need to replace both components—at minimum. If there is extensive damage, you may need a full system replacement. This will push the job into the four- to six-week range (not to mention the cost of a new septic system can exceed $11,000 on the high end).
For this reason, contractors run a percolation test before they replace your tank. This will give them insight into your soil’s texture, volume, consistency, and ability to filter wastewater. It’s an essential part of prep and takes around two to three weeks.
Before your contractor can replace your septic tank, they’ll need to obtain a permit. Typically, permits are issued by your local health or environmental department—and you’ll typically need one or more building permits.
Sometimes, homeowners also need a permit for pumping and disposing of waste if they don’t already have one. Depending on your local government, this could take a few days or weeks and usually require the percolation test and an inspection.
According to data from Angi customers, 29% of homeowners don’t know if they need a permit for their septic tank installation. Similarly, 28% of homeowners know they need a permit for their project but don’t have one yet. Not sure where you stand? A septic tank pro can give you all the information you need before your installation starts.
During this phase, a septic system engineer will plan the replacement. This could be simple if they just need to swap out a tank, but it could take longer if they also need to plan for a new leach field or entirely new system (to dig safely, they’ll need to map out underground utilities).
Once the plans are finished, the excavation begins. A team will need to dig out your old septic tank and any other components that you plan to replace. Overall, planning and excavation takes around two to three weeks, but it could take more or less time. If the ground freezes or the weather is poor, it will push the project back.
Installation is typically the quickest part of the job. During this phase, your contractor will install your new septic tank and other components. If you’re installing an aerobic tank, this could mean additional electrical circuitry. If you have a pumped system, this could mean replacing the dosing tanks. It all depends on the type of septic system and the condition. Generally, installation takes five to seven days. It could take longer if you hit a snag like poor weather conditions.
A well-maintained septic tank could last 20 to 30 years before it needs a replacement—but rest assured, that day will come. If your septic system is failing, there are usually a few signs. You might need to replace your tank if:
You notice sewage backing up into toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
Your sinks, bathtubs, and showers drain very slowly.
You see standing water or notice damp spots around your septic tank.
You smell sewage around your septic tank.
The grass around your septic tank is noticeably darker or more vibrant than the rest of your lawn and feels spongy (sewage can actually act as fertilizer).
Proper septic tank maintenance is the best way to increase the life span of your system. Inspect your system every one to three years and pump your tank every three to five years. If you notice any issues, call a septic tank repair service near you and fix the problem sooner than later.
365 Kool arrived earlier than expected and priced me out fairly. The technician even notified me of other potential issues. This company truly cares!
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NY Galaxy General Contracting, Inc.My experience with this company did not start off 5 stars, but it certainly ended that way. Sam reached out to me and showed me that All Complete Construction does care about their customers. He listened to my complaints, understood my frustration, and went above and beyond to make it right....
All Complete Construction, LLCGreat service, great price, very knowledgeable.
Excellent sales staff and installer. Easy to work with. I appreciated that my current system was able to be activated and used.
Visually SoundDave, Carl & Brandon provided excellent startup service. We were quite concerned about this unit -- we had no idea how long it had been since it was last in service, and if it was working, let alone dangerous! First Dave came and inspected the outside. Then a few days later, Carl & Brandon...
They responded to our call the next day. Chris, came out determined the septic tank was okay; just needed to be pumped. Our drain field was the real problem and a mess. (probably from previous landscaping work done a while back) Chris took measurements, planned out direction of new drain...
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