Cost to Repair a Septic Tank Near You
The average and range of costs for septic tank repair vary widely nationwide, depending on the location. Average repair cost alone ranges from a low of $900 in Texas to a high of $6,300 in California.
| Location | Average Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Long Beach, California | $6,300 | $2,100 – $11,500 |
| Denver, Colorado | $1,600 | $800 – $3,000 |
| St. Louis, Missouri | $3,200 | $1,700 – $4,700 |
| Ann Arbor, Michigan | $1,000 | $600 – $1,500 |
| New York City, New York | $2,400 | $800 – $4,000 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $3,000 | $900 – $5,000 |
| Raleigh, North Carolina | $1,600 | $900 – $2,700 |
| Dallas, Texas | $800 | $400 – $1,300 |
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Septic Tank?
Your total cost for repairing your septic tank will also depend heavily on the kind of work your septic system needs to get it back into prime operating condition. For example, one of the least expensive projects—a septic tank inspection—will go a long way toward keeping your system working well and identifying a potential problem before it explodes into a crisis. HomeAdvisor reports that most common repair and replacement work for your septic tank can be performed for as little as $100 for an inspection or up to $15,000 for complex drainfield work.
Septic System Inspection
You can expect to pay as little as $100 to $200 to get an experienced septic pro to come out and thoroughly inspect every major element of your septic system. That includes the tank, the pipes leading to the tank, the pump and the drainfield. You might also find a local septic repair company that offers regular inspections as part of a contract for ongoing maintenance. Depending on the total cost for that annual contract, you might save some money and time with a regular service like this.
Regular Septic Tank Maintenance
In addition to regular inspections of your septic system, you can also help prevent more expensive repair work through regular maintenance. Scheduling regular septic system maintenance helps you spot initial indications of damage or future problems, thus preventing expensive repair work and lengthy household disruptions, all for an average cost of $300 to $500.
Installing New Septic Tank Filter
As part of your regular inspection and maintenance schedule, consider having your service pro install a high quality tank filter. At a cost of approximately $200 to $300, a new filter can help eliminate the risk of a backup or clog before it becomes a more serious issue and a pricier repair.
Repair of Septic Pump
Another relatively low-cost septic repair job is the septic pump, costing on average $250 to $400 for repair or $1,000 or more to replace. Common pump problems involve the electrical system that makes it run and its controls. It’s important to use a septic pro who has experience in repairing pumps in order to prevent damage to your septic system and property.
Repair of Septic Line
Your septic system’s pipes provide the crucial link between your home and the septic tank itself, and between the tank and the greenfield. The transport of your home’s waste to the tank and treated groundwater from the tank to the greenfield for proper processing is a key part of disposing of your wastewater and sewage. If some part of that septic line fails, leaks, or breaks, you can expect to pay $1,500 on average. For a new line, the price can range from $1,000 to $4,200, or approximately $50 to $250 per linear foot.
Replacement of Your Septic Tank
When the tank itself fails or reaches the end of its life, expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $9,500 to replace it. Approximately $600 to $4,000 is the average cost for the tank itself, with another $500 to $1,000 covering the materials (topsoil, fill, gravel and stone) needed to fix the tank firmly in the ground and keep it stable.
DIY Cost to Repair a Septic Tank
Many, if not most, septic repair companies charge inclusive fees—that is, there’s no differentiation between labor and materials in those base prices. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll save the difference between those base prices and whatever materials you’ll need to repair your septic system, should you choose to DIY. Septic repair pros may well have access to discounted materials that the average homeowner won’t be able to buy.
However, a bigger consideration in the decision to DIY your septic system repair is the inherent danger involved for homeowners. When improperly installed or repaired, septic system components can result in polluted water, property damage, the need for expensive repair work, and even risk to the health of humans and animals in your home. For these reasons, it’s preferable to hire a septic tank repair pro to work on your septic system.
5 Ways You Can Save Money on a Septic Tank Repair
Larger septic tank repair jobs can put a dent in your home maintenance budget. To reduce your costs over time, consider the following strategies:
Clean it: Retain the annual services of a local septic tank cleaning company. Regular cleaning gives your septic pro access to spot potential issues before they develop into big problems, while also eliminating one major cause of septic system failure—the buildup of sewage and scum that overwhelms your system.
Use treatment products: Ask your septic pro about products designed to help the bacteria in your system break down solid waste to stop clogs from occurring. Products such as Rid-X or Green Gobbler can give those bacteria an extra boost so your system operates more efficiently.
Pump it regularly: According to the EPA, you should have your septic tank pumped every three to five years.
Minimize water use: On average, a single-family home uses approximately 70 gallons per person per day. Leaks and inefficient appliances, such as leaky toilets, can waste hundreds of gallons of water. The more wastewater your septic system must process, the more frequently it’ll need inspection, servicing, and repair. Consider installing newer versions of heavy-use appliances, such as high-efficiency toilets and showerheads.
Point Drains Away: Keep your home’s drainage components (roof drains, gutters, etc.) flowing away from the drainfield so it doesn’t flood and slow down the treatment process or cause backups in your home’s plumbing fixtures.
