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Cost to Install a Septic System in Phoenix [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,050 - $8,850
Septic system installation costs between $1,050 and $8,850 in Phoenix, Arizona, with an average of $4,950. Your septic pro will consider the system type, size, and location for a personalized quote.
How we get this data
Photo: Petegar / Getty Images
Photo: Petegar / Getty Images
Highlights
Permits for septic systems are handled by Maricopa County, and homeowners or septic tank pros can apply.
Maricopa County septic systems can be made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic.
In Phoenix, your septic tank pro must be licensed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, which will ensure a smooth installation process.
The cost to install a septic system in Phoenix, Arizona, ranges from $1,050 to $8,850, with an average of $4,950. Phoenix is an urban area where most homes are connected to a public sewer system, but over 600,000 homes in the state still have septic systems. Understanding the costs can help you budget if you’re planning a new septic system installation at your home.
Septic System Installation Cost Factors
The cost of your septic system will depend on the size of the tank and the material used. In Maricopa County, you can choose from concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. The cost will also depend on whether you choose an aerobic or anaerobic system and how much site prep is required.
Tank Size
The septic tank size you need will depend on the number of bedrooms your home has. For a three- or four-bedroom home, you’d need a 1,000-gallon septic tank, which costs $1,250 to $1,500 for the tank alone.
Larger houses have more sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and other wastewater sources that flow into the septic tank. As tank size increases, so do costs.
| Household Size (Bedrooms) | Tank Capacity (Gallons) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 500 | $500–$900 |
| 2 | 750 | $900–$1,200 |
| 3–4 | 1,000 | $1,250–$1,500 |
| 5–7 | 1,500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| 8–9 | 2,000 | $2,500–$3,450 |
Materials
Septic tanks are commonly made of plastic, concrete, or fiberglass, with fiberglass being the most expensive. Here’s how much a tank costs based on each material.
| Septic Tank Material | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | $2,200–$3,200 | Lightweight, easy to install, and less expensive than fiberglass | Less durable and more prone to cracking under the pressure of the soil |
| Concrete | $1,800–$2,400 | Highly durable and the most common type | Prone to cracking and labor will significantly increase the cost |
| Fiberglass | $3,200–$4,100 | Nonporous to protect against algae growth, lightweight, and easy to install | Can crack during installation and more expensive than other materials |
Type of Septic System
Each type of septic system comes with its own set of pros and cons. While anaerobic systems are relatively low-maintenance, they aren’t great for small properties. Similarly, anaerobic systems can do well in small spaces but require extra work.
| Anaerobic | Aerobic |
|---|---|
| Anaerobic bacteria break down waste | Aerobic bacteria break down waste |
| More affordable | More expensive |
| Uses fewer chemicals | More efficient |
| Needs a larger leach field | Good for smaller properties |
Anaerobic: Anaerobic systems are more common and cost $3,000–$8,000. They’re less costly than aerobic systems and don’t need extra power or chemicals, but they’re less efficient and require a larger leach field. A pipe runs from the house to the septic tank, where another pipe runs into the leach field. Anaerobic bacteria break down solid waste before the system distributes the wastewater into the soil.
Aerobic: Aerobic septic systems utilize oxygen pumped into the tank to activate bacteria that feed on the solid waste. They’re more expensive at $10,000–$20,000 but are more efficient and work well on smaller properties. They require additional power to run, so hook yours up to a power generator in case of a power outage. Otherwise, these systems can plug into your property’s main power source.
Site Prep
Site prep for a septic system in Phoenix will include a land survey and a percolation test. The area must also be prepared, and a leach field must be installed so the system can run correctly.
Land Survey: You’ll need to get a land survey before installing a septic system to ensure your plans fall within property lines. Expect to spend $330–$900 to hire a licensed land surveyor.
Percolation Test: Before the installation, you need a local perc test pro to perform a percolation test. The test measures water drainage in the soil, soil type, and the height of each sediment layer on your property to determine the best type of septic system for you. The cost to test your soil is $700–$2,000.
Leach Field Installation: Septic tank systems consist of a septic tank and a trench referred to as a leach field or drain field. This section of the system transports the wastewater back to the soil. Drain field installation costs $5,000–$12,000.
Septic System Installation Pro Costs
Hiring a pro to install your septic system adds labor costs, but they’ll use their expertise to make sure the system is installed correctly and that you’ve met all permitting requirements. A septic system installation pro must be licensed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
Labor
Labor costs to install a septic system in Phoenix range from $1,500 to $4,000. A local septic tank installer can handle design, permitting, and installation, plus maintenance after the system is installed.
Permits
Before installing a septic system for your home, you’ll have to submit a permit application to Maricopa County. Your septic system installer in Phoenix, Arizona, can help you choose a site that meets the guidelines and walk you through the permitting process. Permitting includes the following phases:
Site & Soil Evaluation
System Design
Planning and Development Plan Review
Does a Septic System Increase Home Value?
Whether you have an existing septic tank or are installing a new septic system in Phoenix, a well-maintained system can increase home value. Prospective buyers will likely want or need to have the septic system inspected, and a system that’s in good condition can make the property more appealing.
However, if your septic tank is in poor condition or needs repairs, it can decrease the home value and deter potential buyers. Septic tank repair costs range from $650 to $3,100, but investing in upkeep for your system could be worthwhile if you plan to put your home on the market.
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 survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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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