Cost to Install a Septic System in Detroit [2025 Data]
Septic system installation costs between $4,140 and $10,066 in Detroit, Michigan, with an average of $6,875. Your septic pro will consider the system type, size, and location for a personalized quote.
Septic system installation in Detroit costs about 15% less than the national average, which gives you more flexibility when planning a budget.
The permitting process in Detroit requires a soil test and inspections, and total permit costs depend on the size of the septic system.
For your septic system to increase your home’s value in Detroit, keeping accurate maintenance records is key.
Detroit is in an urban area where most properties have access to the city’s sewage system. However, on the off chance that you can’t connect to the city’s sewer, you’ll need to put in a septic system. The cost to install a septic system in Detroit ranges from $4,140 to $10,066 and averages $6,875. Find out how much you can expect to pay based on your house size, septic type, and more.
Septic System Installation Cost Factors
These are the main septic system installation cost factors to consider in Detroit, Michigan, including tank size, material, and site prep.
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 $800 to $1,300 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.
| House Size (Bedrooms) | Tank Size (Gallons) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 500 | $425–$750 |
| 2 | 750 | $600–$1,025 |
| 3–4 | 1,000 | $775–$1,275 |
| 5–6 | 1,200 | $1,025–$1,350 |
| 6–7 | 1,500 | $1,275–$2,125 |
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.
| Material | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | $425–$1,700 | Corrosion-resistant | Not stable in areas with a high water table |
| Concrete | $600–$1,700 | Available in larger sizes compared to other materials | The freeze-thaw cycle can cause cracking unless it’s a high-quality precast tank |
| Fiberglas | $1,025–$1,700 | Durable and requires minimal maintenance | Costly and requires skilled installation |
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
The prep stage of your septic system project is essential. From figuring out property lines to testing the soil, the information you get will help with the design and system installation.
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
Keep the following labor and permit costs in mind when hiring a septic company near you.
Labor
Labor will run between 50% and 70% of your total project cost. The project can take six weeks to two months. Consider the time-intensive nature of the project combined with all the specialized knowledge and skills required to get it done, and you’ll see why labor costs make up a bulk of the total.
Permits
Permits are required for installing a septic system in Detroit. Most septic companies will handle the paperwork on your behalf. The first step is submitting an Application for Site Evaluation for Sewage Disposal System, which requires a drawing showing the location of the planned installation.
Wayne County will contact you or the septic company to set up an appointment for the site evaluation, for which you’ll need an excavating contractor. Depending on the septic tank size, the site evaluation costs $300 to $1,225, and an excavating contractor's hourly rate ranges between $120 and $150.
Once the site evaluation is complete and your property is approved for a septic system, you’ll need to submit the septic system permit application. This costs $375 to $1,125, and again, the cost varies with the size of the system.
Throughout the process, there are up to six required inspections, which are scheduled by the septic installer.
Does a Septic System Increase Home Value?
A well-maintained septic system can increase home value, but one in poor condition will have the opposite effect and potentially deter potential homebuyers. Michigan, unlike most states in the U.S., has yet to introduce a statewide inspection code for septic systems.
Wayne County only requires a septic inspection before a home sale if the property is outside of Detroit. This means that it’s up to you as a Detroit homeowner to provide maintenance records to show prospective buyers that you’ve been regularly maintaining your septic system.
Pumping your septic tank every three to five years is one of the most important septic maintenance tasks. When you combine that with flushing only approved items (toilet paper and waste) and avoiding driving over your drain field, you have a recipe for a long-lasting septic system.
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.
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