Cost to Install a Septic System in Philadelphia [2025 Data]
Septic system installation costs between $9,492 and $22,502 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with an average of $15,635. Your septic pro will consider the system type, size, and location for a personalized quote.
Septic system costs are impacted by size, materials, and permitting requirements from the local health department.
Installers need a contractor’s license before they can perform this work
Costlier aerobic systems may better suit smaller properties found inside Philadelphia.
Most septic systems in Pennsylvania require a minimum 900-gallon tank.
If yours needs a replacement, the cost to install a septic system in Philadelphia is $15,635 on average, with most homeowners spending between $9,492 and $22,502. Septic systems are a relatively rare occurrence in Philadelphia, since most major cities use a public sewer system. Nonetheless, some historic homes or those in rural areas surrounding Philadelphia utilize septic tanks. A septic pro can help you analyze the cost factors before jumping into an upgrade.
Septic System Installation Cost Factors
Septic system installation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs slightly more than the national average. Part of this has to do with the cost of labor, as Philadelphia is a higher cost-of-living city. Local septic tank installation requirements dictate tank size, system design, and installation processes. Here are some cost factors and how they break down.
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 $1,200 to $2,500 for the tank alone. Pennsylvania requires tanks to have a minimum capacity of 900 gallons, even if you have a smaller home.
As a rule, smaller septic systems cost less than larger septic systems. Larger houses have more sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and other wastewater sources that flow into the septic tank, so they will need a larger unit.
| Tank Size (Gallons) | Number of Bedrooms | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 3–4 | $1,200–$2,500 |
| 1,250 | 5–6 | $2,300–$3,800 |
| 1,500 | 6–7 | $2,800–$4,100 |
| 2,000 | 7+ | $4,500–$6,000 |
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 (Tank Only) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | $700–$5,000 | Highly durable, longest lifespan | Prone to cracks during the freeze-thaw cycle |
| Plastic | $1,000–$3,200 | Easy to install, budget-friendly | Least durable |
| Fiberglass | $1,500–$6,000 | Easy to install, resists cracking and algae | Most expensive |
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
Philadelphia has moderately well-draining soil, making septic system installation easier—but the prep work before the installation can be long and drawn out due to regulations and permitting required by the city. Here are some of the site preparation costs:
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 $1,000–$2,500.
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. It could cost more if you need an alternative system, like a mound septic system, because you live in an area closer to a river with a high water table.
Septic System Installation Pro Costs
Septic system installation isn’t recommended as a DIY project. There are several regulations and environmental concerns. You’ll need to hire a qualified septic tank pro in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to perform this job. Here’s how the labor-related costs break down.
Labor
Labor accounts for 50% to 70% of the total cost of septic tank installation. Pennsylvania doesn’t have a specific state license for septic system installers, but there are varying local regulations. In the city of Philadelphia, your local septic tank installer will need to have a general contractor’s license and meet insurance requirements. In the surrounding area, especially as you cross into New Jersey, regulations may differ.
Permits
You’ll need a permit from the Department of Health before you can install a septic system. This costs about $500 in the city of Philadelphia, but if you’re in the surrounding suburbs, it could cost as much as $2,000. The greater Philadelphia area encompasses suburbs in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and you will be subject to state law.
Does a Septic System Increase Home Value?
About 25% of homes in Pennsylvania use septic systems, but the vast majority of homes in Philadelphia are connected to the public sewer system (whether it’s a combination sewer that transports wastewater and storm water or a wastewater-only system). If you own the odd property with a septic system, it won’t impact your home value as long as it’s well-maintained.
An aging septic system or a system with drainage issues can negatively impact the value of your home. For this reason, it’s a good idea to budget for the cost of septic system repairs (if they’re necessary) before you 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.
