Summary: How much does a septic tank cost, average septic tank installation costs and average price of a septic tank.
In some locations, particularly rural areas, installing a septic tank is necessary because there is no access to mains sewage.
Septic tanks work by providing a very limited form of biological treatment for sewage and also act as a means of storing sewage waste.
For many people, the primary concern will be how much a septic tank costs to install, followed by issues about maintenance and emptying the septic tank. They need emptying at least once a year and this is one of the factors to think about when considering how much a septic tank costs.
When it comes to buying a septic tank, you have two main choices – above-ground and below-ground systems.
Your decision in this respect could affect how much a septic tank costs, while you may be restricted to one option due to the area in which you want to install your septic tank.
Average Cost
| Job | Average Cost | Updated | Quote |
| Medium/large septic tank | £650 – £1200 | 2019 | n/a |
| Labour (Installation) | £1200 – £1800 | 2019 | n/a |
Costs to consider
The cost of installing a septic tank will depend on a wide range of factors, from size and location to the type of septic tank you opt for.
When you are working out how much a septic tank will cost, you need to consider how large the tank needs to be. Bear in mind that the septic tank will receive all wastewater from your home, with everything from toilets and showers to washing machines and dishwashers draining into it.
Therefore, the number of people living in the property is likely to affect the size of the septic tank required and as a result, could have an impact on how much a septic tank costs.
Whether you choose an above-ground septic tank or a below-ground septic tank will also have an impact on the cost.
Although above-ground systems are generally easier and cheaper to install, they have a number of drawbacks, such as needing to be emptied more regularly than those underground. This should be taken into account when you calculate how much a septic tank will cost.
Above-ground septic tanks also tend to be smaller than their counterparts which are buried, which could mean that they are not suitable for certain premises.
If you choose a below-ground septic tank, you should remember that the installation cost of a septic tank like this will be higher because a pit will need to be dug and a drainage system will have to be put in place.
Before installing below-ground septic tanks, a test will be required to ensure that the ground can absorb liquid efficiently. This is because this kind of tank will be fitted with a soakaway system of land drains to discharge some of the wastewater.
Factors to consider
Other factors to consider when working out how much a septic tank costs are the material that the tank is made of.
A concrete septic tank may be cheaper to install than a high-density polyethylene septic tank but as it will not last as long, it could prove to be a false economy.
If you are installing a new septic tank to replace an old one, then you will also need to find out the cost of septic tank removal. This can have a significant impact on how much a septic tank costs.
It is important to compare costs from a number of companies to make sure that you do not pay too much for your septic tank.
Some firms offer free installation of septic tanks, which could help reduce how much it costs to get a septic tank.
Make sure you compare the service as well as the cost from different companies before deciding how much a septic tank will cost you.