Cost of Septic System Installation | eHow

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Tom Raley

Tom Raley is a freelance writer living in central Arkansas. He has been writing for more than 20 years and his short stories and articles have appeared in more than 25 different publications including P.I. Magazine, Pulsar and Writer's Digest.

When calculating construction costs on a new home, you must consider the cost of your septic system. If there is no sewer system available in your area, you will need to install a septic system. These system, while simple in design, can be very costly to install.

The size of septic tank and the amount of field line your system will require will depend on two factors. The first of these is the percolation test. This test, performed by a licensed tester, will determine how quickly the soil on your property absorbs water. The second item is your estimated water usage. The estimated water usage for a home is calculated by the number of bedrooms in your home.

Your system will include a concrete septic tank plumbed to your home by 4" PVC pipe. The field lines are constructed of 4" perforated PVC pipe laid in a bed of gravel. Atop the bed of gravel is a geotextile material which will help prevent roots, dirt and other debris from filling the gravel or pipes. In some instances where the field lines cannot be located reasonably close to the septic tank, it will be necessary to pump the waste water from the tank into the lines. Other factors, such as unusual soil conditions or restricted space, can cause additional modifications to the system which can result in much higher costs.

The average home will require a 1,000 gallon septic tank and approximately 300' of field line. Prices for this system can vary widely depending on where you live and the current cost of materials. For a basic system you should expect to spend a minimum of $1,500 up to $4,000. In more expensive areas these costs can go up to $3,000 to $5,000. In the case of unusual conditions or access, the cost can go as high as $10,000 to $15,000. It is possible for these costs to go even higher, so be certain to get multiple bids when you are preparing to hire a contractor to perform this work.

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Cost of Septic System Installation | eHow