An engineered septic system that has a pumping mechanism or pressure distribution feature is a good option if the soil or groundwater conditions where you’re at aren’t ideal. These complex systems don’t come cheap, though.
So, how much does an engineered septic system cost, exactly?
When evaluating the cost of an engineered septic system, there are quite a few factors to take into consideration. Generally speaking, however, engineered systems cost anywhere between $12,000 and $15,000 on average.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of engineered systems and provide a full pricing breakdown of each one, so stick around.
What Is the Price Range of an Engineered Septic System?
An engineered septic system can cost an average of $12,000 to $15,000. The pricing will vary depending on variables such as location, type, and tank size.
Other expenses such as permits and drain fields are additional factors to keep in mind as well.
The installation of engineered septic systems is different from conventional septic systems; quite challenging, in fact. As a result, you’ll almost certainly need to hire an expert.
Bear in mind labor costs account for nearly half of the overall cost, if not more.
The Different Types of Engineered Septic Systems
There are several types of engineered systems that you can pick from. Each type has a different price and serves a distinct purpose. Let’s take a look at each one.
1. Mound System
The mound system is the most widely used. It’s perfect for places with high groundwaters, low soil depths, and bedrock.
This system’s drain field is a raised pile of sand. The wastewater from the tank gets pushed to a pump chamber. Afterward, the pump chamber sends the water to the mound in doses.
The waste then flows into the channel, and there, it filters through the sand before scattering into the soil.
Mound systems might be a viable option for specific ground conditions. However, they can take up a lot of room and need maintenance regularly.
The cost of installing this system ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 on average, including labor, supplies, and pump tank costs.
2. Aerobic System
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) employ some of the same procedures as urban sewage plants. The air in the ATU speeds up the bacteria’s movement, enabling the waste to decompose more quickly.
Additional oxygen boosts the growth of organic bacteria in the mechanism, which, in turn, helps to further neutralize the nutrients in the wastewater.
Pretreatment and final treatment tanks might be required in this system to help destroy bacteria before it goes into the drain field.
The costs of the essential equipment and labor range from $10,000 to $20,000.
3. Recirculating Sand Filter System
Recirculating sand filter systems use sand for their process. They typically feature a huge PVC line or cement container filled with sand. You can build this type of system on top of or under the ground.
Sand filters are ideal for areas with high groundwaters. They’re also good for areas located near waterways. The filters provide a good amount of purification, making this system ideal for those regions.
The wastewater moves through the upper sand layer, where the unit filters and treats it. After that, the recycled water falls into a drain field.
This system costs $7,000 to $18,000. This is due to the pump tank, digging, installation process, and supplies costs.
Engineered Septic System Pricing Breakdown
The following is a detailed breakdown of the factors that influence the cost of engineered septic systems.
1. Permit
You need to verify that your engineered septic tank meets local and state standards. Therefore, you’ll need a permit, and to do so, you’ll need to conduct testing, such as a soil quality test.
You’ll be able to get your permit once you’ve passed the requirements. The permit fee varies depending on the city and state. However, the price ranges from $400 to $2,000 on average.
2. Septic Tank Size
The size of your septic tank is usually calculated based on the number of occupants in your home. In general, the bigger the system, the more expensive it is.
A septic system with a base level of a 750-gallon tank is ideal for a two-bedroom house. In many areas, however, a 1,000-gallon tank is the minimum amount permitted. The tanks cost around $1,500 to $3,000 on average.
A four-bedroom home, on the other hand, necessitates a bigger tank. The size of the tank should be at least 1,250 gallons. Such tanks usually range from $7,000 to $12,000.
3. Equipment
The installation of an engineered septic system will need a significant amount of labor as well as equipment and materials. A septic tank pump, for instance, costs an average of $295 and $610.
Note that for some systems, like mounds and sand filters, sand and gravel will be needed.
4. Drain Field
A drain field is an important part of your septic system. It’s a small, hidden hole in unsaturated soil through which the effluent will disperse into the ground.
A drain field might cost anywhere between $3,000 and $15,000.
5. Labor
Because the installation process is complex, you’ll need to employ a professional. Plumbers’ rates vary from professional to another, but you can expect to spend $45-$200 per hour.
While this may appear to be a large sum, it mainly covers site preparation, excavation, and a perc test.
You’ll also need the services of a civil engineer or a soil scientist to design the engineered septic system. For their services, you can expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $1,000.
How to Maintain an Engineered Septic System
A septic system’s longevity can range from 15 to 40 years. A variety of factors influence the septic tank’s average lifespan. These factors include the materials used and how the tank is maintained.
The average homeowner spends around $287 to $548 on maintenance. If the tank system is big, the price can reach $1,000 or more.
If you’d like to reduce the cost of repairs, you should take care of your septic tank system. To efficiently maintain your engineered septic tank, follow these guidelines:
- At least once a year, inspect your engineered system
- Maintain detailed maintenance records
- Every 3-5 years, have your septic tank pumped out
- Use a bacterium additive to get rid of unnatural materials in the tank
- To avoid clogs, install an effluent filter
Summary
Many factors influence the cost of engineered septic systems. The size and type of the system, along with the needed equipment, are some of the most notable factors.
Not to mention that you’ll need to employ a professional to install it. This system is too complex to install yourself, after all.
Once your system is up and running, make sure to keep it well-maintained so you won’t have to spend as much money on repairs.