If your house is far from a city sewer system, a 1,000-gallon concrete septic tank is the best choice. It handles sewage disposal safely and efficiently. The cost of this type of installation generally depends on your location and any necessary arrangements.
Installing a 1,000-gallon concrete septic tank will cost between $800 and $2,000. However, costs can rise above many thousands, as the average full installation of a standard system for a three-bedroom home is around $6,100. The costs may rise even higher for larger systems serving big homes, especially if concrete or fibreglass is used.
Septic Tank Installation Cost
Cost Category |
Amount |
| National Average Cost | $6,100 |
| Average Cost Range | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| Low-End Cost | $3,000 |
| High-End Cost | $22,500 |
Do septic tank costs differ by aerobic vs. anaerobic?
According to its designers, anaerobic septic systems constitute the oldest and least expensive alternative for actual installation, followed by aerobic systems. They have a simpler installation design but do not function very well. Aerobic systems have a much higher cost (greater than twice) but furnish superior performance in wastewater treatment.
Type of Septic Tank |
Average Cost |
| Anaerobic | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Aerobic | $10,000-$20,000 |
Anaerobic Septic System
The cheapest anaerobic septic systems cost around $3,000-$8,000 to install. They use bacteria that do not need oxygen to digest waste. Waste is sent to the tank for solids separation, after which it is primarily treated in a drain field.
Aerobic Septic System
More expensive aerobic septic systems cost $10,000-$20,000. These systems use bacteria requiring oxygen to digest wastes; these treatment organisms work better than their anaerobic counterparts. It would require a smaller drain field and provide cleaner treated water that can be safely released into the soil.
New Septic System Cost by Type
There are many septic systems, each with benefits, disadvantages, and costs. The cost of septic systems can vary by lot size, type of soil, size of the house, weather in an area, and so on. The average costs mentioned below are for a 1,000-gallon tank for three or four-bedroom houses and do not include installation costs.
| Type | Cost (Materials Only) |
| Gravity | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Conventional | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Anaerobic | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Chamber | $3,500 – $10,000 |
| Drip Distribution | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Pressure Distribution | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Recirculating Sand Filter | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Constructed Wetland | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Community | $9,200 – $15,700 |
| Evapotranspiration | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Mound | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Aerobic | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Septic Tank Cost by Capacity
Septic tanks come in different dimensions and cost between $720 and $10,000. The capacity of the tank depends on the size of your residence and the amount of water consumed. The number of bathrooms and the house’s size determine the septic tank needed to preserve environmental health.
| Capacity | Cost (Materials Only) |
| 750 Gallons | $720 – $1,200 |
| 1,000 Gallons | $800 – $2,000 |
| 1,200 Gallons | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| 1,500 Gallons | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| 2,000 Gallons | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| 2,500 Gallons | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| 5,000 Gallons | $5,000 – $10,000 |
750-Gallon Septic Tank
Smaller houses with few occupants require septic tanks that hold 750 gallons of liquid. Depending on the selected material type, such tanks can cost between $720 and $1,200. This tank type is suitable for homes with one or two bathrooms because its price point matches their wastewater treatment needs.
1,000-Gallon Septic Tank
A typical 1,000-gallon septic tank installation costs between $800 and $2,000. A 750-gallon tank serves homes with three or four bedrooms and between two and three bathrooms. Most 1,000-gallon tanks use plastic or precast concrete for above-ground and below-ground systems.
1,200-Gallon Septic Tank
Septic tanks requiring 1,200 gallons of capacity generally cost between $1,200 and $2,000. They will be positioned underground for the installation of a new drain field. These systems fit houses with four to five bedrooms and multiple bathrooms in three- to four-bathroom increments.
1,500-Gallon Septic Tank
The price range for a new 1,500-gallon septic tank is between $1,300 and $2,500. Larger residences with 3,000 sq. ft. and up and five to seven bedrooms require this type of system, which can handle four to six bathrooms. Large septic tanks are mostly made from fibreglass or concrete.
2,000-Gallon Septic Tank
A 2,000-gallon septic tank costs between $2,500 and $4,000 and accommodates small residential buildings with a maximum resident count of 14. Underground, long-lasting precast concrete tanks combine drainage fields to create their installation setup.
2,500-Gallon Septic Tank
Installing a septic tank with a storage capacity of 2,500 gallons ranges between $3,000 and $4,500. Due to its size, this tank requires substantial labour, and building owners often use it in small apartment complexes. The two primary tank materials are precast concrete and plastic.
5,000-Gallon Septic Tank
A 5,000-gallon septic tank is commonly used for apartment buildings or community tanks. Although such large tanks are not widely used in residential homes, they can be a boon for large properties or farms where considerable water needs to be stored separately for potable and non-potable uses. The market price ranges from $5,000 to $10,000.
Septic Tank Cost by Material
Septic tanks are made of various materials, each offering specific advantages. Some materials are better suited for certain soil types, climates, or uses. While they all perform the same function, they vary in price. The prices below are for a 1,000-gallon tank that commonly services a standard three-bedroom home. However, the condition of each tank varies due to the type of building it has served.
Concrete Septic Tank: A 1,000-gallon concrete tank costs $800 to $1,000. Concrete tanks are durable and can last for over 20 years. They are heavy, and installation requires a lot of equipment. The price varies with the construction type (precast vs. rebar-reinforced).
Plastic Septic Tank: Plastic tanks cost between $830 and $1,400. Because they are lighter than concrete, they can be installed more easily. Installation costs are low but can also be compromised if the soil shifts.
Fiberglass Septic Tank: Fiberglass tanks cost between $1,600 and $2,000. Their smooth surface design helps inhibit algae and cannot corrode in the ground. They are lightweight, inexpensive to install, and resistant to cracking.
What Are the Benefits of Septic Tank Installation?
- Minimal Maintenance: Septic tanks are low-maintenance systems that must be pumped every three to five years. However, annual system maintenance is highly recommended to ensure proper functioning.
- Onsite Water Treatment: A septic system performs its water treatment, introducing clean water safely into the groundwater under the drain field while preventing pollution.
- Being Environmentally Friendly: Septic systems are less likely to pollute groundwater than sewer lines. Less stress on the system also translates into more excellent durability and longevity.
Professional vs. DIY Septic Tank Installation
It is not recommended that you install a septic tank yourself. It requires specialised permits, heavy-duty equipment, and expert knowledge of system design. Mistakes during installation can lead to serious issues, such as sewer backups, groundwater contamination, and costly repairs.
Hiring a Professional for Septic Tank Installation
A septic system installation is highly technical and should be done by a professional. Local contractors or plumbers can assist you in choosing the best system for your home, ensure that all components are fitted, and offer maintenance afterwards.
First Steps Toward Getting a Septic Tank Installed
- Find Local Experts: Give your information to a professional septic tank installer for direct contact.
- Get More Than One Quote: Get at least two quotes or more to compare costs and select the best.
- Ask the Experts: Ask what they would recommend concerning the type and size of septic system for your house.
- Select Best Quote: Choose whichever quote meets your needs and budget.
Additional Septic Tank and System Costs
The various components installed or replaced with septic systems add to the base cost:
- Sewer Line. The pipe that carries wastewater from your house to the septic tank adds extra cost depending on its distance and type of material needed.
- Distribution Box. This box is for distributing wastewater evenly from septic tanks to drain-saturated areas and usually costs between $200 and $1,000.
- Field Lines. These pipes carry the wastewater from the distribution box into the drain field. From $2,000 to $4,000 may cover field line costs depending on orientation.
- Drain Field or Leach Field. The location where the wastewater passes through the soil for treatment. Usually, this is the most expensive part of the system, quoted on costs ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
- Baffle. This is installed to help separate solids from liquids in the septic tank. An average cost of a baffle replacement or installation is between $100 and $500.
- Tank Pump. A pump is used if the liquid waste needs to be moved; a rough estimate for the price can vary from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the requirements of the system.
- Tank Lid. The lid for the septic tank is an entryway for maintenance and inspection, costing from $50 to $300.
- Risers. Risers bring the tank lid to the level of the ground for easier pumping access. They usually run from $300 to $1,000.
- Tank Tee. This helps with separating solids from liquids inside the tank. The cost of replacing a tank tee can run from $100 to $500.
Conclusion
The cost of a 1,000-gallon concrete septic tank installation usually ranges from $1,800 to $5,000, encompassing tank costs, labor, and permits where applicable. Conditions of soil and location could affect every specific job’s overall cost.
Most concrete tanks are economical, but their installation needs heavy machinery and skilled expertise. So getting several quotes would be essential for cost comparison. If properly maintained, a septic system well-installed could serve for many years.
FAQs
Q1. What is the cost of a 1000-gallon concrete septic tank?
The average cost of a 1,000-gallon concrete septic tank is between $800 and $1,250. This will depend on quality, location, and whether it is precast or reinforced with rebar.
Q2. How often do you need to replace a concrete septic tank?
A concrete septic tank with good maintenance can endure up to 20 to 30 years. In fact, the years rely on the soil conditions, usage, and how it is maintained. Pumping and inspection ensure a longer life for the tank.
Q3. How often do you need to pump a 1000-gallon septic tank?
A 1,000-gallon septic tank should be pumped after 3 to 5 years. The more people in the house, the more water is consumed, and high amounts of solids result in pumping it more often.
Q4. How much does a concrete septic tank cover cost?
Based on size and design, a concrete septic tank cover ranges between $50 and $300. The cover is important so people can access the tank to inspect and pump it.
Q5. Are concrete septic tanks more expensive?
Concrete septic tanks are actually less expensive than their fiberglass or plastic counterparts. However, their weight makes installation much more laborious, and installation costs could quickly accumulate.
