For many people, wastewater and sewage are not something one actively thinks about. Other than to pay the bill for use of the local public sewer system, there is barely any thought given to what happens to the water once it leaves the sink, tub, or toilet.
However, there is another side of things. For many homes, septic tanks are necessary because there is not access to a public sewer system. This is true of many residential and vacation homes in rural areas, and it applies to about a third of American homes. It is something that has to be factored in when constructing a new home in regions where there is not a public sewer system option. A recurring theme is that the cost needs to be factored in.
How much a septic tank costs can vary quite a bit by region. The size of the system needed also is a significant factor in determining the cost. There are certain guidelines that one can look to in order to get a general feel for the situation. Generally, one gauges need based on the number of bedrooms that a home has. For instance, a three-bedroom home would be expected to need a 1,000 gallon tank. For a system of that size, one could expect to pay approximately $8,000 to $15,000. A less modestly-sized house with five bedrooms would likely necessitate a 1,500-gallon tank, and a system that size would be expected to come with a price tag of around $15,000 to $25,000.
Of course, the cost of the tank and its installation is but one part of the overall picture. There are other costs as well that need to be factored in. Permits, soil tests, and excavation equipment to prepare the site are all part of the process of getting a septic tank in place.
Getting The Job Done Right
How do you get a handle on what the costs will be? One of the best ways is to turn to a local septic installation expert. He or she will know what is necessary for the particular municipality and will have a better idea of how much things cost in that particular region.
There is also a cost of time associated with installation as well. Plan on the process taking three to five days. The ideal time to add this vital feature to your property is after the house is built but prior to the concrete and cement driveway or landscaping features having been added.
Maintenance Of Concrete Septic Tanks
When it comes to septic tanks, there is still another thing to keep in mind. They are not a one-and-done sort of item. Instead, they are something that has an ongoing need for maintenance. If they are not pumped out every few years, the consequences can be rather unpleasant. This means a scenario involving human sludge backing up into the yard.
In order to maintain health, sanity, and a non-sludge filled yard, it is important to have the septic tank pumped once every one to three years. This carries with it a price tag of about $300-400. Given the alternative, it is a fairly small price to pay.
It is possible, too, that it won’t be necessary to have the tank pumped quite that often. This can be achieved through a variety of measures. Each carries with it a price tag of its own, but it can mean extending the time between needed maintenance. Items such as low-flow toilets can be helpful in achieving this.
Of course, there are also free measures that can be taken as well. These include not using more water than is necessary. This can be achieved in little ways such as not letting the water run while brushing one’s teeth.