How Much Does an Aerobic Septic System Cost?

Not all households are connected to a main sewer system that handles and treats all their wastewater. In the absence of that convenient service, households turn to using their own septic systems instead. Aerobic septic systems are among the options available and they cover the needs of numerous homeowners.

Depending on where you live and the characteristics of your property, installing an aerobic septic system may be your only option. The plants you have in your backyard may also benefit from the presence of the aerobic septic system. So, how much will getting your own aerobic septic system installed at home cost?

Homeowners should expect to pay $15,000 if they want a new aerobic septic system for their property. Aerobic septic systems are among the most expensive treatment options you can install. They are rivaled in cost only by the mound septic systems. You’re also looking at paying an additional cost of $200 per year since the septic system needs regular pumping.

Is an aerobic septic system the right fit for your home? You will have to consider several factors – with cost among them – to find your answer to that important question. The details included in this article will also be able to help you come up with your answer.

If you don’t have the option of disposing of wastewater via a sewage system, your best bet is to go with a septic system. Among the septic systems you can choose is an aerobic septic system.

Aerobic septic systems differentiate themselves from the other available options by utilizing oxygen and bacteria. The inclusion of oxygen is important because it contributes to the more effective treatment of wastewater.

Once treated with oxygen and sterilized, the wastewater can take on a new role in your backyard ecosystem. It can work as additional irrigation for the plants you have living above the septic system.

Also, note that using an aerobic septic system may be your only option depending on your area. An aerobic septic system may be the only option suitable for your property if it has a high water table.

We now have a better idea of what an aerobic septic system is and why homeowners may choose it. You may have even discovered that the aerobic septic system makes sense for your property as well. Still, you cannot be certain that an aerobic system is right for your home until you check its price tag. Upon doing so, you may be a bit surprised by what you see.

Adding a new aerobic septic system to your property will cost $15,000. That is about as expensive as all home septic systems get. The only other septic system options that reach that price point are the mound systems.

To put that number into better context, consider how expensive your alternatives are. The anaerobic septic systems that rely on bacteria that aren’t dependent on oxygen are significantly cheaper. You can get them for $3,000.

Homeowners can also opt to purchase a gravity-based septic system if they want something more affordable. That kind of septic system is also priced at $2,250.

The price gap between aerobic septic systems and the alternatives is enormous. It would be understandable if you’re hesitant to make the investment. Even so, you can argue that an aerobic septic system is worth that kind of money.

The cost of the aerobic septic system is not all you have to worry about. You also have to consider the labor cost that comes with that kind of major project.

Getting the new aerobic septic system professionally installed will cost you $2,000. That’s assuming the septic system you’re installing is one suited for an average-sized home. Labor costs make up the bulk of expenses for more affordable alternative septic systems. That’s not the case with an aerobic septic system.

Maintenance is another cost consideration when choosing a septic system for your home. Knowing about potential maintenance expenses ahead of installation is crucial. After all, you don’t want to install anything you’ll have trouble maintaining.

When coming up with the maintenance expenses for your aerobic septic system, you first have to consider pumping costs. Pumping the tank included in your septic system will cost $200.

Now, the key thing to note here is the frequency of the pumping. If your septic system has to treat a lot of wastewater, yearly pumping will be necessary. However, you can also take measures to limit the amount of debris and wastewater that goes into the septic system. By doing so, you can make the pumping only necessary every two or even three years.

You should also prepare for additional maintenance in the form of replacing parts. The timer and motor components of the septic system are especially vulnerable to wear and tear.

Getting a new timer for your aerobic septic system will cost $100. Meanwhile, the replacement motor is going to cost $550.

The professionals you hire can inspect your tank whenever you call them over to perform maintenance. Take that opportunity to ask them if the timer and/or motor need to be replaced.

Converting your conventional septic system into an aerobic system makes sense if you want improved wastewater treatment. Aerobic systems are generally regarded as better treatment centers compared to their conventional counterparts.

Furthermore, the chances of contaminating bodies of water nearby are reduced if you have an aerobic system. Upgrading is worth it for that reason alone.

Turning your conventional septic system into an aerobic system will cost $7,500. Beyond that, you will also have to carve out additional space because a second tank will be needed.

Related Questions

What Size Aerobic Septic System Do I Need?

When choosing a size for your aerobic septic system, you should first check the ordinances in your area. There may be a rule which states that your septic system cannot be smaller than 1,000 gallons. You have to abide by that rule.A 1000-gallon tank also works for two to three-bedroom homes. For a two-bedroom home, a 750-gallon tank may suffice. Homes with four bedrooms should look to use 1,250-gallon tanks.

What Causes Alarms on Aerobic Septic Systems to Go Off?

The alarm on your aerobic system going off means one of two things. First, it could mean that the water level inside the tank is too high. The alarm may also be triggered if there’s something wrong with your system’s aeration device.

What Size Breaker Is Needed for an Aerobic Septic System?

You will probably need a 20-amp breaker for your aerobic septic system. Make sure a professional electrician installs that breaker so it doesn’t present any issues.