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How Much Does a Septic System Repair Cost?

What determines the cost of septic system repair and how can you hire the right person for the job? Get free no obligation repair quotes today.

How Much Does a Septic System Repair Cost?
Photo of Sarah Mitchell
Sarah MitchellPlumbing Editor · 4 min readSenior home improvement editor who has spent 15+ years helping homeowners plan smart, cost-effective renovations.

Septic systems are one of the most important yet neglected part of a drainage system. No one thinks of the tanks existence until the day it overflows or malfunctions in one way or another. Since faulty septic tanks are a health hazard, you will have to handle the septic system repair as fast as possible. Knowing the estimated cost to repair a septic system will help you gauge the contractors you contact better and faster. Here are the basic price ranges and factors to consider when hiring.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Septic System?

Your septic system repair bill will depend on the extent of the damage. Simple faults like clogs will cost you less while burst drainage pipes or a ruptured septic system will cost you more. Expect to spend as little as $300 on minor repairs and as much as $4,500 on major jobs. Generally, most homeowners will spend an average of $1,400 for mid-range septic system repair that doesn't involve replacing the whole septic system.

The overall cost will depend on the following factors:

  • The spare parts you have to buy for the repair
  • The complexity of the repair that depends on whether there will be excavations or not
  • Whether the septic system will need to be drained or not. If yes, you will have to pay for the exhauster
  • The local market forces that determine the contractor’s per hour billing
  • Local cleanup regulations and how much you have to pay to adhere to top health standards

Septic system repair is no simple DIY task, and should be left for the pros. Before you do business with anyone, however, we highly recommend you compare quotes from as many contractors as possible. Check references of your chosen contractor before any work starts so you can get the best value or your money.

Factors That Affect The Cost To Repair a Septic System

All septic system repairs belong to the professionals. This helps prevent contamination and subsequent infections. The per-hour rates will vary depending on your region and the repair complexity. Expect to spend anything between $35 and $150 per hour. Simple repairs could be over in days while major repairs could take a five-man crew a couple of days.

Accessibility, on the other hand, focuses on how easy it is to access and repair the damage. Most in-tank repairs go through the main lid. External repairs and replacements call for excavation. Manual excavation will offer cheaper per-hour rates but might take longer. An excavator will dig faster but you will have to pay a greater per-hour fee.

Keep Your Septic System Repair Bill Low

Using your septic tank correctly and servicing it regularly is the best way to keep your septic system repair bill in check. Ensure that only the right stuff goes into your drainage system. Inorganic material like paper and cloth will eventually damage your septic tank – if it doesn’t clog the drainage pipes.

Hiring a local septic system repair expert to inspect your tank at least once a year will help address small troubles before they can develop into catastrophes. Also, ensure that you drain your septic system every three or four years depending on your septic tank size and use rate.

You could also do initial ground work like some measuring and digging or identify your septic tanks design will give your septic system repair contractor less work to do, hence, speeding up the job. The more you can reduce the time the contractor spends on site the lower your bill.

Get Your Free Estimate

Because the above estimates are national averages and rates change according to state, it's best to get a localized estimate from professionals in your area. You can receive 100% FREE septic system repair quotes by simply entering your zip code in the space provided.

Let the professionals handle it. Remember there's no obligation to sign a contract, hire, or purchase.

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