A drip septic system, also known as a drip distribution system, is an alternative type of septic system that uses pipes with small holes to distribute effluent (wastewater) directly into the soil.

Unlike other systems, the drip distribution system doesn’t require a huge mound of soil because the drip pipes are placed over 6-12 inches of soil.

The use of drip technology means the flow of water is reduced and so a dose tank may be needed to hold the water as it waits to drip away.

Drip systems are more efficient in waste water treatment than conventional systems and are therefore ideal for sites that have limited space or those that have poor soil conditions.

A drip system is typically made of four components:

• A septic tank for pretreatment of effluent

• A dosing chamber for storing pretreated waste in readiness for release via the drip system

• A filter unit

• The soil where the water goes through the final treatment before reaching groundwater.

Drip Septic System Cost

A drip system is quite costly as it will set you back $6,000 – $14,000.

Depending on a couple of variables like location and soil condition, the price may go higher to up to $18,000.

However, it is still cheaper than other alternative systems like mound and sand filter systems which can go for as much as $20,000 or more.

The table below shows the lowest, highest and average drip system installation costs.

Lowest price	$6,000
Average price	$10,000
Highest price	$18,000

The cost of a drip septic system can vary depending on several factors.

These factors include the design of the system, labor costs, maintenance, permits, soil preparation, and components used in the system.

In general, drip septic systems can cost more than traditional drain fields due to the additional components and labor required to install them.

Drip Septic System Cost By Design

The design of the drip septic system can have a significant impact on the overall cost.

For example, a gravity-fed system, which uses gravity to distribute effluent, can be less expensive than a pump-fed system, which requires a pump to distribute the effluent.

On average, an efficient pump-fed system may cost you between $7,000 and $10,000.

The size of the system, as well as the number of pipes and distribution boxes required, can also affect the cost.

The bigger the drip septic system, the more the number of pipes, emitter lines, and other components, and the higher the installation cost that you are likely to incur.

A bigger system will also need a bigger pump, which will increase your overall costs further.

Another design factor that might impact your overall costs is the type of tubing you decide to use in your drip system.

There are two types of tubing you can opt for: pressure-compensating and non-pressure compensating.

The former is designed to maintain consistent flow of effluents regardless of the topography/elevation changes or pressure within your system.

Consequently, it is more expensive than its non-pressure-compensating option. But it can boost your system’s performance and lifespan.

Additional Drip Septic System Cost Considerations

There are a couple of variables that will ultimately impact the price of the drip septic system cost.

The first factor is the geographical location, which will impact the overall price in two main ways:

First, urban regions will attract more labor costs due to the higher hourly rates charged by contractors.

For instance, the drip septic system may cost $6000 in the Midwest but go for twice or thrice as much in other regions with higher labor costs.

Secondly, the location will determine the complexity of the system.

For instance, if the location is known to have poor soils, a more elaborate system will be required and addition filters may be needed.

In some cases, additional soil preparation or grading may be required to ensure proper function of the system and this will also make the process costlier.

The design of the drip system will also affect the cost. In general, drip septic systems require more labor than traditional drain fields due to the additional components and trenching required.

However, some drip systems may require more trenches and additional filters which translate to more labor and material costs.

Additionally, some jurisdictions will require you to have permits before embarking on the projects. These permits can cost anything from $100 – $1000.

Comparing the Cost of a Drip Septic System to Traditional Drain Fields

A drip septic system is an advanced system and like all other advanced systems, it costs more than the conventional system.

The use of a dosing tank and drip tubing to help in the timed release of effluent makes a drip system harder to design and install and thereby costlier.

However, drip systems are more efficient and that coupled with their longevity may make up for the cost difference between the two systems.

The table below gives a clearer comparison in price between the two systems.

	Drip	Conventional
Lowest cost	$8,000	$3,000
Average cost	$13,000	$9,000
Highest cost	$18,000	$15,000

How to Save On Drip Septic System Cost

Before you start working on your drip septic system project, there are a couple of things you can do to save some money. These include:

1. Using a Gravity System

The drip septic system typically uses an electric pump to pump water into the holding tank before it goes to the drain field.

You can avoid this additional cost by using a gravity-fed system.

Apart from saving money on the additional electric components, you will also save on energy costs over time.

2. Opt For Non-Pressure-Compensating Tubing

While pressure-compensating tubing can boost your system’s performance and lifespan, if you are looking to cut your installation costs, going for non-pressure-compensating tubing make more sense because it is more affordable than pressure-compensating tubing.

2. Regular Maintenance

Once the system has been installed, be sure to perform regular maintenance tasks like pumping the tank every 2-3 years, using biological additives, etc.

A well-maintained system is less likely to fail, which will ultimately save you money on unnecessary repairs.

3. Using High-Quality Components

When it comes to septic systems, cheap can be very expensive.

If your septic system fails, you may be slapped with exorbitant fines.

It is therefore not a good idea to sacrifice on quality of materials.

Even though you might think you are shaving a couple of bucks off the budget, it could come back to bite you in the future.

4. Ask For Financing

Some local governments issue low-cost loans for any septic system repairs and installations.

Depending on where you live, you might even get a zero interest loan for the project.

Consult with your local health department to see if there are any attractive financing options you can take advantage of.

You may want to check: How To Apply For Septic Tank Grant 

6. Ask Around

Do some research before settling on a contractor.

You want to go with a contractor that knows what they are doing and who can complete the project without any issues.

Also, be sure to compare quotes from a couple of reputable contractors/companies to ensure you are not being ripped off.

FAQs

1. Can a drip system be retrofitted to an existing septic tank, and if so, what is the cost?

Yes, a drip system can be retrofitted to an existing septic tank.

The cost of retrofitting will depend on the condition of the existing septic tank and the complexity of the installation.

In general, retrofitting a drip system to an existing septic tank can be less expensive than installing a new system, as the tank and some components may already be in place.

2. What is the lifespan of a drip system for a septic tank, and how does that impact the cost over time?

A well-installed and properly maintained drip system should last for at least 30 years, which is also the lifespan of conventional systems.

The longevity of septic systems is one of the reasons why it makes sense to spend a lot of money on the initial installation.

Also, you do not have to worry about using financing because you will have enough wiggle room to pay back the loan before the system needs replacement.

3. How does the cost of a drip system for a septic tank compare to other types of alternative septic systems?

Drip systems are some of the most expensive alternative systems.

The mound system is the only alternative system that may be costlier than the drip system.

Here is a table that compares the prices of the drip system with those of other alternative systems.

Alternative system	Average price
Mound	$15,000
Drip	$13,000
Evapotranspiration	$12,500
Sand filter	$12,500
Built wetland	$11,500
Chambered	$8,500

Drip septic systems can be a more efficient option for treating wastewater, but they can also be more expensive to install and maintain compared to traditional drain fields.

However, the extra cost of the drip system is fine if you consider the efficiency the system will give.

Besides, there are some sites where you cannot install a conventional drain field anyway.

For more information on septic system repair and maintenance costs, check out the following posts:  

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