If you are thinking of decommissioning an old septic system, be prepared to spend anything from $2,500 – $6,000 to fill or remove it.
Even though this range will work for most people, there are some situations when you might get a much higher quote – even as high as $10,000 for the entire project.
Breakdown of Costs
The exact amount you spend on filling the old septic tank will vary depending on factors like the type of septic system you have, where the tank is located, and how big the tank is.
Here is a breakdown of some of the costs you can expect to incur:
| Item | Cost |
| Pumping | $300 – $1,000 |
| Excavation & Crashing | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Fill material | $200 – $ 1,000 |
| Labor | $ 500 – 2,000 |
1. Pumping
It is a good idea to pump your tank before decommissioning it.
In fact, it may be a legal requirement depending on your local laws.
Pumping the tank will cost anything from $200 -$1,000.
2. Excavation and crashing
Once you have pumped the tank, the next step is excavating the dirt to access the tank.
The excavation costs will vary depending on soil condition, depth of the tank, and size of the tank.
Whether you want to have the tank removed or crushed and buried will also be a price determinant.
The excavation and crashing costs will cost anything from $1,000 – $4000
3. Fill Material
Once the septic tank has been pumped out, you will need to fill it in with some type of material, such as soil, sand, or gravel.
The cost of this material can vary depending on your location and the type of material you choose.
Generally, you can expect to pay between $200 and $1,000 for fill material.
4. Labor
Labor costs can range from $500 to $1,500 or more, depending on the size of the tank and the amount of excavation required.
Also check: An Overview of the Best Way to Fill In an Old Septic Tank
The Type of Septic Tank and how it affects the Cost
The material used to construct your septic tank will also influence the cost of filling it. There are four main materials used for septic tanks – steel, fiberglass, plastic, and concrete.
Concrete tanks are the commonest, but they are also the most expensive to fill in, as they require more labor and material than other types of tanks.
Steel tanks are easier to crash and fill than remove, especially if they have deteriorated and started rusting.
Plastic and fiberglass tanks are the cheapest to fill.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Other factors that affect the cost of filling an old septic tank include:
- Size of the tank: Larger tanks are not only heavier but also more bulky which makes them harder to remove and fill. As such, they will cost more than smaller ones.
- Location and accessibility: Your location will also influence the cost. For instance, if you live in a busy urban center, contractors will typically charge more per hour than if you live in a smaller town. However, remote locations that are less accessible may also cost more as they will be harder for the machinery and contractors to access.
- Permits: Some local authorities will require you to apply for a permit before you decommission a septic tank. The charges of these permits vary so you will have to check with your local government to know the exact cost.
Related: Do You Need A Permit To Repair A Septic System?
- Environmental Factors: If there are environmental concerns associated with filling in the septic tank, such as the need to protect groundwater or soil, you may need to pay for additional precautions or special materials.
How to Save Money on the Cost of Filling an Old Septic Tank
As we have established, filling an old septic tank is anything but cheap.
However, there are a couple of things you can do to get the best bang for your buck.
For starters, do not settle on the first quote you get. As a rule of thumb, always ask for quotes from at least three contractors to ensure you have the best offer.
You can also bring the project cost down by doing some of the work. For instance, you can do the excavation around the tank if you are up to the task.
However, you should only attempt this if the tank walls had not been deteriorated as that may expose you to toxic fumes.
Another tip is to take advantage of any available grants or low-cost loans from the government.
Some jurisdictions offer such incentives to help residents build better septic systems so be sure to find out.
Related: How To Apply For Septic Tank Grant
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