A septic tank lid replacement will set you back anything from $150 – $1300 depending on the material, amount of work needed, and the rate of the contractor.
Polythene and fiberglass lids are a bit pricey while concrete lids are cheaper.
However, cheap doesn’t always mean you will spend less on the installation.
For instance, even though it might cost less than $100 to buy a concrete lid, the process of removing the lid and replacing the mortar may be more laborious than installing a polyethylene or fiberglass lid which means it could end up costing more.
| Average septic tank lid installation costs | |
| Lowest cost | $150 |
| Average cost | $500 |
| Highest cost | $1300 |
Type of Septic Lids (And How They Affect the Cost)
Concrete septic lids are the most commonly used because they are very durable and can support more weight without cracking.
The downside is the fact that accessing the tank via a concrete lid is harder and replacing the lid is also more labor intensive. However, since the lid will last for years, it is worth the while.
Other materials like steel, polyethylene, and fiberglass are typically cheaper and easier to install than concrete.
However, they are also less durable and prone to other challenges. For instance, a steel cover may be prone to rust while polythene and fiberglass lids may not support a lot of weight and will therefore break easily.
The main determinant of the cost implications of the different types of lids is the labor cost.
Even though the different lid types vary in cost, the difference is not significant.
However, the amount of time spent on the installation is what makes the difference.
For instance, a polythene lid may only need a couple of minutes to replace while concrete tanks may need up to 2 hours (take a case of buried septic tanks, for instance) and may need more than one contractor.
| Type of septic tank lid | Purchase cost |
| Concrete | $20- $50 |
| Plastic | $30-$75 |
| Fiberglass | $38 -$100 |
Other Costs to Consider
Apart from the material used, there are other important factors to consider as they will also impact the price. These are:
Excavation
If the septic tank is buried, it will need to be excavated and that will come at an additional cost.
Septic tank lids are usually buried between 4 inches and 4 feet deep, so the amount of work needed will vary from site to site.
If your septic tank has a riser, you may save some money on excavation costs.
Also, septic lids on tanks that have risers may last longer than those that are buried.
Size
As you may imagine, the size of the septic tank lid will also determine the price.
For instance, a 25-inch concrete lid will cost approximately $40 whereas a 130-inch concrete lid will go for $500
Man-hours
The amount of work needed will also affect the price.
Depending on the soil conditions and how accessible the tank is, you may need more than one contractor and they may work for longer.
In such a scenario, you may spend as much as $1300.
DIY Vs Hiring a Professional
Replacing a septic tank lid is relatively easy – especially if your tank uses plastic, steel, or fiberglass lids.
The task may be even easier if you have a riser as it eliminates the need to excavate.
However, it is not recommended to open the septic tank because it typically has toxic fumes.
Septic tank contractors usually have the right gear and training so they can do it safely.
Furthermore, the law may require you to have some permits that may be hard to get without the help of a certified septic tank professional.
As such, it is better to hire a professional for the job.
How to Save Money on Septic Tank Lid Replacement Cost
Before you embark on the project, check with your local health department to see if there are any low-cost loans.
In some regions, you may qualify for a zero-interest loan for any septic tank repairs.
Additionally, you may want to ask for different quotes to compare before settling on one.
Finally, it might be a good idea to use durable material (e.g. concrete) to avoid having to replace the lid again in the near future.
Related: How To Apply For Septic Tank Grant
FAQs
1. How often should I have my septic tank lid inspected to ensure it’s in good condition?
The EPA recommends having your septic system inspected every 3 years to ensure the tank, lid, and other components are working properly.
Since you are also required to pump the tank every 2-5 years, you can schedule an inspection to coincide with the pumping to save time and money.
2. Does my homeowner’s insurance cover the cost of septic tank lid replacement?
If your homeowner’s insurance has dwelling coverage, then it is very likely that it will cover repairs on the septic system.
However, the policies differ from company to company and it is best to check with your insurer just to be sure.
In some cases, you may be asked to purchase an additional package to cover septic tank repairs.
3. Can I choose a different type of septic tank lid than the one that came with my system originally?
You can replace your septic tank lid with a different type from the one originally used.
However, you will have to ensure the lid is compatible with the septic tank design (e.g. size and shape).
For more information on septic system repair and maintenance costs, check out the following posts: