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mySeptic Tank Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of installing a septic tank is around £1,200.
- The job will take approximately 2 to 7 days to complete.
- A complete pricing breakdown including different septic tank prices, including what you need to consider before installation.
- How long septic tank installation and replacement takes, and what other jobs you might consider getting done at the same time.
- How to find and hire septic tank installers near you.
Looking for septic tank installation costs?
On average, you can expect to pay around £1,200 to have a septic tank installed at your property.
Septic tanks are underground wastewater treatment systems. They're most often found in rural areas without mains sewer connections.
Already know what you're looking for and just want a quote from a septic tank installer?
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£1,200
Table of Contents
How Much Is a Septic Tank?
How much does a tank cost?
The average supply cost for installing a medium septic tank would typically cost around £800, whereas a large tank could cost anywhere up to £1,200.
A septic tank installer will usually charge anywhere between £150 and £250 per day for installing your septic tank.
Installing a septic tank is popular in rural areas as often they don't have a mains sewage where water waste can go. Not only are septic tanks extremely useful for people in rural areas, but by installing a septic tank it will remove "grey water" from your sink, shower, dishwasher etc.
You will need to make sure you get planning permission as well as building regulations approval for installing your septic tank. You should apply for this and make sure you have approval before getting quotes from professionals for the job.
I have just had my septic tank emptied 3 weeks ago, but it's now full again and the small manhole below is full as well. Now it's starting to leak into the garden. Why is my septic tank leaking?
"Sounds as if you've got a blockage and/or the system is overwhelmed. Maybe best to get the drains jetted/rodded out."
Septic Tank Prices
You should hire a professional septic tank installer to fit your septic tank, as they will do the job efficiently without making mistakes. It's recommended to compare a few quotes so you make sure you get the best price for installing a septic tank.
Here are the prices you can expect for septic tank installation:
| Job Description | Duration | Material Cost | Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installing a small septic tank | 2 - 4 days | £800 | £150 - £250 per day |
| Installing a medium septic tank | 3 - 5 days | £1,000 | £150 - £250 per day |
| Installing a large septic tank | 5 - 7 days | £1,200 | £150 - £250 per day |
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Septic Tank Installation Labour Costs
Septic tank specialists will charge £150 to £250 per day. The septic tank installation process can take anywhere from 2 to 7 days depending on weather conditions, the condition of your soil, and any other extenuating factors, so you should budget a contingency in case of these events.
What steps can a person safely take to maintain a septic tank?
"Clean and schedule a survey depending on age and previous maintenance done to the tank to assess its condition.
The laws changed in 2020 regarding where your tank is allowed to discharge from, so you need to make sure that your tank meets the new requirements or it could cause an issue down the line when it comes to selling your property."
The laws changed in 2020 regarding where your tank is allowed to discharge from, so you need to make sure that your tank meets the new requirements or it could cause an issue down the line when it comes to selling your property."
Additional Septic Tank Installation Costs
Installing your septic tank can just be one part of a larger renovation job at your property. While you're having work done on-site, it can be a good idea to get a few other projects done at the same time to optimise costs.
Here's what you can consider:
Drainage Costs
In order to comply with septic tank regulations, you'll need a soakaway or drainage field to discharge into. The cost of installing a soakaway is around £750, and depending on the litre capacity of the soakaway, your prices can rise in excess of £1,100.
Septic Tank Maintenance Costs
Once your septic tank is fitted and up and running, you'll need to factor in some ongoing maintenance costs. Emptying your septic tank costs around £200, but can be higher or lower depending on your tank's capacity.
You'll typically need to empty your septic tank once every 12 months, so it's important you factor this extra cost into your yearly maintenance budget.
Landscaping Costs
You may want to spruce up your garden while having your septic tank installed, and while excavation will already be happening, it's a great time to get some jobs done.
Garden design costs £1,950 on average, with costs of around £30 to £150 per m². This can be a great way to upgrade your outdoor space and get some expert insights into what will work best in your location.
Once you've got your garden design in place, you'll want to get the work done. Garden renovation project costs vary widely depending on the scope of your design, but you're generally looking at around £20 per m² for new turf in supply costs, and £14 per m² in labour fees.
Things to Consider When Installing a Septic Tank
You will first need to consider what size septic tank you need. It will obviously be a cheaper cost if you install a smaller tank, but you need to keep in mind that you will have to empty out the tank more often if you choose a small tank over a larger one.
You will have to factor in not only the cost of the septic tank, which will vary depending on the size you choose, but you will have to factor in any work you’ll have to pay for to fit the tank. The labourer will need to dig underground if your septic tank is going underground. You will also need a drainage system if the septic tank is to be installed below ground.
If you’re looking for a cheap price for installing a septic tank, you should consider having your septic tank fitted above ground instead of below ground as there are much fewer labour costs as they won’t need to carry out excavation for the tank.
It should be noted that septic tanks will have to be emptied at least once a year, so if you install a septic tank that is too small, you will have to factor in the effort it will take to empty the septic tank more often. It could be worth paying a bit more for a large septic tank to avoid having to frequently empty your septic tank.
You should also consider that any septic tank that has been installed since 2015 will need to have planning permission and building regulations approval.
You will also have to factor in the cost of the labourer’s daily rate for installing a septic tank. A septic tank specialist will usually charge between £150 and £250 per day to install your septic tank.
What Are The Signs of Septic Tank Failure?
Unfortunately, septic tanks can fail from time to time. Here's what to look out for:
- Bad odours coming from the septic tank or drains
- Slow flushing or overflowing toilets
- Gurgling drains
- Ground movement near either the septic tank or soakaway
- Septic tank contents spilling out onto your land
Despite correct septic tank installation, issues can still arise after years of ongoing use. The main causes of septic tank failure are:
- Rupture of tanks
- Improper maintenance, or infrequent pumping
- Flushing inappropriate items (oil, grease, paint, sanitary products)
- Incorrect tank size for household
- Groundwater issues such as a high water table, or as a result of recent heavy rainfall
It's important to speak with your septic tank specialist to understand what you can do to mitigate these issues and prevent big problems from occurring once you've had your tank fitted.
What's better for a home that's not connected to mains drainage - a septic tank or domestic sewage treatment plant?
"If your waste drainage goes directly into a watercourse, because of recent legislation changes, you need to use an STP rather than a cesspit, unless you have room to fully drain your system in a drain field.
STPs are fundamentally better at producing clean wastewater. The downside is that they require continuous power for the air intake compressor and any discharge pumps you may need, so they have additional running costs of about £200 per year. Also, the compressor can be noisy."
STPs are fundamentally better at producing clean wastewater. The downside is that they require continuous power for the air intake compressor and any discharge pumps you may need, so they have additional running costs of about £200 per year. Also, the compressor can be noisy."
Doing it Yourself
Many people think they can install their septic tank themselves to bring down the cost of installing a septic tank, but it should only be attempted if you have carried out work of this nature before. You will need to get approval and planning permission before you can even attempt to install your septic tank.
You will also have to think about digging into the ground if your septic tank is going to be fitted underground. You would have to hire a digger to do this yourself, which would cost money and take up a lot of time if you’re unsure what you’re doing.
You will need to consider that an underground septic tank will need drainage works carried out, which will require planning permission. It’s advised to leave all the tricky jobs to the professional. To get the best price for installing your septic tank, you should compare up to 3 quotes from septic tank specialists.
You should hire a septic tank specialist to install your septic tank as they will have the essential skills and experience to do the job to a high standard. If you’re not experienced in installing septic tanks or carrying out the digging work to fit the tank, you could run the risk of making a mistake.
Checklist: How to Find and Hire a Septic Tank Installer in the UK
Here's what you should keep in mind when searching for a septic tank installer near you:
- Gather at least 3 quotes from local drainage specialists to compare their prices for septic tank installation.
- Make sure your quotes are in written format, and have itemised lists of exactly what's included in your quote. Check to see if waste removal is included, or something you'll need to pay for separately.
- Look at the septic tank installer's website or portfolio. Do they have experience in your exact installation type?
- Take a look at their past customer reviews, taking note of any comments on good timekeeping, cleanliness on site, and evidence of health and safety regulations.
- Check that your contractor has insurance to cover you if any accidents happen on-site during installation.
- If you're having a septic tank installed for the first time, make sure your contractor will register this for you with the Environment Agency or with Natural Resources Wales, that they have the necessary building permits, and are aware of any underground utilities in the area.
FAQs
Do I Need Planning Permission for Septic Tank Installation?
You may need planning permission and building regulations approval for a new septic tank, and you should contact your local council to see what applies to you. You will also need to register it with the Environment Agency or with Natural Resources Wales.
How Far Does a Septic Tank Need To Be From My House?
You must leave at least 7 metres between the septic tank and any dwelling. It needs to be located within 30 metres of an "access point" for emptying.
How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Emptied?
It's usually sufficient to empty your septic tank once every 12 months, but this will depend on your usage and tank size.
Can I Let My Septic Tank Discharge Into a Ditch or River?
No, under the government's General Binding Rules, you can't discharge directly into any watercourse. You must discharge them into a drainage field or via a soakaway system.
What Can't Go In a Septic Tank?
Here's what you shouldn't put in your septic tank:
- Grease or oil
- Paint, solvents, or chemicals
- Caustic soda or drain cleaners
