Understanding the Concept of Septic Tank Systems
Usually, a septic system composes of two major parts, a septic tank, and a drain field. Septic tank is fiberglass or concrete-made watertight box containing an inflow and an outflow pipe. The sewer pipe is the channel through which wastewater flows from the house to the septic tank. Typically, wastewater in the septic tank physically breaks up into solid and liquid components. The three layers that the wastewater forms inside the tank include:
- Solids lighter than water, which floats on top (oils and greases)
- Solids denser than water, which settles at the bottom
- Partly-clarified wastewater, which suspends in the middle
Alternative systems are methods used when the soil is rocky, and cannot infiltrate (permit water to run through and filter. Commonly, alternative systems are used whenever there is limited space, or the landscape is steep, hence not allowing a drain field or conventional tank.
There are different types of alternative systems used, based on the varying site conditions. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality supports 20 different types of alternative system technologies. The cost of installing the septic systems in your home will vary based on the different alternate systems.
The alternative systems are mechanically and electrically complex than the simple conventional systems, hence expensive to install in a home. Installing septic systems in your homes in Reno, Nevada, using the alternative method to serve the same purpose will usually cost up to $10,000-$20,000 more than the conventional system. If your house in Reno Nevada is situated in rocky or mountainous areas, your only option for septic tank installation may be the alternate method.
The Cost Approximation of Septic Tank System in Your Reno Nevada Home
On average, installing a new septic system will cost you around $3900. Still, depending on different factors surrounding your home, such as the soil texture, the installation cost may range around $1500 to $5000 on average. In case you plan to install a septic system with double alternating pumps, it may cost you an average of $9500 to $15000.
Cost of Septic System Installation Based on House and Gallon Size
The tank that you will require for your home varies based on the dimension of the home in square feet, plus the number of bedrooms. If, for instance, you have a 1250 gallon system supporting a 3 to 4 bedroom house, you may spend around $3300 to $5050. Average septic tank sizes begin at 750 gallons for a 1 to 2 bedroom house under 1500 square feet, to 1500 gallons for a 6-bedroom home below 5500 square feet.
Types and Cost of Septic System
Type of Septic System |
Average Cost
|
Alternative Systems |
|
Aerobic Treatment Unit |
$10500
|
Mound Septic System |
$15000
|
Sand Filter Septic System |
$6000-$10000
|
Conventional Systems |
|
Anaerobic or Gravity systems |
$3500
|
Pressure Distribution Systems |
$7000-$10000
|
Cost and Sizes of Septic Tanks
Gallon Size of the Tank |
Material of the Tank |
Size of the House |
Cost of the Tank
|
500 |
Polythene |
1 bedroom |
$ 725
|
750 |
Polythene |
2 bedrooms |
$1200
|
1000 |
Polythene |
3 bedrooms |
$1310
|
1000 |
Fiberglass |
3 bedrooms |
$2300
|
1250 |
Polythene |
3 to 4 bedrooms |
$2100
|
1250 |
Concrete |
3 to 4 bedrooms |
$2510
|
1250 |
Fiberglass |
3 to 4 bedrooms |
$2350
|
1500 |
Polythene |
5 to 6 bedrooms |
$2340
|
1500 |
Concrete |
5 to 6 bedrooms |
$2660
|
1500 |
Fiberglass |
5 to 6 bedrooms |
$2660
|
Note that your final cost estimation will depend upon the present waste line conditions, plus the soil in which the septic tank will direct. Generally, the cost of septic system installation for standard houses will fall under any of the categories in the box below:
Septic System Category |
Average Cost(On the Lowest Side) |
Average Cost(On the Highest Side)
|
Alternative System |
$6000 |
$15000
|
Conventional System |
$3500 |
$10000
|
Engineered System |
$12000 |
$15000
|
Average Overall Cost Breakdown for Septic System Installation Process
Soil testing- $1000-$2000
System design- $600
Land clearing-$950 for ¼ acre of flat ground
Pipes and tank installation-
- $25-$33 per linear foot for channeling wastewater from the house to the septic tank
- $1000-$1500 for excavation, installation, and backfill
Leach Field-
- Drain field $2000-$10000
- Laying of filtration materials $9-$12 per linear foot
- Vitrified clay pipe generating from the house to the septic tank-$25-$33
Testing and inspection-$250-$450
Pump Alarm-$720
Possible landscaping costs after tank installation and then dirt backfills over it.
Budgeting Considerations for Septic System Installation in Reno Nevada Houses
To budget accurately for septic systems in your Reno Nevada home, you need to speak to qualified contractors who have previously installed septic systems within the area. The county representatives, or registrar of contractors, can offer names of local certified septic system service providers. A practiced contractor is usually conversant about the region, suitable type of system, and hence will provide the cost approximation for septic system installation, to meet your home requirements.
Percolation (Perc) Tests
This test establishes the soil’s ability to suck up liquid; hence, it will enable you to know the type of septic system that your home will require. You also get to know about the cost approximation. The test is usually carried out by certified technicians, approved by the local health department. It consists of digging several holes in the anticipated drain field area, filling the holes with water, and then estimating the time it may take for water surface to drop an inch. The test results are provided in mpi (minutes per inch). The soils that drain faster will lead to lower mpi units, hence smaller drain fields. Extremely high mpi values may point out the need for alternative system installation.
Whenever you come across the ‘sell my house’ notice, and you are interested in purchasing, ensure you ask your Reno Nevada house seller whether a perc test has been performed in the home vicinity and whether the results meet the conventional system standards. By confirming the same, you want to avoid further costs incurred after spending a lot of money in purchasing your new home. You should, therefore, verify the information given with county health authorities around Nevada, which deals with septic systems. Such an authoritative source that is familiar with the region can inform you whether other homes within the area, usually rely on alternative or conventional systems for their septic installations.
Wrap Up
It is costly to install a septic system due to the magnitude of labor required in executing the entire work appropriately. The beginning to the end of the full project may take up to a month. How much cost you incur will also depend upon the complexity of the septic system you require for your home or the system that the contractors will find appropriate for your land.