Septic Tank Replacement

loogout1

Could anyone give me some advice and or steps to replaceing my septic tank and 15' ofpipe between the tank and house? My old tank is metal and quite deteriorated and the pipe leading in to it has settled causing it to clog and back up through the trap every once in a while. I just finished my basement and cant have this happen anymore. A guy gave me a price of $4k just to replace the tank. Seemed a little steep for a days worth of work. I have access to a loader so digging isn't a problem.

crb555

The best advice I can give you is..... if you don't already know how, you should hire a plumber to do it for you. Plus. in my area, you have to have a license to do that type of work.

4k might be a tad on the steep side for my area, but not by much. I would just get a couple of competitive bids for the work, If you were in my area, I would think you could get that done for about 3,000 to 3500.

Crb5

jmic

In Conn. a home owner is allowed to do work on there own septic systems . An avg. tank for a 3 bedroom will cost around 1K. With pipe and misc. expenses you're looking at around 1250.00 (including the beer). Not a big complicated job, but then neither is changing a light bulb.
Is the access to where the tank is located easy to get to for a truck delivering the tank? Get the invert and outlet elevations from them for the tank, allow yourself a few hrs. to dig old tank out and level up hole. Have them set tank in reconnect pipes and you should be good to go. (no pun intended)

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Joe

rino1494

A loader will not work, you need a backhoe or a excavator. First thing to do is to pump it out and don't let anyone use any water during construction. There really is nothing to it, just dig around the old one and lift it out and set the new one, then run the plumbing to the house. $4K is little high for my area. Something like that in my area would be under $3K.

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crb555

Well, in my area, a homeowner is allowed to install their personal septic system as well, but they have to take a 4 hour course and pay an application fee for a one time license.

Check with your local health department to see what your local requirements are.

No, it's not a complicated project.....

You will need:

Backhoe
Pump truck
Transit
Tamp

I always undercut my excavation by 6" and place crush and run under the tank. When you place the new tank in, go ahead and fill it with water to about halfway at minimum.... a rainstorm can float the tank if you get caught. Tamp down the sides very well when you backfill.

Another thing to remember, when excavating for the new tank, make certain you do not dig out a footprint any more than 1' longer in any dimension, or the septic tank delivery truck will not be able to set the new tank properly.

My advice to just pay someone was based on your not already knowing these things, and the other 20 items to consider that I have not mentioned. A project like this could very quickly become more expensive than the original quote if something is not done correctly.

I am a plumber and HVAC tech, but on electrical items ... if its more complicated than changing a light fixture, I call an electrician......

Crb5

tgeb

It could be more than a 1 day job.

For instance some tanks here are required to have a "wet test" which means it must be filled with water and allowed to sit overnight then someone has to meet the inspector so they can look at it and be sure it is not leaking, then it can be hooked up to the system and back filled.

The last tank replacement I did (years ago) we installed the new before abandoning the existing so the house could still be used all totaled I spent about a week fooling with it. (of course this one leaked, so it took longer).

I don't think 4K is way off on price, depends on what rules you have to follow.

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Tom

www.gebcon.com

jmic

I just want to say that I don't think 4 K is out of line at all for Joe homeowner. What I'm suggesting to a fellow person in the trades is that they could attempt this themselves and save. If a person is comfortable running a backhoe it should not be a problem, on the other hand if you have no clue what so ever then don't do it.

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Joe

rino1494

Maybe there is a reason why we aren't making money. Last summer, we did an addition. The old septic tank was in the middle of the addition. I dug the addition, pumped the tank, took out the old one and dug, set, backfilled and plumbed the new one in 1 day. 1 machine and 1 laborer for 1 day, tank and pipe and it was only around $2,800.

__________________
Life is hard. It is harder when you are stupid

Uncle Sam wants YOU....to speak ENGLISH

loogout1

Guys, thanks for the replies and the advice. I have another guy coming out to give me a price just to see if the first guy was high or not. I dont want to do it myself, I know I can, but its not my thing. The one thing that worries me is that the old tank is probably very undersized since my house was a old summer cottage converted. Therefore the new tank will be much taller needing a deeper hole, and if there's ledge or rock underneath and I cant dig deep enough, I'm screwed. What do you do in this situation?

loogout1

Rino, I'll gladly pay that and throw in lunch. I'm in NY.

jmic

Get a low profile tank.

__________________
___"Remember You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression"______________________
Joe

dayexco

only joe would know about keeping a low profile

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someday, i'll be as patient as Nick.

jmic

Day ya gotta keep under the radar.

__________________
___"Remember You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression"______________________
Joe

Alan Mesmer

The real question is what is it worth to you? I'm sure that you can do this tank replacement given enough time and will and knowledge of your local laws. If everything goes perfect it is a 1/2 to 1 day job, but usually nothing goes perfect and I have had simple tank replacements turn ugly real quickly (BFR's, sandstone, old foundations, etc). A 1000 gal. concrete tank around my area of Ohio costs about $900 (tank, risers, and pipe) for the material and delivery. They don't usually deliver tanks on weekends so you will need to allow at least 2 weekdays to get the job done. I have charged $2800-$3200 (total materials and labor) depending on access of trucks, pumping of old tank, disposal of old tank, permits, and return at a later time to final grade, seed, and straw.
Installation:
New tank needs to be perfectly level. Inlet hole elevation is dictated by inlet pipe elevation. Concrete tanks need minimal base prep. Outlet hole takes care of itself if your tank is level. Cleanouts as needed for local laws. Sch. 40 pipe and fittings. Health dept. inspection before backfill if needed.
Be ready for the tank truck; if you are not ready they will gladly charge you while they wait!
A total cost of $4000 seems excessive and I think that $3000-$3500 would be more in line but that's for my area of the country.
Around here a complete system can be as little as $6000.


Good luck.

Marcus

well i just did a tank replacement, two 1200 gallon tanks, for 4650, and the customer was very happy with the price.