How Much Does A Septic System Cost In Virginia?

Thinking about getting a septic system for your Virginia home? 

Or maybe you need to replace an old one? 

Either way, you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost you. 

Well, the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The price can vary quite a bit depending on a bunch of different factors. 

In this post, we’ll go over the costs of septic systems in Virginia and walk you through all the things that can affect the price tag. Plus, we’ll also break down our septic tank installation prices.

Average Septic System Costs

The average cost of a new septic system in Virginia is around $3500 – $20,000 depending on the type of septic system you install.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and what you can expect to spend:

Anaerobic Septic Tank Systems

These are the tried-and-true, traditional septic systems.

It’s also the common type of septic system you’ll see in Virginia. 

They’re usually the cheapest option, costing between $3,500 and $8,500 for the whole setup. 

This price includes the tank itself (which runs about $1,000 to $1,500 for a 1,000-gallon tank), plus all the other bits and pieces like the distribution box, the work to get your yard ready and install everything, and all the permits and inspections you need.

Alternative Septic Systems

Sometimes, basic septic systems just won’t cut it. If your soil conditions are less-than-ideal or if you’re dealing with tricky drainage issues, you might need an alternative system

These can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000 in Virginia, depending on what you choose. 

There are chambered systems that use buried plastic chambers (good for areas with high groundwater), constructed wetland systems that use nature to filter waste, and others like drip distribution and evapotranspiration systems. 

The price really depends on how complicated the installation is and what your property needs.

Engineered Septic Systems

For the trickiest situations – like if your soil is really bad or you don’t have much space – you might need an engineered septic system. 

These are the most complex and expensive, running from $7,000 to $20,000 in Virginia. 

We’re talking about things like aerobic treatment units that add oxygen to the wastewater, mound systems for shallow soil, and recirculating sand filter systems. 

They cost more upfront, but they can work better and last longer in tough conditions.

Our Septic System Prices

Our septic system prices range from $15,000 to $150,000, depending on what you need.    

• Gravity Conventional Systems: These typically run between $15,000 and $25,000, depending on how big the system needs to be and the soil conditions.
• Engineered Systems: These start at $35,000, but can go higher depending on things like tank size, location, number of bedrooms, and soil conditions.

Every property is different, so the best way to get an accurate price is to give us a call.

Factors That Affect Septic System Costs In Virginia

Now that you got and idea of how much a septic systems costs in Virginia, let’s take a look at the factors that will affect the exact price of installing a system:

#1 Size Of The Property And Household 

If you have a big property or a large household, it’s going to cost you more.

Bigger houses with more bedrooms and people need bigger tanks and larger drain fields to handle all the wastewater. 

A small family in a two-bedroom house might be fine with a 750-gallon tank, but a larger family in a five-bedroom home could need a 1,500-gallon tank or even bigger. 

Remember, the bigger the system, the more you’ll pay for materials and installation.

#2 Type Of Soil And Ground Conditions

The soil on your property is a big deal when it comes to septic system costs. 

Virginia has all kinds of soil, and not all of it is great for septic systems. 

If you’ve got soil that’s too clay-like or really rocky, you might need to go for a more advanced system that can handle these conditions. These systems work better in these conditions, but they also cost more. 

Sometimes, you might even need to bring in better soil, which adds to the expense.

The site’s drainage is also important —if the ground doesn’t absorb water well, your system could require modifications.

#3 Tank Material

The material your septic tank is made from can also affect the price. 

In Virginia, concrete tanks are pretty standard and are very popular. They’re more expensive, usually $1,000 to $3,000, but they last a long time. 

Plastic tanks are cheaper, around $700 to $2,500, and easier to install, but they don’t work well in all soil types. Fiberglass tanks are in the middle, costing about $1,400 to $2,000. 

These materials are often lighter and easier to install, but won’t last as long as concrete.

#4 Site Preparation And Labor

Getting your property ready for a septic system can be a big part of the cost, especially in Virginia where the land can be pretty varied. 

The more complicated the prep work, the more you’ll end up paying.

If your property is hilly or has lots of rocks or trees in the way, it’ll take more work to prepare the site. This might mean using heavy equipment to level the ground or remove obstacles. 

Labor costs for installation usually run between $1,500 – $4,000. 

This prep work can add up quickly, so don’t forget to factor it in when budgeting.

#5 Permits, Inspections And Regulations

Virginia has strict rules about septic systems to protect public health and the environment. 

You’ll need permits and inspections, which add about $1,000 to $2,000 to your total cost. 

This includes permits for the tank and drain field, plus soil testing to make sure your property can handle a septic system.

This might seem like an annoying added expense, but it’s there to make sure everything is safe, up to code and works properly in the long run.

#6 Age And Condition Of The Existing System

If you’re replacing an old septic system, its condition can impact your costs. 

A really deteriorated system might need to be completely removed, and the surrounding soil might need cleanup. This adds to your bill. 

But if parts of your old system are still good, you might be able to reuse them and save money. 

Having a professional inspect your existing system can give you a better idea of what needs to be done and how much it’ll cost.

#7 Location And Accessibility

Where you are in Virginia affects your septic system costs because labor rates and transportation costs for materials and equipment vary across the state. 

It also matters how easy it is to get to the spot on your property where the system will go. 

The further your site is from main roads, or the harder it is to reach (think steep driveways or narrow pathways), the more expensive the installation will be. 

Some places might even require special equipment or more time to complete the job. 

Additional Costs To Consider

Don’t forget about ongoing costs after you get your system installed. 

You should have it inspected every year, which usually costs $150 to $450. You’ll also need to get it pumped every 3-5 years, which runs $300 to $700. 

It’s smart to set aside some money for repairs too, which can cost anywhere from $600 to $3,000 depending on what’s wrong.

Bottom Line

Getting a new septic system or replacing an old one in Virginia is a big deal, money-wise. 

You’re looking at spending anywhere from $3,500 to $20,000 or more. 

The price range is so wide because there are so many things that can affect the cost – what kind of system you need, what your property is like, and what the rules are in your area. 

It might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, but it’s really important to choose a system that’s right for your situation and follows all the local rules.