Every home has a septic system, which requires proper care and maintenance to prevent any damage. But over time, without proper care, any natural incident, or regular pumping, these systems show signs of wear and tear, which indicates a quick repair and replacement need.
But do you ever consider how much repairing costs if you take assistance from a professional? DIY repair cost is not much as you have to handle it by yourself (usually not recommended due to health hazards).
Although this may change your current budgeting system, it’s essential for preventing unpleasant odors, gurgling sounds, and water overflow in your yard or bathrooms. Want to know how to handle your budget if you want to get service from experts? Then, read the article till the end!
Common Septic System Problems and Associated Repair Costs
Clogged Pipes and Drains
Problem: Overtime, pipes, and drains in a septic system can become clogged due to non-biodegradable items such as grease, coffee beans, and others being flushed out. These clogged pipes lead to slower drainage systems, which cause potential backups and nasty odors inside or nearby houses.
Repair Cost: Professional service for unclogging sewer pipes and drains costs between $200 and $600. This price can change based on the clogging situation or whether a special method such as hydro-jetting is used for this purpose.
Broken or Deteriorated Baffles
Problem: Baffles are the critical component for managing wastewater inside the septic system. It prevents scum from entering the clogged pipes and into the drain field. When septic tank baffles are broken or deteriorate, the system becomes inefficient, mixing everything, which enhances the risk of frequent backup and damaged drainfield.
Repair cost: To prevent this issue from professionals, they suggest you replace or repair a baffle. This costs between $300 and $900. These changes are essential to access the right baffle and smooth the process by balancing the monthly budget.
Tree Root Intrusion
Problem: Planting the tree near the septic system causes tree intrusion issues at a specific time. Over time, the leaves of trees enter the tank, which causes its blockage or even cracks the septic tank itself. This causes leaking and potential contamination near the system. This causes sewer flies to grow quickly.
Repair Cost: According to experts, removing tree roots near the septic system and handling any internal issues costs between $1000 and $5000. If the internal damage is extreme, the septic tank is large, and trees are in number, it may cost more.
Drain Field Failures
Problem: A drain field is an essential component for disposing of wastewater into the ground. But if any compacted soil or improper waste enters the drain field, it causes huge contamination or failure. A failed drain causes a water pooling issue or odor issue near the property.
Repair Costs: Replacing an overall drain field is costly, which often ranges from $2000 to $20,000. This price depends on the extent of damage and drain field failure. Repairs are less expensive than overall replacement.
Septic Tank Leaks
Problem: Septic tanks can easily crack or break due to shifting soil, any corrosion, or any natural incident. This causes septic tank leaking, which allows untreated waste to easily seep into the ground. This issue causes serious environmental contamination and possible fines from local waste management authorities if left untreated. Additionally, it can also cause it to lose its efficiency as wastewater can’t enter the field this way.
Repair cost: To prevent any septic tank leaking issue, the service range from experts is between $1000 and $10000. It depends on the severity of the tank leak, which needs to be repaired, or replacing the overall tank.
Overflowing or Backed-Up Septic Tank
Problem: Insufficient regular pumping often leads to a septic tank overflowing. When the solids stack up and are not taken out at the appropriate time, no further waste can be accommodated with the tank, leading to backups into a house’s plumbing system or outflows around the tank.
Repair cost: The cost of pumping and clearing out an overflowing septic tank is typically between $300 and $500. But if the flooding of the tank has caused further pipe flooding or drain field problems, the costs might go higher based on the level of damage caused.
Malfunctioning Septic Pump
Problem: Some septic tank systems rely on a septic pump to move wastewater to the drainfield. However, a malfunction can disturb this overall flow, which causes backups and overflow. They can fail due to electrical issues, or improper maintenance which impacts the overall septic system.
Repair cost: Restoring or changing a faulty septic pump can go from $500 – $1500. Prices vary because pump costs differ in model and scope of repair required as some powerful systems would require a higher-priced pump with more complexity.
Broken or Collapsed Pipes
Problem: Pipes that lead from home to the septic tank and tank to the drain field can also break or collapse due to ground movement. Parking heavy vehicles or objects over it can cause a serious problem such as leaking, water contamination, and the tank itself.
Repair cost: Repairing and replacing broken or collapsed pipes from sewer system specialists can cost between $1000 and $4000. Its costs vary depending on the size of the pipe and the extent of the damage.
Budgeting for Septic System Repairs
To manage the monthly budget for any kind of septic system issue that requires repair and replacement, it’s essential to always keep aside emergency fund costs for home maintenance.
Regular inspection and pumping can help prevent this issue to an extent, as early signs can prevent major issues.
Furthermore, exploring financing options for home loans or repair loans can provide flexibility but can cause issues later.
Some homeowners coverage also provides insurance policies for septic system coverage; it’s always best to consider it when such issues occur.
Lastly, obtaining multiple quotes from licensed professionals ensures competitive pricing and helps in selecting the most cost-effective solution.
Conclusion
The septic system is an essential system of a house that holds wastewater coming from any source of the house. It’s always beneficial to prioritize it if it shows any sign of wear and tear, such as unpleasant odors, gurgling sounds, leaks, water backups, clogging, pipe breakage, or others.
Consider repairing it by professionals. Although they cost more and may disturb your monthly budget, they provide peace of mind and security. Your septic system is all set for safe running.
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