There is no single price for a septic system, and anyone who quotes one over the phone without seeing the lot is guessing. Here is what actually moves the number in Benton and Franklin counties, and how to get an accurate quote fast.
What drives the cost
- System type. A conventional gravity system is the simplest. Pressure distribution, pump tanks or other designs the soil may require add equipment and labor.
- Soil. The soil evaluation decides the system type and the size of the drain field. Sand drains fast. Shallow basalt or caliche can change the whole design.
- Drain field size. Sized by the number of bedrooms and the soil. More bedrooms, bigger field.
- Tank size and material. Set by the design and the house size.
- Site access and distance. Long runs from the house, slopes and tight access add time.
- Rock. Hitting basalt means breaking or hauling it. We look at the site first so it is in the quote, not a surprise.
- Design and permit fees. The designer's fee and the Benton-Franklin Health District permit are separate from installation.
The permit process, in order
- Soil evaluation on the lot.
- A designer draws the system to Health District standards.
- The Benton-Franklin Health District reviews and issues the construction permit.
- The system is installed to the approved design.
- Inspection, then backfill and final grade.
Replacing a failed system
Soggy ground over the drain field, slow drains and sewage smell are the usual signs. A replacement usually needs a new permitted design for the repair area. We handle the excavation and install once the design is approved.
How to get a real number fast
- Text the address and a few photos of the lot to (509) 528-2633.
- Send the approved design if you already have one.
- Tell us the number of bedrooms and where the house sits on the lot.