Costs

FAQs

How much can an on-site wastewater system cost a property owner? 

Costs for on-site systems are highly variable, depending on a number of factors including aggregate proximity & cost, soil type, gravity versus pumped, house size and number of fixture units and bedrooms in the home. A typical installation of a conventional in-ground gravity system for a 3 – 4 bedroom house can be anywhere in the range of $15,000 to $30,000. A typical installation of a conventional fully raised gravity system for a 3 – 4 bedroom house can be in the range of: $20,000 – $40,000. An advanced treatment system for a typical 3 bedroom home will range from $25,000 to $50,000 plus maintenance contract costs.

Is an alternative treatment unit worth its cost?

Costs may range from $25,000 to $50,000 for a complete system. Keep in mind, however, that in some remedial applications on small lots there is only enough room for an alternative system. Also, the cost of a conventional system in some applications (very wet or stony lots) can far exceed the cost of an alternative system.

What is the cost of fixing an on-site system?

Proper maintenance of a system can increase the lifetime of the system and save the homeowner money: Estimated costs for repairs are as follows (assuming a contractor does the work:

  •  Replacing a clogged leaching bed: $15,000 – $25,000;
  •  Replacing a tank (installed cost): $8,000 – $15,000;
  •  Cleaning out laterals: $ 5,000 – $ 12,000.

A well maintained conventional system lasts 20 – 25 years

What is the cost of a permit?

The cost of the permit will vary from region to region across the province, however it can be anywhere from $500 to $1,000. It should be noted that by law, Part 8 delivery agencies may only charge the cost to deliver the program in their areas. Therefore, they cannot make a profit from the Part 8 delivery program.

How much will it cost to pump out my tank? 

Again, the cost to pump out septic tank varies across the province. Some haulers charge by the litre, others do not. Haulers that must drive farther distances to their disposal sites will likely charge more. The average cost is approximately $300/pump out. For more information, visit the Ontario Association for Sewage Industry Services.