How much does it cost to replace your septic system?
Replacing a septic system is a significant investment, and the cost can vary based on several factors. These include:
- The type of septic system you choose
- Your property’s location and accessibility
- The size of your home and the number of people it needs to service
- Ongoing maintenance, servicing, and repair costs
Let’s break these down in more detail.
Choosing the right septic system
One of the biggest cost factors is the type of septic system you install. A common misconception is that a traditional septic system with a rubble drain, trench, or gravel bed is always cheaper than a home sewage treatment plant (HSTP). However, this isn’t true in many cases, especially around Toowoomba.
Due to the region’s heavy clay soil and the increasing environmental standards requiring all greywater to be discharged underground, traditional septic systems often require more extensive groundwork than they needed in the past. This makes them very expensive unless they serve a small home (one or two bedrooms).
In most cases, HSTPs are the preferred option because:
- Lower installation and excavation costs
- Environmental benefits of reduced pollution and recycling of all water
- The ability to irrigate gardens and lawns, keeping them green and healthy year-round
At HC Plumbing we offer a choice of BioCycle or Ozzi Kleen HSTP and septic systems, allowing you to select the best solution for your property.
Ongoing service, repair and maintenance costs
Beyond the initial installation, ongoing costs for servicing and potential repairs need to be considered with your septic upgrade.
- HSTP require quarterly servicing and require connection to power, however they are extremely energy efficient. The annual costs are approximately $350-600 in most areas. If you’re in a remote location, these costs can be higher due to increased servicing requirements.
- Traditional septic systems generally have fewer ongoing costs but still require:
- Regular pumping out which would be approximately $500 every 5 years
- Inspections and potential repairs
Understanding these costs upfront can help you make an informed decision that best suits your budget and long-term needs.
Additional costs to consider when installing a new septic system
When replacing or installing a new septic or HSTP system, it’s important to budget for additional expenses beyond just the system itself. These can include:
- Onsite sewage disposal design
- Council applications and QBCC insurance
- System purchase costs
- Quarry materials, pipes, and fittings
- Excavation and labour
- Pumping out and decommissioning the existing system (if applicable)
- Electrical connections
- Soil testing and percolation tests (if required by local regulations)
At HC Plumbing, we ensure that all applicable costs are factored into our pricing so that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible for you. Today, 99% of our installations are HSTPs thanks to the lower installation costs and added benefits.
Get a quote for a new septic or wastewater system in the Toowoomba region
Because so many variables impact the final price, the best way to get an accurate cost is to contact us directly with details about your property and situation.
📞 Call us at 0439 648 390 or ✉️ email info@hcplumbing.com.au with the following details:
- What is your situation? (New build, system upgrade, septic or greywater failure, etc)
- What is your address and council region?
- Do you think you would prefer a HSTP or a traditional septic system?
- How many bedrooms are in the existing or proposed house?
- Do you have a preferred location for the new system?
- Do you have a bore on the property? (If yes, please describe its location.)
- When would you like the system installed?
If you have plans, pictures, or diagrams, please attach them to your email. The more information you provide, the more accurate our estimate will be.
Let HC Plumbing help you find the best septic system solution for your property. Reach out today.
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