Building a well is always a better choice than using a conventional water system. So is having a separate septic system. It makes your residence’s plumbing line independent. But building them will cost you a hefty amount.
How much does it cost to put in a well and septic system?
The cost for building a well ranges from $10,000 to $100,000. The range varies on how deep your well is. Shallow wells cost less to build whereas deep wells are costly. Adding a septic system costs around $10,770 – $42,100. The combined cost for both projects is nearly $20,300 – $150,000.
That was the sneak peek. To know the detailed cost breakdown, you’ve read this piece till the end.
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Adding Well & Septic System Cost Calculator
Adding well and septic systems are two complex house plumbing projects. If you plan on adding both, you’d need to prepare a budget plan.
To do that, you’d have to calculate all the factors individually. Just like how you’d calculate the cost for building a tiny house beforehand.
![How Much Does It Cost To Put In A Well & Septic System [Answered] 1](https://homearise.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/120404752_S-750x500.jpg "How Much Does It Cost To Put In A Well &Amp; Septic System [Answered] 1")
To relieve you from the long process we’ve included a cost calculator for you. You can calculate the cost of adding a well and a septic system here-
The total cost for putting up a well:
| Depth | Permit | Installation Cost | Labor Cost | Water Testing | Others | Total |
| 50 ft. | $350-$700 | $3,960-$5,810 | $4,300-$10,700 | $50-$650 | $837-$2,080 | $9,497-$19,940 |
| 100 ft. | $350-$700 | $21,120-$10,620 | $7,400-$19,000 | $50-$650 | $837-$2,080 | $29,757-$33,050 |
| 150 ft. | $350-$700 | $11,280-$13,430 | $10,500-$28,100 | $50-$650 | $837-$2,080 | $23,017-$44,960 |
| 200 ft. | $350-$700 | $14,940-$17,240 | $14,200-$36,400 | $50-$650 | $837-$2,080 | $30,377-$57,070 |
| 250 ft. | $350-$700 | $18,600-$21,050 | $17,300-$45,500 | $50-$650 | $837-$2,080 | $37,137-$68,737 |
| 300 ft. | $350-$700 | $22,260-$24,860 | $21,000-$54,600 | $50-$650 | $837-$2,080 | $44,497-$82,890 |
| 350 ft. | $350-$700 | $25,920-$28,670 | $24,700-$63,700 | $50-$650 | $837-$2,080 | $51,857-$95,800 |
| 400 ft. | $350-$700 | $29,580-$32,480 | $28,400-$72,000 | $50-$650 | $837-$2,080 | $59,217-$107,910 |
Total cost of putting up a new septic system:
| Aspects | Cost |
| Permit & Preparations | $2,250-6,300 |
| Soil Test | $1,000-$2,000 |
| System Design | $600-$800 |
| Septic Tank | $720-$10,000 |
| Installation & Labor Cost | $2,700-$8,000 |
| Leach Field | $3,500-$15,000 |
| Total | $10,770-$42,100 |
The final cost calculation for adding a well and a septic system:
| Depth In Feet | Estimated Cost For Adding A Well | Estimated Cost For Adding A Septic System | Total Cost |
| 50 | $9,497-$19,940 | $10,770-$42,100 | $20,267-$62,040 |
| 100 | $29,757-$33,050 | $10,770-$42,100 | $40,527-$75,150 |
| 150 | $23,017-$44,960 | $10,770-$42,100 | $33,787-$87,060 |
| 200 | $30,377-$57,070 | $10,770-$42,100 | $41,147-$99,170 |
| 250 | $37,137-$68,737 | $10,770-$42,100 | $47,907-$110,837 |
| 300 | $44,497-$82,890 | $10,770-$42,100 | $55,267-$124,990 |
| 350 | $51,857-$95,800 | $10,770-$42,100 | $62,627-$137,900 |
| 400 | $59,217-$107,910 | $10,770-$42,100 | $69,987-$150,010 |
Still not sure how you’ve ended up with such a big amount? Don’t worry, we’ve explained all the cost factors in detail in the following segments.
Cost Breakdown Of Adding A Well
![How Much Does It Cost To Put In A Well & Septic System [Answered] 2](https://homearise.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/326127206_S-750x500.jpg "How Much Does It Cost To Put In A Well &Amp; Septic System [Answered] 2")
Adding a well system to your house can cost around $9,497 to $107,910. Sounds like a big amount, doesn’t it? Even the cost to add a second story can be lower than this range.
But putting up a complete well system consists of many layers of plumbing work. You’d also need a big area to install a complete well system.
The installation work is complex as well. But it is all worth it if you can finish this job properly. And that’s why you’d need a solid budget before you start working on it. To make a complete budget, first, you need to understand the total cost breakdown.
To help you with that we’ve done the total cost breakdown calculation for you. And that’s not all. We also explained each factor individually for you to make a thorough budget plan. Now, let’s dive into the details, shall we?
Permit
Getting a permit is an essential part of building a well. You have to legalize it before you start building for it. The permit cost for putting up a well ranges between $350 – $700. This amount may vary depending on where you live.
For getting a permit for residential wells, you’d face multiple inspections. You’ve to ensure whether the well is drilled properly by maintaining all the rules. Also, the connection to the water line to your house would be inspected.
Permits are not required when your well is less than 2” in diameter. In many areas the permit regulations are different. Make sure to follow your area’s well permit regulation.
Installation Cost
The installation cost for putting up a well consists of three factors. You’ve to first calculate the well digging cost. Then install a pump for your well system. After that, add well casing around the well.
The total cost for all the three factors is shown here:
| Depth In Feet | Well Digging Cost | Installing Pump | 6” Diameter Galvanized Casing | Total |
| 50 | $600-$750 | $300-$2,000 | $3,060 | $3,960-$5,810 |
| 100 | $1,200-$2,500 | $300-$2,000 | $6,120 | $21,120-$10,620 |
| 150 | $1,800-$2,250 | $300-$2,000 | $9,180 | $11,280-$13,430 |
| 200 | $2,400-$3,000 | $300-$2,000 | $12,240 | $14,940-$17,240 |
| 250 | $3,000-$3,750 | $300-$2,000 | $15,300 | $18,600-$21,050 |
| 300 | $3,600-$4,500 | $300-$2,000 | $18,360 | $22,260-$24,860 |
| 350 | $4,200-$5,250 | $300-$2,000 | $21,420 | $25,920-$28,670 |
| 400 | $4,800-$6,000 | $300-$2,000 | $24,480 | $29,580-$32,480 |
Well Digging Cost
The well-digging or drilling cost per foot is $12 – $25. The well digging for residential usually costs around $3,750 to $15,300. This is the ultimate amount which you’ve to spend to put up a complete well. The majority of this cost depends on how deep yo
drill your well.
Also, the diameter of the well matters greatly on the cost. Usual residential wells are built with 6” diameter. Here’s a table showing the drilling cost for putting a well:
| Depth In Foot | Drilling Cost |
| 50 | $600-$750 |
| 100 | $1,200-$2,500 |
| 150 | $1,800-$2,250 |
| 200 | $2,400-$3,000 |
| 250 | $3,000-$3,750 |
| 300 | $3,600-$4,500 |
| 350 | $4,200-$5,250 |
| 400 | $4,800-$6,000 |
Installing Pump Based on Well Type
Well pump installation costs around $300 to $2,000 depending on the pump type. A shallow water pump costs less than a deepwater pump. The cost range also depends on the type of tank. Different types of wells require specific types of pumps.
Some of the pumps are to be installed as submerged in water. Most water pumps are installed outside of the well. Sometimes dirty water comes from a newly installed pump. But don’t assume the pump is faulty.
The pump’s necessary requirements vary depending on how deep your well is. Wells that are deeper than 150 feet need a stronger pump.
The following table shows the most commonly used well pumps:
| Type Of Pump | Avg. Cost | Description |
| Shallow well jet pump | $300-$900 | Used for wells that are 25’ deep or less. Placed inside the housing and outside the well. |
| Deep submersible well pump | $400-$2,000 | Used for wells that are 90’-300’ deep. Installed as submerged in the well. Using 3-wire pumps is recommended for easier maintenance. |
| Convertible jet well pump | $400-$1,200 | Used for both shallow and jet wells that are up to 90’ deep. Installed outside of the well. |
Well Casing
Installing well casing costs about $6 per foot for PVC casing. For stainless steel, the cost is $130 per foot. For an average shallow well of 25′ depth, well casing costs $250 – $2,500.
There are many types of well-casing out there. Well casing should be chosen depending on where you install your well. It helps by supporting the well wall and keeping dirt out of water.
Here’s a list of the type of well casing and their cost per foot:
| Type of Well Casing | Avg. Cost Per Foot |
| PVC | $6-$10 |
| Galvanized Steel Pipe | $33-$54 |
| Stainless Steel Pipe | $57-$129 |
Let’s take a look at the well casing cost for different depths now:
| Depth In Feet | 6” Diameter PVC Casing | 6” Diameter Galvanized Casing | 8” Diameter Stainless Steel Casing |
| 50 | $1,775 | $3,060 | $4,200 |
| 100 | $3,550 | $6,120 | $8,400 |
| 150 | $5,325 | $9,180 | $12,600 |
| 200 | $7,100 | $12,240 | $16,800 |
| 250 | $8,875 | $15,300 | $21,000 |
| 300 | $10,650 | $18,360 | $25,200 |
| 350 | $12,425 | $21,420 | $29,400 |
| 400 | $14,200 | $24,480 | $33,600 |
Steel casings are more reliable than using PVC casings. They might crack under heavy pressure or in the presence of hard stones. For earthquake-prone areas, it’s best to use steel casing. The average casing size is 6” in diameter.
Labor Cost
Labor cost is a significant part of the whole project cost. In most cases, you’d have to hire a contractor to complete putting up a well.
Contractors work mostly in day-based payment systems. Building a complete well takes 7 to 14 days. Contractors take $600 – $800 per day to build a well.
Building a shallow well can be done in 5 to 7 days. But for building deep wells, it takes 7 to 14 days. Here’s the contractor cost-
The labor cost for installing casing, pipes, or tubings costs $50 – $150 per foot. Here’s a list of the labor cost in both cases:
| Depth In Feet | Contractor Fee | Required Labor Time (Day) | Labor Cost For Casing | Total Labor Cost |
| 50 | $1,800-$3,200 | 3-4 | $2,500-$7,500 | $4,300-$10,700 |
| 100 | $2,400-$4,000 | 4-5 | $5,000-$15,000 | $7,400-$19,000 |
| 150 | $3,000-$5,600 | 5-7 | $7,500-$22,500 | $10,500-$28,100 |
| 200 | $4,200-$6,400 | 7-8 | $10,000-$30,000 | $14,200-$36,400 |
| 250 | $4,800-$8,000 | 8-10 | $12,500-$37,500 | $17,300-$45,500 |
| 300 | $6,000-$9,600 | 10-12 | $15,000-$45,000 | $21,000-$54,600 |
| 350 | $7,200-11,200 | 12-14 | $17,500-$52,500 | $24,700-$63,700 |
| 400 | $8,400-12,000 | 14-15 | $20,000-$60,000 | $28,400-$72,000 |
The total labor cost covers all the other types of labor costs as well.
Water Testing
Testing well water can be done from home. But it’s best to get it done from a professional lab for proper testing. Water testing kit for well water costs around $20 to $150. With this kit, you can perform the test in your home.
To test the water from a professional lab, you’d have to pay $50 – $650. Lab testing checks the contaminations, metals, chemicals, and other pollutants present in the water. This test makes sure whether the well water is suitable for drinking or not.
Other Costs
Up until now, we’ve talked about the major construction parts of building a well. But there are a few more things that need to be taken care of. Here’s a list of the other types of costs for putting up a well:
| Aspects | Cost Of Them |
| Electric line | $500-$1,500 |
| Cycle stop valve | $187-$250 |
| Control box | $70-$150 |
| Pressure switch | $50-$100 |
| Well cap/seal | $20-$50 |
| Control panel wiring kit | $10-$30 |
| Total | $837-$2,080 |
Cost Of Adding A Septic System
Septic systems are an important part of a house’s sewage system. It deals with the sewage and waste materials of your plumbing line. The system uses a combination of technology and nature to treat household wastewater.
Building up a septic system comes in many steps. Let’s talk about those steps and the cost breakdown for adding a septic system.
Cost Breakdown Of Adding A Septic System
Installing a septic system comes in multiple phases. Building a total septic system would cost about $10,770 – $42,100. We’ve included the total cost breakdown for a septic system. This will help you understand how the cost amount is generated.
Permit & Preparation
Before you start planning for a septic system you’d need a building permit. The building permit for a residential septic system ranges between $300 – $500. For commercial or industrial use the permit may cost between $500 – $1,500.
There are a few steps to prepare your land for building a septic system. You’d need to run a perc test for the ground. It’s the test to check the ground’s ability for absorbing and water filtering. The test would cost around $750 – $1,300.
There’s also excavation cost as well. Septic systems are built at least 50 feet away from the well for proper maintenance. So, you’d have to excavate the land separately. It may cost you $1,200 – $4,500.
Now, let’s look at the cost table for permit and preparations:
| Aspects | Cost |
| Permit | $300-$500 |
| Perc test | $750-$1,300 |
| Excavation cost | $1,200-$4,500 |
| Total | $2,250-$6,300 |
Soil Test
Taking a soil test is a mandatory step for building a septic system. It reveals the depth of each layer of soil. Which helps to understand how well suited the area is for building septic systems. It also reveals what type of septic system is suitable for your area.
The soil test also helps to determine how the leach field should be constructed. Doing a soil test would cost about $1,000 to $2,000.
System Design
Designing cost for septic systems ranges between $600 – $800. The cost range differs based on the complexity of the system design and location. It’s best to entrust the design to the same engineer who’s done the perc-test.
Sometimes other engineers deny accepting the per test done by someone else. Then you may have to do a double perc test. So, it’s best to get the design from the same engineer.
Septic Tank
Septic tanks come in different volumes based on the water storing capacity. The average price for a septic tank can range from $720 to $10,000. The bigger the tank size is, the higher the cost. Also, the price may differ based on its built-in material.
Septic tanks are made from concrete, plastic, fiberglass. You can find your required septic tank size in all of those materials. Here’s a table showing the septic tank cost based on its storage capacity:
| Capacity | Cost |
| 750 Gallons | $720-$1,200 |
| 1,000 Gallons | $800-$2,000 |
| 1,200 Gallons | $1,200-$2,000 |
| 1,500 Gallons | $1,300 – $2,500 |
| 2,000 Gallons | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| 2,500 Gallons | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| 5,000 Gallons | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Septic tanks are usually made from concrete, fiberglass, and plastic material. Among those, concrete septic tanks are the most durable ones. They’re also the cheapest. But each material does have its own advantages.
Here are some good septic tank options to pick from:
| Product-1 | |
| product-2 |
Installation & Labor Cost
Installing a septic tank is a complex job that should be done by professionals. It is an extremely technical project. Thus, you’d need professional contractors to do the installation. All the connections between the system must be perfect. So that there’ll be no leak from the connections.
Hiring a contractor for adding a septic system costs $150 – $200 per hour. Most septic system installation projects take 16 to 40 hours to complete. The total cost would be $2,700 – $8,000 for the whole project. This is the labor cost and the installation fee as well.
Leach Field
A leach field also known as a drain field is part of the septic system. The purpose of the leach field is to transport the wastewater back to the soil. Installing a leach field would cost about $3,500 to $15,000. Traditional leach fields cost about $2,000 – $10,000.
Replacing leach fields can cost even more. It costs about $30 per foot to dig an old leach field. The cost to lay new filter materials is $9 – $12 per foot. Total replacement may cost $10,000 to $30,000.
Leach fields flood when it gets overloaded with too much wastewater. This later ends up like a clogged field. That’s why don’t forget to troubleshoot the leach field from time to time. It’s a part of the regular maintenance process that’ll lengthen your septic system’s longevity.
Putting up a well and septic system is costly. However, there’s no useless cost in the whole budget. So, it’s hard to reduce the cost from the initial budget plan. But spending carefully can save you from overpaying.
Hopefully, this answers all your questions.
FAQs
Question: How deep to drill for well water?
Answer: Residential water wells are recommended to drill from 100 to 300 feet deep. But the actual rule is you can drill until you reach the water. The water levels vary in different areas. Your local well drillers can give you an idea of the underground water level.
Question: How many years does a septic system last?
Answer: A septic system can last between 15-40 years after its installation. Its longevity is determined by the tank’s quality and the drain field. Concrete septic tanks are the most durable among other tank materials. They can easily last up to 40 years whereas plastic tanks last 30 years. For the septic system to last longer the drain field should be maintained properly.
Question: How many acres are needed to build a septic system?
Answer: The minimum land needed for building a septic system is ½ acre. But most households don’t have that much space. So, they use an aerobic system. Anaerobic and chamber systems need at least one acre of land. The mound system requires the most space as the mound itself is 200 ft. long.
Final Verdict
That was all about how much does it cost to put in a well and septic system. Hopefully, now you’ve got a clear idea of the costs of the total project.
Make sure to hire a good contractor to get your money’s worth.
Good luck with your projects! See you next time!