How much does it cost to put in a well and septic system

The quality of your soil can significantly increase expenses, up to $50 per foot of drilling. Your geographic location often determines that quality. Lower water levels require deeper holes, also raising expenses. Average prices differ by state:

• California: $25–$50 per foot

• Colorado: $20–$40 per foot

• Florida: $15–$30 per foot

• Montana: $25–$45 per foot

• Oklahoma: $20–$40 per foot

• Texas: $30–$55 per foot

• Washington State: $30–$50 per foot

• Wisconsin: $20–$45 per foot

• Wyoming: $30–$50 per foot

Permits

Permit fees depend on your county and range from $5 to $500. This is an essential cost before you start digging. Without a permit, you could risk legal trouble.

Most contractors help in the permitting process. In some counties, fees for residential and irrigation permits differ. In other areas, multiple permits may be required, like a plumbing permit for tying the well to the domestic water system inside the home. Work with your expert throughout this process to get the paperwork right.

Distance to House

Digging or drilling close to your home reduces the price tag. Waterline and electrical supply lines are shorter. Given the average cost to install a water main, every foot closer to your home saves between $50 and $150 for pipes alone.

Water Testing

Testing your water ranges between $30 and $150 for a DIY kit, or $100 to $500 when hiring a pro. It's a necessary first step to make sure the water is safe. You need to make sure your water is safe and clean.

Most pros will include this cost in their initial site inspection. They draw samples and submit them to a lab for thorough analysis. DIY kits typically show instant but less reliable results.

Soil Type and Condition

Soil condition has a distinct impact on the price you'll pay to drill your well. Soft, loamy soil with minimal rocks and debris costs considerably less to drill through than very rocky and heavily compacted earth. 

If your well has to be drilled through hard rock, again, expect to pay considerably more. However, in this scenario, you'll save some money because you won't require a well casing, as hard rock supports itself. 

Drilling through dense rock typically costs 155% more than drilling through soft soil, and partially rocky terrain costs 92% more. 

Private Well vs. Municipal Water System Costs

The initial investment is higher, but a private well can result in savings over time. Monthly, you will only have to pay for the electricity to operate the pump. You also need to account for annual maintenance of $100 to $250.

With an average use of 12,000 gallons per month, a private well can save you up to $500 per year. Your utility costs are also more stable. Even if you use more water in a month, you will not pay more as you would on your municipal bill.

As septic tanks and wells age, their expenses increase. Every 20 to 30 years, you'll pay up to $10,000 to replace the water tank, pump, and more.

Hiring a Pro vs. a DIY Construction

Technically, you can install a well yourself. But costs quickly add up, and safety becomes a problem. If you do decide on DIY construction, expect to pay for a few individual factors:

• Renting a Drill Rig: $600–$800 per day.

• Casing, Pipes, and Tubing: $50–$150 per foot of depth.

Other factors mentioned above will also raise expenses. Permit, pump, and water tank all cost extra. Hiring a well drilling pro ensures proper installation and makes the price more reliable. Making sure that the drilling and installation are correct also saves on long-term expenses. Get multiple quotes to better understand the prices for your situation.

Chambered systems cost $5,000 to $12,000 to install. They use plastic perforated chambers around pipes often set in sand, eliminating the need for gravel. They're quick and easy to install but more susceptible to crushing forces, like vehicles.

Built Wetland System

Built wetland systems cost $8,000 to $15,000 to install and more if you use an aerobic tank. They mimic the natural cleansing process found in wetlands and are treated by microbes, plants, and bacteria in a wetland tank before passing to the soil. The waste also supports the wetland plants and microbe population.

Recirculating Sand Filter Septic System 

Sand filter septic systems cost $7,000 to $18,000 to install. They're constructed either above- or below-ground and use a pump chamber to push the wastewater through a sand filter prior to dispersal in the ground. The filter box typically has a PVC lining, and the pump pushes the effluent through the sand and back to the pump tank, where it's then dispersed through the ground.

Evapotranspiration System

Evapotranspiration systems cost $10,000 to $15,000 to install. They use a unique drain field setup that allows the liquid to evaporate from the top of an open-air tank and are only useful in dry, arid climates that see little rain or snow.

Drip Septic System 

Drip systems cost $8,000 to $18,000 to install. They work like other systems, except they use extensive drip tubing and a dosing system. They release smaller timed doses, which work well in shallow soil depths. But a drip system costs more than a traditional system since it requires a dose tank, pump, and electricity.

Mound Septic System 

A mound septic system costs $10,000 to $20,000 to install. It’s the most expensive system but often necessary in areas with high water tables, shallow soil depth, or shallow bedrock. It relies upon an elevated sand mound for the drain field rather than excavating into the soil. Its increased expense comes from both the added machinery needed to pump effluent uphill into the mound and the materials and creation of the mound itself.

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