Costs and Budgeting
Costs vary widely with soil, slope, access and system type. The figures below are general market ranges, not quotes. Always get written estimates from licensed New Brunswick installers.
20 questions in this section
- What does a new septic system cost?
- Why is there such a wide range?
- What does a mound system typically cost?
- What are the fixed government fees in New Brunswick?
- What else should I budget for beyond the system itself?
- How much does engineering add?
- What does pumping cost?
- What does an inspection cost?
- What does replacing just the septic tank cost?
- What does replacing a drain field cost?
- Is it cheaper to repair or replace?
- Can I save money by doing the digging myself?
- Does the time of year affect price?
- Are there grants or financing for septic replacement in New Brunswick?
- Will my home insurance cover septic failure?
- Does a septic system affect my property taxes or assessment?
- Is a septic system cheaper than municipal sewer over time?
- How can I make my system last longer and cost less?
- Should I get more than one quote?
- What should be in a written quote?
What does a new septic system cost?
Across Canada, a new septic installation commonly runs from about $6,000 to $18,000, and comprehensive installations on difficult sites can reach $15,000 to $60,000. Your soil, slope, access and system type drive the number more than anything else.
Why is there such a wide range?
Because a straightforward gravity trench system in good sandy soil and a raised mound with imported sand, a pump chamber and engineering are two completely different projects.
What does a mound system typically cost?
Mound installations commonly run between $15,000 and $30,000 in Canada, because of the volume of specified imported sand, the earth-moving and the larger footprint.
What are the fixed government fees in New Brunswick?
The application fee is $150. A re-inspection, if deficiencies are found, is another $150 each time. Those are separate from your installer's price.
What else should I budget for beyond the system itself?
Test pit excavation, sieve analysis or permeability testing if required, engineering fees for a non-conventional or engineered design, site clearing and stump removal, landscaping and seeding afterwards, and possibly a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit.
How much does engineering add?
Engineered designs add professional fees for the design, the stamped drawings and the final review and as-built record drawings. Expect it to be a meaningful line item, and get the engineer's scope in writing up front.
What does pumping cost?
In the Moncton area and across New Brunswick, pumping commonly starts at around $330 plus tax, varying by location and tank size. $300 to $600 is the broader Canadian range.
What does an inspection cost?
Typically $100 to $300 in Canada, depending on scope and whether the tank is pumped at the same time.
What does replacing just the septic tank cost?
Considerably less than a full system, since the field stays in place. It still requires an application, an approval and a licensed installer, and the $150 fee applies.
What does replacing a drain field cost?
It is the expensive half of the system. Expect a substantial fraction of a full installation, because the excavation, materials and inspection process are largely the same.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace?
It depends entirely on why the system failed. A clogged filter, an unlevel distribution box or a failed pump are inexpensive fixes. Soil that has been clogged by years of solids carryover generally cannot be repaired.
Can I save money by doing the digging myself?
No. Installation, construction, repair and replacement must be done by a licensed installer holding an approval. Unapproved work risks orders to correct, refusal of a Certificate of Compliance and problems at resale.
Does the time of year affect price?
Often. Frozen or saturated ground makes excavation harder and more expensive, and contractors are busiest in the warmer months. Planning ahead usually costs less than an emergency in November.
Are there grants or financing for septic replacement in New Brunswick?
Programs change over time. Check with Service New Brunswick, your municipality or regional service commission, and any provincial home-repair or environmental programs current at the time. Some lenders also offer home improvement financing.
Will my home insurance cover septic failure?
Standard policies typically cover sudden and accidental damage, not gradual failure, wear or lack of maintenance. Sewer backup coverage is usually a separate endorsement. Read your policy and ask your broker specifically about on-site sewage systems.
Does a septic system affect my property taxes or assessment?
A functioning system is part of the property's serviceability. A failed system or a property that cannot support one materially affects value. Talk to a local realtor or assessor for specifics.
Is a septic system cheaper than municipal sewer over time?
Different cost structures. Septic has a large up-front cost and periodic pumping but no monthly bill. Municipal sewer has connection fees and ongoing utility charges. Over 20 years the totals are often closer than people expect.
How can I make my system last longer and cost less?
Pump on schedule, clean the effluent filter, fix leaks promptly, spread out water use, keep vehicles off the field, plant only grass over it, and never connect storm water. Every one of these is nearly free.
Should I get more than one quote?
Yes, and make sure each quote is based on the same soil assessment and system design. A quote that is dramatically lower often assumes a simpler system than your test pit will support.
What should be in a written quote?
System type and size, tank capacity and material, field length or number of units, imported sand quantity and specification if a mound, who obtains the approval and pays the $150 fee, site restoration, warranty terms, and what happens if the inspector requires changes.
Have a question about your own property? General answers only go so far — your soil, slope, water table and setbacks are specific to your lot. Call (506) 233-6272 or send us the details.
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Serving homeowners, builders, and property owners throughout Greater Moncton and southeastern New Brunswick.