The Real Cost of a Class 4 Septic System in Ontario (2026 Estimates)

Ontario septic costs · 2026 New systems and replacements Part 8 planning

How Much Does a Septic System Cost in Ontario in 2026?

You have probably heard three answers: “it depends,” “every lot is different,” and a number somebody paid years ago. The first two are true. The third is usually dangerous. Here are realistic 2026 planning ranges, what belongs in a complete quote, and the site conditions that push an Ontario septic system from straightforward to expensive.

Quick answer: budget $25,000–$40,000 for a conventional gravity system, $30,000–$50,000 for a raised, pressure or filter bed, and $35,000–$65,000+ for advanced treatment. Soil, access, imported material, pumping, old-system decommissioning and restoration determine where your project lands.
Calculate My Septic Cost → Build My Septic Package — $99.99 See the Price Ranges

The number to carry in your building budget

Good, open lot

$25,000–$40,000

Conventional gravity system, suitable native soil, room for the bed and easy equipment access.

Typical constrained rural lot

$30,000–$50,000

Raised, pressure-distribution or filter bed with more imported material and often a pump.

Difficult or sensitive site

$35,000–$65,000+

Advanced treatment, tight setbacks, shoreline conditions, high water table, clay or shallow bedrock.

Replacing an existing failed system? The same site variables apply, but the quote must also address the old tank and bed, access around an existing home and restoration. See the complete Ontario guide to Septic Replacement.

What is regulated, and who approves it?

Most residential on-site sewage systems with a total daily design flow of 10,000 litres per day or less, located on the property they serve, fall under Part 8 of Ontario’s Building Code. The local principal authority—commonly a municipality or health unit—reviews the septic system design, processes the septic permit application and performs the required septic inspections.

Start with the provincial septic systems information and confirm the submission procedure with the authority serving the property. For the project form used throughout this cluster, open the 2026 septic permit application.

Plain-English takeaway: septic is not merely an excavation price. It is a site-specific design, permit and inspected installation. Two properties across the road from each other can require different systems and carry very different costs.

2026 Ontario septic system cost ranges

These are contractor-installed planning ranges. Ask every contractor whether design, permit fees, electrical, imported material, old-system decommissioning and final restoration are included or excluded.

System or scope Typical 2026 range What usually puts it in this range
Conventional gravity Class 4 system $25,000–$40,000 Workable T-time, adequate native soil, enough area, gravity fall and uncomplicated access.
Raised, pressure or filter bed $30,000–$50,000 Marginal soil, high seasonal water, imported sand or fill, a pump chamber or pressure distribution.
Advanced treatment / difficult site $35,000–$65,000+ Very tight clearances, shoreline sensitivity, poor soil, shallow rock or a treatment unit with ongoing service.
Site assessment, design and permit allowance $2,000–$8,000 Varies with test-hole work, professional design, engineering, local fees and the complexity of the lot. It may already be included in a full quote.

Where the money goes

A low headline quote is meaningless until you know what it includes. A complete project may contain all of the following:

Cost component What a complete quote should state
Site assessment, design and permit preparation Who completes the test holes, soil evaluation, calculations, drawings, revisions, permit submission and authority responses. Carry a combined planning allowance of $2,000–$8,000, depending on complexity, unless these items are clearly included in the installed price.
Tank supply and installation Tank size and material, delivery, bedding, risers, effluent filter, inlet and outlet details, excavation depth and backfill.
Leaching bed and distribution System type, trench or bed dimensions, stone, sand, mantle or fill, piping, geotextile, distribution method and final cover.
Pump chamber, controls and electrical Pump capacity, floats, alarm, control panel, electrician, commissioning and any pressure-distribution testing.
Excavation, trucking and imported material Included quantities, haul distances, unsuitable-soil removal, rock or water allowances and the rate used when quantities change.
Old-system decommissioning Pumping, abandonment, crushing or removal of the old tank and how the old bed and connecting pipes will be handled.
Grading and restoration Final grades, drainage, topsoil, seed, driveway repair, landscaping limits and what remains for the owner after inspection.

The installed ranges above already combine many of these components. Use this table to compare inclusions and exclusions—not to add every item a second time.

Get a fast range before you call contractors.
The calculator uses the same three system ranges and asks about the conditions that actually move the number: soil, lot constraints, pumping, access and restoration.
Use the Septic Calculator →

The 10 cost drivers that move your quote

  1. Soil profile and design T-time

    Well-draining native soil can support a simpler bed. Clay, fill, shallow rock or inconsistent soil can require imported material, a raised bed or advanced treatment.

  2. High groundwater and seasonal wetness

    The design must maintain required separation from limiting conditions. High seasonal water often means raising the system and importing more material.

  3. Available area and setbacks

    The house, well, property lines, watercourses, driveway and reserve area all compete for space. A tight lot can force a more expensive design, which is why lot septic feasibility should be checked before the house location is fixed.

  4. Slope and usable gravity fall

    A layout that works by gravity is simpler. Poor elevations can require a pump chamber, controls and electrical work.

  5. Equipment access

    Open access keeps production efficient. Trees, narrow gates, steep grades, soft ground and an occupied property all increase time and risk.

  6. Imported material and trucking

    Sand, stone and engineered fill are expensive to deliver. Removing unsuitable spoil can add just as much.

  7. System type

    Gravity distribution is simplest. Pressure distribution adds pumps and controls. Advanced treatment adds equipment, commissioning and service obligations.

  8. Tank size and installation depth

    The required working capacity follows the design flow. Larger homes and higher design flows require larger tanks, while depth changes excavation, bedding and access requirements.

  9. Permit, design and review requirements

    Fees and submission requirements differ by authority. Waterfront, source-water or conservation constraints can introduce additional review.

  10. Old-system decommissioning and restoration

    Replacement work may require pumping, crushing or removing an old tank, working around an occupied house and restoring lawns, drives or landscaping.

Tools for the septic, lot and permit decisions

Use the septic software for one Part 8 project, the Lot-Buying Bible before committing to rural property and the Building Permit Bible when the septic work is part of a larger permitted project.

Primary septic tool

Ontario Septic Designer

Calculate, check, draw, price and print.
$99.99per project · 90-day access

Organize the building information, daily design flow, soil, T-time, setbacks, system calculations, site plan, cross-section, materials and printable Part 8 documentation.

  • Daily design flow and minimum tank calculations
  • Soil, T-time and setback checks
  • Bed sizing, material takeoff and cost estimate
  • Site-plan overlay and system cross-section
  • Printable package for local authority review
Build My Septic Package — $99.99
Planning and documentation tool. The local approval authority makes the permit decision.
Before buying the lot

Ontario Lot-Buying Bible

Price the whole rural property before committing.
$29.99one-time purchase

A practical guide to septic, well, zoning, access, hydro, grading, site costs, financing and the questions that should be answered before purchase.

  • Septic and well due-diligence questions
  • Rural servicing and site-cost planner
  • Hard-cost, soft-cost and contingency worksheet
  • Printable go/no-go lot scorecard
Get the Lot-Buying Bible — $29.99
Purchase through the linked Stripe checkout.
Whole permit process

Ontario Building Permit Bible

Consultants, drawings, fees and inspections in order.
$29.99one-time purchase

A builder’s roadmap for moving a home, addition, garden suite, garage or renovation from early planning through the Ontario permit and inspection process.

  • Complete-application checklist
  • Who to hire and in what order
  • Permit, development and soft-cost planning
  • Inspection preparation and common failures
Get the Permit Bible — $29.99
Purchase through the linked Stripe checkout.

Buying the lot and then pulling the building permit?

Get the Ontario Lot-Buying Bible and Ontario Building Permit Bible together.

$59.98 Both for $49.99
Get Both Bibles

A septic budgeting method that works

1. Select the honest starting range

  • Good soil and open space: start with $25,000–$40,000.
  • Typical rural constraints: start with $30,000–$50,000.
  • Waterfront, poor soil or tight site: start with $35,000–$65,000+.

2. List the unknowns separately

  • Imported material and haul-off allowance
  • Pump, controls and electrical allowance
  • Rock, water or dewatering allowance
  • Old-system removal and restoration allowance
Do not count the same money twice. When a contractor gives you a full installed price, compare the inclusion list against your allowances and remove anything already covered.
Building in Simcoe County or Georgian Bay? Our own crew can price the septic and site work together.
Georgian Bay Siteworks coordinates the evaluation, excavation, tank, bed, driveway and grading so those parts of the property do not fight each other. We serve Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Blue Mountains, Stayner, Barrie, Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny and Tay.

Maintenance changes the lifetime cost

A conventional system has relatively simple care: control water use, protect the bed and pump the tank according to actual use and inspection findings. The detailed septic maintenance guide explains pumping, warning signs, records and bed protection. Advanced treatment systems may require scheduled service, replacement components and electricity, so those ongoing obligations belong in the buying decision—not only the installation quote.

Builder’s rule: the cheapest system is the compliant system that fits the lot, is installed properly and remains maintainable for decades. Keep the design, permit, inspection records and maintenance history.

Questions to ask before accepting a quote

For an existing property, first review the Buying a House With Septic guide and obtain an appropriate septic inspection. Then compare contractor quotes using the questions below.

  • Which system is being priced, and why? Ask for the soil and site reasons behind the design.
  • Are the soil assessment, design, permit and inspections included?
  • What tank, pump, treatment unit and bed materials are specified?
  • How much imported sand, stone or fill is included?
  • Is excess soil removal included, and what happens if quantities increase?
  • Are electrical work, alarms, controls and commissioning included?
  • For a replacement, how is the old tank and bed decommissioned?
  • What final grading, topsoil, seeding, driveway or landscaping work is excluded?
  • Who books inspections and supplies the final documentation?
  • How are unforeseen conditions and change orders priced?

Related Ontario septic guides

This cost guide belongs to the complete BuildersOntario septic cluster. Use the page matching the next decision in your project.

Ontario Septic Systems Hub Start here for system types, rules, permits, planning and every detailed guide. Septic Permit Ontario Application, required documents, permit steps and inspection sequence. Septic System Design Ontario Calculations, drawings, soil information, layout and permit-package requirements. Septic Inspection Ontario Inspection scope, costs, records, pumping and buyer due diligence. Septic Cost Calculator Estimate a planning range from system type and site conditions. Owner-Builder Septic Owner responsibilities, qualification issues, permit limits and construction duties. Lot Septic Feasibility Soil, area, setbacks, water table, bedrock, access and buildability checks. Buying a House With Septic Records, inspection conditions, negotiation and replacement-risk planning. Septic Replacement Planning Internal guide to failure, design, permits, decommissioning and replacement budgeting. Septic Maintenance Pumping, water use, bed protection, warning signs and record keeping. How Septic Systems Work Tank treatment, effluent distribution, soil treatment and common system types. Garden Suite Septic Requirements Added design flow, capacity, setbacks and when an upgrade may be required. Septic and Well Reality Check Rural servicing conflicts, clearances, water supply and total site-cost risk.

Septic system cost in Ontario: frequently asked questions

How much does a septic system cost in Ontario in 2026?

Use $25,000–$40,000 for a conventional gravity system, $30,000–$50,000 for a raised, pressure or filter bed, and $35,000–$65,000 or more for advanced treatment or a difficult site. These are planning ranges, not fixed prices. Soil, groundwater, bedrock, access, imported material, pumping, permit requirements and restoration determine the final quote.

Does the quoted septic price include design and the permit?

Sometimes. Design and permit preparation generally require a planning allowance of $2,000–$8,000, depending on complexity, but a contractor may include some or all of that work in the installed price. Compare the written inclusions before adding separate allowances.

Why are septic quotes so different on similar lots?

The soil profile, T-time, seasonal groundwater, setbacks, slope, access and required imported material may differ even between neighbouring properties. Quotes also differ because one contractor may include design, electrical work, decommissioning and restoration while another prices only the tank and bed.

Do I need a permit for a new or replacement septic system?

A permit is generally required before installing, altering, extending or repairing an on-site sewage system. The local principal authority reviews the design and performs the required inspections. Confirm the application, fee and inspection procedure with the authority serving the property.

What makes a raised, pressure or filter bed cost more?

These systems commonly need more imported sand or fill, a larger constructed area and, in many cases, a pump chamber, controls and pressure distribution. Extra trucking, equipment time, electrical work and commissioning move them above a simple gravity system in suitable native soil.

Can an owner-builder prepare a septic permit package?

An owner may be able to prepare a package for a sewage system they own, but the applicable exemption, qualification rules, forms and local acceptance should be confirmed before relying on it. The package still needs defensible site information, calculations, setbacks and drawings, and the approval authority decides whether it is complete.

Should the septic system be planned before the house?

The septic system and house should be planned together. The best soil area, required clearances and usable gravity fall influence where the house, driveway and well should go. Fixing the house location first can force a pump, raised system, longer runs or a layout that does not fit.

What should a complete septic quote include?

A complete quote should identify the approved system, tank, bed, piping, pump and controls where required; quantities of stone, sand and fill; excavation, hauling, permit and inspection responsibility; electrical work; old-system decommissioning for a replacement; and the exact level of grading and restoration.

How much should I budget for septic replacement?

Use the same installed planning ranges: $25,000–$40,000 for conventional gravity, $30,000–$50,000 for a raised, pressure or filter bed, and $35,000–$65,000 or more for advanced treatment or a difficult site. Replacement work may also include pumping, decommissioning, restricted access and restoration around an existing home.

How can I reduce septic cost surprises before buying a lot?

Complete septic feasibility work before making the building design final. Confirm the proposed system area, soil and T-time, groundwater or bedrock, well and water setbacks, access, grades and the daily design flow. Carry the correct system range in the land budget and keep a contingency for unresolved site conditions.

Planning disclaimer: General Ontario education and 2026 planning ranges only. Requirements, accepted submissions, fees and actual costs vary by property and approval authority. Confirm the design and permit requirements with the local authority and obtain site-specific professional or contractor pricing before proceeding.

Building on a rural lot in Simcoe County or Georgian Bay?

Harvey Juric, Master Builder, brings 45 years of construction experience and more than 300 custom homes. Our service area covers Simcoe County and Georgian Bay, including Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Blue Mountains, Stayner, Barrie, Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny and Tay.

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83 Comments

  2. I didn’t know that the price of a septic tank depends on the soil type. My yard is more sandy than it is rocky. I’m glad this means my price will be considerably cheaper! Thanks for the insight!

  3. Nice article. There is some good information here but a few corrections need to be made.

    1) You do not need an engineer if your home is over 5 bedrooms. You will only require an engineer if your over 10,000 litres a day flow rate.

    2)The fixture chart is a good basic idea but there are variables and not all load units are necessarily what is indicated on that chart. Things like drain size and the way they are connected can affect the load value. Example: floor drain with a 3 inch trap is a load of 3 not 2, depending on the style of toilet it could be 6 not 4 etc.

    3)For residential applications the septic tank volume is twice the design flow. Period. A garburator has no effect on design criteria other than it adds 3 fixture units only if it is a commercial style with a 2 inch trap.

    4)For commercial systems the tank size must be 3 times the design flow.

    5)The pricing you give here is very low for many of the items in general. A septic tank for an average 3 bedroom home @1600 l/day would be roughly $1500 give or take depending on the manufacturer, where as a large 5 bedroom multiple washroom home you could easily spend $4000 or more. A good starting point for a complete system here is closer to $15,000 and it just keeps going up. Soil conditions play a very large factor as mentioned. An average 3 bedroom could be 20 to 30 thousand depending on after treatment, site conditions and much more.

    All people installing septic beds in Ontario, for others, need to have a valid BCIN and should carry adequate insurance.

    Joe.
    http://www.jfelandworks.com

    • I couldn’t agree more Joe. Note the biggest issue I have is the cost of the cert sand. about the only place that sells around here is near 650. per load of 20 to 22 ton per truck and one may need 30 truck loads = 19’500 just for sand.it doesn’t seem fair the cost(s) are driven so hi.
      cheers
      Rich

  4. Wow, $7500 – $10,000 wood be great. All the quotes we got were for $18,000 to $20,000, and that’s just for the septic bed, the tank is fine.

    • Hi Tanya
      Did you find a reasonable contractor? I’m dealing with the exact same project and looking for a reasonable cost.

      Appreciate any tip or suggestion
      Cheers

  5. Just for reference: I received 4 quotes so far for a system ranged between 10500CAD and 13000CAD. House is 2000sqft, 1000L tank all the materials for beds needs to be supplied, so the worst case scenario.

    • hi Ion….so did u get the septic system installed…what were your final costs …what company u used…and are u happy with everything…
      really appreciate your feedback as i am going to go thru a similar project soon

    • Hi Ion,
      Did you find a reasonable contractors? I’m dealing with the exact same project for a replacement and looking for a reasonable cost. Please email me any tips or suggestions. Thanks. Andra

  6. We had a new system installed last year and are not happy with the placement. Can the holding tanks be reused and moved or do we need to purchase a new system?

    • You need to talk to the septic system inspector in your township. You will need a new permit, and someone from the septic/health department will be able to tell you if it is possible.

      • we have a trailer on site but wont be building soon. is a smaller and cheaper septic tank just like the one they use in trailer parks allowed to be installed to connect our trailer?

  7. Hey Mr Admin!!LOL Some great articles.Thanks
    In Ontario as a home owner you can install your own septic system.
    They also do not expect you to do the excavation.Though when the inspector laser line levels the header,pipes and the distribution box, it has to be less then 1/4 inch to the engineered drawing.Not impossible to do, just take your time and hope it don’t rain everyday!!
    Plus don’t drive over it!! Good luck!

  8. Hello, we are building an addition to the house. The existing septic is ok but undersized when considering the addition. Can we just add another another septic system ( i.e. having 2 systems on the property) or we need to upgrade the existing one or redo the whole thing?
    Thanks, Michael.

  9. I appreciate the article. We are building a new home in Amherstburg(old Anderdon). I’ve been hearing I’ll spend 15k but now I’m concerned. We have clay soil and home of approximately 2900 sq.ft. 5 bedroom 4&1/2 baths. I was following your equation but got lost according to our house specs.
    Also will septic type vary if a pool is installed?

    • Curious if you got an answer? Our renovated house will be abt 2000sq ft but we also have clay soil. Quote of $30k!!

    • Hi Tracy, I live in Malden Centre and currently looking at getting my septic system replaced. Can I bother to ask who you ended up going with and were you happy with them? Thanks

  11. Hello, I am purchasing home on the west rouge , Scarborough,toronto with an existing septic system at the backyard. I am not that familiar with operation and maintenance of the equipments and appreciate the following info:

    1. Services offering for yearly maintenance in the area
    2. Contract to convert the septic ro a sewage system . Contractors need to provide a turnkey from permit to final connection.
    3. Tips of DIY to ensure the proper operation and on the house insurance I should take

  12. HI, Great info, thanks
    Can anyone recommend a installer or supplier for septic tank, in London Ontario area.
    Thank you
    Regard
    Marco

  13. Would anyone have recommendations for a contractor in Kenora. I have one quote and I would like a couple more

    • Hi Lia … My name is Susan. Our family owns a cabin in the woods in Ontario northwest of Toronto. We have been given estimates to repair or (recommended) replace a septic system. I realize each situation is different but upwards for $55,000-$60,000 seems excessive for a cabin used for a few days every couple of weeks at most for 7 months of the year. Would you be willing to email me what you estimate was? I have been searching the web for pics and they are 5X lower. I will call other places next week.
      thank you in advance if you can share your info with me. I’m about to have a heart attack! 🙁

        • Greetings Sir,

          I came across this site ,as I was looking for how much it would cost to get septic installed on a property with a trailler… the property is in crowlake,central frontenac ,is there anyway you could send me a contact for someone who I can relly upon to give me right estimates and may be who could survey the possibility of different options i have in mind …my email address is shehzadakassamali@gmail.com and phone number 4168938980 …thanking you in advance..

        • Looking at replacing a 50 year old residential system in Trent Lakes , Buckhorn area and was wondering if you could recommend any contractors in the area.

          Thanks

          Bob

    • Hi Lia. Would you mind passing along the name of the contractor for the Kenora area that you used, if you had decent results?

  14. Very low price given – perhaps the best case scenario for a small house with good access, but my cottage country sloping lot lakefront job for a 4 bedroom house with laundry, two full baths and kitchen with dishwasher was quoted at $28,000. This did include demo of the old tank, but that wouldn’t account for such a difference, I wouldn’t think. I would think there have been significant supply cost increases.

  15. I have an existing grey water system that is working well. If I was to install a septic system for a flush toilet only what size septic tank would be required? Only the toilet would be piped into the septic tank.

  16. Hello, we just bought a house last year. the home was built in 1976 and it had the original septic. We were told we need to get a new septic system installed and were quoted 25k for a 3 bedroom/3 bathroom home that is about 2000 sq ft. looking at the other prices it doesn’t seem reasonable, does it seem reasonable to you?

    • I can’t answer your question without knowing a bunch of details. Where? Soil composition? Do you have to dispose of the old system? I would also like to look at the septic engineering. Please call or email me directly.

      • Can the regional authority dictate a holding tank on a 40 year old property or does a repair back to original specifications, or better, have to be accepted? We have a small area and ATU system.

  17. Hi
    I live in the Port Perry area. I bought my house almost 3 yrs ago – with a septic inspection. At the time I was told that the wall between the 2 tanks (baffle?) was likely going to require repair and/or tank replacement in the future. As of this week, my main floor toilet is no longer flowing (all remedies tried to clear a possible clog with no success) and now my main floor kitchen sink seems to have slowed drainage. I’m wondering if this tank needs repair/replacement now. Any suggestions as to what sort of tank I should be looking at – and possible prices? It’s about 1200 sq ft home with 2 people in it (3 bedroom, 2 bath, under 20 – based on the info in this article).

    Looking forward to any thoughts.
    Thank you!

  18. Hello , I am building a house with a walk out basement , does this change the calculation for septic size ?

    • Yes, and no. Does a basement have any bedrooms? Washrooms? What is the total square footage of finished space, including the basement?

  19. Hi advisors,

    I bought a house of 3 bedrooms and one bathroom, looking to remodel and get some additional bedrooms and more bathrooms but the septic in the backyard is quite small in size, 5’x8’
    My question is:
    Is it possible to install another septic in front of the house since I have enough front yard? In other-words, is it okay to have tow septic systems in same house?

  20. Was just wondering how much my 1 bedroom cottage . dishwasher. Sink. Washer and.dryer. bathroom sink . and shower and toilet. How much would it cost me to empty septic tank. How often. Am new cottage buyer. Am using water off a well that’s filtrated.

    • To empty a septic tank in Southern Ontario, it should cost you anywhere from $250 to $400. If they have to dig to find lids, it may be a little more. How often depends on the use and size of the tank. Check the guidelines in the article above.

  21. Hi,

    I was looking at purchasing a cottage that has 10 bedrooms, 4000 sg/ft. two full bathrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and 1 washing machine The existing septic tank is 1500 Gallons, I think that may be too small for the size of the cottage. Any thoughts??

  22. Does anyone have any knowledge/experience with the Aquarobic Treatment unit with Waterloo flatbeds for the disposal area.

    We are on 2000 gal septic tank only at the moment with no bed

    Small lot and Considerkng our options

  23. Hi Everyone, This forum is great, I am in Caledon ON and looking to put 2 Extra Washrooms and probably a swimming pool also with 1 more washroom and I may need to put 1 Extra Septic system or upgrade existing one looking for good contractor who can suggest me what is the best option available and cost involve

    Please suggest. Any help on this will be appreciable.

    Thanks
    Khem

    • You may try to call Acchione Brothers Construction from Orangeville. They install septic systems in your area for the last 50 years.

  24. We are looking to purchase a’ boat access only cottage and it requires a septic…it’s a small 2 bdrm but would have 5 + people throughout the summer months. What could we expect it would cost considering its on the Cdn Shield?

  25. I’m looking for a contractor for Grafton Ont
    I plan to build in the future a 4000sq ft Center as an enlargement of our Church property. Right now we have a small Church 600 sq ft with out house toilets. I only want 1 septic system for all. Any suggestions.
    Owen James

  26. Building new home on sloped land towards Ottawa River just north of Renfrew. Do you have any suggestions/recommendations on septic system installers?

    Thank you for this website. Sry informative and useful.

  27. Hi

    Great forum. I am building an extension and adding a bathroom. My question is since I have a failing system , can the old on be removed and simply replaced by a new one in the same location? Also what would be the recommended first step. Contact an engineer or go with an installer? Any installer recommendations in Ottawa?Thanks in advance

  28. Hi, does anyone of experience or have ideas of costs in Northern Ontario in particular Timmins to Kapuskasing area. Currently in early stages of understanding build costs however unit specs would likely be three bedroom/1500 ft2. Also any recommendation on contractors? Thx

  30. Great site , comments and suggestions ; Do you have any great septic systems installer in South Frontenac area . We are in process to start to build house up to 2500 square feet .Any suggestion on the price range . Thanks !

  31. We had a new septic system installed last year to a cottage site that was ideal, sand soil (not sandy, sand), flat, near the road, 3 bedroom size. The contractor put in field lines which were drainage pipes wrapped in a big long net bag containing styrofoam ‘peanuts’, like the ones used in package cushioning. I gather this replaced the drainage stone normally surrounding the pipe. He explained how ordinary pipe in gravel will settle, and also, often the gravel under the pipe is skimped.
    Is this a good system, worth repeating at our normal home? Is it expensive, or cheaper? Easier to install?

    • Hi,
      What was the cost for this system? We were quoted just under $30k for a similar system, for a 4 bedroom home requiring tree removal and sand trucked in.

  32. I’m looking for a contractor for Lindsay Ont
    I plan to build in the future a 2200sq ft cottage. Can anyone recommend a installer or supplier for septic tank, in Lindsay Ontario area.
    Thank you

    • Hey I would check out Professional Excavating & Construction for septic installations in the kawartha region.

  33. Hi everyone, I work in the industry and notice a lot of people are looking for installers. I recommend checking out the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) website – http://www.oowa.org. It has a lot of helpful information and also a directory that allows you to search for professionals based on your location. Not every installer is listed in the directory but it can be a good place to start.

  34. I’m looking to get a septic bed repaired or a new system
    In Sutton by lake Simcoe so far I’ve been quoted around 40-50000 is that Normal and 20000 for just a new bed ?? Can anyone help

    • Try calling professional excavating & construction they do septics and are really reasonable with the pricing

  35. Hi, I’m looking to have a decommissioned septic tank removed and was wondering who I could contact and a rough estimate on pricing. I’m in the Georgina area.

  36. Lots of usable information here.
    I am currently building in Zurich, Bluewater. Septic installed last week. This is a 1000 gallon cement tank with ECOFLO STB730 PR treatment system. Total cost is $20K + tax. Includes everything (material + installation + inspection etc.). House is a 3Bed 2000sq.ft. bungalow.

    Now a days the entire wastewater treatment system is available in a container. I am not sure if that is allowed in Canadian residential use.

    Hope this info helps

  37. I am just west of Orillia Ont.,, have a leaching bed 37 years old needs replacing.
    Can anyone recommend a reliable & reasonably priced contractor ?
    Thanks
    Don

  38. My house and septic are very close to your example above but I don’t understand the size of the bed required as per below. “155 meters of total excavation and pipe length.” is that supposed to be square meters or feet? My current bed size is 5 lines approx 25 feet long. Is that too small?? Not sure how most properties could have 5 lines at 100 feet per pipe.

    For our house example, the total trench length would be calculated as (Q rate = 3100 litres) 3100 X 10 (T time for sandy soils) = 31000 / 200 = 155 meters of total excavation and pipe length.

  39. I appreciated it when you shared that a septic tank can be chosen from concrete, fibreglass, or polyethylene and come in a variety of sizes. My uncle just mentioned the other day that he is planning to build a house on a plot of land that he just bought a few months ago. I will suggest to him hiring a reliable service that can help install the right septic system for his new home.

  40. Just so I can have someone double check my math:

    House size: 2300sqft [214sqm]
    4 bedrooms[2000L min]
    Total fixture value: 26

    So because of the extra 14sqm I need an extra 140L and because of the additional 6 fixtures I need to add another 300L, bringing me to 2440L flow rate. Therefore my tank will need to be 4880L.

    And if my sandy soil has a T-time of 10 I would need 244m of drainage field.

    Can someone let me know if this math is correct?

    Thanks

    • Kayle, you take the highest of the 2 figures(sq/ft vs fixture units) so you add 300 L bringing you to 2300. Minimum tank size would be 4600 litres.
      Your drainage is based on the TDDSSF of 2300, not double. Your total pipe length would then be 115

  41. Hello,

    We are planning to build retirement home northeast of Ontario.
    Based on design we have living space on main floor 2922sq.ft and Upperfloor 1000 sq.ft.with total,
    3 full bathroom
    1 power room
    1 kitchen
    1 laundry
    1 dishwasher

    Soil dont have clay.
    How big septic tank do we need and what will it cost?
    Your reply is greatly appreciated.

    Thanks
    Neel

  42. Hello ICF Home, we’re performing some rough calculations regarding septic tank capacities if we were to add a guest bedroom and bathroom in our basement. I came across your posted article and as general information, we found it and the guidelines on septic tanks and the OBC to be very helpful for planning purposes.

    Thank you very much for posting it. ~ Nela ~

  43. Great advice. Thanks. We’re looking for a reliable contractor to replace our existing septic system in Erin township. Any suggestions? Our current system is old and hurting. I don’t know where to look up septic records or what to do with that information even if I found it!

  44. Great information. I am on the process of building a cottage (3 bedroom and 2 bathroom). Looking for possible comtractors in the area. I am on an island and willing to transport material to the site and have someone install the system. O called a couple of local contractors, but haven’t got a call back. Can you suggest a couple of companies that would be interested

  45. Does anyone know how much it costs for a septic system design? Is a survey required? Is an on-site T-time test required? Any input would be appreciated.

  47. Hi
    I have a conventional system which has a Q of 1800. I am looking to add an extra bedroom which will make it Q= 2200. The tank is rated at 4500.
    The leach field is a raised bed on a tight space and was designed around the 1800 flow rate with a T of 50.
    Are there any alterations that can be done to the existing field without expanding the square footage or newer alternative systems that could reduce the bed size?

  48. I think the prices here need to be updated. The information is great but, prices are outdated. We have to have our system replaced and of the several contractors that have come, for a three bedroom, it’s going to cost within the 30-40k range for bed and tank. Almost twice what I calculated through this site

  49. I agree! It’s recommended to have your septic tank inspected at least every three years. If your tank is used more than the average home, you may consider more regular inspections. The problem is, most homeowners only schedule an inspection when something is wrong with their system.

  50. I agree that the prices have increased considerably. I have recently acquired a home in the Dunrobin area. The septic system needs to be replaced and the quotes are ranging from 40k – 60k. If anyone knows of a company that can work with 40k maximum, please email me. Thanks

    • Celeste. I too live in Dunrobin and will be looking at leach bed replacement soon. May I ask what contractor you decided to go with and what was the final cost? Many thanks.

  51. Thanks for the reminder that soil tests should also be done when planning to get septic tank pumping services. I got a new one installed a few years back and I think it’s time to get it pumped. Hopefully, the whole process wouldn’t require a long time to finish.

  52. I want to install a new septic system. I am in summerstown Ontario. who can do it? I want to find a builder.

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