Well Water / Septic System owners > Question

[Biff Tannen]

On a lot of land for residential, we're being told the main septic (shared) system requires a "pre-treat tank” and "lift". Which is understandable. To make sure I'm not being taken for highway robbery, and can ask some decent questions - where's a good place to start, to educate myself on this? Googling has yielded some results, but nothing really that's given me the nuts and bolts of what's to be expected. I guess I'm just wondering if what I'm being told for pricing is legit from a local lever. Between hookup, and installation of Pretank, and lift system it's going to be around 12K to hook up to an existing, shared septic system. Which the number seems kind of high to me.

[CS]

I ended up having to put in a mound system when I sold my house in Becker. I paid 14K for the whole package, it was quoted b/t 16-18K I paid cash.

On our cabin in the UP (MI) we built 2 years ago we have a 3 tank system with lift pump up to the mound which is about 80 yards up a hill. That system cost 21K installed

I agree you number seems a bit high but not crazy, I would think you could find someone to get it done for 9-10K If you would like my contact up in the Becker area I can dig through my old bills from the house

[mnstang]

Just get some bids, but none of it is cheap. I had to get bids on a new mound and that was 20k. If they don't have to design it most places will give free estimates or at least ballparks.

[Fernanernie]

Shitters full

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[tim]

Anyone that is worth a shit in the septic industry has more work waiting for spring than they can handle. Prices are not cheap but due to the demand I wouldn't expect to see much variance between contractors and I wouldn't expect them to come off their bid.

[95.0mark]

Is this something you can't do by yourself?

Hard work but not rocket science.

[Biff Tannen]

Thanks guys.

Is this something you can't do by yourself?

Hard work but not rocket science.

why even read the post right? You know the part where I was asking where to educate myself on it, allowing the reader to deduce the fact I have little to no knowledge on the subject at hand. Thanks for the info as always marc.

[tim]

Is this something you can't do by yourself?

Hard work but not rocket science.

Lots of licenses and permits involved in septic systems. This isn't something you do on your own, records are kept and compliance is checked.

[94SlowPoke]

Like others have said it maybe high but without seeing the details, a new lift, pump, tank, etc came in $10k a few years ago. I've had good luck with Olsen Sewer. Very honest folks and they do good work. I have even had them come to the metro to do work and it still ended up cheaper than other bids including billing for their drive time. Not a DIY project due to permiting and regs. Good luck and fix before sh!t starts backing up!

[Biff Tannen]

Thanks guys. nothing is breaking, or going to break, this is for a new lot, hooking up to existing services. So I really wanted to just make sure I wasn't being taken for a ride, as with my little-to-no knowledge, it would be easy to do so.

[Scorpner]

I would wonder if the shared system has an existing drain field; if you can still add to it and/or how it would affect it?
I know there are differences depending on the type of soil (Google: perc test) and that can affect the cost due to what you're allowed to do. Should be similar to the ones nearby though. My guess if it already has a drain field and it doesn't need to be expanded, then the cost would be lower?
It might not hurt to talk to the actual city/county inspectors and get the rules/reg from the actual source. If there are problems at that location and it was tried before, the inspector may already be familiar with it. Then too you would be familiar with the terminology, what would be necessary to comply, and what the inspector would require vs. being told by the contractor.

[mnstang]

I'd get the details worked out for this shared septic, like are you on the hook for repairs/maintenance when it needs it?

I've used Swedlund septic before and was very happy with them all around.

[Biff Tannen]

I'd get the details worked out for this shared septic, like are you on the hook for repairs/maintenance when it needs it?

I've used Swedlund septic before and was very happy with them all around.

Yep - details are already figured out, as that was my first question, and no -I'm not entirely on the hook as there's an association that contributes to the well, septic, road maintenance etc via monthly dues. I rec'd a PM here from a member leading me to the exact info I needed, so I can use that as a catalyst. I appreciate the info though guys.

[Mullet Tuner]

LOL at doing this yourself. Maybe if you lived 20 miles from civilization of any kind...

I have been involved with a few of these, a majority of the cabins on Beaver Lake had to update their systems in the last few years, ours, my uncle's house and a few close friends are all in that area, and the numbers I heard were 10-20K depending on what needed to be done. I'd imagine based on location and inflation that you're going to be equal to or more expensive.

[93SVT]

We moved in November and the sellers had to put in a brand new mound system here, even with using the old tank as the first tank it was still $15k