Alberta Septic System Cost

When people consider developing a new acreage, one of the first questions they ask is “how much does a septic system cost?”.  Answering a question like this is not as simple as it may first appear; many different variables must come into consideration such as lot size, site topography, soil conditions and home size.

To provide a homeowner with an accurate estimate for a septic system, a certified contractor would need to perform a site evaluation in accordance with the Alberta Private Sewage System Standard of Practice.  During this onsite evaluation the contractor would dig a 9 foot deep test pit and enter the test pit to evaluate the soil horizons. The contractor would collect soil samples to be sent into a laboratory for analysis which would determine the amounts of sand, silt and clay present.

The type of soil determined by the laboratory analysis, along with the other site variables, is used to calculate the overall size and type of septic system that is required for the property. The size and type of the required septic system would then inform the calculations relating to  materials and construction labour.

If you are just looking for a rough estimate of price for budgetary reasons, we provide a general pricing guide found in the Tanks-A-Lot document Introduction to Private Sewage Systems in Alberta.  Getting this document is free and easy. Simply visit our Residential page to request the "Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems".