When it comes to septic and sewer systems, taking care of them properly is critical. Any wastewater problems can harm the surrounding water. When a property gets connected to the local sewer system, or it has a new septic system installed, the property owners must decommission the old septic tank.
The cost to have this done varies depending on a few different factors, but it is typically between a few thousand to ten thousand dollars. The average cost to remove an old septic tank is around $5,500.
What Is Decommissioning A Septic Tank?
Decommissioning a septic tank involves two steps – taking it out of service and ensuring it will not contaminate the area. This is not a do-it-yourself project. Only professionals should decommission septic tanks. If it is not done properly, the groundwater or nearby streams and ponds can become contaminated.
Decommissioning a septic tank is also called abandonment. The first step is pumping out any remaining liquid or sludge. Then the tank’s lid must be destroyed or removed.
The property owner may remove the septic tank from the ground or have technicians fill it with gravel or soil, which is then compacted. Afterward, the property owner can landscape the area.
What Factors Affect The Cost Of Decommissioning An Old Septic Tank?
Many things can affect the cost of decommissioning an old septic tank. Prices will vary from company to company.
First, the septic company will pump the tank, removing all its contents. The tank must be empty before extracting it or filling it in. Once empty, the property owner will need to decide to either remove the tank completely or fill it with compacted soil or gravel. Filling it in is much more cost-effective than having it removed.
The material the septic tank is made from makes a difference in the cost of decommissioning it too. Steel tanks need to be pulled out and crushed, and they may be buried at the original site. With the proper equipment, it may be possible to crush the tank in place. But either way, the labor involved in this process will increase the price of decommissioning the tank.
For concrete septic tanks, technicians will put holes in them and then fill them in with soil or gravel. Fiberglass and plastic septic tanks are typically pulled out and crushed just like steel tanks.
If you have a large septic tank, decommissioning it will cost more than it would for a smaller tank. This is because it takes longer to get the work done, so labor costs are higher. Also, more material is required to fill it in, if that is the decommissioning method you choose.
When To Decommission A Septic Tank?
A septic tank should be decommissioned when it is no longer being used, such as when a new one is installed on a property in a different location.
When demolishing a building for new development, the septic tank should also be decommissioned.
In King County, a property that is within two hundred feet of the sewer system must connect to the system. The old septic tank must be decommissioned.
In Thurston County, once a property is connected to the sewer system, the septic tank must be decommissioned.
In Pierce County, any property within a Utility Local Improvement District (ULID) must connect to the sewer system. Outside of a ULID area, any structure within 300 feet of available sewer systems must connect if the current septic system has failed or threatens public health. Once the property is connected to the sewer system, the septic tank must be decommissioned.
Why Should An Old Septic Tank Be Decommissioned?
The biggest reason why a septic tank must be decommissioned is safety. As time passes, the lids can break or collapse. Anyone walking across the area can fall in and get seriously hurt. This is also a danger for animals. Any vehicle that drives over the area could trigger the collapse of an unused septic tank and easily get stuck.
An unused septic tank with sludge inside can build up methane gas. Methane gas is dangerous to breathe and can lead to unconsciousness and asphyxiation. Methane gas is also highly flammable, and it can explode.
Is There An Old Septic Tank On Your Property To Be Decommissioned?
It can be expensive to decommission an old septic tank. But, leaving it behind could cause pollution or serious injuries to occur. Contact All Septic & Sewer to have your old septic tank decommissioned the right way. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with all of our news.