So our house has a new drywell, but the tank itself is bad. I dug it up last week to have it pumped, and figured I would uncover the top of the whole thing just to make sure it was in good shape. Turns out, I can push lightly with the shovel on the top of it, and the whole thing flexes a good 1-2". It's the original 500 gallon steel tank from when the house was built in the mid 50's, and if I don't get it replaced I'm probably going for a swim in it while mowing at some point. Called the guy that several neighbors have recommended, that is supposed to do good work and for a fair price. Nothing unusual about our spot either, lots of room and I specifically requested a cement 1000 gallon tank to save some money over the newer fiberglass ones, since we are on the 5-6 year plan at this house I can't see putting the extra money into a plastic tank. The proposal covers replacing the tank, and roughly 10' of piping to the house, and then tapping into the existing newer pipe from the tank to the drywell. He will also grade and seed when done. Well I'm thinking he came to the conclusion that we must have $$$ and not be willing to shop him........it seems he lifted his prices a bit from what the other locals have paid. He has quoted me a good $500-$700 above what the neighbors and others in my area have said I should expect to pay him, one neighbor in particular paid less and got a more expensive fiberglass tank. My current quote is for $2700, and from what I have heard in our area I expected $2000-$2200. Anyone have experience with this? What did you pay? If you aren't comfortable sharing with me publicly, feel free to PM or email me.
I had a new one installed in November of 2005 when we bought our house. I went with the fiberglass, mostly because the concrete guy is a con man. We paid $3450 then, it came with a 5 year warranty, siren in the house in case the nuggets start backing up ....new schedule 40 pvc, installation and semi annual inspections at no charge. The concrete guy was 1800 with no warranty. I actually splurged for once in my life.:d
We replaced our septic, T-Box, and headers last year before we sold our last house. The total was $2600.00. We had a cement tank and the divider wall fell over when they opened the top. Septic gases will eat away the concrete over the years and you'll end up being in the same situation in 20 years. We went with the 1000 gal plastic tank because it was less expensive to purchase and also guaranteed not to collapse or get eaten away by the gases. Good Luck Brother. Mark
When I bought the house I live in now we had to do a septic upgrade (county regulations). We had to go with an aerator "off lot" system and it cost us 14G's.... Yeah, that is thousands, not hundreds....
Without knowing all the other work that needs doing, it sounds like it is in about the right price "range." Contractors typically charge a bit more or less when they consider things like supplies, location, difficulty getting in and out, travel time, landfill/permit fees etc... I would have an open conversation with the contarctor and ask him to explain all the charges and explain that you are hearing 22 is more in line with what your neighbors are saying is a fair price. I bet he'll either explain the difference or reconsider his price. If not I'd shop around a bit more.
I'd say find someone else, simply because you already have him pegged as a crook before even asking about the price and why you think it's high, I know from experience that going in on a job when the homeowner has that attitude isn't good for anyone. Find someone else and ask for a detailed bid - save everyone some headaches.
I install sewer systems. That is plenty. My cost on a 1000 gal tank is 670$ with out knowing all your local laws. It is hard to quote you. To install a rank and 2 sticks of pipe. Backfill and hit the road. Is say $1750.
if you're only going to stay 5 or 6 years, lay some plywood above your tank call it good. move let someone else worry about it. if you live in a really wet area where the plywood would rot in 5 or 6 years, try to find some tin or expanded metal. even if you can't find any free metal it should only cost about $200 for a 5 or 6 year fix.
