HomeGuide's national septic figures start at $3,500 to $8,500 for a standard installed system, and a new drain field in place of an old one runs $3,000 to $15,000. Most of San Antonio is on public sewer, but septic systems are common on acreage in outer Bexar County, Boerne, Helotes and the rural areas around Seguin.
All prices on this page are national ranges from HomeGuide, not quotes from us. In San Antonio, limestone, caliche, black clay, access and haul distance decide where a job really lands. Figures checked in October 2026.
What does a new septic system cost?
By HomeGuide's septic page, a new conventional system costs $3,500 to $8,500, an alternative system $4,000 to $15,000, and an engineered system $15,000 to $50,000 or more. The tank by itself, at 1,000 gallons, is $1,000 to $1,500. Thin soil over rock and sites over the Edwards Aquifer often need the more complex designs.
What does a drain field replacement cost?
HomeGuide's leach field page gives $3,000 to $15,000 for a replacement field, averaging $7,900 nationally. Rejuvenating or repairing the old field costs $1,000 to $5,000, and putting in a new tank plus a new field $4,500 to $20,000.
How can I tell my drain field is failing?
A failing drain field shows up as soggy or extra-green strips over the field, sewage odors, slow drains, gurgling pipes and backups after laundry day. Have a licensed septic company inspect it. HomeGuide lists septic pumping at $300 to $700, which is often the first step.
Do I need a perc test, and is my land good for septic?
Yes, Texas requires a soil and site evaluation before a septic system is designed, done by a licensed site evaluator or a professional engineer. Perc testing runs $600 to $2,000 on HomeGuide's drain field page. Shallow rock and caliche on Hill Country lots often rule out a basic system.
What does a mound system cost?
HomeGuide lists a mound system at $25,000 to $50,000 or more. It raises the drain field above the natural ground for soil that is too shallow or too wet. Around San Antonio, aerobic treatment units, $20,000 to $40,000 or more by HomeGuide, are the more common answer for rocky lots.
What does it cost to fix a collapsed septic line?
A collapsed line between the house and the tank can be replaced at $40 to $180 per foot, or $1,600 to $7,200 on average, using HomeGuide's new sewer line figures, and smaller repairs cost $150 to $3,800. A camera inspection shows where it failed before we dig.
How big a hole does a 1,000-gallon tank need, and where is the lid?
The hole must be bigger than the tank on all sides so it can be set level and backfilled, and the system design sets the depth. HomeGuide gives no figure for the hole alone; in rock, it can take a breaker. To find a buried lid, check the county permit drawing for your system, then probe where it shows.
Can I hook up to city sewer instead of replacing my septic?
Sometimes, if a public sewer main runs close enough and the utility allows a connection. HomeGuide lists converting from septic to sewer at $3,000 to $15,000 and city hookup fees at $1,000 to $15,000. The old tank is then pumped and filled or removed under local rules.
Who issues septic permits around San Antonio?
Bexar County requires every septic system in the county to be permitted, through its environmental services office. Comal, Guadalupe and Kendall counties run their own programs for lots around New Braunfels, Seguin and Boerne. Installers must hold a TCEQ license. We dig for the licensed installer to the approved design; we do not design systems.
To get a number for your own site, have us walk it first; the price comes in a written quote. Call or text (210) 796-2675.