Understanding septic system replacement in Tucson: costs, options, and more
“Septic systems” and “clay sewer lines” are common phrases in Arizona real estate, especially in rural areas. These are essential parts of a home’s plumbing, and if the house you’re looking at has a septic system, it’s important to have it inspected to make sure it’s in good working order, as septic system replacement costs in Arizona can be expensive. Let’s look at the history, pros and cons, costs, and signs that it might be time for a replacement.
Septic systems and clay sewer lines: history, pros, and cons
Septic systems have been around for over a century and are commonly used in areas without access to a centralized sewer system. These self-contained systems treat and dispose of wastewater right on your property. Around 1860, the first septic tank was designed by John Mouras using concrete with clay pipes to transport wastewater from his home into the tank.
According to Bob Vila, “Concrete septic tanks, the most common tank type found today, can last quite a long time. Generally speaking, concrete tank owners don’t need to think about septic tank replacement hassles for about 20 to 30 years. With proper maintenance, a high-quality concrete tank might even last as long as 40 years.” If you’re wondering how long a septic system lasts in Tucson specifically, it’s generally the same amount of time.
Septic tank pros and cons
Pros:
-
Not connected to municipal sewer systems
-
Cost-effective in the long run, especially in rural areas
-
Environmentally friendly when properly maintained
Cons:
-
Regular maintenance is required, including pumping the tank every 3–5 years
-
Potential for costly repairs if not properly cared for
Clay sewer line pros and cons
Clay sewer lines have been used for centuries, and their use can be traced way back to ancient cities such as Ephesus in Turkey. In the United States, they have been used for the last few centuries due to a ready supply of building materials such as clay and terra cotta. The pipes are shaped and fired in a kiln, transported, and installed.
Pros:
-
Durable and long-lasting, with some systems still functioning after 50+ years
-
Resistant to chemicals and acids found in sewage
-
Environmentally friendly and recyclable
Cons:
-
Prone to root intrusion, which can cause blockages
-
More brittle than modern materials like PVC, making them susceptible to cracks and breaks from shifting soil
-
Difficult to repair, often requiring replacement
-
Hard to work with and transport
-
More expensive than PVC
Septic system replacement costs in Tucson
The cost of replacing a septic system can vary depending on the size of your home, the type of system you need, the condition of your property, and the materials used. Most people prefer to replace clay lines with PVC.
According to HomeGuide, “Septic tank repair costs $600 to $3,000 on average. Minor septic repairs cost $500 to $1,500 to replace the pump, distribution box, or remove roots. Extensive septic tank repairs cost $1,000 to $5,000+ for line repair, tank replacement, or drain field rejuvenation.”
To replace a septic line to your tank with PVC usually costs from $100 to $240 per linear square foot installed, according to Angi.com.
Signs of a failed septic system
Wondering if it’s time to replace your Tucson septic system? Here are some signs to look out for:
-
Slow drains: If your sinks, showers, and toilets are draining slowly, it could be a sign that your septic system is failing.
-
Bad odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains or yard can indicate a problem with your septic system.
-
Lush green grass: While a green lawn might seem good, it can be a sign that your septic system is leaking and over-saturating the soil.
-
Standing water: If you notice puddles or wet spots in your yard, particularly near the septic tank or drain field, it could mean your system is failing.
-
Frequent backups: If you’re experiencing frequent sewage backups, it’s a clear sign that your septic system needs attention.
For clay sewer lines issues, watch out for:
-
Frequent clogs: Persistent clogs can indicate that roots have invaded your clay sewer line.
-
Sewer smells: Foul odors in your home or yard might point to cracks or breaks in the clay line.
-
Soggy spots in the yard: Like with septic systems, standing water in your yard could be a sign of a broken sewer line.
Selling a Tucson house with a failed septic system
Since the cost of repairing or replacing a failed septic system and clay sewer lines can be expensive, you may want to consider selling your house in a non-traditional way. Many potential buyers won’t want to bother with the hassle and expense of replacing it themselves, and some mortgage loan companies will deny a loan on a house with this problem.
Selling to a direct-sale house-buying company in Tucson like We Buy Ugly Houses® is a great option for a case like this. We specialize in buying houses “as is,” allowing sellers to skip repairs and sell quickly for a fast offer with no hassles.
We Buy Ugly Houses® is your go-to off-market house-buying company in Tucson.
We Buy Ugly Houses is a trusted and experienced off-market house buyer with a concentration on excellent customer service. Our business was launched in 1996 and over the 25 years we’ve been buying houses, we’ve purchased more than 150,000 properties with our unique streamlined process, allowing homeowners to sell quickly and stress-free. Our high standards are reflected in our amazing reviews and our exceptional nationwide 95%* customer satisfaction rating.
Contact We Buy Ugly Houses today for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly, Tucson property specialists. We’ll take a tour, answer your questions, and give you a fast offer on your house—sometimes on the same day. If you accept our offer, we can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks. If you need more time, we’ll try our best to accommodate that.
Our helpful team is here to provide a seamless, personalized selling experience tailored just for you. Take the first step toward selling your house with a failed septic system to We Buy Ugly Houses in Tucson by contacting us today.
