How to Pay for a Septic Tank Repair Job

When you become a homeowner but your new property has no connection to the local sewer plant, you have to invest in a septic tank. Although these tanks are made to last for a very long time, unexpected scenarios might arise. The tank might fail, which means it requires reparations.

Unfortunately, septic tank repairs cost quite a fortune, and not everyone has the budget for them. How to pay for septic repair in this case? Luckily, you can use a variety of methods to pay for septic tank reparations. Stick around as we tell you all the financing options available.  

7 Ways to Finance Septic Tank Repairs

If you don’t have the budget for septic tank repairs, you can rely on the following financing options to help you out:

Federal Septic Tank Financing

Do you have issues with a faulty septic tank? You can have it repaired through federally-funded septic tank financing.

In fact, there are many federal departments that offer programs that focus on funding various septic tank issues.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program, Rural Home Loans Program, and Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers community development block grants. Lastly, the Environmental Protection Agency offers a Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

All these finances can be used to work on septic systems and maintain them, as well as improve or repair them.

State Septic Tank Financing

When you need septic tank reparations, but you’re on a low income, you can seek state septic tank financing. All states have these programs, including Puerto Rico. There might be different options available to you based on whether you live in a rural area or not.

Generally, the federal programs offered by the various departments fund the state septic tank financing. At the same time, there are some extra ones.

In Florida, people from rural areas can get loans for up to $15,000 from The Individual Household Well & Septic Loan Program. The interest rate is 1% if the money is used to get a new septic tank.

In California, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, grants of up to $4,000 are available for people who live in certain areas.

Citizens of New York might also be able to get $10,000 in grants for septic tank repairs. These funds are offered by the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Home Equity Loans

Home equity loans are popular due to their versatility. Over the years, they’ve been used for various aspects related to home improvements. Septic tank repairs are also on the list of things you can pay for using a home equity loan.

With this loan, you will borrow against how much equity you have in your home. It will act like a second mortgage.

HELOCs represent another popular type of financing that is quite similar. This one relies on your home equity as well. But it works similarly to a credit card.

Septic Tank Loans

There are also special septic tank loans that can go towards repairs if your old tank is no longer working. There are several non-profit lenders that offer loans with very low interest to those in need.

While these funds can be very useful, one must be eligible to obtain them. If you manage to qualify, you can enjoy flexible repayment terms and a 2.5% APR.

State Tax Credits

You might have access to tax deductions or credits that can help you buy a brand-new septic tank or repair an existing one, depending on the state. The good thing about these funds is that you do not have to pay them back. However, it’s advised to consider a tax expert to make sure you declare these credits accurately.

State tax credits are not suitable for everyone, though, as you might be required to offer all the money upfront.

Septic Tank Repair Company Financing

When you need to repair a septic tank, another great financing option is to get funding directly through the septic tank repair company. You do not have to walk around looking for lenders anymore. The repair company will allow you to enjoy their services without having to pay the sum upfront.

Some lenders offer same-as-cash financing mixed with loans. Same-as-cash will provide you with 3-6 months to pay off your debt without dealing with interest. So, in case you are unable to pay off all your debt within the set amount of time, chances are that you will end up paying much higher interest compared to the typical rates of a loan.

Personal Loans for Septic Tank Repair

A personal loan is the easiest way to pay for septic tank repairs, mainly because these loans are so widespread and can be used for a variety of purposes. They are unsecured, so you do not have to worry about using your house or car as collateral for them.

Moreover, you are able to take as much as $1,000 – $50,000 with personal loans. Repayment terms range from 3 to 6 years.

How Much Does a Septic Tank Cost?

On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $8,000 to replace your old septic tank. However, if you only need some light repairs, you may pay around $300 – $4,000.

There are different factors that can influence the amount you pay for a septic tank. So, here is what you can expect:

Installing

If you want a new septic tank installed, you will typically pay between $3,300 and $10,600. This is the case as long as you want to go for a standard anaerobic system.

Repairing

Now, repairing a septic tank is different. Costs start at $300 and can go up to $4,000, depending on what the issue is. However, the septic tank might have to be moved to a different place in some cases. This happens if a broken pipe starts polluting the area around it. This can cost up to $20,000.

Removing

It can be quite expensive to remove a septic tank. Typically, it will cost you from $5,000 to $6,000.

Read More

• Soft Inquiry Personal Loans: What They Are + Your Options
• How to Get a Personal Loan with No Cosigner
• No Prepayment Penalty Loan: The 3 Best Options
• The Ultimate Guide to Loan for Pilot Training
• Online Loans with Monthly Payments
• Personal Loan with a Cosigner

Final Thoughts

Septic tank repairs can be very expensive. So, paying for them out of your own pocket might not be the best choice. Fortunately, there are financing options that can help you. You can use various types of loans, federal financing, and other financing forms to fund a septic tank repair. Thus, do your research and choose whatever is most convenient for you.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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