How Much Does A Septic Design Cost In Virginia?

Getting a septic system isn’t as simple as digging a hole and dropping in a tank. Before anything gets installed, you need a proper septic design, and that’s where things really start. 

If you’re in Virginia, you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost and what to expect.

In this post, we’ll shed some light on how much a septic design costs, and what drives the prices up and down. Plus, we’ll also break down our  septic design prices. 

Our Septic Design Prices

Our septic design prices range from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on the type of system you need. Our conventional system design starts around $1,500, and engineered drip system design can go up to $4,500.

Here’s what our service includes:

• Site evaluation and soil review
  
• Perc testing (if needed or not already completed)
  
• System layout based on home size, usage, and land conditions
  
• Health department coordination
  
• Full design plan ready for permit submission
  
• Support with local requirements and follow-ups if revisions are needed

We take care of the technical side so you don’t have to stress about it. You’ll get a clear design that meets state and county guidelines and is ready for the next step: installation.

Check Out Our: Virginia Septic System Installations

Let us know your property details and we’ll get you a FREE quote.

How Much Does Septic Design Cost?

Septic design can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 in Virginia.

For a straightforward residential lot with good soil and plenty of space, you might stay at the lower end of that range. If your land is tricky like if it’s sloped, rocky, or has poor drainage, you could be looking at the higher end or even more.

This is a rough estimate. Your final price could be higher or lower based on a number of other things.

And keep in mind that this price range is just for the design itself, and not the actual installation or digging.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Septic Design

There are a handful of things that play into how much you’ll end up paying for septic design. Here’s what really makes a difference:

#1 Soil Testing (Perc Test)

Soil testing, or the Perc test, is pretty much a must when you’re designing a septic system. 

This test checks how quickly water drains through your soil. If it drains too slowly or too quickly, you may need an alternative or engineered system, which affects not just the design, but also your installation cost down the line.

A Perc test is usually done by a licensed soil scientist or a professional engineer. 

The cost of this test varies, but generally it’ll set you back somewhere between $200 to $3,000, depending on the size of your property and how complicated the test is.

Sometimes, the septic designer will include this test as part of their service, but that’s something you’ll want to double-check before hiring.

#2 System Type

Not all septic systems are built the same way, and the more complex the system, the more time and effort it takes to design.

If your property can handle a traditional gravity system, great. These are the cheapest and easiest to design. 

But if you need a pump system, a sand filter, or something more specialized like a drip irrigation or mound system, the design process becomes more technical, and more expensive.

Advanced systems require more detailed plans, calculations, and sometimes coordination with additional professionals. Expect to pay more for the added complexity.

#3 Property Size And Layout

Bigger properties usually mean higher septic design costs. 

A large, flat lot is easier to work with compared to a smaller, sloped, or oddly shaped lot. 

The size of the property impacts how much room you’ll need for the septic tank and the drain field. A larger drain field, for example, might be necessary to handle the increased wastewater from a bigger home.

 Likewise, if your property has a lot of trees, rocks, or other obstacles, the design may need to be adjusted to work around them.

So the more complicated the layout of your property, the more expensive the design will be.

Also Check Out Our: Emergency Virginia Septic Services

#4 Permits

To get your septic system approved in Virginia, you’ll need a permit from the local health department. 

Most counties require the septic design to be submitted with the permit application.

Permit fees vary by locality, but they usually fall somewhere between $300 and $1,000. 

In some cases, the designer may handle the permit process for you.

This can be super helpful, but keep in mind that their help might come with an added fee or it might already be baked into their pricing. Ask up front.

#5 Local Regulations

Different parts of Virginia have different rules when it comes to septic systems. What works in one county might not be allowed in another. 

Some areas have stricter environmental guidelines or building codes that require more detailed plans or upgraded systems.

If you’re in a more rural area, the process might be simpler and less expensive. 

But if your land is close to a protected waterway or in a dense neighborhood, the rules could be tougher, and the design might cost more because of it.

That’s why it’s important to work with someone who knows the local codes and has experience dealing with your specific county. They’ll know what to expect and how to avoid delays.

Also Read: Is Kirkland toilet paper septic safe?

Other Possible Costs

While the design itself is a big chunk of the cost, there are other expenses that could pop up along the way. Here are some examples:

• Site surveys or elevation mapping for sloped or oddly shaped land
• Redesign costs if the health department rejects the initial plan.
• Environmental studies, if you live near wetlands or protected areas.
• Consultation fees for second opinions.

Also, don’t forget that installation costs are completely separate. Once the design is approved, the actual construction of the system will be its own expense, and that’s usually much more than the design itself.

Bottom Line

If you’re in Virginia and need a septic system design, expect to pay around $1,500 to $5,000, depending on your property and the kind of system you need. 

Simple setups on good soil will stay on the low end. Complicated sites, tough regulations, or advanced systems will cost more.

Remember – this doesn’t cover the actual installation of the system, which can add thousands more to your bill.

To avoid surprises, we recommend getting a detailed quote from a licensed designer in your area. Ask what’s included, what’s not, and how they handle permitting. 

It also doesn’t hurt to check reviews or ask around for recommendations.