How Much Does It Cost to Install a New Septic Tank and Leach Field in Pittsburgh?

revelationplumbing5
Jul 30
4 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Install a New Septic Tank and Leach Field in Pittsburgh?

That’s the big question, isn’t it?

If you’re a homeowner in the Pittsburgh area looking into septic system options, chances are one of the first things you’re wondering is: “How much is this going to cost me?” And for good reason.

We get it—cost matters. It’s not the only factor when it comes to a successful septic system installation, but it’s definitely one that should be considered right along with which company you actually trust to do the work.

The price you pay will impact what type of tank you get, how large your leach field needs to be, and what kind of system your property will require. It’s also key to building a realistic budget and preparing for any long-term upkeep or replacement costs down the road.

Here’s the truth: it’s tough to give a one-size-fits-all answer.

Just like no two homes are exactly alike, no two septic systems are either. Your yard, soil conditions, slope, distance to the house, and even local codes all play a part in the final price.

At Revelation Plumbing, we’ve answered this question hundreds of times—and each answer has been just a little bit different. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process, educate you on what goes into a septic installation, and give you realistic cost ranges based on what we’ve seen in and around Pittsburgh.

We’ll also break down:

What a septic tank and leach field actually are
How Allegheny County regulations may affect your decision (especially if you're near a city sewer line)
What can impact your final quote
And why we never charge to come out and give a free estimate

Every install is unique. But by the end of this post, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to expect—and how to move forward with confidence.ge Cost of a Septic Tank and Leach Field Installation in Pittsburgh?

The starting price for a complete septic tank and leach field installation in the greater Pittsburgh area typically begins around $6,000. However, prices can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

The size of your home (which determines tank and field size)
Soil type and drainage conditions
Slope and access to your yard
Distance from the house to the field area
Whether an engineered or conventional system is required
Permit and inspection fees

In many cases, larger homes or properties with challenging layouts may see septic installation costs range from $8,000 to $15,000 or more.

Every yard is different, and so is every install. That’s why we never charge for an estimate—we'll come out, assess your property, and give you a free quote tailored to your unique situation.

🧱 What Is a Septic Tank?

A septic tank is a large underground container (usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic) that holds wastewater from your home’s toilets, sinks, and drains. Solids settle to the bottom, oils float to the top, and the remaining liquid (called effluent) flows out to a leach field for natural filtration.

Think of it as your on-site wastewater treatment plant—especially critical for homes not connected to the city sewer system.

Revelation Plumbing Explains What is a septic tank to Pittsburgh Home owners. — Septic Tank Example

🌱 What Is a Leach Field (Drain Field)?

A leach field, also called a drain field, is the series of perforated pipes or chambers buried in trenches that slowly disperse the treated effluent from the septic tank into the surrounding soil. The soil naturally filters out harmful bacteria and viruses, making the water safe as it reenters the groundwater system.

The size and length of the leach field is one of the biggest cost variables in any septic system. It's determined by:

The number of bedrooms in the home
Soil percolation rates (how quickly water drains through)
Available yard space
Slope and grade of the land

Get Price For Your Septic Tank Installation

🏙️ Allegheny County Septic Code: Do You Need to Tap Into the City Sewer?

Under current Allegheny County regulations, if your property is within 250 feet of a public sewer connection (often called a “tap-in”), you may be required to connect to the municipal sewer system instead of installing a septic system.

It’s always best to check with the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) and your local municipality, as enforcement and requirements can vary slightly by jurisdiction.

If your property is outside that 250-foot range or in a rural area without a nearby tap-in, a septic system is usually your best (and only) option.

🧠 Pro Tips for Homeowners Considering Septic Installation

Here are a few key insights to help you make the best decision:

✅ Get a Soil Test First

Before designing your system, you'll need a soil percolation (perc) test to determine how well your soil drains. This directly affects leach field design and system type.

✅ Plan for Maintenance

Your septic system will need routine maintenance every 2–5 years (like pumping the tank). Factoring that into your long-term budget helps avoid major issues later.

✅ Work with Licensed Professionals

Improperly installed systems can lead to groundwater contamination, slow drainage, or costly repairs. Always work with licensed septic system installers who follow ACHD codes and permitting requirements.

✅ Don't Plant Trees Near Your Leach Field

Tree roots can damage or clog your drain field pipes. Keep vegetation limited to grass or shallow-rooted plants.

✅ Ask About Engineered Systems

If your property has high water tables, rocky soil, or tight spaces, you may need an engineered or alternative septic system—these are more complex and costly but may be required by code.

💬 Why Homeowners Choose Us for Septic Installations in Pittsburgh

Revelation Plumbing Installing A Septic Tank and leach field for a homeowner in Pittsburgh — Our Team Installing a Septic Tank and Leach Field For A Pittsburgh Homeowner

At Revelation Plumbing, we know that every septic project is unique. That’s why:

We offer 100% free estimates — no obligation
We handle the entire permitting and inspection process
We’re fully licensed and insured in Allegheny County
We install systems built to last—with quality tanks and materials
We take the time to educate you along the way

Whether you're in the North Hills, South Hills, or the outskirts of Pittsburgh, we're here to provide honest, reliable septic system installation and repairs.

📞 Ready for a Free Estimate?

If you're considering a new septic tank and leach field system in the Pittsburgh area, reach out today. We'll evaluate your property, explain your options, and give you a clear, transparent quote.