Septic Tank Loans & Other Financing Options
Septic tank financing options include personal loans, home equity loans, and programs from state and federal governments.
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Being a homeowner often brings unexpected expenses that you may not be prepared to pay for. Having issues with your septic tank is among the most common.
Septic tanks are designed to last for many years, with concrete models intended to work for up to 40 years. However, homeowners with older properties may be more at risk of a septic tank failure. It may be necessary to repair or update a septic tank before a complete breakdown.
Here are some financing options you can use to pay for septic tank repairs or replacements, as well as some average cost information.
On this page:
Septic Tank Financing Options
Personal Loans
Septic Tank Loans
- Minimum credit score: 660
- Loans starting at $5,000
- Our #1 highest-rated personal loan lender
- Minimum credit score: 620
- Loans starting at $1,000
- You can check rates without hurting your credit score
- Minimum credit score: 600
- Loans starting at $1,0001
- Funds can be received in as fast as one business day
For many homeowners, using a personal loan is a common method for financing a new septic tank or repairs to an old unit.
Personal loans are a single lump sum paid to the homeowner (that can be used for just about anything), who then makes monthly payments with fixed interest until it is repaid. Personal loans are the most common form of home improvement loans, in general. The best personal loan interest rates usually range from around a low of 4.99% to a high of 35.89%.
Most personal loans require a credit check, and in some cases, income verification, so not every homeowner will easily qualify. Also, homeowners should review the affordability of the monthly principal and interest payment, the timeframe of the loan, and the total amount of interest paid over time.
These details help you determine if a personal loan for a septic tank expense makes sense for you.
Home Equity
Another option for financing septic tank expenses is through home equity, either as a line of credit or a loan. Home equity is simply the difference between the market value of the home and the balance still owed on a mortgage loan.
A home equity line of credit, known as a HELOC, offers flexible financing over time, as the credit line can be used more than once. As of this writing, HELOC interest rates range from a low of 4.99% to a high of 13.74%.
A home equity loan is similar to a personal loan, but it uses the property as collateral. Homeowners still will need a credit check and potentially a verification of income to qualify, in addition to having available equity in the home. As of this writing, home equity loan rates range from a low 4.09% to a high of 11.99%.
A home equity financing solution may make sense for those with enough equity to qualify, or those who have a large financing need. However, a septic tank repair or replacement is usually small enough that a home equity loan or line of credit is not needed.
Both home equity financing options may require an appraisal, closing costs for the new loan or credit line, and interest charges that are either variable or fixed. In contrast, personal loans are typically unsecured and would not require an appraisal.
State & Federal Funding
Some states offer grants or loans to pay for septic tanks to low-income residents. Check on your state’s website to see if you may qualify.
In addition, the federal U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers septic tank loans up to $20,000 with low rates for low-income families. To be eligible, your household income must be 50% or less of the median income of your area, and you must live in a rural area. Those who are 62 and older may be eligible for grants up to $7,500.
Average Septic Tank Costs
The cost to replace an existing septic tank can range from $3,000 up to $8,000, but a smaller repair may cost between $300 and $4,000. These amounts include several expenses, including:
- Labor for a repair person
- Tools used to repair or replace the tank
- Materials and parts needed for the septic tank
- Excavation for the land around the septic system
Although the total cost for replacing or repairing a septic tank varies from home to home, it’s often a significant expense that is not easy to manage. Below are some options for paying for this cost.
Bottom Line
Homeowners should take time to understand the total cost of septic tank repair or replacement first, and then select the financing solution that makes the most sense for their financial circumstances.
Personal loans and home equity products are often used as septic tank loans to pay for replacement or repairs. When possible, consumers should consider using savings or an emergency fund to cover the costs.
1Your loan amount will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application. Not all applicants will qualify for the full amount. Loans are not available in West Virginia or Iowa. The minimum loan amount in MA is $7,000. The minimum loan amount in Ohio is $6,000. The minimum loan amount in NM is $5100. The minimum loan amount in GA is $3,100.
