Free referral service · Chattanooga area
New septic system quotes
Building on a lot without sewer, or replacing a system that can't be saved? Send one request and independent local installers contact you.
How this works: Chattanooga Septic Quotes is a free referral service, not a septic company. We pass your request to independent local septic pros, who may pay us for the referral. They quote, schedule and do the work; check their insurance before you hire. More about us.
What a new system costs
Angi's 2026 national average is $8,016, based on 1,277 projects, and most homeowners pay $3,590 to $12,463.
| Item | Angi 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Conventional (anaerobic) system | $3,000 to $8,000 |
| Aerobic treatment system | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Drain field (leach field) | $5,000 to $12,000 |
| Perc / soil test | $700 to $2,000 |
| Permits (national range) | $450 to $2,300 |
| Land survey | $330 to $900 |
| Excavation, if billed separately | $1,500 to $6,300 |
Local permit fees are lower than Angi's national range. Hamilton County charges $440 for a new system permit, and Catoosa County's published fee is $275 for an application and site visit.
The permit path in Hamilton County, TN
- Get the permit before any dirt work. TDEC says a septic permit should be obtained before starting dirt work or building anything, including the building pad.
- Apply online with Groundwater Protection (423-209-7876). A new conventional or alternative system (LPP, mound and similar) is a New Septic Permit, $440. A lot review for a plat is $150 per lot plus $5.
- Soils work. Since October 1, 2024, Tennessee law lets a certified soil scientist submit a permit package for systems under 750 gallons a day, and a water resources engineer can prepare permit packages and do the final inspection. Otherwise the County does it.
- Licensed installer. Hamilton County requires installers to hold a County septic installer license, renewed yearly.
- In Soddy-Daisy, County septic approval comes before the City will issue a building permit.
North Georgia
Catoosa and Walker counties issue septic permits through Environmental Health (Northwest Georgia Public Health). Walker's published fees are $175 for an application and site visit, $225 for an alternative system, and $350 for a delayed permit if construction starts before the permit. Catoosa's are $275 and $350. Georgia's Department of Public Health publishes its onsite sewage manual (updated March 2026) and certified installer lists by county.
Call 811 before digging
Tennessee 811 requires a locate ticket at least 3 working days before digging, and Georgia 811 asks for 3 business days. Each company that digs needs its own ticket.
Sources
- Angi, How Much Does a Septic System Cost? (updated Oct 14, 2026)
- Angi, How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Septic Tank and Drain Field? (updated Oct 29, 2026)
- TDEC, Online Application for Septic Related Services
- Hamilton County, Development Services: Groundwater Protection (permits and fees)
- City of Soddy-Daisy, Building & Permits
- Catoosa County Health Department, Environmental Health fee schedule (PDF)
- Walker County Health Department, Environmental Health fee schedule (PDF)
- Georgia Department of Public Health, Onsite Sewage
- Tennessee 811, FAQ
- Georgia 811, The 811 Process
Prices are national ranges published by the sources above, not quotes. Your price depends on the system, access and timing; local companies quote after seeing the job.