Updated February 2026

Summary:

The most common septic tank repairs in California include clogs, leaks, cracks, and total tank or line replacement. You can expect to pay around $275 to $1,800 for initial diagnostics. Resolving a clog will set you back around $628 to $3,039, while routine pumping costs $350 to $1,000. You might pay $150 to $500 for lid repairs, $1,250 to $4,250 to replace a lateral line, and $9,500 to $15,000 to replace the tank.

Time to Read	8–10 minutes
What You'll Learn	The most common septic tank repairs in California How to tell if your septic tank needs to be repaired How much money to set aside for septic emergencies When to repair vs. when to replace your septic tank
Next Steps	Schedule regular inspections every year Call Caccia Home Services for help at the first sign of trouble

Septic systems are designed to operate out of sight and out of mind, so most homeowners don't pay much attention to them until something goes wrong. Early warning signs like bad bathroom odors or a slow flush are all too easy to write off as a coincidence until you have a full-on backup or flood on your hands.

Regular maintenance can lower your risk for plumbing emergencies, but all systems eventually need a little TLC. Knowing what common repairs look like and typically cost can help you plan for anything.

Remember, every septic tank repair call is unique. Our experts always provide an estimate of upfront costs before tackling the job so you know exactly what you're going to pay. The prices in the guide below might reflect typical averages, but they aren't intended to serve as an official quote.

Clogs

Septic tank clogs occur when materials that don't break down easily clump up and block the free flow of wastewater through the system. Unlike a toilet that won't flush, clearing the blockage is rarely as simple as reaching for the closest plunger because clogs can form anywhere in the system.

Early warning signs include:

• Slow drains or flushing
• Flooding around the drain field or tank
• Bubbling or gurgling noises in plumbing
• A bad or "rotten egg" smell near the tank

Sewage and wastewater can even back up into your home if the blockage is complete. That's bad for your health and your wallet, all at the same time!

Common Causes:

1. Flushing Non-Biodegradable Materials

• Only water, approved additives, human waste, or toilet tissue should enter your system.
• Flushing items like toys, plastic wrap, dental floss, or cigarette butts can trigger clogs.

2. Flushing Slow-To-Decay Materials.

• Baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and facial tissues break down very slowly.
• Even products that claim to be flushable or "septic safe" can still cause clogs.

3. Neglected Maintenance

• Regular maintenance helps keep your septic system healthy and efficient.
• Have your tank inspected for problems at least once per year.
• Most septic tanks will need to be pumped out every 3 to 5 years.

4. Tree Root Invasion

• Trees thrive on the nutrients found in sewage.
• Root systems will actively seek out and infiltrate plumbing if they sense nutrients nearby.
• Cracks or leaks in piping will attract roots, which may block plumbing completely.

5. Crushed or Broken Pipes

• Increased pressure from soil shifts or vehicles may crush or break plumbing pipes.
• Common symptoms include leaks or flooding, but crushed pipes may also halt flow.

Costs to Fix a Clog

For minor or partial clogs, you may be tempted to try chemical or biological additives that claim to break down waste or boost anaerobic bacteria in the tank. Wait! The science is still out on whether many of these products do more harm than good, so call us for a consultation first.

The cost to fix a septic tank clog typically falls somewhere between $628 and $3,039. See the table below for a breakdown, but keep in mind that your costs may be higher or lower depending on your situation.

Service	Estimated Cost
Initial Inspection and Diagnostics	$275 – $1,800
Add Bacteria to Break Down Clog	$50 – $500
Septic Tank Pumping	$350 – $1,000
Hydrojetting Cleaning	$350 – $600
Line Repair or Replacement	$50 – $250 per linear foot

Leaks

Septic tank leaks can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home or property. The fact that most wastewater contains raw sewage means that plumbing emergencies like these can also be extremely hazardous to your health and the local environment.

Consequences of Untreated Leaks

• Indoor leaks. These can cause serious water damage or structural issues. Excess moisture and dampness is an ideal breeding ground for mold, which can be expensive to fix.
• Tank Leaks. A leaking tank will cause your system to stagnate or fail, especially if it runs dry.  The healthy bacteria that break down waste need water to survive.
• Lateral Line Leaks. This can lead to uneven drain field dispersal, flooding, or sewage backups. You may notice unusually healthy grass above the line.

Severe or persistent wastewater leaks will eventually seep deeper into the ground and contaminate the local groundwater. This may be construed as unlawful discharge of a hazardous substance or sewage under Section 13271 of the California Water Code.

Common Causes

• Improper Maintenance. Prevention is worth a pound of cure! You can't fix what you aren't aware of, so don't put off important maintenance tasks, like yearly inspections.
• Excess Water or Waste: Overloading your tank strains both the system itself and any plumbing connected to it, which may eventually lead to leaks. It's critical to use a system that fits your needs.
• Broken or Degraded Plumbing. Over time, pipes, baffles, and lateral lines can crack, degrade, or break. Leaks that begin as tiny pinpoint holes will grow over time, resulting in failures, flooding, or total collapse along the same section.
• Broken or Cracked Tank: Shifts in the soil as a result of landscaping, earthquakes, tree root infiltration, or changes in the local water table can cause your tank to crack. The larger the break, the greater the leak.

Leaks should always result in a call to a professional. Our plumbing team has access to special equipment, including cameras, that can help pinpoint the problem and keep repair costs down.

Cost to Fix a Leak

The average cost to fix a leaking septic system depends on the size and scope of the leak itself as well as the type of septic system you have. Generally, the more difficult the problem area is to access, the more complicated it will be to diagnose and fix.

Response time may also influence your total costs for leak repair. Acting quickly the moment you suspect a leak can save you hundreds by preventing costly complications like water damage.

The figures below represent the average cost for service calls like these, but the final cost will depend on which part of the tank the leak is coming from and whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

Service	Estimated Cost
Leak Diagnostics	$275 – $1,800
Cracked or Broken Lid	$150 – $500
Tank or Line Patches (Temporary)	$200 – $500
Lateral Line Replacement	$1,250 – $4,250

Septic Tank Pumping

Most experts recommend having your septic tank pumped out and cleaned at least once every three to five years. Regular pumping can help prevent system overload, sewage backups, and clogs.

Pumping may also help resolve problems related to heightened pressure within the tank or lines, such as overflow or clogs. Excess wastewater can cause sewage gas to build up and escape back into your home or up through the soil. Left unaddressed, the pressure can eventually cause your tank to crack or leak. 

What Happens During a Pumping Service Call

• Initial Inspection: A technician will assess your system in person and locate the septic tank itself. They'll check the system for obvious problems and provide an estimate of associated costs for the call.
• Accessing the Tank: Opening the tank lid is the next step. The technician will run safety checks throughout this process to reduce the risk of spills or accidents.
• Vacuuming Out the Tank: Using a hose connected to a vacuum truck, the technician will remove all solid waste and liquid effluent from the inside of the tank. This is stored on our trucks for disposal after the call.
• Cleaning the Tank: The technician will use water (sometimes in tandem with hydro jets)o rinse out the inside of the tank and loosen any stuck debris. They'll continue the process until all debris is cleared and they can clearly visualize the entire tank. 
• Inspecting for Problems: Before closing the tank, the technician will closely inspect the inner workings, including any baffles, inlet pipes, or outlet pipes, for obvious signs of trouble.
• Closing the Tank: The technician will close and properly seal the tank, cleaning up the area to ensure no mess is left behind.
• Findings & Recommendations: Before leaving, the technician will document their findings and recommend a pumping schedule based on the service call.

This isn't the kind of task you can handle yourself at home! It can be dangerous, messy, and just plain gross, especially if you don't have the right equipment.

Cost to Pump Out a Septic Tank

The exact cost to have your septic tank pumped can vary depending on the nature of your service call and system. Generally, regular maintenance (including pumping or hydro jet cleaning) help save you money by preventing problems before they occur.

Factors that Influence the Final Cost

• The Size of Your Tank: Larger volumes may take longer to pump or be more complicated to service. Costs are often higher to compensate. Repair Needs: If your technician identifies any leaks, clogs, or problems along the way, additional repairs may be necessary. This may increase your overall cost.
• Commercial Vs. Residential: Larger commercial systems that handle a higher volume of materials may need to be pumped more frequently. The presence of fats, oils and greases (FOGs) in food establishment systems can also complicate a service call.

Overall, you can expect to pay between $350 and $1,000 to have your septic tank pumped.

Tank Replacement

Replacing a septic tank or system entirely is usually considered a last resort for severe problems that cannot be resolved any other way. Modern systems are designed to last for around 30 years with proper maintenance. Many last even longer than that!

You can expect to pay around $9000 to $15,0000  for a job like this, but most homeowners do have other options. Nearly all of the parts in your system can be individually repaired or replaced for less.

When We Recommend Replacement

• Your Needs Have Changed. If your family has grown or you're processing a higher volume of wastewater, you may need a larger system to keep up.
• Your System is Very Old. Septic tanks installed prior to 1980 may be inefficient and more prone to breakdowns. Sometimes, the way they're designed violates modern plumbing codes.
• You Constantly Need Repairs. All materials degrade slowly over time. If you find yourself frequently calling for septic tank repairs, your tank may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
• Your Tank is Badly Broken or Cracked. Large breaks, cracks, or collapses are often impossible to patch or repair. In cases like these, replacement might be the only logical answer.

If you aren't sure whether this is the right approach for your system, give us a call for a consultation.

Cost to Replace a Septic Tank

Replacing a septic tank can feel like a significant investment: you can expect to pay  $9000 to $15,0000 or more depending on factors like size, ease of access, and tank type. The good news is that it's the type of expense that pays for itself over time because newer systems process waste more efficiently.

If our experts recommend this service to you, it's because they truly feel it is in your best interests or will help you achieve your goals. We're happy to answer any questions you might have about costs.

Factors that Influence the Cost of Tank Replacement

• Site Accessibility: If your tank is difficult to access, it may cost more to replace.
• Tank Size: Larger tanks require more materials, and in some cases, heavier equipment.
• Local Regulations: Required permits or inspections may add to your final bill.
• Landscaping: Landscaping needs, including soil removal or replacement, may increase prices.
• System Upgrades: Upgrades like Grease Removal Devices (GRDs) may add to your bill.

We'll outline these costs for you on your official quote so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Contact Caccia for Septic Tank Repairs

Timely septic tank repairs keep your system working smoothly and save you from having to deal with more expensive headaches down the line. At Caccia Home Services, we're committed to transparency and fair pricing. That's why we provide an upfront breakdown of costs before every service call. 

Don't let problems with your septic tank leave you scrambling—take the first step towards peace of mind and a worry-free system. Contact Caccia Home Services online or call (650) 442-1470 for emergency service.