Septic Tank Removal

FAQ

• How much does a septic tank removal cost in New Jersey?

  Septic tank removal cost in NJ typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 though your actual price depends on several factors. Tank size, depth, accessibility, and whether the tank is concrete or steel all affect the final number. If you’re in Northern New Jersey where we frequently see larger rural properties with older systems, expect costs toward the higher end, especially if the tank is deep or located under landscaping.

• What affects the cost of a residential septic removal in NJ?

  Your septic removal cost comes down to five main factors:

  • Tank size (1,000-gallon vs. 1,500-gallon)
  • Burial depth (deeper = more excavation)
  • Material type (concrete tanks are heavier and harder to remove than fiberglass)
  • Site accessibility (can we get equipment close, are there trees and tight spaces?)
  • Soil conditions

  We have removed tanks in Warren County where rocky soil added time and equipment requirements. The good news? After our site visit, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and why – no surprises on the final invoice.

• How long does it take to remove a septic tank?

  Most residential septic tank removals take 1-2 days from start to finish. Day one involves excavation, pumping out any remaining waste, breaking up or extracting the tank, and hauling it away. Day two (if needed) covers backfilling, grading, and site restoration. That said, if you’re in a situation where access is limited, like a backyard with no equipment access, or if we encounter unexpected complications like a collapsed tank, it might stretch to 3 days.

• Do I need a permit for septic tank removal in New Jersey?

  Yes, most NJ municipalities require a permit for septic tank removal, and the NJDEP has specific regulations about proper abandonment procedures. In Sussex, Morris, and Warren Counties, the health department oversees the permitting process. Here’s what we handle for you: we’ll help identify which permits you need, coordinate inspections, and ensure the removal meets state requirements (like crushing the tank or filling it with sand). Trying to remove a septic tank without permits can come back to haunt you during property sales or when the township does routine checks. Therefore, it’s not worth the risk.

• How do I know if I need septic tank removal vs. repair?

  If your tank is structurally sound but your drain field is failing, you might need drain field repair or replacement, not tank removal. However, if your tank itself is cracked, collapsed, severely corroded (common with old steel tanks), or if you’re connecting to municipal sewer, removal makes sense. The decision often comes down to cost-benefit analysis: if repairs would cost 60-70% of removal and your system is old, removal might be the smarter investment, especially in areas where municipal sewer is available or coming soon. 

• What are signs my septic system is failing and needs removal?

  The big warning signs include:

  • Persistent sewage odors around the tank or drain field
  • Toilets or drains backing up frequently
  • Standing water or unusually lush grass over the drain field
  • Gurgling sounds in your plumbing 

  If your septic inspector says your tank is cracked, collapsed, or the drain field has failed beyond repair, removal is often the most cost-effective long-term solution, especially if you’re connecting to a municipal sewer. We’ve seen plenty of NJ homeowners try to limp along with a failing system, only to face emergency situations and higher costs later. If you’re noticing multiple warning signs, do not wait to take action.

• How close to closing can you remove a septic tank?

  We can typically schedule septic tank removal within 1-2 weeks of your call, which gives you flexibility even if you’re close to closing. That said, if permits are required (which they usually are in NJ), add another 1-2 weeks for approval from your local health department. Our advice? Don’t wait until the week before closing. Most homeowners contact us 4-6 weeks before their closing date to ensure everything’s completed, inspected, and documented. If you’re in a time crunch, call us immediately – we have helped NJ homeowners meet tight real estate deadlines by coordinating expedited permits with local officials.

• Can I sell my house with an abandoned septic tank on the property?

  It depends on what your tank is made of. If you have a metal septic tank, it must be completely removed and scrapped, you cannot leave it in the ground even if it is no longer in use. Metal tanks corrode over time and pose serious safety and environmental risks. If you have a concrete tank, most NJ townships (including those in Sussex, Morris, and Warren Counties) allow “abandon in place” procedures: the tank gets pumped out, crushed, and filled in with soil according to NJDEP standards.

  Here is the reality for home sales: most buyers and their lenders want documentation that any abandoned septic system was properly decommissioned before closing. If you’re selling a home that’s been connected to the municipal sewer but still has the old tank underground, expect buyers to request proof of proper abandonment or removal – or they will ask for a credit to handle it themselves. We work with realtors and homeowners on pre-sale septic decommissioning regularly. Getting it done before listing eliminates a major negotiation point and shows buyers the property is truly move-in ready. Whether your tank needs full removal or can be abandoned in place, we will handle it correctly so your sale goes smoothly.

• What happens to my old septic tank after removal?

  After we excavate your tank, we either crush it on-site and use the material as fill (common with concrete tanks) or haul it to an approved disposal facility. Any sewage or sludge remaining in the tank gets pumped and transported to a licensed wastewater treatment facility – this is required by NJDEP regulations. We provide documentation of proper disposal, which you’ll want for your records and to show future buyers if needed. 

• Can you remove a septic tank without damaging my yard?

  We minimize yard damage by using the right equipment for your property size and carefully planning our access route. For tight spaces, we use compact excavators instead of full-size machines. That said, septic removal requires excavation and there will be some disruption. We will dig up the area around your tank, remove it, and backfill with clean material, compacting as we go. Most grass grows back naturally within a few weeks, especially in spring or fall. If you have extensive landscaping directly over your tank, we will work with you to transplant what we can and discuss restoration options.

• Should I have an old septic tank removed that's no longer in use?

  Yes, and here’s why: 

  • Abandoned septic tanks are safety hazards
    • The lids can collapse, creating dangerous sinkholes
  • Can contaminate groundwater if not properly sealed
  • Complicate property sales

  Many NJ townships require proper abandonment when you connect to sewer. We have responded to situations where old tanks partially collapsed under lawn equipment or where kids were playing in yards. Even if it seems fine now, an abandoned tank deteriorates over time. Proper removal or filling according to NJDEP standards eliminates the liability. If you’re on the fence, consider this: future buyers will discover it during their inspection and either demand removal or walk away.

• What's included in septic tank removal service?

  Our septic tank removal service includes: 

  • Site assessment and permit coordination
  • Excavation to expose the tank
  • Pumping and proper disposal of any remaining waste
  • Tank extraction or crushing
  • Backfilling the excavated area
  • Grading and compacting soil
  • Site cleanup

  We also handle all paperwork providing you with disposal documentation and final inspection certificates. What’s not included: landscaping restoration beyond basic grading (if you need sod or plantings, we can refer you to landscapers we trust), and any other work not related to the removal of the septic tank. You’ll know exactly what’s included before we start, spelled out in your written estimate.

• Do you provide septic tank removal near me in Northern New Jersey?

  Yes, ATS Environmental provides residential septic removal throughout Northern New Jersey. We are familiar with local soil conditions, like rocky Warren County terrain, township-specific permit requirements, and the common septic system types in this area. Whether you are in a rural part of Sussex County still on septic or a Morris County property transitioning to municipal sewer, we’ve handled these projects in your neighborhood. Our local knowledge means we can anticipate potential complications and work efficiently with your township’s health department.

• What's the best septic removal company in NJ?

  Look for a septic removal contractor who’s licensed, insured, experienced with NJ regulations, and transparent about pricing. The “best” company should provide free on-site estimates, handle permit coordination, properly dispose of waste, and restore your property afterward. We recommend checking for NJDEP compliance history and asking for references from recent local projects. At ATS Environmental, we have built our reputation on doing exactly what we say we will do, showing up on time, and leaving properties cleaner than we found them.