Brian was excellent to work with! He scheduled us quickly and did exactly what he said he was going to do. He was great explaining the process to repair and how to maintain it. Highly recommended and will be referring this company for my clients in the future. Professional and honest…which is what I was looking for!
Septic Tank Installation in Atlanta, GA - New Systems, Replacements & Permits
New construction, full system replacement, or a failing drainfield – Septic Tank Guru handles septic tank installation in Atlanta and across Metro Atlanta from the first soil test to final county sign-off. We install conventional, mound, and aerobic treatment systems. Conventional systems start at $4,400. Most Metro Atlanta residential installations run $7,500-$12,500 all-in. Call Us
DPH Certified
Our technicians are certified by DPH for quality work.
13+ Years Serving Atlanta
Serving for over 13 years.
Flat-rate pricing
No surprises on-site
Septic Tank Installation Cost in Atlanta, GA
We are the only septic company in Metro Atlanta that publishes installation pricing. Every competitor says "call for a quote" - we show you the ranges before you call.
How to read these prices: Conventional systems start at $4,400 for basic installations with good soil and simple access. Most Metro Atlanta homes, including soil testing, county permit, septic tank, and full drainfield, run $7,500-$12,500 all-in. Mound and aerobic systems are required when soil or site conditions make conventional systems impractical.
| System Type | Starting Price | Typical Range (Atlanta 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional System Standard gravity-fed, good soil | From $4,400 | $7,500 – $12,500 all-in Most common for 3-bed Atlanta homes |
| Mound System Clay soil, high water table, slope | From $10,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 Required for Georgia red clay in many counties |
| Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) Lakefront, restricted parcels, EPD-required | Call for quote | Quoted on-site Required by Georgia EPD on certain parcels |
| Drainfield Replacement Only Existing tank in good condition | From $8,500 | $8,500 – $15,000 No competitor publishes this number |
What’s Included in Every Installation Quote
- Soil percolation test (perc test) – required by Georgia DPH
- System design to county health department specifications
- All Georgia DPH and county permit applications
- Full installation – tank, distribution box, and drainfield
- Coordination with county Environmental Health for final inspection
- 1-year workmanship warranty on all installation work
Get an accurate quote before committing. Every site is different. Call us and we will schedule a free on-site assessment – perc test, soil evaluation, and a written price range before you decide anything.
What Affects Your Final Cost
Soil Type and Perc Rate
Georgia red clay drains 3-6x slower than sandy soil. A slow perc rate may require a mound system – which increases cost but is often required in DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Forsyth counties.
County Permit Fees
Permit fees vary by county: typically $150-$600. DeKalb, Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Fayette each have specific requirements and processing timelines that affect total cost and schedule.
System Size and Site Access
Larger tanks (1,000 vs 1,500 gallon) and difficult site access – steep slopes, mature trees, tight lots – increase excavation labor and affect final cost.
Types of Septic Systems We Install in Metro Atlanta
No competitor in Metro Atlanta explains all three system types on their installation page. Which system your property needs depends entirely on soil conditions, lot size, water table, and Georgia DPH regulations – not preference.
Most Common in Atlanta
Conventional Septic Systems
The standard gravity-fed system – tank collects waste, liquid flows by gravity into a drainfield where it filters through soil. This works in most Metro Atlanta residential areas with adequate soil absorption. Well-suited for Cumming, Conyers, Douglasville, and outer-ring suburban lots where the soil has not fully saturated.
Starting at $4,400 – most Atlanta homes $7,500-$12,500 all-in
Required for Georgia Clay Soil
Mound Septic Systems
When Georgia’s red clay soil fails the perc test or a high water table prevents a conventional drainfield, a mound system is required. We construct an elevated drainfield using imported soil that meets DPH specification – the field sits above the natural ground surface. Common in Forsyth County, Gwinnett, and portions of DeKalb where soil absorption is too slow for conventional design. Also required for mound system installation in Conyers and surrounding Rockdale County.
$10,000 – $20,000 depending on site conditions
Lakefront & Restricted Sites
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs)
Georgia EPD requires aerobic treatment units on properties within certain setbacks from streams, rivers, or lakes – and on lots where no conventional or mound system will pass county approval. ATUs use an active aeration process to treat wastewater to a higher standard before distribution. We install and service ATUs across Metro Atlanta. Unlike most competitors, we also handle ongoing ATU maintenance contracts required by Georgia law after installation.
Call for quote – site-specific pricing
Not sure which system your property needs? The perc test determines it. We conduct the soil evaluation, review the results with you, and recommend the right system before you commit to anything. Call us to schedule a site visit.
When You Need a New Septic System - Signs & Scenarios
System failing now? We expedite permit applications for urgent replacement situations. If your system has backed up or sewage is surfacing, call Us immediately. We begin the permit paperwork the same day you call – we cannot speed up the county’s timeline, but we can eliminate every delay on our end.
How Septic Tank Installation Works in Georgia - Permits to Sign-Off
Every installation follows a process regulated by Georgia DPH. We manage every step – you do not coordinate with the county or health department. For new construction, allow 4-8 weeks total. For replacement, 3-6 weeks depending on the county permit timeline.
1.Site Visit & Soil Percolation Test
We conduct the perc test on your property – required by Georgia DPH before any permit can be issued. The test determines system size and type.
1-2 days on-site
2. Water Table Assessment
We measure the seasonal high water table. If it is too high for a conventional field, we evaluate mound or ATU options and design accordingly.
Same visit
System Design & Permit Application
We design the system to Georgia DPH and county specifications and submit the permit application immediately. County processing takes 2-4 weeks in most Metro Atlanta counties.
2-4 weeks for permit
Excavation & Installation
Tank placement, distribution box, and drainfield trenches. Trench depth 24-36 inches per Georgia requirements. Perforated pipes on a gravel base. Site graded and restored.
1-3 days installation
County Health Inspection
A county Environmental Health inspector reviews the installation before the system can be used. We coordinate the inspection appointment – you do not contact the county.
1-3 days after install
Final Sign-Off & Documentation
Once the county approves the installation, you receive all permit documentation. The system is active. We schedule a complimentary 1-year check-in inspection.
System live
Georgia setback requirements (Chapter 511-3-1): Septic systems must be 50 ft from water supply wells, 25 ft from streams or water bodies, and 10 ft from property lines. We verify all setbacks during the design phase – county inspectors check this during final review. Non-compliant installations must be decommissioned. For full state regulations, visit the Georgia DPH On-Site Sewage Management program.
System Failing? Same-Day Assessment Across Metro Atlanta
If your septic system has backed up, sewage is surfacing, or you are under a closing deadline – call now. We dispatch the same day and start the permit paperwork immediately.
Emergency service available in: Acworth, Vinings, Buckhead, Stone Mountain, Lilburn, Douglasville, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Smyrna, Decatur, Sandy Springs + all Atlanta metro areas.
Why Metro Atlanta Homeowners Choose Us
- Dionne Walker
DPH certified technicians
Georgia-certified on every job. No subcontractors on your property.
13+ years local experience
We know Metro Atlanta's soils, county codes, and failure patterns.
Same-day written reports
Documented on-site, delivered before we leave your property.
Flat-rate pricing
What we quote is what you pay — no add-ons once the tank is open.
Honest assessments
If it's fine, we'll say so. We don't manufacture problems to sell repairs.
1-year warranty
Every repair we perform is backed by our 1-year warranty.
- Areas We Serve
Septic Installation Service Areas - Metro Atlanta, GA
We install and replace septic systems across 9 Metro Atlanta counties and 20+ cities. Drainfield installation near me in Atlanta? Call 404-800-6431 to confirm same-day assessment availability in your area.
Cobb County Build First
Smyrna, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, Vinings, East Cobb.
Septic Installation Smyrna GA →
Gwinnett County
Lilburn, Snellville, Lawrenceville, Buford, Grayson, Loganville.
Septic Installation Lilburn GA →
Forsyth + Fulton Counties
Cumming, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Roswell. Forsyth County mound system demand is high – red clay and rapidly developing residential areas.
Fulton County Septic Installation →
All Metro Atlanta Counties
Fayette, Douglas, Rockdale (Conyers), Clayton, Henry, Cherokee, Newton, Carroll. Call to confirm coverage and same-day availability.
All Septic Services →
Not sure if we cover your area? Call us now — we'll confirm in 30 seconds.
What Georgia Homeowners Say
Frequently Asked Questions - Septic Tank Installation Atlanta
How much does septic tank installation cost in Atlanta, GA?
Conventional septic systems start at $4,400 for smaller or simpler installations. Most Metro Atlanta residential installations – including soil testing, DPH permit, septic tank, and full drainfield – run $7,500-$12,500 all-in. Mound systems required for clay soil or high water table run $10,000-$20,000. Aerobic treatment units are quoted on-site. If you only need to replace the drainfield and the tank is in good condition, drainfield-only replacement starts at $8,500. Call 404-800-6431 for a free written quote.
How long does septic tank installation take in Georgia?
The physical installation takes 1-3 days depending on system size and site conditions. The full timeline from soil test to final DPH inspection is typically 4-8 weeks for new construction and 3-6 weeks for replacement – largely driven by the county permit processing time, which runs 2-4 weeks in most Metro Atlanta counties. We start the permit paperwork immediately after the perc test so there is no avoidable delay on our end. We manage every county coordination step.
Do I need a permit for septic tank installation in Georgia?
Yes. Every septic installation in Georgia requires a county health department permit before any work begins. The county Environmental Health department reviews the perc test results, approves the system design, and conducts a final inspection before the system can be used. Permit fees run $150-$600 depending on the county. DeKalb, Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Fayette each have their own specific requirements. We pull all permits and coordinate every county inspection – you do not contact the county yourself. DIY installation without a permit is illegal in Georgia.
Can you replace just the drainfield without replacing the whole tank?
Yes, and this is one of the most common questions we hear. If your tank is structurally sound, properly sized, and the baffles are functioning, you can replace only the drainfield. Drainfield-only replacement starts at $8,500 for most Metro Atlanta homes. We inspect the tank as part of the installation process and give you an honest assessment. We will tell you clearly whether you need a new tank or not – recommending an unnecessary tank replacement earns us more money, but we will not do it. See our drainfield installation page and drainfield repair page for more detail.
What if my property has clay soil or a high water table?
Georgia’s red clay, particularly dense in DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Forsyth counties, absorbs liquid more slowly than sandy soils, which can require a mound system instead of a conventional gravity-fed field. A mound system elevates the drainfield above the natural soil surface using imported soil designed to meet Georgia DPH absorption standards. If your water table is seasonally high, a mound or aerobic treatment unit (ATU) may be required. We assess soil conditions during the perc test and will tell you which system your property needs before you commit to anything.
Get Your Septic Tank Installation Quoted Today
Free on-site assessment. Perc test to DPH final sign-off – we manage the full process. Septic tank installation in Atlanta with published pricing, all 3 system types, and a 1-year warranty. Serving all 9 Metro Atlanta counties.
Serving Atlanta, GA – Acworth – Vinings – Decatur – Stone Mountain – Lilburn – Douglasville – Fayetteville – Smyrna – Sandy Springs – Buckhead – and 20+ more cities.
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