Septic Replacement Cost in Livingston County, Michigan

The local fees you can verify

Livingston County publishes its Environmental Health fee schedule. As of its April 28, 2026 update, a single-family replacement soil evaluation was listed at $130 per individual boring. A replacement permit was $520 for a conventional single-family system and $780 for alternative technology. A tank-only permit was $260.

The county lists a 3% convenience fee, with a $2 minimum, for credit and debit card payments. Fees can change, unusual properties may require additional review, and contractor, excavator, survey, design, electrical, hauling, and restoration charges are separate. Confirm the current schedule before relying on a total.

Why neighboring homes can receive different quotes

• Soil texture and depth to seasonal high groundwater.
• Whether gravity works or pumps and controls are required.
• Conventional versus alternative treatment technology.
• Home size and permitted bedroom count.
• Distance from the house and access for excavation equipment.
• Trees, slopes, utilities, wells, property lines, lakes, and setback constraints.
• Imported material, hauling, abandonment, grading, and landscaping.

Compare the complete scope

Ask each bidder to use the same approved design and provide line items. A low headline price can exclude soil work, engineering, permits, electrical work, pumping, imported material, hauling, old-system abandonment, or yard restoration. Confirm who schedules county inspections and what happens if field conditions differ from the plan.

Do not compare a tank-only replacement with a tank-and-drainfield project. Likewise, a repair and a full replacement solve different problems. Every proposal should identify the failed component and the scope it is intended to correct.

Michigan financing may be available

Michigan’s Septic Replacement Loan Program offers financing for eligible failing or near-failing residential systems. It includes income-based and market-based tiers, and approved projects must meet program standards and use an authorized contractor. Confirm current availability and eligibility through Michigan EGLE and Michigan Saves.

Budget rule: keep a contingency for unknown underground conditions and ask whether the quote is fixed, allowance-based, or subject to unit pricing.