Top-rated septic system installers and replacers.

Get matched with top septic system installers and replacers in Palo Alto, CA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Share some details icon
Share some details about your home project.
Match with local pros icon
Within moments, match with highly-rated local pros.
Compare quotes icon
Compare quotes and choose the best pro for the job.

Find Septic system installers and replacers in Palo Alto

Avatar for J Drains Rooter Service
J Drains Rooter Service
4.8(
13
)

Serving Palo Alto, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Everything went well. Eric was very polite and informative. He showed me the old pipe, which was clearly very deeply clogged with roots from a nearby tree. The work was well-done and the site was left clean. He did it all in one day, which we very much appreciated as it caused minimal disruption to the tenants.
"
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+4

Recommended by91%of homeowners
Avatar for Hastings Construction, Inc.
Hastings Construction, Inc.
5.0(
10
)

Serving Palo Alto, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"We live in Carmel Valley and hired Justin and his team to do an addition and full remodel of our home including re-plumbing, rewiring, redoing the septic systems and replacing our ridge line beam, after having a terrible experience with our first contractor. Justin's team picked up the project while in the permitting phase and did a fantastic job on all aspects of the project, from pulling the permits through the final. They were always available, transparent with their bid process and exceedingly fair when unknowns came up in the project. Doing a high-end remodel is never cheap, but their pricing was fair, transparent and they worked with us to fit everything we wanted into our budget and schedule. Could not recommend them more highly!"
Roth Septic Tank install
Septic System Installs
Septic System Installs
Septic System Installs
Septic System Installs

+17

Response time2 days
Recommended by90%of homeowners
Avatar for Resendiz Handyman & Plumbing
Resendiz Handyman & Plumbing
5.0(
6
)

Serving Palo Alto, CA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

"I've had Octavio do full bath plumbing for me. New copper pipes and finish fixtures with white glove installation. He is very knowledgeable and professional. Everything Octavio performs is with a great attention to detail. His professionalism is appreciated when it comes to reliability and cost. Worth every penny, if you want something done the right way the first time. Octavio is always my go-to guy when it comes to ANY plumbing needs."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+21

Recommended by100%of homeowners
CLM Excavating, Inc.
4.6(
7
)

Serving Palo Alto, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Home Advisor does not have the specific category for the work that was performed of replacement of graded retaining wall up my driveway and around a structure. The work utilized excavation, concrete, wood & construction. Cristian, the owner, was the epitomy of professionalism as with every crew member. Firstly, he did not try to sell me on something I did not want, much appreciated. The job was meticulously executed in record time at the price I could pay. This job has been on my bucket list for years... finally completed with a job well done!"
Basement
Basement
Basement
Basement
Electrical conduit

+28

Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Plumbing 24/7
Plumbing 24/7
4.4(
9
)

Serving Palo Alto, CA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went extremely well. The Plumber Uriel, was on time, and explained everything to me. He immediately diagnosed the problem and corrected it. He also made me aware of corrective measures I can take in the future. I highly recommend him! He is honest and fair!"
Plumbing Project
Plumbing Project
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+23

Recommended by88%of homeowners
Avatar for American Home Shield – Home Warranty
American Home Shield – Home Warranty
3.5(
5,688
)

Serving Palo Alto, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"AHS is ok. They cover repairs of most everything under the roof of your house. The companies that contract with them are not always the best. You call AHS with the issue, they send a fax to the repair company and give you the contact info. If they don't contact you within 24 hours, you call them. Sometimes they answer, sometimes they don't. When they arrive (usually three days or so later), they service the item. if it has issues within the 90 days, you call AHS again, they are sent out with no charge. If the serviceman decides the unit is unrepairable, AHS will allow you to choose a replacement from their listing (usually not as good as what you have) they will install and remove your old item, or give you wholesale amount to buy and install your own. Prices vary on what you want covered and what you want the copay to be, plus where you live. For me it is 49.99 per month with a 75.00 time of service order. You can have more than one item serviced at the same time under the same fee. If you have a SEAR product the repair guys are great. Not that wild about the other ones they send out. But it is a big savings compared to calling someone on your own. The cost of service is only the 75.00 copay."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+2

Recommended by65%of homeowners
Avatar for Chandler's Plumbing
Chandler's Plumbing
4.1(
27
)

Serving Palo Alto, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"dug a 6'x9' hole to remove a broke sewer line and didn't hurt my fence extremely happy with service. they bent over backwards to get the permits from the correct location. also I accidentally broke a hose connection on a copper pipe and they were able to fix that as well"
Main Sewer Line Replacement
Bathroom Remodels
Main Sewer Line Replacement
Water Heater Repair/Replacement
Main Water Line Replacement

+90

Recommended by90%of homeowners
Avatar for Con's Backhoe
Con's Backhoe
5.0(
2
)

Serving Palo Alto, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1960

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Con's Backhoe has been in the industry for over 45 years! We pride ourselves on our industry knowledge and top quality work. Please call to discuss your septic and excavation needs!

Response time7 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 25
FAQs for septic system installation and replacement projects in Palo Alto, CA

The smallest standard septic system uses a 500-gallon tank, which costs between $875 and $1,150 installed. This size works well for single-occupant dwellings with minimal wastewater production. However, many local regulations specify minimum tank sizes, so check with your building department before committing to this compact option. Some jurisdictions require at least 750 gallons regardless of home size to ensure adequate waste processing capacity.

The installation timeline varies based on site conditions, permit processing, and contractor schedules. The process includes obtaining permits, conducting soil tests, excavation, tank placement, leach field construction, and final connections. Weather conditions, soil challenges, and inspection scheduling can all affect the overall timeline. It's wise to begin planning well in advance of when you need the system operational.

The most economical approach is to install a conventional anaerobic system with a plastic tank. To minimize costs while maintaining legality, obtain multiple quotes from licensed installers, consider scheduling during their slower seasons, and handle basic site preparation yourself. Never skip permits or required testing to save money—illegal installations can result in significant fines and mandatory removal, ultimately costing far more than doing it right initially.

Regular pumping helps prevent system failures and extends operational life. Most small systems require pumping every three to five years, though frequency depends on household size and usage patterns. Pumping services cost between $290 and $530, making this maintenance expense relatively minor compared to potential repair costs ranging from $500 to $2,600 for neglected systems. Establishing a regular maintenance schedule based on your installer's recommendations helps avoid costly emergency services.

The Palo Alto, CA homeowners’ guide to septic system installations and replacements

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.