Top-rated septic system installers and replacers.

Get matched with top septic system installers and replacers in Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara

Avatar for All  American Plumbing & Drain
All American Plumbing & Drain
5.0(
113
)

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I needed to have the gas valve for kitchen stove replaced. Felix had his brother come over that afternoon. He called the company who was going to install the new stove to ensure he put the correct valve in. Excellent service."
Response time4 hrs
Response rate90%
32 neighbors recently requested a quote
Affordable Construction Services
5.0(
20
)

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Dan was awesome! Not only was his estimate reasonable, it was almost $3000.00 lower than the highest bid that we got. He communicated with us before, during and after the installation. He was on time, was careful around existing planters and pathways. This job was not an easy one. The old septic was 60 years old and tucked right up against the house. It required a 26' trench that had to be dug by hand as no piece of equipment would fit. At the end of the job, he moved two tree stumps for us and regraded the dirt road, just because the tractor was already here. Service above and beyond! We would highly recommend him!"
Response time2 days
6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by95%of homeowners
Avatar for Wighton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air
Wighton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air
4.6(
66
)

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1953

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"This was done to remove dust and odor coming from heating system which seems to be drawn from the air in the attic. Dust was improved but odor is still a problem. I will meet with them again this winter to work on further reducing the odor. <br />"
Install brand new, high efficiency units with mount.
Installing brand new and high efficiency units
Install brand new, high efficiency units with mount.
Installing brand new and high efficiency units
Installing brand new and high efficiency units

+14

Response time1 day
Response rate94%
30 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Stellar Sewers Coastal Plumbing
Stellar Sewers Coastal Plumbing
4.7(
6
)

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We had a mess with the old water main. The team came out and safed off the area, dug trenches, removed and replaced the line. All in a timely manner and charged the price that was quoted, not adding additional as many companies do."
Drain Root Removal
Sewer Water Damage
Drain Root Removal
Root Removal Proof
Root Intrusion

+60

Response time3 hrs
Response rate98%
Avatar for DrainMasters
DrainMasters
4.3(
93
)

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The 50 year old septic system for our home was breaking down. Not just the tank itself, but the leach lines were crumbling. Drain Masters completely overhauled the system and despite the expense we are very satisfied."
Drain Masters Truck
Response time3 days
19 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by82%of homeowners
Avatar for Bob & Marc Plumbing Heating & Air
Bob & Marc Plumbing Heating & Air
4.7(
85
)

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

"I just had a new roof installed and the following week the heater stopped working. I call and they sent a repairman out the same day. When he arrived I explained the issue of the heater starting and then stopping a few minutes later for no apparent reason. After checking everything out he determined because of multiple error codes in the system that the main chip (brains of the system) was malfunctioning and the best bet would be to get a new system. Even when he would do overrides to determine the cause the system kept giving him random error messages. I was ready to fork over $3000 for a new heater when he decided to check one more thing. We went up on the roof and found that the roofers had placed the exhaust cap for the furnace on too far down closing off the exhaust hence forcing the safety systems in the heater to shutdown. Long story short, he found the problem in about an hour and although he could have charge me for a new furnace he went the extra step and found the true cause. That's called integrity my friend and it is a rare trait these days. I would recommend Bob and Marc to any one looking for skilled, honest repairmen. <br />"
Recommended by89%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 24
FAQs for septic system installation and replacement projects in Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara, 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.