How Much Does a Septic System Heater Cost?

By Hannah Stephens

March 12, 2025

Freezing conditions can cause serious problems with your septic system. When a sewage pipe freezes solid, waste flushed from your home has nowhere to go, potentially leading to expensive (and stinky) blockages, backups and leaks.

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Septic system heaters warm your system to keep everything flowing correctly.

What Is a Septic System Heater?

Septic tank heaters stop your system from freezing during cold weather, preventing blockages and sewage backups. They work by pushing warm air into your septic system, gently heating your waste pipes and septic tank. This air then exits your home via the plumbing vents on your roof.

Do I Need a Septic System Heater?

Allowing your septic system to freeze in winter can cause a wide range of issues, which are often expensive to resolve. For example, unclogging a backed-up septic tank usually costs between $295 and $610 (CAD 401 and CAD 829), according to data from HomeGuide. Meanwhile, repairing or replacing a broken sewer line can cost as much as $5,000 (CAD 6,974).

Therefore, prevention is better than cure when it comes to frozen septic systems. If you live in an area with very cold winters, installing a septic tank heater is probably a smart move. You should also consider adding extra cold-weather protection if the soil above your septic tank is shallow or compacted or if you use your septic system infrequently, such as in a vacation home.

What Does Septic System Heater Installation Involve?

The best location for a septic system heater depends on which part is most prone to freezing. If you're experiencing cold weather-related blockages in your septic tank or the pipe connecting your house and septic system, you should install the heater on your above-ground access pipe. This access pipe usually links to the septic tank or drop box.

Installing a septic system heater to prevent the leach field from freezing is slightly different. In this scenario, you should install the heater above a drop box or cleanout in gravity systems. If you have a mound system, you'll usually need to install the unit above the lift station.

While installation steps may vary between manufacturers, most models simply slide over the access pipe. You'll also need to install a thermostat, which is usually included with the unit. The thermostat measures the temperature inside the septic tank or drop box and activates the unit when the temperature falls below a set point. The depth required for your thermostat depends on your septic system's dimensions, so you should follow the calculation steps in your owner's manual.

Finally, connect your unit to a power supply. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, so you should use an extension cable or outlet rated for outdoor use.

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How Much Do Septic Tank Heaters Cost?

The Septic Heater Company is the most well-known septic heater manufacturer in the United States. Its septic system heaters cost $2,495 (CAD 3,390) per unit and are designed to fit a 4-inch access pipe. You'll need to purchase an adapter to install a heater on pipes with different dimensions.

How Much Does Septic Heater Installation Cost?

Installing a septic tank heater is relatively straightforward, so many homeowners choose to install the units themselves. If you're unable to install the heater yourself or don't feel confident, you can hire a septic system professional or septic-certified plumber to do it for you.

Hourly rates for septic system upgrades vary significantly by area. The average cost to hire a plumber is around $45 to $150 (CAD 61 to CAD 204) per hour. Labor is usually more affordable in rural areas and costlier in expensive cities with higher costs of living.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

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