How Much Does It Cost to Install a Biofilter Septic System?

By Hannah Stephens

April 20, 2026

When you're considering a new septic system, understanding the different system types can confuse even the most experienced homeowners. Biofilter septic systems are relatively unusual, but they could be a great solution for eco-conscious homeowners looking for a non-electric solution.

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What Is a Biofilter Septic System?

A biofilter septic system passes waste through a secondary, non-electric treatment barrier to filter contaminants from sewage. First, the waste travels through a regular septic tank to separate solids and sludge. Next, it enters a second tank containing a biofilter material, such as natural coconut husk. This material physically filters contaminants from the water while providing a surface for aerobic bacteria to break down waste.

It's this second tank that makes a biofilter septic system different from a regular septic system. After treatment in the second tank, the waste then flows into a traditional septic field.

Benefits of a biofilter septic system include:

Reduced footprint compared to regular septic systems
Natural, renewable filtration materials
Reliable, non-electric operation

While biofilter septic systems are eco-friendly and generally require less maintenance than mechanical systems, you'll need to replace the filter when it becomes clogged. Whether you can install a biofilter system depends on the site conditions and regulations in your area, so it's worth asking a septic system professional for advice.

How Much Does a Biofilter Septic System Cost?

According to PT Water and Environment, installing an Ecoflo brand biofilter septic system costs between $12,000 and $40,000 (CAD 16,471 and CAD 54,903). While other biofilter brands are available, they don't publish online pricing lists. Most manufacturers offer free estimates via their websites for more accurate pricing.

This price range is for a polyethylene unit designed to serve a three-bedroom home. Let's explore some of the factors that can impact the cost of an advanced treatment septic system.

Site Conditions

It costs less to install a biofilter septic system on a straightforward site because installation is usually easier and less time-consuming. Installers will likely consider your installation site to be simple if it covers a large area, is easy to access and has permeable soil. It's usually easier to install a septic system on flat ground.

Compact Ecoflo systems are designed to suit most residential properties. Installing one on a simple site starts from around $14,000 (CAD 19,216) but can reach as high as $40,000 (CAD 54,901) in some areas.

Difficult sites often have steep slopes, access issues or slow-draining, impermeable soil. Installing a septic system on these sites often requires extra time and materials, driving up costs. Expect to pay between $21,000 and $50,000 (CAD 28,824 and CAD 68,628) to install a compact Ecoflo system on a challenging site.

Location

The cost of installation labor varies widely between different locations. The higher the cost of living and running a business in your area, the more you'll pay for biofilter septic system installation. For example, installing a compact Ecoflo system on a simple site costs $14,000 to $18,000 (CAD 19,216 to CAD 24,706) in Iowa. Installing a similar system in New Jersey costs significantly more at $25,000 to $40,000 (CAD 34,314 to CAD 54,903).

Household Size

Septic system manufacturers generally base system sizes on the number of bedrooms in your home. The more bedrooms you have, the more people your home can house, and the more wastewater produced. As higher wastewater production requires a larger septic system, you'll pay more to install a biofilter system in a larger property.

For example, a 750-gallon tank is generally sufficient for a one-to-two-bedroom home. Meanwhile, a home with six or more bedrooms requires a tank size of at least 1,750 gallons, increasing the cost of the system itself and installation labor.

Permits

You'll usually need to obtain a permit before installing or replacing a biofilter septic system on your property. Expect to spend between $250 and $450 (CAD 343 and CAD 618) on a building permit for a new septic tank. Meanwhile, permits for a new leach field typically range between $250 and $650 (CAD 343 and CAD 892).

You may also require soil tests before installing your new system, which usually cost $250 to $700 (CAD 343 to CAD 961). In total, homeowners generally spend an additional $1,000 to $2,000 (CAD 1,373 to CAD 2,745) on testing and permits.

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How Does the Cost of a Biofilter Septic System Differ From a Regular Septic System?

The cost of an anaerobic septic system ranges between $3,500 and $8,500 (CAD 4,804 and CAD 11,667). Prices include the cost of the system itself and professional installation. These systems contain anaerobic bacteria to break down waste and rely on gravity to encourage the flow of wastewater through the system.

Aerobic treatment units, which add oxygen to wastewater to speed up the breakdown of solids, start from around $20,000 (CAD 27,451) installed. Prices can increase to $40,000 (CAD 54,903) or more for large or technologically advanced systems.

Installing a system with a biofilter tank will increase the cost of both an aerobic and anaerobic system. The Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center estimates that installing a system with a Waterloo Biofilter increases the cost of a septic system by around $7,350 (CAD 10,088).

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

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