At a glance
| Who regulates | Local board of health, under N.J.A.C. 7:9A (NJ DEP standards) |
|---|---|
| Inspection when a home is sold | No statewide requirement found. We found no statewide rule in N.J.A.C. 7:9A requiring an inspection at sale. Some towns have their own rules, so ask the local board of health, and order an inspection as a buyer. |
Septic tank size in New Jersey
250 gallons per bedroom, with a 1,000-gallon minimum (N.J.A.C. 7:9A-8.2). Expansion attics count as bedrooms.
| Home | Minimum tank |
|---|---|
| 1–4 bedrooms | 1,000 gal |
| 5 bedrooms | 1,250 gal |
| 6 bedrooms | 1,500 gal |
Compare with other states on our tank size calculator.
Tank rules
- Multi-compartment tanks must total at least 1,000 gallons, with two-thirds of the capacity in the first compartment.
- Tanks under 1,250 gallons may have no more than two compartments.
- Extra rules apply when the tank is over 1,000 gallons or when an ejector pump sends sewage to the tank.
Who approves your system
- The local board of health having jurisdiction, or its authorized agent, is the administrative authority for design, installation and maintenance (N.J.A.C. 7:9A-3.2).
Costs
We don't yet have checked New Jersey-specific prices. National figures: pumping averages about $420–$430 (pumping cost), inspections about $550 on average (inspection cost), and a conventional system $3,000–$8,500 installed (installation cost).
Rules change, and counties and towns can be stricter than the state. Confirm with the agency above before you buy, sell or build.