Free septic proposal template
A proposal needs six parts. This template has all six, filled in with a sample septic job so you can see how it reads. Download it, or write your own from a few typed notes.
What is in it
Typed by the septic contractor: "replace failed drain field, 3 lateral lines 60 ft each, new distribution box, permit and county inspection incl, rough grade only, electrical not incl"
- Replace the failed drain field: 3 lateral lines, 60 feet each.
- New distribution box.
- Permit and county inspection included.
- Rough grade only, no sod or landscaping.
- Electrical not included.
Warranty: 1 year on workmanship
Deposit at signing: $3,920
Signature block: typed name, date, and the E-SIGN Act line.
Or fill it in from your notes
Type the job the way you would text it. It comes out in this format in about five seconds. No account needed.
30 days free, then $29 a month. No card to start.
Finished septic estimates to copy from
- Drain field replacement estimate example, $9,800, 3 days on site, plus the county inspection
- Septic tank replacement estimate example, $6,400, 2 days, plus inspection
- Aerobic system service estimate example, $1,150, 1 visit for the repair, then every 4 months
How to use it
Replace the company block with yours, keep the structure, and write the scope as a short list of what you will do, one item per line. Put one total price on it. Add a timeline and payment terms every time. Date it and give it an expiry, usually 30 days.
The parts most septic contractors leave out
- Payment terms. "40% upfront, 40% on start, 20% on final inspection" on the proposal means it is never a conversation at the end of the job.
- A valid-through date. Prices move. Without one, an old bid can be accepted months later.
- A way to accept on the spot. A printed PDF has to be signed, scanned, and emailed back, and plenty of customers put that off. A link they can tap and type their name on takes a minute.
What to fill in on a septic proposal
- System type and size, and that it matches the permit and the soil test
- Who handles the permit, the design, and the inspection
- What the yard looks like after: rough graded, not landscaped
- Electrical for a pump or aerobic unit, and who runs it
The county inspection schedule drives the timeline. Put it on the bid so the customer is not calling on day three asking why there is a hole in the yard.
Questions about septic estimates
What should a contractor estimate include?
Six parts: who it is from and who it is for, the scope of work as a short list, one total price, a timeline, payment terms with any deposit, and a way for the customer to accept. A warranty line and a valid-through date keep it from being argued over later.
Is an estimate legally binding?
Once the customer accepts it in writing, yes, for the scope and price on it. A typed name and e-signature on a phone counts under the E-SIGN Act. A number texted back and forth is much harder to hold anyone to.
Can I use this template as is?
Yes. Download the PDF, replace the company block with yours, and keep the structure. Or type your own job below and it is laid out for you in a few seconds.
Can I split payment across the inspection?
Yes. Payment terms are yours to write. Put the milestones on the estimate and the customer agrees to them when they sign.
Can I attach the design or the permit?
Yes. Photos and documents go on the estimate so everything the county saw is what the customer saw.
Or skip the template
BidWriter Pro turns notes like "replace failed drain field, 3 lateral lines 60 ft each, new distribution box, permit and county inspection incl, rough grade only, electrical not incl" into this proposal, sends it by text or email, collects the deposit by card when the customer accepts, and follows up if they go quiet. Free for 30 days, no card. See how it works for septic contractors or open the sample your customer would see.
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