One common question we receive from future homeowners is:
The answer depends entirely on where you're building.
At Price Homes we build throughout Minnesota on both city lots and rural acreage. That means every project is a little different. Understanding how water and sewer work before purchasing land can save thousands of dollars and prevent unexpected surprises during the building process.
This guide explains everything you need to know about wells, septic systems, city water and city sewer connections.
If your property is located inside most city limits, the home will typically connect to City Water and City Sewer. Instead of installing a private well or septic system, your home connects to underground utility lines maintained by the city.
Some homeowners prefer city water and sewer because:
These homeowners simply pay a monthly utility bill similar to electric service.
Many of our customers dream of building on acreage outside city limits.
In these locations, home typically require private well and a private septic system. While this may sound intimidating, modern well and septic systems are extremely reliable and can provide decades of dependable service when properly installed.
A private well supplies fresh groundwater directly to your home.
A licensed well contractor drills deep into underground aquifers until a reliable water source is located.
Most residential wells in Minnesota are between approximately 60 and 300 feet deep, although some locations may require shallower or deeper wells depending on local geology and groundwater conditions.
Once drilled, the well includes:
Inside your home, you'll have pressurized water that functions just like city water.
Most homeowners never notice a difference in everyday use.
Sometimes.
Every groundwater source is unique. Some wells produce exceptionally clean water while others naturally contain minerals such as:
If needed, simple water treatment systems can improve taste, remove staining, soften water, or improve overall water quality.
Every property is different, but several factors affect pricing, including:
Because each site is unique, the final cost can vary significantly but a typical 100' well costs $16,500.
The majority of wells we drill are PVC casing but some wells require steel casing due to the geology of the ground where the well will be placed, typically its if there is bedrock that we need to drill through, when that happens the well cost goes up. When drilling with steel casing the price of the well goes up $50 per ft drilled.
Well depths vary, if your well depth is deeper than 100', the cost to go deeper to find a good layer of water is $50 per ft after the first 100'.
A septic system safely treats wastewater from your home.
Everything that goes down your:
Toilets
flows into an underground septic tank.
Inside the tank:
Solids settle to the bottom
When designed and maintained properly, septic systems are extremely safe and environmentally friendly.
Contrary to popular belief, septic systems are generally designed based on the home's bedroom count rather than the number of bathrooms. The county reviews the home's design and determines the required system size during permitting. Soil conditions and available space on the property also play a major role.
The drain field (sometimes called a leach field) is the portion of the septic system that disperses treated water into the surrounding soil.
This area must remain protected.
Homeowners should avoid:
Building sheds over it
Protecting the drain field helps maximize the life of the system.
A properly maintained septic system can often last several decades.
Its lifespan depends on:
Soil conditions
Regular inspections and pumping the septic tank when recommended help extend its life.
Every family uses water differently.
Most homeowners should plan to have their septic tank inspected periodically and pumped as recommended by a licensed septic professional.
Waiting too long between pump-outs can shorten the life of the system.
Most homeowners should have their septic tank inspected every 2-3 years and pumped approximately every 3-5 years. Larger families or homes with heavier water usage may require more frequent pumping.
Not always.
Before construction begins, several evaluations may be required.
These can include:
Soil testing
One of the first things we help customers determine is whether their land can support the home they want to build.
A soil test evaluates the property's soil characteristics. This information helps determine the septic design. Different soil types absorb water differently, making this one of the most important early steps in the building process.
Yes.
Some developments provide city water but require private septic systems. Some developments may have community sewer systems as well. Every development is different and we are here to help guide you on your options and inform you of the costs.
Yes.
Some developments provide city sewer but require a private well.
Whether you're building in a neighborhood or on rural acreage, we guide you through every step of the process.
Our team coordinates with:
We'll help determine what services are available, explain the costs involved, coordinate the installation process, and answer your questions before construction begins.
Our goal is to make building your new home as simple and stress-free as possible.
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Well up to 100ft, PVC casing | $16,500 |
| Well additional depth beyond 100ft | $50/ linear ft |
| Well steel casing when required | +$50/ linear ft |
| Septic - Standard | $20,000 |
| Septic - Pressurized Bed | $25,000 |
| Septic - Mound System | $30,000 |
| City Sewer & Water Connection | $4,500 |
Whether you're building on your own land or need help finding the perfect lot, Price Homes has experience building throughout Minnesota on city lots, acreage, and rural properties. Our team can explain options, estimate site development costs, and help you understand exactly what your project will require before construction begins.
Have questions? Contact Price Homes, we are happy to help.