If you’re curious about how much it costs to get utilities on land, you’re not alone. This is a popular question among many new landowners in Texas. The truth is, the cost of adding utilities to land depends on factors like your location and the type of setup required.
To learn more about the cost of getting utilities to your land in Texas, keep reading.
Key Takeaways
- When it comes to running a utility, average costs can vary widely.
- Getting electricity on your land can cost as much as $10,000 to $30,000; though, for basic installations, you may only be required to pay up to $2,500.
- To get sewer lines on your property, you may need to pay as little as a few hundred dollars, but if your land requires more work, you may pay above $5,000.
- The total cost of connecting utilities like electricity, water, and natural gas can be affected by a variety of factors.
How Much Does It Cost To Run Electricity on Land in Texas?
Getting electricity on your vacant land isn’t cheap. If there are no existing utility connections, you could spend anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000. That said, some basic installations cost as little as $2,500, especially if your land is close to existing infrastructure.
The total cost depends on several factors, like:
- Your land size and layout
- Voltage and power requirements
- Land permits and regulatory requirements
- The distance of your land from the nearest existing utility lines
How Much Does It Cost To Get Water and Sewer?
After buying or inheriting raw land, you’ll also need to think about how to get clean water to the property and how to get rid of waste. Here’s how much it will cost to get water and sewer lines on your land:
How Much Does It Cost To Get City Water and Sewer Lines?
To get water to your land, you’ll need to get your assessor’s parcel number. Next, contact the local water company closest to your land. They’ll help you figure out where the nearest water and sewer lines are and what it’ll take to connect. You can usually find the water provider with an online search, though calling city hall is also an option.
In some lucky cases, you can expect to pay just a few hundred dollars if everything is nearby and straightforward. But if your land may need more work installing the sewer lines, you can expect to spend above $5,000. The total cost to bring city water and sewer lines to your rural property depends on a few different factors, including:
- Local regulations and hookup rules
- How much digging or trenching is required
- The distance from your land to the nearest water or sewer main
- Common permit costs, such as inspection fees, connection permits, or right-of-way access
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Well?
Installing a well is a good option if your land doesn’t have access to city water. Depending on your land, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 to install a well. Several factors that can influence the final cost include:
- The type of soil or rock underground
- How deep the well needs to be to reach water
- Water testing and filtration, if required for safety
- The kind of equipment and pump system needed
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Septic System?
To install septic systems, a perc test might be required to check your soil’s drainage and determine what system suits your land. For installation, you can expect to spend between $3,000 and $20,000. The final price depends on several factors, such as:
- The type of system
- Soil condition and how well it drains
- Local regulations and permit requirements
- Size of the system based on your home’s water usage
Cost To Install Natural Gas in Texas
To install natural gas in Texas, the costs vary depending on the size of the project and how complex the setup is. For small installations like hooking up a kitchen appliance, costs typically range from $200 to $800. A standard natural gas line installation usually falls between $500 and $1,000, while replacing or running a main gas line across your property could cost between $2,000 and $5,000. Cost will also depend on the length of the line, typically measured in linear feet. Natural gas companies can give you an estimate for their services.
Keep in mind that you will also likely need to pay for permits, something which can also vary. Depending on your location and permit type, average costs can range from tens to hundreds of dollars.
Cost to Install a Phone Line
While less common these days, some landowners still need to consider the cost of running a landline phone to their property. Like other utilities, the cost of getting a telephone line on your property can vary widely, typically from about $100 to nearly $1000 in some cases. These costs depend on factors such as:
- Distance to the nearest existing system
- Phone jack installation services
- Type of phone line
- The complexity of your installation
Cost to Install Cable TV
If you’ve been reading along, you won’t be surprised to hear that cable costs can also range widely. Running a new line for cable TV typically costs more than $100, with some installations costing as nearly $500. A few of the biggest cost factors include:
- The type of cable you want
- The provider you choose
- Additional fees and charges
- Equipment fees
How To Get Utilities on Land in Texas
To install utilities on your Texas land, you’ll need to check for existing systems close by. Here’s how to get started with each one:
- Hooking up to Electricity – If utility poles and power lines exist near your property line already, contact your local power company to help you connect. But if there are no electrical lines nearby, you’ll have to consider using solar panels or a generator as backup options, or having a line run to your property.
- Getting Water and Sewer – If public water and sewer services are available in your area, contact your local water utility to ask about getting connected.
- Installing a Well – If public water isn’t available, you can drill a well. You can contact a well contractor or land developer for a site inspection and cost estimate.
- Installing a Septic System – To get a septic system, you’ll have to contact a licensed contractor who can design and install the system based on your land’s layout.
- Accessing Natural Gas – Check if there are gas lines buried underground near your property. A few signs include above-ground warning signs, yellow spray paint marks on the ground, and manhole covers. You can also call a gas line-finding service to know for sure. If there are lines near your property, the utility company can guide you through the hookup process. If not, they’ll give you an estimate for installation.
- Running a Phone Line or Cable TV – First, you’ll need to determine if there are existing lines or providers close to your property, generally through online research. Next, decide on your provider, and reach out for installation.
If you have more questions on how to get utilities on your property, you can talk to a trusted land developer at SRC Land. We can help you identify public utility lines and determine the best point of access.
Get Help Buying Land and Connecting Utilities With SRC Land
Adding utilities to undeveloped land may feel overwhelming, but it’s manageable with the right assistance. With help from a land developer, you can save money on utilities and ensure you get the hook-ups you need.
At SRC Land, we don’t just offer land for sale in Texas. We can also help you get the utility connections needed for your project, on your budget. If you’re ready to move forward, talk to one of our land experts today. With us, you can find the perfect piece of rural land. We can help with everything you need for utility hook-ups on your new property, from the permit process to underground installation.
