In this blog post, you will learn about the advantages of installing a sewer system from your current septic tank and how to weigh your options when considering whether or not to do so. We’ve also included some helpful links for further reading.
The Importance Of Septic Tanks And Sewer Lines
Septic tanks or sewer lines are used to dispose of wastewater in all residences and neighborhoods. It is important to have these systems installed and functioning properly to protect public health and the environment.
One of the main ways that disease is spread is through contaminated water. If septic tanks and sewer lines are not maintained, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. These microorganisms can then contaminate the water supply.
While each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, most homeowners are unable to pick between the two when it comes to installing or switching from one to the other.
Connecting Your Home To The Public Sewer System
Sewage lines are starting to stretch into new projects as cities grow, giving present residents the option of connecting to the public sewer system. This is a terrific chance for homeowners with outdated or failing septic systems to avoid hefty replacement costs—but homeowners with modern septic systems face a tough decision about whether or not to switch. This project is not a small or inexpensive one and can cause some disturbances to your daily life and those in your neighborhood.
But before the waste gets to the septic system, it needs to get through your drains. But these can become clogged. For the best products to fix these issues, see Best Liquid Drain Cleaner 2022 – Reviews and Buying Guide.
What’s the Difference Between a Septic System and a Sewer System?
So, what should you do if you have to choose between a septic system and a sewer system? It’s critical for every homeowner to understand what a sewer and septic system are and how they vary before making any significant choices.
Sewage lines are often only accessible in metropolitan areas since they link to municipal sewer systems. For properties in rural locations where there is no sewer infrastructure to connect to, septic systems are an alternative.
Septic systems store waste and wastewater in a multi-chamber underground tank which releases the water into a field drainage system and leaves behind the solid waste. Eventually, the septic tank will need to be serviced and the solid waste removed to avoid blockages and the release of solids into the drainage area.
Both septic systems and sewer lines run underground and are unseen by most pedestrians. This means they required excavation of the ground at some point during their installation.
The Benefits of Linking To a Public Sewer System
Once a residence is linked to the public sewage system, the only thing left to worry about is paying a monthly wastewater charge. Repairs and any difficulties that may arise are the responsibility of the city’s water agencies. Sewer lines are less prone to clogging than septic systems since they are designed to convey more affluent. While you should always be cautious about what you flush down your drains, sewage systems are more resilient than septic tanks.
Although a well-maintained septic system may endure for decades, the tank must be cleaned at least once every three to five years. Aside from the expense, scheduling periodic cleanings might be a constant bother. Because septic tanks collect and handle water on your property, any failures might result in a foul-smelling puddle in your yard. Potential house purchasers are aware of this issue, and many demands that properties with septic systems be linked to the municipal sewage system as a condition of sale. In certain localities, obtaining a permit for a pool installation or substantial home modifications requires a sewer hookup.
The Benefits of Having a Septic System
Septic systems provide a variety of benefits over sewage lines, despite the fact that they need a little more care and attention. They consume less energy overall and have a lesser environmental effect since they don’t pump wastewater significant distances to be handled at a water treatment plant. Septic tank bacteria help break down and cleanse wastewater on the spot, lowering the risk of leakage between the residence and the municipal facility.
Septic systems are quite affordable after they’re established, apart from the expense of draining the tank every few years. There is no monthly cost, and any damage to the municipal sewage lines has no impact on septic system homeowners. A septic system gives you a lot of freedom and security if you don’t want to rely on the municipal sewage system.
How Difficult Is It To Switch To A Sewer System?
You may be asking how to connect to municipal sewage lines after you’ve decided to convert. Actually, connecting your house to the public sewage is a reasonably straightforward operation that takes just a few days and delays wastewater service for only a few hours. However, there is a lot of labor-intensive work required, which may be fairly costly.
Cost is typically the most important factor. Local governments must spend significantly on infrastructure to install public sewage lines, therefore the service is not supplied for free. In addition to labor expenses, most towns levy a hefty price for connecting to the public sewage system. These costs, when combined with the permits required to complete the construction and inspections to estimate the household’s projected wastewater output, may vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the distance to the closest sewage line.
When Is It Time To Switch To A Sewer System?
If your septic system is in need of repair or replacement, installing a new tank may cost several thousand dollars, which is equivalent to the cost of connecting to the municipal sewage system. In such a case, making the move is generally a good idea, particularly if you want to renovate your home in the future, add a pool, or put the property on the market.
If your septic system is in excellent operating shape or was recently built, however, there isn’t much of an advantage to switching to the public sewer system in the near term. Switching over may make sense in the long term, but if there isn’t a compelling need, you may plan to do so in the future and budget for the significant expenditures.
Remember to carefully dump your septic tank if you intend on connecting to the municipal sewage line from a septic sewer. There are laws that require you to leave your septic tank because they pose a significant safety concern. Children or animals may pry off the lid of an old, disused septic tank and fall into the poisonous contents, posing a possibly lethal threat.
Check The Sewage Line Or Septic Tank Regulations
If you do decide to connect to the municipal sewage line, check your local regulations for information on how to disconnect. A contractor may drain and either remove or deactivate your existing septic system in addition to installing a new sewer line to connect your house to the public sewer. Steel septic tanks are usually removed from the site before being crushed and buried, while concrete tanks are reburied after being filled with sand. There are some city rules regarding which type you can use and how it should be installed and where.
Septic Tanks Vs. Sewer Systems And Property Value
The “sewer vs septic property value” is a question that many people have. The answer to the question depends on what your property’s worth, whether you want to save money or not, and how much work it will take to make improvements. A well-functioning septic tank or sewage line connection should present no hindrances to property value, and some home buyers may prefer one over the other. However, a poorly functioning septic system will definitely lower the residence’s property value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for the environment septic or sewer?
A: This depends on if either system is functioning properly. You want to avoid the release of solid waste into the local environment.
What is the life expectancy of a septic system?
A: The average life expectancy of a septic system is anywhere from 15 to 20 years. This can vary depending on how well the tank has been taken care of and how often it had its contents cleaned out by professionals.
How much does it cost to convert septic to sewer in NJ?
A: Prices vary depending on the size of your septic tank and how much it needs to be converted. The average cost is around $7000, but this price can go up or down based on which company you use.
A speptic tank can create an emergency for your home if it starts having issues. Other home plumbing issues can also pop up out of nowhere. To learn how to resolve these, see DIY: How To Handle Emergency Plumbing Situations At Home.
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