Septic to Sewer Conversion & What You Need to Know
The local public works department will generally maintain the sewer system in cities and towns. In areas where the local sewer system does not serve the neighborhood, homes use a septic system for their wastewater treatment. Redirecting your household drains from your septic system to the public works is not difficult, but it can be expensive.
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Home Septic to Sewer Conversion
The conversion of your home from a private septic system into a municipal sewer system should be straightforward. A licensed plumber contractor digs up the waste pipe drain connecting the house and the septic tank and reroutes the line. The city will typically connect the new pipe to the public sewer. Note that installing and maintaining a new septic system is more expensive than paying quarterly sewer bills.
City sewer lines are not maintenance-free. Public Works is responsible for maintaining the city sewer line. They also maintain sewers in streets, easements, and other related facilities that comprise the city’s sewer systems. So, eliminating potential and annoying problems in the future is typically the responsibility of the City. Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of sewer laterals. This is the sewer line drain that connects the property’s plumbing to the sewer main.
One of the benefits that a public sewer system has over a septic tank system is that the value of the property increases when connected to a public sewer line. Furthermore, in some instances, cities will not permit pools, remodeling, or room additions in homes with septic systems.
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Decommissioning Your Septic Tank for Septic to Sewer Conversion
To disconnect your septic tank and connect to the municipal water main, you must hire a licensed plumbing contractor. This will ensure that proper decommissioning procedures are in place. Untreated wastewater can contaminate our environment, health, and safety. Untreated sewage can contain bacteria, viruses, and nitrates that can cause health problems or other environmental issues. If wastewater is not properly removed, it will eventually leach out and pollute the groundwater, soil, and waterways.
Plumbers and the homeowner must first obtain all the necessary permits. The homeowner or property owner will typically need to pay a tie-in fee. Although it’s not cheap, the town will spend a lot of time and money installing a new sewer line. To learn more about permits, contact your local sewer department.
Safety hazards can also be created by septic tanks that are not properly removed from service. For example, the lid or top of an abandoned septic tank can collapse or cave in if it hasn’t been filled with soil. A fall from an abandoned septic tank can cause serious injuries or even death.
Septic Vs Sewer
When it comes to septic systems vs sewer systems, there are many things to consider. Which one is right for your home? What are the benefits of each? Here, we will outline the pros and cons of septic and sewer systems, so that you can make an informed decision about which is better for your situation and whether you should consider septic to sewer conversion.
Septic Systems
Septic systems are private sewer systems that use a septic tank to treat wastewater before releasing it back into the ground and into the drain field. Septic tanks work by breaking down the waste using bacteria, then the water is released into the ground.
One advantage of septic systems is that they are relatively affordable to install and maintain. However, installing a new septic system may require some construction work. Additionally, septic systems do not require a connection to the municipal sewer system, so they are the best and possibly the only option for rural homes that don’t have access to public sewer lines.
However, septic systems have some disadvantages as well. One is that septic tanks need to be pumped regularly in order to keep them working properly – this can be an expensive and inconvenient task. Additionally, septic systems can become overloaded and cause wastewater to seep back up into the home or pollute the groundwater. These tanks also require periodic maintenance, and homeowners will need to pay for this service.
Cost To Install A Septic System
Sewer Systems
Sewer systems are public sewer systems that use a network of pipes to collect wastewater from homes and businesses and transport the sewage to a treatment plant. There are some advantages to public sewer systems. One advantage of sewer systems is that they are very reliable – once you are connected, you don’t have to worry about maintenance or repairs beyond your property line. Additionally, sewer systems are typically less expensive to operate than septic systems.
Public sewer systems can be expensive to install, especially if you need to extend the sewer lines to your home. And, if your home is located in a rural area, you may not have access to a public sewer system at all.
So, what’s the verdict? In general, septic systems are a better option for rural homes that don’t have access to municipal sewer lines. However, if you live in an urban area or your home is already connected to a public sewer system, a sewer system may be a better option for you. Talk to your local septic tank and sewer installer to find out more about your options and what would be the best fit for your home.
Cost To Install A Sewer System
Septic Tank Abandonment Code Requirements
A septic tank that has been abandoned must have its sewage removed by a licensed plumbing contractor. The tank must then be completely filled with concrete, soil, or any other approved material, as required by the Uniform Plumbing Code. Disinfection of the area surrounding the site may also be necessary, depending on the site’s condition.
It may not be in your best interests to get rid of your septic tank if it is in good condition. It is sensible to remove a septic tank that is constantly backing up into your home. However, a well-maintained septic system should be able to continue serving the home for many years to come.
Even if you don’t have any issues with your septic tank, make sure you carefully consider all costs associated with septic to sewer conversion. You will not only need to pay for the septic system abandonment but also the fees that the city charges to connect to their sewer system. If your system is having problems, it’s possible that the cost for the septic tank abandonment and sewer access will be more expensive than the cost of fixing your system.
Your Plumbing Professionals, Ready 24/7
At SWE Sewer Solutions we specialize in septic to sewer conversions. As a plumber with over 40 years in the plumbing business, I have a good sense of what it takes to complete a job properly. We examine all the regulations for the area and we handle getting all the proper permits. We will collect any additional information needed before starting the project. Our team will assemble the equipment and materials needed. We have the experience needed to get the job done right the first time.
Contact us to learn more about the process and what it takes to convert septic to sewer. We can provide an assessment and give you an estimate for the septic sewer conversion.