Moving from Septic to Sewer: What You Need to Know

Making the decision to move from a septic system to a public sewer system is a significant step for any homeowner, especially for those people in rural areas where septic tanks are often the norm.

The choice to switch can have lasting impacts on our property, finances, and the environment. So, let's dive into everything we need to know before making the transition from a septic system to a sewer system.
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Septic vs. Sewer Systems - Understanding the Basics

Before we make any decisions, it’s important to understand the differences between a septic system and a public sewer system.
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• Septic System: A septic system is a wastewater system typically used in rural or suburban areas where public sewer access isn’t available. It includes a septic tank that collects and treats wastewater from our home, and a drain field where the treated water is absorbed into the ground.
• Public Sewer System: A public sewer system is a network of pipes that carries wastewater from our home to a treatment facility. This system is managed by a local municipality and serves large communities or urban areas.
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While both systems have their benefits and drawbacks, moving from a septic system to a sewer system can offer several advantages, especially in terms of convenience, cost, and environmental impact.
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Why Switch from a Septic System to a Sewer System?

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There are several reasons why we might consider moving from a septic system to a public sewer system:
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1. Maintenance Costs:
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• Septic System: Maintaining a septic system requires regular pumping, inspections, and occasional repairs. Over time, these maintenance costs can add up, especially if our system is aging or if we experience frequent issues.
• Public Sewer System: With a sewer system, we typically pay a monthly fee to our local municipality, which covers the cost of wastewater treatment and infrastructure maintenance. While this fee can vary, it often ends up being less expensive than the long-term costs of maintaining a septic system.
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2. Convenience:
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• Septic System: Septic systems require us to be mindful of what we flush and how much water we use. Additionally, we need to ensure that our drain field is properly maintained and that we avoid activities that could damage it, like heavy landscaping or construction.
• Public Sewer System: With a sewer system, we don’t have to worry as much about what goes down our drains or how it might affect our system. The municipality takes care of the wastewater treatment, so we can focus on other things.
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3. Environmental Impact:
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• Septic System: If not properly maintained, septic systems can leak and contaminate local water sources. This can be especially problematic in rural areas where the groundwater is used for drinking. Additionally, the environmental impact of a failing septic system can be significant, leading to pollution and potential health hazards.
• Public Sewer System: A well-maintained sewer system is less likely to leak or cause environmental damage. The wastewater is treated at a centralized facility, ensuring that it is properly cleaned before being released back into the environment.
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What to Expect During the Transition to a Public Sewer System

If we’ve decided to move forward with the transition from a septic system to a public sewer system, there are a few steps we can expect during the process:
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1. Permitting and Approval:
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• Before we can connect to the public sewer system, we’ll need to obtain the necessary permits from our local municipality. This might include inspections of our existing septic system and plans for the new connection.
• It’s important to check with local authorities to ensure that we meet all the requirements and regulations before beginning the transition.
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2. Decommissioning the Septic System:
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• Once we’re ready to connect to the sewer system, our existing septic system will need to be decommissioned. This typically involves pumping out the septic tank, crushing it, and filling it with gravel or sand to prevent future collapse.
• The drain field may also need to be addressed, depending on local regulations and the condition of the field.
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3. Connecting to the Sewer System:
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• After the septic system is decommissioned, we’ll need to connect our home’s plumbing to the sewer system. This involves digging a trench from our home to the nearest sewer main and laying down the necessary pipes.
• Depending on the distance from our home to the sewer main, this process can be quick or it may require more extensive work. It’s a good idea to hire a licensed contractor to ensure that the connection is done correctly and up to code.
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4. Ongoing Costs:
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• Once we’re connected to the sewer system, we’ll start paying a monthly fee to our local municipality. This fee covers the cost of wastewater treatment and infrastructure maintenance.
• While we may have eliminated the maintenance costs of a septic system, it’s important to budget for this ongoing expense.

Key Benefits of Switching to a Public Sewer System

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After the transition is complete, we can start enjoying the benefits of being connected to a public sewer system:
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1. Peace of Mind:
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• With a sewer system, we don’t have to worry as much about maintaining our wastewater system. The municipality handles the treatment and upkeep, so we can focus on other aspects of homeownership.
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2. Increased Property Value:
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• Homes connected to a public sewer system are often more attractive to buyers, especially in areas where septic systems are less common. This can lead to an increase in property value and make our home easier to sell if we decide to move.
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3. Environmental Responsibility:
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• By switching to a sewer system, we’re doing our part to protect the environment. The centralized treatment facility ensures that our wastewater is properly cleaned before being released back into nature, reducing the risk of pollution and contamination.

Factors to Consider Before Moving to a Sewer System

While there are many advantages to switching from a septic system to a public sewer system, it’s important to consider a few potential drawbacks:
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1. Initial Costs:
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• The upfront cost of decommissioning a septic system and connecting to the sewer system can be significant. It’s important to budget for these expenses and consider whether the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment.
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2. Availability:
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• Not all homes, especially in rural areas, have access to a public sewer system. If we’re considering a switch, we’ll need to check with our local municipality to see if it’s even an option.
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3. Ongoing Fees:
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• While we’ll eliminate the maintenance costs associated with a septic system, we’ll start paying a monthly fee to the municipality. It’s important to budget for this ongoing expense and understand how it fits into our overall financial plan.

Conclusion: Is It Time to Switch from Septic to Sewer?

Moving from a septic system to a public sewer system is a big decision, but for many of us, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. By making the switch, we can enjoy greater convenience, lower long-term costs, and a reduced environmental impact.

If we’re considering the transition, it’s important to do our research, budget for the costs, and work with a licensed contractor to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

And remember, by making the switch, we’re not just improving our home – we’re also doing our part to protect the environment and support a cleaner, healthier community.

Whether you’re ready to make the move or just exploring your options, Aces Four is here to help with all your drainage and sewer needs. Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to schedule a consultation. We’re here to make the transition as seamless and stress-free as possible!

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FAQs

How hard is it to switch from septic to sewer?

Switching from septic to sewer isn’t difficult, but it involves several steps: obtaining permits, decommissioning your septic tank, and connecting your home’s plumbing to the municipal sewer main. Hiring a licensed contractor ensures the process is safe, code-compliant, and stress-free.

How expensive is it to switch from septic to sewer?

The cost to switch from a septic system to a public sewer typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the distance to the sewer main, excavation needs, permits, and local fees. Though upfront costs can be high, the long-term savings and convenience often outweigh them.

Which is better, public sewer or septic?

Public sewer systems offer more convenience and less maintenance, making them ideal for urban areas. Septic systems can be more cost-effective in rural locations but require regular pumping and inspections. Sewer connections generally add resale value and reduce environmental risks.

Do you need permission to connect to a public sewer?

Yes, connecting to a public sewer system requires permission and permits from your local municipality. You’ll typically need to submit connection plans, pass inspections, and comply with local building and environmental codes before the work can begin.

Can a house with a septic tank be connected to public sewer?

Yes, if a public sewer line is available nearby, a home with a septic tank can be connected. The process involves decommissioning the existing septic system and installing new piping to join the sewer main, usually with oversight from a licensed professional and local authorities.