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What’s The Difference? Sewers Vs. Septic Systems

What’s The Difference?

Sewers Vs. Septic Systems

So you’re thinking about buying a home and you’ve

been looking at some properties that have sewer
lines and other properties that have septic tanks. If
you’re struggling to decide which one is better for
you, it’s important to understand the differences
between these two systems.

Sewers and Septic Systems: A

Brief Overview
Before you can decide which system is better for
you, you should first understand the very basics of
how these systems work.

Sewer systems are a series of underground pipes

that haul away waste water from a home in a town.
The waste water is then treated in a water treatment
facility before being returned to the environment.

Septic tanks are kind of like mini private sewer

systems. The water is held in a tank in the ground
beneath the property, and over time that water is
filtered out of the system and into the drain field area.

Sewer Systems: Pros and

Cons
Sewer systems get a good rap, maybe because
they’re maintained by public agencies and
homeowners feel less responsible for the care and
upkeep of the sewer system. That said, there are
pros and cons associated with sewer systems.

Pros:

Home buyers look on sewer systems

favorably.
Sewer systems require less regular
maintenance from the homeowner.
Compared to septic tanks, sewer systems may
be less sensitive to non-human waste that’s
commonly flushed down the pipes.

Cons:

Sewer systems aren’t free. Homeowners pay

for the use of the sewer system just like they
pay for water and electricity. In addition, sewer
upgrades can cost homeowners quite a bit
either in billing increases or at the time of a
home purchase.
Homeowners are responsible for maintaining
the sewer line that connects the house to the
public sewer system. When this line clogs or
deteriorates, repairs will be necessary.

Septic Systems: Pros and

Cons
Septic tanks are misunderstood, probably because
many homeowners don’t have septic tanks. Before
you form negative opinions about septic tanks, it’s
important to understand the good and bad qualities
of septic systems.

Pros:

Septic systems are environmentally friendly

because they require no power and no
chemicals in order for the water to be cleaned.
Waste water in a septic system is filtered
through the ground and bacteria is shed
through this filtering system.
Homeowners who have septic systems are
generally more responsible with the type of
waste they produce in their homes, because
they’re financially responsible for taking care
of their septic tank.

Cons:

Septic tanks do need to be pumped out every

3 years or so, sometimes more often,
depending on the size of the tank and the
amount of waste water produced by the
household.
Septic tanks are more sensitive to solid waste
that can get flushed down the pipes of a
home. Tampons, garbage disposal food waste
and kitty litter can all easily do damage to a
septic tank.
Septic tanks are misunderstood by many
home buyers who have only ever owned or
lived in homes connected to public sewer
systems. This can make it more difficult to sell
a home with a septic tank.

Which One is Better?

Given a choice between a sewer system and a septic
tank, it’s hard to say which one is better. The truth is
that these systems are just different from one
another. If you’re thinking about buying a home with
a septic tank, once you understand the care and
maintenance of septic system, you should be able to
comfortably live in a home with a septic tank.

If you’re thinking about buying a home connected to

a sewer system, look into sewer betterment fees that
may apply at the time of purchase.

At Terry’s Plumbing, we can answer any questions

you have about living in a home with a sewer or
septic tank. We can also help you maintain those
systems. If needed, contact us about clearing clogs
from your sewer or septic tank. We’re happy to help!

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