People Who Have City Water Dont We Have A Septic Tank? (Solution)

• Yes, only when you have a septic system and there is no gray water line. Those who live in a city, have all the sink water, water from washing machine toilet water go into the sewer system. Those who reside in a small town and have a septic system, will have all the bath/shower water go in the septic tank.

Is septic or city water better?

Well and Septic versus City Water and Sewer I’ve been asked many times which is better and my answer is that it’s not a matter of one being better than the other. Septic system are engineered systems and when properly installed and maintained can give many decades of trouble free use.

What is the alternative to a septic tank?

Mound systems work well as alternatives to septic tanks when the soil around your home or building is too dense or too shallow or when the water table is too high. Although they are more expensive and require more maintenance than conventional systems, mound systems are a common alternative.

Is it cheaper to have well water or city water?

Well Water Is Cheaper Than City Water And if you buy a property with a previously installed well, you bypass the installation costs. City water bills can often be costly, and you never know what the hidden charges on your bill are really for. In the long run, you may pay more for monthly city water bills.

Which is better septic or sewer?

Although septic systems require a bit more maintenance and attention, they have a number of advantages over sewer lines. Since they don’t pump wastewater long distances to be processed at a water treatment facility, they use less energy overall and have a smaller environmental impact.

Is it bad to have a septic tank?

One of the biggest disadvantages of septic systems are the hassles that comes with sewage backup, which is generally a sign of clogging in the tank or drain field pipes. When backups occur, the problem is more serious than a simple household drain clog because the obstruction won’t be found just inches down the drain.

Is it better to have a well or city water?

Well water typically tastes better due to the lack of added chemicals. Public water is treated with chlorine, fluoride, and other harsh and dangerous chemicals. Well water travels straight up from the ground—you get all the health benefits of clean water with none of the harsh chemical additives.

What is the cheapest septic system?

Conventional septic system These conventional septic systems are usually the most affordable, with an average cost of around $3,000.

What is an unconventional septic system?

An alternative septic system is a system that is different from the common traditional style septic system. An alternative system is required when the site and soil conditions on a property are limiting, or when the wastewater strength is too strong for the receiving environment (i.e. restaurants).

Which is safer well water or city water?

Health Safety Well water typically tastes better due to the lack of added chemicals (ask anyone). Public water is treated with chlorine, fluoride, and other harsh and dangerous chemicals. Anything that does happen to your water source is easily treatable with affordable water well treatment services.

What type of water is city water?

City Water, also known as a Municipal Water Supply, typically comes from either deep wells or surface water supplies such as the Mississippi River for Minneapolis, MN. This water is pumped from its source and pre-treated prior to sending the water out to residents.

Do wells run out of water?

When a well “runs dry” it doesn’t mean that the well will never produce water again. Aquifers can recharge through a combination of more precipitation and less pumps pulling water out of that aquifer. Sometimes wells can run dry permanently, but that is quite uncommon.

Does heavy rain affect septic tank?

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.

What happens to poop in a septic tank?

The inlet pipe collects the water waste in the septic tank, long enough that the solid and liquid waste is separated from each other. Inside the tank bacteria from the wastewater breaks down the solid waste. These bacteria decompose the solid waste rapidly allowing the liquids to separate and drain away more easily.

Can I Connect to a City Sewer If I Have a Septic Tank?

Once-rural regions are being absorbed into metropolitan areas that are growing in size. As a result, many homeowners choose to connect their septic tanks to the municipal sewage system. Both sorts of systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Following are just a few of the reasons why individuals decide to connect their septic tanks to the public utility system.

Septic Tanks Versus Sewers

An underground septic tank is installed on a homeowner’s land. Bacteria in the tank decompose trash, which is then recycled back into the groundwater by the tank’s circulation system. Homeowners are responsible for the care of their septic tanks, which includes regular pumping. Unfortunately, septic tanks sometimes experience problems. The homeowner is accountable for any environmental damage and cleaning that happens, and may even be required to pay a fee if an issue arises as a result of it.

Paying for municipal sewage treatment might actually end up being more expensive over time for many households; nevertheless, it eliminates the inconvenience and expense of maintaining septic tanks.

Making the Connection

For those considering connecting their septic tank to a sewage line, the first step is to contact the local municipal authorities to see whether a sewer line is located close enough. Following that, you’ll need to secure the essential building permissions. Some municipalities will cover the cost of the connection; otherwise, loans and grants for septic system rehabilitation are frequently available. Find a trustworthy plumber to design and install the connection between your tank and the nearest sewage line.

Depending on the weather, it might take up to a year to complete the job completely.

Contact The Pink Plumber if you have any questions regarding your septic system or if you are ready to make the switch to the municipal system.

Our experienced staff will be there to help you through the process and guarantee that the job is finished correctly and on schedule.

Well Water vs. City Water: Pros and Cons

When purchasing a property, prospective homeowners must choose if they are comfortable using well water, city water, or a combination of the two. The majority of people who are accustomed to having their water provided by the city have certain preconceived views regarding well water. Similarly, folks who are accustomed to drinking well water are wary about drinking city water.

The fact is that both well water and city water may be excellent choices for your house. or they can be disastrous. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of well water versus city water to assist you in making the right selection.

Well Water

When a residence is supplied by well water, it indicates that the water used for drinking, bathing, and cleaning is drawn from a private well on the land where the home is located. Wells are constructed by drilling a hole into the earth and gaining access to an underground water supply. After that, the water is piped into the residence. A house with a well can be linked to the city’s sewage system or it can utilize a septic system to dispose of its waste.

Pros:

• You will not get a water bill. If your water comes from a private well, you will not be required to pay a monthly water bill. Because septic systems are not connected to the public sewage system, you will not get a monthly sewer usage charge. Having less bills is often regarded as a positive development

• Well water is often more refreshing, has more nutrients, and contains more minerals. Because well water is drawn from an underground aquifer rather than from runoff or surface water, it has a tendency to be cleaner and fresher than surface water. Ground water also has a high concentration of beneficial nutrients and minerals that are beneficial to the body, particularly children. Additionally, well water that is heavy in minerals frequently has a superior flavor.

• During a natural catastrophe, well water is often safeguarded from pollution. Natural calamities, such as floods, have a tendency to impair a city’s capacity to provide safe drinking water to its residents. In most cases, wells are impervious to this problem unless the calamity is exceptionally severe and broad.

Cons:

• Well water is reliant on energy to function. Well water must be pumped out of the ground in order to be used. If the power goes out, your pump will not be able to function correctly. If your pump fails, you will have no water. If your electricity goes out, you’ll want to make sure you have a backup source of electricity (such as a generator or solar panels) or be prepared to live without water for a period of time.

• You are solely responsible for the quality and amount of the water that you consume. It is not the city’s responsibility if your well goes dry. Because the well is located on your property, you are responsible for any maintenance, repairs, or further drilling that may be required in the future. It can be fairly costly, depending on the extent of the repair. You are also accountable for the quality of the water you draw from your well. It is your responsibility to have your water tested on a regular basis to ensure that it is safe to drink.

• It is possible for well water to become polluted. Among the potential contaminants that might pollute well water include chemicals, radiation, sewage, and carcasses of dead animals (among other things). All of the following factors can have an influence on the quality of the water in your well: farm runoff, septic systems, nuclear power plants, and a dead animal dropping into your water supply. In fact, have a look at these figures from the EP.

• Nitrogen pollution is caused by a variety of factors including fertilizer runoff from farms, animal waste from sewage treatment facilities, detergents from detergent factories, stormwater runoff from autos and power stations, malfunctioning septic tanks and pet waste. 15,000 Estimated number of water bodies in the United States that have been negatively affected by nutrients *. In the United States**, there are 101,000 miles of rivers and streams that have been impaired* by nutrients, and 3,500,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs that have been impaired* by nutrients. In agricultural regions, a significant proportion of shallow family wells have nitrate levels that exceed safe drinking water guidelines (20 percent). Mississippi’s groundwater supplies provide drinking water to more than 90 percent of the state’s population.

It is obvious that if you have well water, it must be checked on a regular basis. It is your job to ensure that the water is free of contaminants such as chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, and parasites, and you should take this obligation seriously. With frequent testing and/or the use of a whole-house water filter, you may be certain that your water is clean and safe to drink.

City Water

If the water for your house is provided by the city, it indicates that the city collected the water, processed it via a purification process, and then delivered it to your home over a network of pipes. There are advantages and disadvantages to using well water.

Pros:

• The city is in charge of ensuring that the water is of high quality and quantity. When you turn on your faucet, you won’t have to be concerned about the last time it was checked for proper operation. You may be confident that it is being tested on a regular basis by the city and that it meets or exceeds EPA water quality standards and recommendations. This is one of the reasons why many people prefer city water over well water: it is one less item to handle and maintain. The municipal is in charge of delivering clean drinking water to your residence. In addition to ensuring that the water is safe, the city additionally supplements the water with beneficial nutrients and minerals (which were lost during the filtering process) in order to protect the public’s health. When in doubt about the quality of your water, you may always request that the city conduct a water test for you. Additionally, the city is responsible for giving annual reports on the amount of water that is delivered to residents.

• The majority of places have access to municipal water. Most likely, unless you live in a very rural region, your home has been linked to the city’s water distribution system by now. Simply requesting that the city turn on the water will provide you with access to that water.

• City water is preferred by mortgage lenders. Mortgage lenders give better rates to homeowners who use city water rather than well water since well water can be erratic and city water is more controlled.

Con

• The quality of city water is inferior to that of well water. Runoff and surface water are used to gather water for use in the city. In most cases, this implies it has been exposed to more contaminants and chemicals than the water buried beneath the surface of the ground. Aside from that, because city water has been subjected to considerable filtration and chemical treatment, it may not have the same pleasant flavor as well water.

• Water from the city might be rather pricey. Cities around the country have started hiking their water rates. As water grows more contaminated, it has grown more difficult to treat it properly. While it is extremely handy to have someone else handle your water, it is also becoming increasingly inconvenient to pay your water bill. Homeowners should begin to consider the future of water in their community and recognize that it is a critically vital resource that is under threat of extinction. Because we cannot survive without water, clean water is well worth the investment.

• Someone else has the ability to switch off the city’s water supply. Because the city is in charge of the water, they have the authority to cut it off. If you are unable to make your payments, the city has the right to turn off your water. If the city has to treat the water in an unanticipated manner, they may switch off the water supply without prior notice. Even if turning off your water supply for treatment is an uncommon event, it is something over which you have no influence
• Yet,

• On a wide scale, tainted municipal water can be a problem. Natural calamities, such as floods, have the potential to contaminate the city’s water supply on a huge scale. Because the water, the pipelines, and the equipment all need to be treated before the water is safe to drink, it might take a long time until the water is drinkable. When there is a boil water advisory, it should always be obeyed for as long as it is posted.

Whole House Water Filters

Overall, we all desire water that is safe and free of contaminants. Whether your water comes from a well or the city, employing a whole home water filter will allow you to rest easy knowing that your water is the best it can be. Regardless of where the water comes from or what is in it, most whole house water filters can ensure that the water that comes out of your sink is safe and delicious. Do not hesitate to contactRiechelt Plumbing if you have any concerns regarding the quality of your drinking water.

What’s the Difference Between Septic and Sewer?

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner with no idea what you’re doing or a seasoned pro with plenty of knowledge, learning about your septic system may elicit emotions ranging from revulsion to fascination in you. Nevertheless, as is well-known, septic systems have been in use for hundreds of years in every part of the world. This Might Also Be of Interest to You: Keep Septic Tank Plumbing Costs to a Minimum Using These Tips They are a tried-and-true method of dealing with wastewater that is also efficient, versatile, and ecologically benign.

Septic Vs. Sewer

In contrast to a sewer system, a septic system cleanses your wastewater on-site, whereas a sewer system transports it away. Typically, it is buried beneath the property on which your home is being constructed. Sewer systems transport wastewater away from your property and through the ground to a treatment plant that is normally owned by the city or municipality. Sewer systems are typically provided by towns, and they are not always accessible in areas where new residences are being constructed for a variety of reasons.

They perform identically in that they purify wastewater while keeping toxins from entering groundwater. Everything that enters our groundwater eventually makes its way into our drinking water. Groundwater contamination results in contaminated drinking water.

How Does a City Sewer Connection Work?

Clean water entering the fixtures and unclean wastewater exiting the fixtures are separated by the plumbing system in your home. Each and every one of your home’s drains is connected to connect to a single large pipe that transports wastewater underground. If you have a sewage system, this main drain pipe links to a much larger pipe that is part of a larger network that transports waste. This system of sewage pipes transports waste water straight to a water treatment facility. Wastewater is cleaned and impurities are eliminated in this facility, allowing the water to be reused and made drinkable once more.

How Does a Septic System Work?

The whole wastewater treatment process takes place at the residence when using a private septic system. Septic systems, in general, function by isolating and decomposing the contents of your wastewater. Your wastewater, or to be more precise, everyone’s wastewater, comprises solids, liquids, germs, and other substances that, unless properly handled, can pose a danger to human health. In addition, these pollutants must be maintained isolated from groundwater sources. Isn’t it true that dirty groundwater equals polluted drinking water?

Following that, the system will separate and break down the components into more natural elements, aided by some biology and natural science at the ready.

All while safeguarding our critically important groundwater.

What Are the Main Parts of a Septic System?

All private septic systems will be comprised of four major components that will come in a variety of designs and sizes:

1. Main Drain Pipe

Homes with a septic system are similar to those with a sewer system in that they have a main drain pipe underneath to which all of the drains in the house are linked. The only thing this pipe does is transport your wastewater to where it needs to be. The pipe that runs from the house to the system is the initial section of the system.

2. Septic Tank

The septic tank is the next step. Septic tanks are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and designs. Your local service specialists are the greatest source for finding the tank that will provide the most value for your money. Tanks are always buried underground and may be identified by a manhole cover and a couple of risers at the ground’s surface level. Your septic tank is responsible for keeping wastewater away from groundwater. It is completely waterproof and can retain wastewater for an extended period of time, allowing the separation process to begin.

They are, in descending order, as follows: The scum layer is made up of oils, fats, and other things that float on the surface of the water.

Microbes, bacteria, and other things that are not heavy enough to sink are frequently found in this solution.

Solids that have settled out to create the sludge layer are found at the bottom of the pond. In most cases, when you hear about a septic tank being pumped, the technician is eliminating all three levels, however the emphasis is on removing the sludge and scum layers especially in this instance.

How Big Is a Septic Tank?

The size of the object varies, yet it is important. Tanks are available in sizes ranging from 750 to 1250 gallons. As a general rule, the capacity of your septic system and tank are decided by the number of people who will be living in the building. Tank capacity is calculated by professionals based on the maximum amount of water that can be stored in the tank. Because of the collection and separation process that takes place in the septic tank, it is evident that a tank that is too small would be a hassle to maintain and will require more regular maintenance.

How Deep Is a Septic Tank?

Your tank’s depth is dictated in most cases by the municipal ordinance that governs the area in which your house is built. Tank depth must take into consideration the type of soil in your location, the level of groundwater, as well as the ability to access the manhole or service ports for maintenance and inspection. It is normal to be many feet underground.

What Is a Leach Field?

A leach field is simply another term for a drain field. The third component of your septic system is the septic tank. Every time some wastewater enters the tank, a roughly equal quantity of wastewater exits the tank through another pipe that leads to a network of underground perforated pipes, or soakers, that collect and treat the wastewater. The term comes from the fact that this network of pipes is located beneath the surface of the field. This field’s goal is to disseminate the treated water so that it can be treated by the soil once it has been distributed.

How Does the Soil Work?

This is the fourth and last component of the wastewater treatment process. Your soil provides the treated water with oxygen as well as bacteria that can digest or contain toxins before the water is filtered down into the groundwater system. As a result, the soil in and under your leach field serves as a highly effective water filter.

What About Septic Tank Pumping?

You should now understand how a septic system is essentially a large water filter. Wastewater enters, and clean water exits. To ensure that it operates properly, like with other filtering systems, it must be cleaned on a regular basis. We should also emphasize that being inside a septic tank is not something you want to be doing at any time. Do you recall the three levels that developed in your septic tank? The scum layer, wastewater layer, and sludge layer are the three layers mentioned above.

It is intended that the top layer of scum and the bottom layer of sludge be separated from the water and kept separate and confined in the tank.

Your Septic System Must Be Pumped Out

All septic tanks require pumping out at some point in order to remove the scum and sludge layers and restore the tank’s full capacity to the environment. With a little biology knowledge under our belts, we’ve discovered how to make the septic system run more efficiently and allow us to go longer times between pump outs.

This entails the introduction of beneficial microorganisms or bacteria into the tank. It’s possible that you’ve heard of anaerobic and aerobic septic systems. And the reality is that all systems make use of both, because your septic tank contains both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

What’s in The Septic Tank?

First and foremost, let us deal with the most dangerous substance in the tank: solid, human excrement. Exactly this is what the septic system is supposed to contain at the bottom of the tank: human waste. To put it another way, it creates muck. The sludge is found in the bottom of the pond, beneath the wastewater and scum. Furthermore, if the sludge layer accumulates, or accumulates at an excessive rate, it takes up valuable tank capacity, leaving less space for wastewater. In this case, the septic system will be overloaded, which will result in severe leaks, clogging, and flooding of your home’s sewer system with raw sewage.

The sludge layer is located at the bottom of the lake, beneath the surface of the water, where there is no oxygen.

The microorganisms in your sludge layer consume and break down the typical components found in the layer.

Additionally, the sludge layer in your tank is maintained at an acceptable level to ensure that the system continues to operate efficiently for a longer period of time.

How Often Should I Have My Septic System Pumped?

The answer is that it is dependent. Your response will be influenced by a variety of criteria, including system capacity, system design, age, volume of usage, and other considerations. If your system was correctly established and designed with sufficient capacity for your needs, most septic service specialists recommend having your system pumped and inspected once every three to five years, depending on how often your system is used. Consider consulting with a local specialist for assistance if your system is in need of further care, or if you are noticing and smelling symptoms that something is not quite right with it.

1. The number of individuals that live in the residence
2. The amount of wastewater that is produced
3. The amount of solids present in the wastewater
4. And The size of the septic tank

You may be purchasing a home that already has a septic system built, in which case you will have no option in the size of the septic tank. Because of this, it is in “As-Built” condition. As a result, the top three factors may be the areas in which you have the greatest ability to control the frequency with which your system is pumped. Pumping is not a terrible thing in and of itself. Pumping is performed on all septic systems. In the same way, don’t treat your septic system like a garbage disposal.

Septic System Care

Proper care and maintenance of your heating and cooling system, as well as other systems in your house, may help you avoid costly problems in the future. The cost of replacing individual components or complete systems may reach into the thousands of dollars, and the headache is well worth it to avoid. Here are some fundamental best practices that you may implement on your own to save money in the long term while also providing you with piece of mind. Here are some suggestions for things you can do to better care for your septic system.

Keep this document on hand for each time your system is serviced.

In addition, get your system examined and pumped on a regular basis by a qualified specialist at all times. If you decide to sell your home, the buyer will likely request copies of the records as proof that the system was kept up to date. You may require the following tools for your DIY project:

• Fasteners on the service ports can be tightened using a screwdriver or a tool. Long lengths of PVC or wood for use with dipsticks are required. Marking with a pencil
• Removal of screen filters is made easier with a pole equipped with a hook device. Cleaning screen filters using a low-pressure water hose is recommended. Flashlight
• sGloves

Measure the depth of the septic tank’s layers. DIY or hire a professional to perform it on a regular basis and maintain a record of it. This will assist you in determining how frequently your tank may require pumping. You should pump your tank if the bottom of the scum layer is within 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet tee or the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet tee, as indicated by the following measurements:

What Should I Keep Out of My Septic System?

• Products such as disposable diapers, cat litter, coffee grounds, household cleansers and chemicals, petroleum goods, solvents, paints, automobile products, pesticides, kitchen scraps, tobacco products, latex products, cotton swabs, etc. There are too many high-water-use appliances
• Tree and plant roots
• And anything that might block the drain.

Septic Systems Work Best With:

• High-efficiency water appliances
• Grassed leach fields
• Hot tubs that drain to a different location
• Use of cleaning products or baking soda on a limited basis

What Problems Do I Look for?

Clogs and leaks are the most prevalent problems associated with the operation of a septic system. When they occur downstream, the outcome will be reported either in the house plumbing through clogged drains or in the field around the system tank and leach field, depending on where the problem occurs. If you notice ponding water or muck near your septic system, call your local authorities. There will almost certainly be an odor as well. Pay close attention to what happens to your drains and toilets when a high-volume device such as a dishwasher or clothes washer empties.

Flooded or muddy leach fields with a foul odor are signs that the system is backed up, congested, or at maximum capacity, respectively.

If You Are Buying a Home With a Septic System in Place

As a last resort, request from the purchaser the permits and inspection approvals from the city demonstrating that the installation was inspected and up to code during the time period in question Any and all documentation for repairs, servicing, pumping, and other maintenance, even if the maintenance was performed by the owner, should be gathered and made accessible to the purchaser. It is recommended that you have a professional examination performed by an experienced septic specialist prior to closing on the home.

• It gives you confidence and facts that you can utilize to make an educated decision.
• When determining whether or not to purchase a property, it is possible that future septic system upgrades may need to be addressed.
• Plumbers who are certified by the state will examine the plumbing in the residence.
• Inspections of septic systems are carried out by septic technicians who are licensed in their respective states.
• Planning ahead with a sewer septic line plan from HomeServeis a fantastic approach to be prepared for future maintenance and repair expenditures.

If you have a plan in place and a covered issue develops, you can simply phone the repair hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A contractor who is nearby, licensed, and experienced will be dispatched to your location to do the task to your complete satisfaction.

Septic Systems – Traverse City, MI – Belanger Septic & Security Sanitation

The operation of a septic system is as follows. As you add water to the tank, it fills to the right level, which will be just below the intake pipe when you are through. As the level of the water in the tank rises, it is forced to exit the tank through the outlet end of the septic system. When it comes to groundwater, the water is filtered via sand and gravel in the drainfield before being returned into the system. So what’s the use of pumping it if the water is always draining away? Solids and toilet paper begin to accumulate immediately after the first flush.

1. Occasionally, people flush things that do not degrade with the natural bacteria in a tank, such as cigarette butts, tampons, condoms, baby wipes or adult wipes, diapers, wash cloths, and other items that should not be flushed but which somehow always find their way into septic tanks.
2. If you leave these sediments to accumulate in your tank for an extended period of time, they will eventually make their way into your drainfield.
3. It might cost you hundreds of dollars to replace the item in question.
4. When a field fails, the water is no longer filtered and will begin to bubble up through the surface of your perfectly manicured grass.
5. Depending on the size of your family, you should have your septic tank drained every 3-5 years.
6. The age of your system is also taken into consideration while planning your maintenance program.
7. Drainfields normally have a life cycle of 20-25 years, although this may be extended by doing routine maintenance.
8. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time to discuss your maintenance requirements or to ask any queries you may have.

A Toilet, but No Proper Plumbing: A Reality in 500,000 U.S. Homes (Published 2016)

The operation of a septic system is as follow: As you add water to the tank, it fills to the right level, which will be just below the intake pipe when finished. After rising to a certain level, the water then exits the tank through the septic’s outlet end. The water then runs via the pipe into the drainfield, where it is filtered by sand and gravel before being reintroduced back into the ground water supply. So what’s the use of pumping it if the water is always draining away from it? As soon as the initial flush is completed, solids and toilet paper begin to accumulate.

• Items such as cigarette butts, tampons, condoms, baby wipes, and adult wipes are all examples of items that should not be flushed but always manage to find their way into septic tanks.
• Allowing these sediments to accumulate in your tank for an extended period of time will result in them making their way into your drainage system.
• Your drainfield will fail if there are too many solids in it.
• In any case, this kind of material shouldn’t be left to rot in your backyard, should it?
• That’s correct, we don’t want Fido or the baby getting their paws dirty in that mud!
• Each year or every two years, a family of five or more people should consider whether to move.
• Consider pumping your system more frequently if your system is older in order to assist keep your drainfield in better condition.

Consider sticking to the 2 year timetable if you tend to use more toilet paper than the average person. Call us at any time for assistance with your maintenance requirements or to ask any questions you may have.

What is the Difference Between a Septic System and a Sewer System?

It’s possible that you’ve noticed that some neighborhoods are served by public utility sewer systems, while other neighborhoods are served by septic systems. If you’re looking for a new home, you may have noticed that some neighborhoods are served by public utility sewer systems and some neighborhoods are served by septic systems. Most cities and towns, as well as their immediate surrounding regions, will be served by sewer systems that are managed by the local public works department, unless otherwise specified.

• Large public sewage systems require a monthly fee for their usage, but also provide the ease of not having to manage anything connected to waste water outside of the home to the homeowner.
• Some septic systems, such as Low-Pressure Dose Systems, which employ a pump to transfer wastewater to a drain field, and traditional systems, which do not percolate effectively and must be pumped on a regular basis, can be more expensive to maintain.
• Having a basic understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of waste water system will assist in deciding between communities that are served by public utility sewer systems and those that are served by septic systems.
• Septic System: The sewage is collected and stored in a holding tank.
• What is the procedure?
• Sewer System: The facility eliminates impurities from the water before re-releasing it into the local water supply system.
• Septic System: If you are purchasing a new home from a reputable new home builder, the cost of the septic system will be included in the purchase price of the house.

Some places charge separately for water and sewage, while others charge the same amount for both.

Septic System: Septic tanks need to be pumped out on an annual or every few years basis, depending on how often they are used.

Who is responsible for the upkeep of the property?

The public sewer system is maintained by your local municipality, which is your primary point of contact for information.

Septic System: Get in touch with a reputable septic system repair firm.

What are the advantages of doing so?

Plumbing System: Plumbing systems are extremely handy since the homeowner is not responsible for any maintenance. What is the Difference Between a Septic System and a Sewer System? appeared first on eHow. The post McKee Homes Blog appeared first on.

Septic Systems and Drinking Water

1. Bathrooms and Kitchens	Water from toilets, sinks, showers, and other appliances is called wastewater and can be harmful to human health. Wastewater contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients that could make you sick if it comes in contact with your drinking water well. Make sure the wastewater is properly treated by your septic system and that your drinking water well is located at the appropriate distance (set back) from your and your neighbor’s system. Avoid flushing other chemicals or medications down the drain or toilet since they could also contaminate your drinking water well.
2. Septic Tank	Wastewater generated in your home exits through a drainage pipe and into a septic tank. The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container that holds wastewater for separation and treatment. The solids settle to the bottom (sludge) and fats, oil and grease float to the top (scum). Microorganisms act to break down the sludge and destroy some of the contaminants in the wastewater. Your septic tank should be serviced and pumped on a regular basis to make sure it’s working properly.	Learn more about how your septic system works.
3. Drainfield	The drainfield is a shallow, covered trench made in the soil in your yard. Partially treated wastewater from the septic tank flows out through the drainfield, filters down through the soil and enters the groundwater. If the drainfield is overloaded with too much liquid or clogged with solids, it will flood and cause sewage to surface in your yard or back up into your home.
4. Wastewater Treatment in Soil	Filtering wastewater through the soil removes most bacteria and viruses (also known as pathogens) and some nutrients. While soil can treat many contaminants, it cannot remove all of them (e.g., medicines, some cleaning products, other potentially harmful chemicals). If untreated wastewater surfaces in the yard, wastewater may contaminate your drinking water through an unsecured well cap or cracks in the well casing. It’s important to avoid flushing medication and chemicals into your wastewater since it could contaminate your drinking water.
5. Water Table	The water table is found where you first hit water if you dig a hole into the ground.
6. Groundwater	The water below the water table is called groundwater. Groundwater flowing underneath a drainfield captures any remaining contaminants released from the septic system. A drinking water well is at greater risk of becoming contaminated if it is in the path of groundwater flow beneath a septic system.
7. Drinking Water Well	A drinking water well is drilled or dug into the groundwater so water can be pumped to the surface. Deep wells located farther away from a septic system and not in the path of the groundwater flow from the septic system are least likely to be contaminated. Drinking water wells should be regularly tested to ensure your home’s water is safe to drink.	Learn about private water wells.
8. Setback Distance	Most states or local governments require a specific horizontal distance (or setback) between a septic system and a drinking water well. If the soil where you live is sandy, or porous, you may want to place your well farther away than the minimum required distance. Contamination is less likely the farther apart a well is from a septic system.	Consult your local health department about required setback distances in your area.
9. Could my well be affected?	Your septic system could contaminate your drinking water well or a nearby well under certain conditions. Remember to test the drinking water from your well regularly and take corrective action as needed.The contamination risk to your well is LOWER:

• The greater the distance between the well and the septic system
• The greater the depth of the well and whether it is on bedrock or below a specified layer of silt or clay
• And the greater the distance between the well and the septic system If your septic system is pumped and maintained on a regular basis, you can avoid this.

The following factors increase the danger of pollution to your well:

• The well is at a shallow depth and in permeable soil
• It is downgradient of the septic system (i.e., groundwater flows from the septic system towards the well)
• There are many homes on septic systems near the well
• Or the well and/or septic system have been poorly constructed or maintained (i.e., contaminants can enter a cracked drinking well casing from groundwater or surface water).

Learn other ways to keep your private well safe from possible sources of contamination.

Should I Convert From A Septic System to a Sewer System

Every residence disposes of wastewater in one of two ways: either through a septic tank or through a sewer system. Despite the fact that each has its own set of pros and disadvantages, homeowners are rarely in a position to pick between the two options. As cities grow, however, sewage lines are beginning to be extended into new areas, giving present residents the choice of connecting to the public sewer system for the first time. For homeowners with older or failing septic systems, this is a fantastic chance to save exorbitant replacement expenses; however, homeowners with modern septic systems have a tough decision about whether or not to convert their systems to biosolids.

Before any major decisions are made by a homeowner, it is critical that they grasp what a sewer and septic system are and how they vary from one another.

Septic Vs Sewer: What’s The Difference?

Identifying the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of wastewater systems can aid in determining whether or not to switch from a septic to a sewer system. Due to the fact that sewage lines link to public sewer systems, they are often only available in metropolitan settings. Septic systems are an alternative for residences located in rural locations where there may not be a sewer system to which they may be connected.

Advantages of a Public Sewer Line

Once a residence is linked to the public sewage system, the owner normally does not have to worry about anything other than paying a monthly charge for wastewater disposal. Maintenance and repairs, as well as the resolution of any issues that may arise, are the responsibility of municipal water departments. Because sewer lines are normally designed to handle more wastewater than septic systems, they are less prone to clogging than septic systems. And, while you should always be cautious about what you flush down your pipes, sewage systems are often more resilient than septic tanks in terms of withstanding misuse.

In addition to the financial burden, scheduling these cleanings can be a constant source of frustration.

This is a worry shared by many prospective house purchasers, who insist on the connection of properties with septic systems to the municipal sewer system as a condition of the sale.

Advantages of a Septic System

Despite the fact that septic systems require a little more upkeep and attention, they provide a number of advantages over traditional sewage lines. Given that they do not transport wastewater a significant distance before being treated at a water treatment plant, they consume less energy overall and have a lower environmental effect. Additionally, the bacteria in septic tanks decompose and treat wastewater on a local level, considerably minimizing the likelihood of leaks occurring between the residence and a local treatment center.

There is no monthly charge to pay, and any disruptions to the municipal sewer system have no influence on the septic systems in place in the homes that are affected.

The installation of a septic system gives a great deal of freedom and security for those who do not wish to be dependent on the municipal sewer system.

How Hard Is It To Convert To A Sewer System

Following your choice to convert, you may be asking how to connect to the city’s sewer system. Although it may seem complicated, connecting your house to the public sewer system is a pretty straightforward operation that takes no more than a few days to complete and only causes minor disruptions in wastewater service. However, there is a significant amount of labor-intensive work involved, which may be fairly expensive. The pricing is typically the most important factor to consider. Installing public sewer lines requires a significant investment in infrastructure on the part of local governments, and as a result, the service is not supplied for free.

Fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars based on the accessibility of the nearest sewage line, as well as the permits required to complete the construction and inspections to establish the household’s projected wastewater production.

When Should You Convert To A Sewer System?

A new tank can cost up to several thousand dollars to build if your present septic system is in need of repair or replacement. This is equivalent to the cost of connecting your home to the municipal sewage system. The changeover is generally a good idea in such situation, especially if you have plans to improve your home in the future, such as installing a pool or listing the property on an estate agent’s website. The switch to public sewer, on the other hand, isn’t very advantageous if your septic system is in good operating shape or was recently installed because there isn’t much of a short-term gain.

If you do want to connect to the city sewer line from a septic sewer, make sure to properly decommission your septic tank first before proceeding.

If children or animals are able to pry off the lid of an old, abandoned septic tank and fall into the poisonous contents, they can pose a possibly catastrophic harm to their lives.

In addition to building a new sewer line to connect your house to the public sewage system, a contractor can drain and either remove or disable your existing septic system, depending on your needs.

Are you thinking about connecting to the city’s public sewer system? Do you have a septic tank that is no longer in use? Consult with the experienced plumbers at Express SewerDrain for their recommendations! Topics:Sewers

Flushing the Toilet Has Never Been Riskier

If you presently have a septic system that is in need of repair or replacement, it can cost up to several thousand dollars to construct a new tank, which is equivalent to the cost of connecting to the local sewage network. The changeover is generally a good idea in such situation, especially if you have plans to improve your home in the future, such as installing a pool or listing the property on an estate agent’s database. The switch to public sewer, on the other hand, isn’t very advantageous if your septic system is in good operating shape or has only recently been constructed.

In the event that you do decide to connect to the city sewer line from a septic sewer, make sure to properly decommission your septic tank before doing so.

If children or animals are able to pry off the lid of an old, disused septic tank and fall into the poisonous contents, they can pose a potentially lethal threat.

A contractor can drain and either remove or deactivate your existing septic system in addition to installing the new sewer line that will connect your house to the public sewage system.

Considering linking to the city’s sanitary sewer system.

Consult with the experienced plumbers at Express SewerDrain for their recommendations.