It is very unlikely that a house built after the 90s or an apartment building would have a septic tank rather than a being connected to a public sewer.
A septic tank is when a container is buried on the property in the ground and that is where the wastewater and sewage go from some properties.
Sewer systems on the other hand are when pipes connect the property to a wastewater treatment plant. It is usually cheaper to be connected to the sewer system than to have a septic tank put in.
They also need less frequent maintenance and cleaning than a septic tank. Some choose to switch from septic to sewer lines. The cost to convert septic to public sewer depends on a number of things so here is a look at that and what the benefits are to taking that step.
Table of Contents
Factors that affect the cost of a conversion
There are a number of things that will affect the price of converting from septic to sewer such as;
- If you have any current drainage problems
- The size of the property
- If special considerations are needed
- How much excavation it will take
- The types of plumbing involved
- What the water pressure is like
- Where the property is located
- How many fixtures there are on the property
The cost to convert septic to public sewer is something you will need to talk about with several plumbers, get detailed estimates and then go from there. It might be as little as a few thousand dollars but could be a lot more.
Why people convert from septic to sewer
Here are some of the most often stated reasons people decide to move from a septic system to a sewer system.
- It is better environmentally – Septic tanks have the contents sitting there for some time and that can cause chemicals to be released into the atmosphere including methane gas, which is something that contributes to global warming. It also helps to conserve water.
- It means lower water bills – As mentioned a septic system does use more water than a sewer system so that costs more on your water bill.
- It improves the value of the property – Buyers tend to prefer homes with a connection the to sewer system as it takes less effort to maintain and is less costly to maintain.
- Free up space and money – A septic system takes up space in your garden so when you change over you can reclaim that area. They can also overflow when it rains and are more costly to look after and empty.
- It is safer – If there was a flood your sewage and waterwaste would mix with that which could saturate into the home and cause damage as well as be a risk to your health.
Conclusion
When considering the cost to convert septic to public sewer it is worth it when you weight the benefits if making such a move. Just make sure you bring in reliable and experienced professionals and budget carefully so you can manage it.
