If you’re planning on building a new home, you may have a choice between the public utility sewer systems or installing your own septic system. If you’re planning a home in a neighborhood that isn’t serviced by the local sewer system, septic systems are necessary. Given new construction, however, you may opt for one of the other. Here are the pros and cons of each.
Cost
Connecting with the local sewer system can be quite expensive. You also pay a monthly fee for services. There are communities, however, where you are responsible for any repairs required on your own property, which can be very expensive.
A septic system is generally cheaper to install. To make an informed decision you can speak with a contractor at Bruce Johnson Construction to get an estimate. Once you have a septic system in place, your costs are almost zero. If you maintain your septic system properly, it can operate correctly for many years to come. Some septic tanks do require an occasional pumping out. Still, over the course of years, a septic system is the most affordable option.
Waste Disposal
With sewer systems, all waste is drained into lines that carry it to the city sewer and on to a waste treatment facility. It’s then the responsibility of your town or city to process out waste and contaminants and release the treated water.
When you have a septic system, everything goes to a holding tank where solid waste is broken down by bacteria. Any remaining liquids may be allowed to percolate into a drain field. Septic systems are an eco-friendly solution.
Convenience
Both systems are very convenient, provided there are no failures or blockages. If your sewer system fails or backs up, normally the public works department will make necessary repairs. However, if you’re building a new home with a properly installed system, this should not be an issue for a very long time to come.
Versatility
Relying on the city sewer system gives you very few options. Health and building codes require that your sewer lines be installed in a specific way over which you have no control.
A septic tank itself can be located anywhere to the back or sides of your property. You can select your pick of concrete, steel tank, fiberglass, or the more expensive aerobic tanks that are very efficient and allow smaller drain fields.
If you don’t like another monthly bill and being reliant on the local public works department, the independence of having your own septic system is very appealing.
12 Comments
good overview of things to consider. We built our home in a pretty remote spot so public sewer system wasn’t an option…have gotten used to septic by now.
good overview of things to consider. We built our home in a pretty remote spot so public sewer system wasn’t an option…have gotten used to septic by now.
This is some really good information about septic tank vs sewer system. It is great to know that it would be smart to consider how you want to handle waste disposal. It is good to know that septic systems hold solid waste and then break it down with bacteria.
Great difference between septic tank system and sewer system. Even I have preferred the septic tank system for my new home. Because we can locate them at any place near about our home area. Their installation is not very high in cost.
Wow! Your blog seems up-to-the-date topic we should know. The reasons why flood become normal to the community because we don’t know to take care of our drainage and sewers. Thank you for reminding us what we need to know.
Very informative discussions about septic and sewer. For the sewer to run effectively, we need to know how we take care of the sewers to prevent the flood.
My cousin has been thinking about getting a septic system so that her system is more controlled and is able to manage her family of eight. It would be really useful for her to get some help from a professional to get the system set up. Thanks for explaining about how they are friendly to the environment and they are more affordable than a septic system.
Thanks for letting me know that being connected to the local sewer system can be expensive with monthly fees. We’re moving to a newly-built property in a few months and we’ve been asked if we want to have our own system or connect to the public one. Reading your article made me realize that it might be more cost-effective to have our own septic tank installed.
Great information Thanks for sharing
I prefer septic tank but Maintenance of septic tank is really very necessary otherwise it causes clogging and other problems. I really liked your article. it’s so informative. thanks for sharing
I like your septic tank vs septic repair comparison in detail. I really appreciate your work.
Water pipes fail more often than sewer pipes because sewer pipes alot of the time have a bunch of build up shielding the materials