2 Major Differences between Septic Tanks and Public Sewage

If you are relocating to a home that has a septic tank rather than public sewage service, you may be wondering what to expect. A septic tank and public sewage service both serve the same function, and this is to remove wastewater from the home in a sanitary, efficient way. However, a septic tank is located on your property and is a self-contained system. A public sewage line transports all of the wastewater generated in your home to an off-site location. Because of these fundamental differences, you can expect a few different usage experiences over the years. These are two of the most significant differences between these two wastewater removal options.

Repair and Maintenance Services

In homes that are connected to the public sewage line, the homeowner is responsible for all pipe repair and maintenance work for the length of the pipe on his or her property. The government authority handles all repairs and maintenance services from the point where the sewer line leaves the property. Typically, maintenance is not required unless you prefer to schedule pipe cleaning service periodically. With a septic tank, the entire waste disposal system is the homeowner’s responsibility. All maintenance and repair work must be tended to by the property owner. Periodic maintenance, such as waste removal or pumping adds to the owner’s list of regular property maintenance chores.

The Cost of Sewage Disposal

The costs associated with sewage disposal vary as well. With a public sewage line, you must pay for a monthly bill to the entity that collects and treats the waste. This is a regular monthly utility bill. With a septic tank, you will pay for septic tank services regularly. For example, you can schedule regular pump out service and other regular services. While this scheduled service eliminates the regular attention that the homeowner must place on the septic system, there is a cost associated with this service. You may be able to save money by comparison shopping for the best rate.

If you have already selected a home to move into, you can use this information to prepare your family budget for this new aspect of your living experience. On the other hand, if you are trying to decide between homes, this information may be useful as it affects your finances and overall living experience in the home. You may also consider getting an inspection on the septic tank before finalizing your new home purchase to identify hidden repair issues.