If you are seriously seeking to discover the major differences between sewer and septic systems, you have come to the right place. In this blog post presented by Rooter Man Plumbing, the difference between these two kinds of wastewater management will be explained, enabling you to make an appropriate decision regarding what is best for your property.
Rooter Man Plumbing has been serving all types of septic-related services, from septic installation and cleaning to septic repair. Whether you have signs and symptoms of a failing septic system or just simply need to put in a new septic tank for your needs, then our experts are here to help you.
What’s the Main Difference?
The difference between a sewer system and a septic system is exactly how wastewater is treated. A sewer system depends on wastewater collected from homes and businesses into a network of pipes that carry the wastewater to a central wastewater treatment plant. Treatment, in this case, refers to removing pollutants from wastewater before it is discharged into a body of water, like a river, lake, or ocean.
Opposite to this is the septic system, a type of decentralized option in wastewater treatment. This is the on-site treatment of wastewater and generally consists of a septic tank along with a drainfield. By definition, septic systems are designed for single properties and not to take care of an entire community.
Where Does the Waste Go?
Sewer System: In it, the waste produced by residential and commercial use will be disposed of into underground pipes, which then converge at a central wastewater treatment plant. The treated water is discharged into a receiving body of water, provided that treated water standards meet those specified for its environmental use.
Septic System: Waste from a single family flows into a septic tank that is buried on the property. Solids move to the bottom of the tank and organic matter is degraded by bacteria. The liquid leaving the tank is relatively clear and is referred to as effluent; it flows into a drainfield where additional treatment occurs by action of soil organisms and soil absorption. Sludge remains in the tank and must be pumped out periodically.
What Sort of Maintenance Does It Need?
Sewer System: For that homeowner and business owner who has a municipal sewer system readily available to them, there is some very basic maintenance associated. Naturally, it’s up to the users to contribute to properly using the system in terms of what they discard into the system -items that might damage the system, pipe blockage, or chemicals that could ‘burn’ the system in transit. The sewer system is inspected and serviced on a scheduled basis by the local government agency or sewer authority.
Septic System: Owning a septic system requires more manual maintenance. Major tasks include regularly pumping the system (typically every 3 to 5 years), less frequent inspection, avoiding damage to the drainfield area, and making repairs where required. Land owners must pay closer attention to their septic systems.
Who Is Responsible for Maintenance?
Sewer System: The maintenance responsibility rests with the local government, or with the sewer authority operating the system. It includes repairs and routine inspections of municipal infrastructure.
Septic System: The property owner has the main maintenance responsibility. Homeowners are required to schedule regular inspections, septic tank pumping, and repairs that may be needed; most of the time, all of these require professional assistance from a septic company.
How Much Does It Cost?
Sewer System: Sewer service is usually a recurring utility expense charged to a resident or business, often by the same governmental agency or utility company supplying water and sewage.
Septic System: A septic system can be highly variable in cost, depending on installation, maintenance, and even repair. While possibly having much larger upfront costs and maintenance responsibilities, septic systems incur no utility costs repeatedly.
What to Do If It Stopped Working?
Sewer System: Once the sewer system starts giving faults, then you must get in touch with the municipality and sewer authority. They will send a plumber on-site to assess the problem and rectify it.
Septic System: However, if your system is septic and fails, you will have to contact the services of a septic firm to do a detailed inspection and get it sorted.
If you are searching for professional and affordable septic services, contact Rooter Man Plumbing today for all your septic system needs.