Are The Sewer Lines And Septic System The Same Thing?

March 20, 2023

 

Are The Sewer Lines And Septic System The Same Thing?

Sewer Systems

Most homes connect to a sewer system, which takes the wastewater away from your house and to a wastewater treatment plant. The waste goes through miles of pipes and manholes in the sewer system to get to the treatment plant. The sewage treatment plant treats the waste and removes contaminants before discharging it back to the environment. The wastewater is then treated with chemicals to kill bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause health problems. In some areas, houses are spaced so far apart that a sewer system would be too expensive to install. In these situations, individual septic systems are installed on-site and connected to a private water supply.

Septic Systems

In a septic system, wastewater is placed underground on the land your house is built on. It is treated by bacteria that live without oxygen, which break down solids and organic matter. The septic tank itself is a buried, water-tight container that can be made from concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. The tank contains a settling process that separates heavy solids and sediment from the liquid effluent, which is then sent to a drain field.

Do keep in mind that there are a number of issues that can cause problems with your septic system, including clogs, leaks, overflows and flooded drain fields. Keeping your household clean can help prevent these problems. Avoid putting harmful chemicals down your drains, such as bleach, hair products and paint. Also, avoiding using too much laundry soap can reduce the strain on your septic system.

Sewer Systems Vs Septic Systems

Sewer systems are generally cheaper to install and maintain than septic systems. Most municipalities charge a fee to connect to the sewer system, and this covers labor costs as well as wastewater treatment fees. They also don’t have to be pumped as frequently as septic tanks. These advantages make them more cost-effective in the long run. However, even with public sewer service, a household’s wastewater can still overflow. Usually, this happens due to blockages in the lines or damaged components. These malfunctions can cause the sewer system to surcharge, overflowing onto streets and causing flooding. Fortunately, these problems can be easily addressed in most cases. For example, a homeowner living with a septic system can have the tank cleaned out and pumped once or twice a year.

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