Septic And Sewer Systems: A Homeowner’s 101While water systems are oftentimes pre-determined, leaving homeowners without a choice, cities and towns all over the state have been running new sewer lines in hopes of extending a public sewer system to residents. For many, this becomes an opportune time to switch a septic system over to public sewer systems. But ensure you have knowledge of both options and how they can each impact your home sewage. If you’re committed to making the change from a septic system to sewer water in your Minnesota home, look to Custom Septic for all the information you need to make an educated decision and make a timely conversion.

Septic System Design

Septic systems operate completely and independently on your property. They collect and process waste within the tank and drain field, and the process repeats itself. All treatment, maintenance, and repairs are done on your property. Sewer systems, on the other hand, are shared between your home and other homes in your community and are controlled by the local municipality. The only part of the system that is on your property is a single sewer line that connects to a larger one in the street.

Septic Maintenance Requirements

By owning a septic system, all care is in your hands (and the hands of your trusted plumbing team). You must keep up with treatments, ensure a healthy bacterial environment, prevent clogs, get the tank pumped out every three to five years, and are responsible for all maintenance costs. Sewer systems, on the other hand, are less maintenance-heavy, as the bulk of the work is taken care of by the local government, and fees associated with maintenance are covered by city/county taxes. The homeowner is responsible only for costs and maintenance associated with the line running from the street to the house (clogs, leakage, etc.).

No matter which system you use, the rules about drain care are similar. One still needs to be careful not to put things down the drain that may clog either your septic or sewer line. Many “flushable” wipes will say on the label that they are septic and sewer safe. This is hardly ever the case, as “flushable wipes” are a common culprit of sewer and septic clogs.

Septic Installation And Maintenance

If you’re a homeowner in the northern Minneapolis areas looking for information about converting from a septic system to sewer lines, or switching from well water to city water, contact Custom Septic. Our certified septic system contractors will tell you everything you need to know to make a successful transition to city sewer and water line and provide you with unparalleled service. Call us at (763) 218-4769, or email brad@customseptic.com to find out how you can easily convert to city water and sewer lines.