Residential Plumbing Differences: Septic Tanks vs City Sewer
If you’re looking to move into an apartment or house with a yard in the city, it can be hard to know whether you’ll have access to public sewer and water services, or if you’ll need to install your own septic tank and leach lines (also known as drain field). Understanding how each of these plumbing options works is key to making the right choice about your housing choice. Here’s what you need to know about septic tanks vs city sewer systems.
What are the Differences Between City Sewer and Septic Tanks?
City sewer systems are designed to remove waste from homes and businesses through a system of pipes and treatment facilities. The waste is then treated before being discharged into the environment. Septic tanks, on the other hand, are self-contained units that treat and store waste on-site.
Wastewater from the home or business is discharged into the septic tank, where it is treated by bacteria before leaching into the soil. If the septic tank isn’t working properly, wastewater can escape into the ground and contaminate groundwater. That’s why homeowners should have their septic tanks inspected every 3-5 years for maintenance.
A professional plumber will come out to inspect your property for any damage or malfunctioning parts in your plumbing system. They’ll clean out any areas clogged with dirt or tree roots and install a new filter if needed.
What Are the Risks of a City Sewer Compared to Having a Home With a Septic Tank?
There are a few key differences between city sewer and septic tanks that homeowners should be aware of. For one, septic tanks rely on gravity to work, while city sewer uses a pump system. This means that if there is a power outage, your septic tank will still function, whereas the city sewer will not. Additionally, septic tanks treat wastewater before it is released back into the environment, while city sewer does not.
This means that sewage can potentially contaminate groundwater if there is a leak in the city sewer system. Finally, septic tanks are more expensive to install and maintain than city sewers, but many people feel that the benefits outweigh the costs.
When Should you Consider Hiring a Professional Plumber?
It is important to have a working knowledge of your home’s plumbing system and be able to take care of simple repairs. However, there are some cases when it is best to leave the work to a professional. Here are seven times when you should consider hiring a professional plumber:
- When you have a major repair or replacement project
- When you need help with new construction plumbing
- When you have frequent plumbing problems
- When your drains are slow or clogged
- When you suspect a gas leak
- When your water pressure is low
- When you want preventative maintenance
Who Can Do Residential Plumbing Services?
City sewer systems are different from septic tanks, which are common in rural areas. If you live in an area with a septic tank, it’s important to know how to maintain it. Hiring a professional plumber can help ensure your septic tank or the city sewer is properly maintained.
For quality plumbing services in Residential & Commercial Plumbing Company in High Desert CA feel free to contact (760) 241-3100 today!
Our company is readily available to offer services in areas such as Hesperia, Helendale, Victorville, Apple Valley, Jess Ranch, Spring Valley Lake, Adelanto, Barstow, Pinon Hills, Baldy Mesa, Lucerne Valley, Oak Hills, Phelan, Ca.