Should I Convert From A Septic System to a Sewer System

Every home in Perth goes through the process of disposing of wastewater.

It is done in one of two ways — a septic tank or a sewer line. Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to each, however homeowners are typically not in a position to choose between the two.

As the city of Perth continues to expand, sewer lines are beginning to extend into new developments, offering current residents the option of becoming part of a larger public sewer system. For homes with old or failing septic systems, this is a great opportunity to avoid high replacement costs.

If you are left with the decision to convert from a septic system to a sewer system, what is the best course of action? Before making any concrete serious decisions, it’s important to understand the differences between a sewer and septic system.

 

Septic VS Sewer

Sewer lines connect to public sewer systems, and are typically only available in urban areas. Septic systems are the option for homes located in rural areas where there may not be a sewer system in place that your home can connect to.

 

How hard is it to convert to a sewer system

Alright, so you have made the decision to convert to a sewer system. But what now? You may be wondering how to connect your system to city sewer lines. Don’t worry, connecting your home to the public sewer is a relatively simple process that takes a few days to complete. It only disrupts wastewater service for a matter of hours. However, it is a labour-intensive work job which can get quite expensive.

The first thing for you to consider would be the cost. Installing public sewer lines is a substantial infrastructure investment for the local government, and so the service is not provided free of charge. It is not just labour costs you will need to consider, most municipalities charge a heavy fee to connect to the public sewer. You will also need to get permits for approval to perform the work. Don’t forget inspections to determine the household’s expected wastewater production, these fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending upon the accessibility of the nearest sewer line.

 

When should you make the conversion to a sewer system?

Do you currently have a septic system that needs repair or replacement? Be mindful that it can cost up to several thousand dollars to install a new tank, which then is comparable to the price of tying into the local sewer system. It probably makes sense to make the switch, especially if you’re considering remodelling your home in the future, adding a pool, or putting the house on the market.

 

If you decide to connect to the city sewer line, we recommend researching your local codes to govern how to remove your septic tank. Additionally, you want to see what processes need to happen to install the new sewer line to tie your home into the public sewer. We invite you to speak to our team at Superior Plumbing who can advise you on the best course of action with your wastewater system. We take the stress away, and ensure your system is working optimally, with minimal disruption to your day.