How To Switch From Septic To Sewer: A Step-By-Step Guide

Have you considered switching from septic to sewer? It may seem overwhelming, but many homeowners make the change.

This guide highlights the pros and cons of septic versus a sewer system, signs that it is time for replacement and detailed information on how to convert from septic to sewer system.

Reasons To Switch From Septic To Sewer

• Lower Maintenance Requirements: Sewer systems are relatively low maintenance compared to septic systems, meaning they are not often inspected or pumped.

• Cost Savings Over Time: Although it might be expensive to lay sewer systems, it will avoid periodic expenses for septic tank maintenance.

• Environmental Benefits: Sewer systems are conducive to protecting groundwater, which helps promote better health in general.

• Increased Property Value: Families that utilize municipal sewage systems usually have higher property values, which can be advantageous when selling the house.

• Improved Reliability: Sewer systems belong to municipalities and have fewer problems encountered in septic systems, such as clogging, overflowing, or system breakdown.

• Compliance with Local Regulations: Some regions are slowly eliminating septic systems, and changing to sewers assists homeowners in meeting present or future regulations.

• Expanded Usability of Property: Septic systems are often limited by the necessity of a drain field. In contrast, a sewer system allows for more usable area on your property.

Why There Is A Need To Switch From Septic To Sewer?

Identifying the right time to consider converting septic to sewer is crucial for homeowners.

Key signs include frequent plumbing backups and slow drains, which could indicate a failing septic system.

If you notice unpleasant odors around your property or water pooling in the drain field, it strongly suggests that your current system is struggling.

Additionally, if your area has shifted from rural to more urban, septic to public sewer conversion might be necessary to comply with local regulations.

These signs and the potential high septic-to-sewer conversion cost are essential factors to consider. Awareness of these issues can save you from the more significant expenses and inconveniences of a wholly failed septic system.

How To Change From Septic To Sewer System?

Several key steps are involved in switching from a septic to a sewer system. These are:

1. Evaluate Your Current Septic System: Start by assessing your septic system's current condition and capacity to understand its limitations. Consider any ongoing issues or maintenance challenges that might make a sewer connection more beneficial. Additionally, determine your current septic system's overall age and potential lifespan.

   
   

2. Research Local Regulations: Check local guidelines to identify specific requirements for a septic-to-sewer transition. Review zoning or environmental regulations that could impact the conversion process, and confirm if your area has unique sewer connection requirements, such as inspection protocols.

   
   

3. Obtain Necessary Permits: To avoid delays, submit applications for all required permits well in advance. Verify the necessary documentation and associated fees with your local municipal office. Keeping copies of all approved permits for easy reference throughout the conversion is a good idea.

   
   

4. Plan Your Budget: Carefully calculate all costs, including connection fees, permits, and excavation expenses. Account for additional costs such as landscaping restoration and any required adjustments to your home’s plumbing. Investigate potential financing options or grants that may be available for homeowners transitioning to sewer.

   
   

5. Hire a Professional Contractor: Look for contractors with experience in septic-to-sewer conversions who can provide the necessary expertise. Obtain multiple quotes and verify each contractor’s licenses to ensure reliability and quality. Reviewing customer testimonials to find a reputable contractor can also be helpful.

   
   

6. Deactivate Your Septic System: Follow local guidelines for safely decommissioning your septic system, such as appropriate removal or capping. Pump out and dispose of any remaining waste in the system before shutting it down, and confirm with local authorities if an additional inspection is required for deactivation.

   
   

7. Connect to the Sewer Line: Your contractor will excavate a trench to link your home’s plumbing to the main sewer line. The necessary piping will be installed to ensure compliance with municipal sewage standards. Before backfilling, the new connection is tested to ensure proper flow and functionality.

   
   

8. Restore Your Property: Repair any damage to landscaping, driveways, or sidewalks that may have occurred during installation. Replant grass, shrubs, or other vegetation disrupted by excavation. If the ground was significantly disturbed, consider implementing erosion control measures to protect your property.

   
   

9. Final Inspection and Approval: Schedule a final inspection with local authorities to verify compliance with all municipal regulations. If any issues are identified during the inspection, address them promptly to receive full approval. Obtain the final approval certificate or other documentation from the inspector for your records.

How Much Does It Cost?

Homeowners should have a good idea of the cost of converting their septic tanks to sewers. The costs range widely, with typical amounts that are significantly different.

This encompasses payments for permits, engaging experts in fitting a septic tank into a public sewer line, and landscaping restoration after the transformation. 

Crucially, one should consider both the immediate expense of the sewer system and the long-term reductions in the upkeep of septic systems.

Accurate budgeting and knowing these expenses are essential to make an informed choice about switching from septic to sewer.

Pros And Cons Of Septic Systems Vs. Sewer Systems

These pros and cons are just an overview of sewer-to-septic and sewer systems. This summary helps you make a wise decision to switch your current system. 

Aspect	Septic Systems (Including Fitting a Septic Tank)	Sewer Systems (Including Public Septic Systems)
Ongoing Maintenance	Requires regular septic system maintenance, potentially leading to higher septic system costs over time.	Less maintenance is required, but the periodic sewer system costs for service fees.
Environmental Impact	Can be more eco-friendly if maintained properly, but risks soil contamination.	Centralized treatment is better for the environment but depends on the efficiency of the public system.
Reliability	Susceptible to failures, especially without regular maintenance.	Generally more reliable due to centralized management.
Property Constraints	Suitable for rural areas where fitting a septic tank is feasible. Space is required for the drain field.	Ideal for urban areas with existing public septic system infrastructure.
Independence	Independent system, not reliant on municipal services.	Reliance on municipal systems, less control over septic to public sewer management.

Final Thoughts

Switching from septic to sewer involves weighing the pros and cons, recognizing the signs that it's time to change, and familiarizing oneself with the step-by-step process and associated costs. 

This guide has provided insights into these aspects, from evaluating septic system maintenance needs to considering the cost of converting septic to sewer.

Making this switch can be a significant decision, but the correct information and planning can lead to long-term benefits and improvements in your home's waste management system.

Although Barnes Sewer & Septic does not assist in septic-to-sewer conversion services, we provide rental portable toilets if you need them during the conversion.

For more information about our services, please call us at (765) 584-7295.

We’re ready to answer your questions and discuss how we can help improve your home’s waste management system.