What Is A Side Sewer Contractor?

If you are looking for a sewer repair or replacement company, you may notice that some advertise themselves as side sewer contractors. This distinction can be important, depending on what work you are having done, and where you live. In most municipalities with a city water and sewer system, the side sewer is piping between a private home or business that connects it to the municipal sewer system. This pipe is also called a sewer lateral.  Depending on where you live, you may need a side sewer contractor when replacing old sewer pipes and connecting new pipes to the city sewer system.

Side Sewer Legalities

The issue with side sewers is they are private pipes which connect to a public system. While in most regions, property owners have the right to fix their own pipes on their property or hire someone to do so, they are not necessarily allowed to work in the right-of-way area where the private and public pipes meet. In most circumstances, the city in question requires a licensed side sewer contractor to perform that type of work.

When To Hire A Side Sewer Contractor

If your sewer system is connected to a municipal sewer system by a side sewer, it is important to hire a side sewer contractor for any sewer replacement you have performed. In some cities, contractors may even need to be registered as side sewer contractors before they are allowed to get the proper permits to perform certain services within city limits. If you are not sure whether you need a side sewer contractor  for your sewer service, call your local municipality’s water and sewer department to confirm what is required in your area.

Posted on behalf of Metro Septic and Sewer

Considering Converting From Septic To Sewer?

If you own a home with a septic system, it was most likely installed before a municipal sewer system was available in your neighborhood. Most people would prefer to use a sewer system, shifting the responsibility and potentially high costs to their local municipality, but it’s not always an option. However, as towns grow, so does the reach of the sewer system, giving many people with septic systems the option to convert their septic to the local sewer.

Septic To Sewer Conversion Process

Switching your home’s septic to sewer has many benefits, from long term savings to less maintenance. The biggest hurdle that most homeowners face with septic to sewer conversions is the initial cost to convert. There will be an investment to tie your home into the sewer line, so many people will wait until their septic system is older or in need of repair before they make the switch. Once you decide to convert, you will need to find a reliable sewer service professional who can install your new sewer lines, as this it not a do-it-yourself project. Questions to ask contractors before you hire them include:

  • How long the process will take?
  • What permits will be needed to begin the process?
  • Will you need a pump tank for your sewer line?
  • What is the total cost to install the new line and remove the old septic tank?

You want a contractor who is familiar with all the local municipality rules and regulations regarding sewer conversions. Your new sewer line will need to be inspected and approved before you can be hooked into the municipal system, on top of obtaining the proper permits to begin digging. An experienced sewer line installer should know exactly what needs to be done to get your new sewer line approved and connected as quickly as possible.

Posted on behalf of Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.

 

Aerobic Versus Anaerobic Septic Systems

If you are replacing an old septic system or installing a new one, you may be wondering what the difference is between aerobic and anaerobic systems. While most residential homes use an aerobic septic system, most municipal sewage water treatment operations use anaerobic systems. The biggest difference is the use of oxygen in the bacteria breakdown process, which aerobic uses and anaerobic does not. This crucial difference changes the speed, efficiency and price between the two systems dramatically. 

Anaerobic Septic Systems

The most common septic system used for residential homes is the anaerobic system, due to its affordability and ease of use. This system relies on a two step process for water treatment, first treating the wastewater in the septic tank, then diverting the effluent to the drain or leach field for further filtering. This is a slow process, which can lead to backups in the system when there is heavy use.

Aerobic Septic Systems

The reason that most municipalities in the United States use aerobic water treatment for sewer waste is efficiency. Although these systems are more expensive, they are faster than anaerobic systems and result in cleaner wastewater. Effluent leaving an aerobic system is about 98% clean, versus usually less than 65% with an anaerobic system. Although mostly used commercially, these systems are also available for residential use.

For many homeowners buying a new septic system, budget is a major concern. The traditional anaerobic system will do the job sufficiently, plus they are usually much less expensive and easier to maintain. However, for large households, it may be worth the investment in an aerobic system that can process waste faster and more efficiently, reducing the frequency of potential backups and septic service problems.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Choose a Home With City Sewer or a Septic System?

To many of us, this may seem to be a moot question; either you have it or you don’t. But, such simplicity is not always the case. Some of us may be looking to purchase a home in an area that is somewhat divided, having rural areas with septic tanks and more densely populated areas with city sewer. Some neighborhoods may just be in the initial phases of planning and installing a sewer system which means that you will soon need to consider whether to do a septic to sewer conversion.

As someone who is actively looking to purchase a home, do you want to buy one with city sewer or septic? Is the type of waste management for your home and neighborhood an important consideration? If you are currently a homeowner with a septic system, living in an area that will soon be converted to a city sewer system that you will be paying for with increased taxes, will you sell? Are you prepared to speak on this issue at your next city council meeting or vote in the next city ballot? Believe it, these are major issues that some homeowners must consider.

The addition of a modern sewer system maintained by the city municipality is of great benefit to a community’s infrastructure. However, be informed that while such a system may be “hassle free” as to its maintenance (compared to a septic system), it is nonetheless paid for by the homeowner through taxation, usually escrowed over a set period of time.

Whereas a septic system can pose a potential threat to ground water quality (drinking water) if tank seepage occurs, a sewer system eliminates this concern as it is a contained system that not only controls and treats, but recycles wastewater. In addition to environmental protection, sewers are extremely beneficial in flood control, providing run-off and rainwater access into the system via storm drains.

The Benefits of Having a Sewer System Versus a Septic System

You may live in a small town, rural, community where almost everyone has a septic system. Gradually, new developments of homes arise. Soon what was once a wooded lot close to town becomes a strip mall and business development is on the rise. As businesses begin to boom and construction increases, there is little doubt that the installation of public sewer systems will soon follow. So, what advantages can you anticipate when this change reaches your neighborhood?

According to today’s developers and city planners, a community becomes more established and permanent when a sewer system is installed. Once they get over paying for it with their taxes, most people tend to prefer a city sewer system, primarily because major problems, like main line stoppages, become the responsibility of the controlling municipality. Furthermore, because a public system is so well contained and monitored, the quality of drinking water is preserved. Conversely, septic tanks can seep and pollute drinking water, potentially threatening one’s health.

Besides safely and effectively transporting wastewater from an entire neighborhood of homes and businesses, sewer systems usually have designed a run-off plan for excessive rainwater in the hopes of flood prevention. This is one way in which sewers and water treatment plants help to preserve the environment. Primarily, sewer systems help to ensure that wastewater that is discharged back into the environment is sanitary, safe and free of potentially harmful pollutants.

Contact your local septic-sewer professional if you are considering changing from your septic system and hooking up with your city’s sewer system. They can help you with the sewer installation process and ensure that your best interests are protected.

More Efficient Toilets Can Help to Protect Your Septic System

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that replacing only one toilet in your home with a high-efficiency, low-flow model can save up to eleven gallons of water each day, which translates to over four thousand fewer gallons of waste water flowing into your septic system annually. While this can make a  noticeable difference on your monthly water bill, it can also help to reduce the risk of needing septic tank service, repairs or even replacement due to a complete septic system failure.

A septic system is easily damaged by too much water flowing throught the system which is called hydraulic overload.  Even under normal water loads, the less water that enters the system the better.  Low flow toilets can help reduce the hydraulic load on your septic system and avoid septic system repairs.  Two of the more popular high-efficiency options for residential use are single flush toilets, which operate in a manner similar to older models while using significantly less water, and dual flush toilets. These models offer two flushing options, one for liquid waste and another for solids.

While replacing your older, less efficient toilets with more modern models that are designed to conserve water will reduce the amount of waste water flowing through your septic system significantly, it’s important to remember that only organic waste and toilet paper should ever be flushed through your toilet.

By making sure that household chemicals like bathroom cleaners, bleach and harsh abrasives are never disposed of in the toilet, you’re opting not to introduce substances that could disturb the bacterial balance inside your septic tank, which is responsible for breaking down organic waste. Feminine hygiene products can also cause problems when they’re flushed. Installing a low-flow toilet and being aware of what you flush through it’s pipes can help you prolong the life of your septic tank, reduce the likelihood of future problems and avoid service repair bills down the line.

What Are Septic To Sewer Conversions?

If your home is on a septic system, you may consider a sewer conversion if a public sewer option is available.  This idea is especially tempting if your current septic system requires constant repair and attention.  Many homes were built in areas that were not served by a municipal sewer system at the time, but municipal sewer lines were later run out to that area.  In some cases, local ordinances require homeowners in these areas to make the conversion.  In other areas, the choice is left up to the homeowner.

Septic to sewer conversions involve installing a new sewer line between your home and the municipal sewer and disconnecting the septic system.  This is a big job that should be handled by a sewer-septic professional or a plumber.  If your home is not located near a municipal sewer, a septic to sewer conversion is not an option.  The cost of the conversion depends on the distance between your home and the municipal sewer, the degree of difficulty laying the pipe, and whether the municipal authority charges a hook up fee.

Hiring a contractor with sewer conversion experience is a good idea.  Look at company reviews and ask friends, neighbors, and family for recommendations.  Septic to sewer conversions may also require a permit to legally connect to the main sewer lines.  A contractor who specializes in septic to sewer conversion will usually handle getting the necessary permits.   If you have a problematic septic tank, converting your septic tank to a sewer connection can help avoid future problems with the septic tank and also give you peace of mind.

Septic To Sewer Costs

If you are one of those fortunate homeowners who has the option of converting from a septic system to a sewer connection, be sure to carefully balance the costs against the benefits to see if a septic to sewer conversion is right for you.  The total cost of converting to sewer varies widely depending on your situation, but it can range from$5,000 to $10,000 to complete the job.

First, the new sewer line has to be installed. This involves digging a trench from your home to the municipal sewer line, compacting the soil, and installing the new sewer lateral.  In many cases, installing the sewer lateral is pretty straightforward, but in some cases the sewer lateral will need to be routed under sidewalks, driveways, and patios.  In addition, it can be a little more complicated if the septic system was located in the back of the house because most sewer mains are in front of the house.

Another component that should be factored in is the fee for connecting to the sewer. These fees vary widely, but are commonly between $2,000 and $5,000.  Sometimes the hookup fee is waived or reduced for existing homes that hook up within a year or two of the sewer extension.

Finally, your old septic system will need to be closed.  The septic tank should be pumped, then the lid to the septic tank will be crushed and dropped into the tank.  The septic tank will then be filled with soil.  Abandoning your septic system should cost around $1,000.

 

Failed Perc Test Options

Before you can be issued a permit for a septic system on your property, a percolation test (perc test) is usually required by local regulations to determine the suitability of your property for a septic system. A perc test measures the rate at which the soil absorbs water which is critical for proper operation of a traditional septic system.

If your property cannot pass a perc test, it’s not the end of the world.  You have plenty of alternatives any your septic professional will be happy to help you sort them out.  First of all, don’t be angry or upset with the engineer who did the test or the local building authority for requiring the test in the first place.

These tests are required as much for your protection as to protect the environment.  Installing a traditional septic system on unsuitable property would be a waste of money and a cause of endless headaches.  A system installed in ground that won’t perc will constantly back up which not only causes problems inside your home, but will also ruin the septic system.

Once you are over your initial disappointment, consult with your sewer septic professional or an engineer to discuss alternatives.  In some cases, there are techniques for improving the perc rate of a piece of property, but these can take time to be effective.  A better solution is usually offered by an alternative type of septic systems.  Gravity fed systems are the most common, but there are numerous alternative septic systems including mound systems, sand filter systems, aerobic treatment systems, and others.  Each system is best suited for certain soil types and one or more of them will work on your property.

Sewer vs. Septic Systems

Every homeowner on a septic system and prospective homeowner should understand the difference between a septic system and a sewer system.  Septic and sewer are both wastewater disposal and treatment systems.  Every time you flush the toilet, wash dishes or clothes, or take a shower, all that water and waste that goes down the drain has to go somewhere and that somewhere is either a septic system or a sewer system.

With a septic system, each home has its own wastewater treatment and disposal system typically consisting of a septic tank and a drain field.  Waste water is treated by natural biological activity in the septic tank and in the soil under the drain field. The treated wastewater is disposed of by allowing it to leech into the soil under the drain field.

A septic system can only be installed on property that is large enough to accommodate the septic tank and drain field.  In addition, the soil must allow water to percolate (seep into the soil) at a sufficient rate to dispose of the treated water.

A home connected to a sewer system uses a large diameter pipe called a sewer lateral to route waste water to the large municipal sewer lines usually located in front of the property.  The municipal sewer lines transfer the waste water to a municipal wastewater treatment facility where it is treated and disposed of.

If you own a home or are considering buying a home with a septic system, you should understand that the system will need to inspected and the septic tank pumped out every three to five years.  Sewer line repairs are only needed if there is a blockage or if the sewer lateral is damaged.