Should You Convert From Septic To Sewer?

January 9th, 2012 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation
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Many homes that were originally build with a septic system now have the opportunity to connect to a municipal sewer system.  These homes were usually built in an area where there was no sewer service at the time, but over the years the local municipality has expanded its infrastructure making sewer service available to these homes.

In some cases, local ordinances require that homes be connected to the sewer system, but in most cases the choice of whether to convert an existing home from a septic system to a sewer system is left up to the homeowner.  Septic to sewer conversions have some advantages, but there is the up front cost to consider.

Sewer systems are considered permanent wastewater disposal solutions.  Other than clearing a blocked sewer lateral or repairing a collapsed or damaged sewer lateral, sewer connections require very little maintenance.

Septic systems can work for years, but they require periodic pumping and inspection.  Any septic system will eventually need to be replaced, but they can work for 30 years or more before replacement is necessary.   If the property is not large enough to accommodate a replacement drain field, an expensive alternative septic system or connection to a municipal sewer system will be required.

Connecting to a sewer system usually increases the value of a home and can also increase its marketability which is a big plus in today’s housing market.  A home with an old or failing septic system is not very attractive to potential buyers.

The primary disadvantage of a sewer conversion is the cost which varies widely, but can be anywhere for $5,000 to $15,000.  Your sewer septic professional can help you determine if a septic to sewer conversion makes sense for your home.

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Cost of a Septic System

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation
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Whether you are replacing an existing septic system or building a new home where municipal sewer service is unavailable, the unavoidable truth is that installing a new septic system is going to be expensive.  However, this is one of those things where it doesn’t pay to try to cut corners.  Unless you don’t mind paying for expensive repairs or even replacing the entire system in just a few years, you want to have your system designed and installed by an experienced local sewer septic professional.

The cost of a septic system varies based on a lot of different factors including the size and type of the system, your location, the physical characteristics of your lot, and the septic contractor handling the installation.  A conventional gravity fed septic system with a concrete septic tank is usually the least expensive type of septic system.

A polyethylene septic tank will last longer, but will also drive up the cost of the system due to the additional labor required to install them.  Systems using aerobic tanks, electric pumps, or that rely on sewage ejector pumps to move the sewage uphill will be more expensive to install and maintain.

The best way to determine the cost of a good septic system is to get several quotes from reputable local septic contractors.  Keep in mind that the lowest bid may not be the best one.  An unusually low bid could indicate that the contractor has failed to take some factor into account, has specified an undersized system, or is cutting corners on the quality of the materials.

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Choosing a Good Septic System Contractor

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation
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If you are installing a new septic system for new home or to replace an existing system, you should put some effort into finding a top local septic system contractor to handle the job.  A septic system is one of those things that it really pays to make sure the job is done right the first time.

A septic system seems like a simple system with few moving parts and in a way this is true.  The vast majority of septic systems rely on gravity and natural biological activity to treat and dispose of household wastewater.  Most systems have no electrical components and very few moving parts.

They require relatively little maintenance to continue providing great service for years.  An inspection by an experienced septic professional every year or two and septic tank pumping every three to five years is all most septic systems need to stay in top working condition.

However, poorly designed or improperly installed system will cause constant problems, need frequent repairs, and will fail within a few years and installation of a new system will be required.  It cannot be stressed enough that it is worth every penny to make sure your septic system is properly designed and installed by an experienced septic contractor.

Ask friends and neighbors for the names of septic contractors they have used in the past.  Invite several contractors to submit a proposal for the work.  This is your opportunity to evaluate the contractors and see which ones you feel comfortable working with.  Ask for a few references from satisfied customers and follow up by calling them.  Find out what work the contractor did and whether the customer was satisfied with the job.

By doing a little homework, you will be able to narrow the list down to a couple contractors who will do a great job installing your new septic system.

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Comparing Estimates For Sewer-Septic Work

February 28th, 2011 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation
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For routine sewer septic needs such as septic tank pumping, calling an experienced local sewer septic company will get the job done. However, if you need a big sewer-septic job done such as replacing or installing a new septic tank or septic field, or you need a sewer installation or conversion, the better practice is to obtain several estimates for completing the work from different sewer-septic professionals.

The idea behind getting and comparing estimates is not necessarily to find the lowest price, but rather to ensure that you get top quality work at a fair price.  In some cases, the lowest estimate is the best one, but in other cases the low estimate is due to shoddy work or inferior materials and you are better off with a different sewer-septic company.

When comparing estimates, be sure that each estimate covers all of the work to be done.  Most sewer septic work involves excavation so be sure that the cost of excavation is covered including the cost of any equipment rental if needed.  The estimate should also address who is responsible for obtaining any necessary permits and any clean up and disposal of debris.

Once you are sure you are comparing estimates for the same scope of work, check to see that each estimate uses similar quality materials.  The cost of materials should be about the same for each estimate since most sewer-septic contractors buy their materials from the same place.

Labor costs may vary depending on the business model of each sewer-septic contractor, but an estimate with significantly lower labor costs needs further investigation.

By obtaining and comparing estimates for the work, you will be more likely to choose a qualified sewer-septic professional and be satisfied with the work.

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