Is It Time to Convert Your Septic to Sewer?

Many homes that once only had the option of installing a septic system now have access to municipal sewer service. As city limits and neighborhoods expand, so do the sewer lines for providing sewage disposal and treatment for residential homes. If your home has a septic system, but sewer service is now available where you live, you may have considered converting. Here is what you need to know and some factors that could help you decide if it is time to convert from septic to sewer.

Cost, Convenience and Value

The top reason that homeowners want to make the switch to sewer service is convenience. No worrying about septic tanks, drain fields and maintenance – sewer service is much easier for homeowners than septic systems. However, that convenience comes at a cost. Not only does it cost a substantial amount of money to convert to sewer, you will also have a monthly sewer bill that you do not have with a septic system. However, even though it is a significant investment, converting to sewer can add value to your home.

Is the Time Right?

If your septic system is less than 20 years old and is working great, you may want to hold off on conversion, unless you are selling your home. You may want to discuss home value differences with a realtor between sewer and septic homes in your neighborhood if you are planning to sell in the next few years. It may be worth the investment if it will the cost will be covered with a higher sale price of your home.

If your septic system is 20 or more years old, or you have been having problems, it may be a great time to convert. Take the money you are spending on repairs and put it toward converting to a low-maintenance sewer service – talk to your local sewer/septic professional to learn more about the cost.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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.