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.
