What is the Difference Between Septic vs. Sewer

What is the Difference Between Septic vs. Sewer

When managing wastewater from your home or business, two main options are a septic system and a sewer system. While both provide similar functionality, there are important distinctions that could affect their upkeep requirements and costs. Metro Septic Pumping is a septic company that has put together this list to help you navigate through your questions.

What Is a Septic System?

A septic system is an underground collection and treatment system for wastewater from homes or businesses. It consists of two parts: the septic tank, where wastewater is held until treatment; then, the drain field where treated water is released back into the soil. Septic tanks typically consist of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene and are buried underground; they're divided into two chambers with one receiving inbound wastewater from homes or businesses and the other treating it afterward.

Once in the tank, wastewater separates into three layers: solid waste (sludge) at the bottom; liquid waste (effluent) in the middle, and oil and grease at the top. After being discharged into a drain field for treatment and absorption into soil, this effluent then returns back into circulation.

What Is a Sewer System?

A sewer system, also referred to as a sanitary sewer system, consists of pipes and pump stations that collect and transport wastewater from homes and businesses to a central treatment facility. In urban and suburban areas, sewer systems are usually owned and operated by municipal governments.

Once the wastewater reaches a treatment facility, it goes through various processes to remove impurities and pollutants. These could include physical, biological, or chemical treatments depending on the type of facility.

What Is the Distinction Between Septic and Sewer Systems?

Septic systems and sewer systems differ in how they handle and treat wastewater. With a septic system, treatment occurs on-site within its tank and drain field; while with sewer systems, waste is transported to a central processing facility for processing.

Septic systems are frequently employed in rural and suburban areas without municipal sewer systems, as they require a large underground space for the tank and drain field, as well as soil that can absorb treated effluent. Furthermore, septic systems tend to be more cost-effective to install and maintain than sewer ones.

Contrastingly, sewer systems are commonly employed in urban and suburban areas with many homes and businesses close together. Sewer systems can quickly transport large volumes of wastewater away to a central treatment facility while taking care of everything else.

Unfortunately, sewer systems require more investment upfront for installation and upkeep compared to septic systems, as well as ongoing infrastructure upkeep to keep everything functioning optimally.

Septic System Maintenance

Maintaining a septic system is essential to its longevity and to avoid costly repairs or replacements. To do this, the tank should be pumped regularly to eliminate solid waste accumulation at the bottom. Depending on its size and how many people use it, pumping should take place every 3-5 years depending on size and usage pattern.

It is essential to avoid adding anything into the septic system that could clog or damage pipes, such as grease, oil, paper towels, or other non-biodegradable materials. Furthermore, harsh chemicals should also be avoided since they can harm beneficial bacteria responsible for breaking down waste in the tank.

Metro Septic Pumping

When you require septic system maintenance or repairs, it is essential to select a trustworthy and experienced provider. Metro Septic Pumping is one such expert; they offer various septic tank pumping, cleaning, repair work, and installation services at competitive rates.

Metro Septic Pumping's team of licensed and certified technicians is knowledgeable in managing all types of septic systems, no matter their size or complexity. They use cutting-edge equipment and techniques to guarantee your septic works optimally and efficiently.

Metro Septic Pumping not only offers septic system maintenance and repairs, but they also offer inspections and certifications - which are often necessary for real estate transactions. They specialize in designing and installing new septic systems for homes as well as businesses.