Rooter Man Plumbing is a trusted plumbing company providing top-notch septic services, including septic tank installation, septic cleaning, septic tank repair, and more. Whether you’ve noticed signs of a failing septic system or it’s time to install a new septic tank to accommodate your changing septic needs, the experts at Rooter Man Plumbing are here to help.

• What’s The Main Difference?

The main difference between a sewer system and a septic system is how wastewater is treated. In a sewer system, wastewater from homes and businesses is collected in a network of pipes and transported to a wastewater treatment plant. Here, the wastewater is treated to remove pollutants before it is discharged into a body of water like a river, lake, or ocean. A septic system is a decentralized wastewater treatment system that treats wastewater on-site. It typically consists of a septic tank and a drainfield.

• Where Does The Waste Go?

Sewer System: The waste from homes and businesses is transported through a network of underground pipes to a centralized wastewater treatment plant. The wastewater treatment plant treats the wastewater to remove pollutants and then discharges it into a body of water.

Septic System: The waste from individual homes flows into a septic tank buried on the property. The septic tank allows solids to settle, and bacteria break down organic matter. The clarified liquid, known as effluent, then flows into a drainfield, where it is further treated by soil organisms and eventually absorbed into the ground. The remaining solids are removed through a process known as septic tank pumping.

• What Type of Maintenance Is Needed?

Sewer System: Maintenance for individual residents and businesses connected to a municipal sewer system is minimal. Users are generally responsible for using the system responsibly, avoiding flushing non-biodegradable items or harmful chemicals. Routine inspections or maintenance of the sewer infrastructure itself are managed by the local government or sewer authority.

Septic System: Maintenance for a septic system is more hands-on and falls on the property owner. Key maintenance tasks include regular pumping, periodic inspections, protecting the drainfield, timely septic tank repair, and more.

• Who Is Responsible For The Maintenance?

Sewer System: The responsibility for maintenance lies with the local government or sewer authority that operates the system.

Septic System: The responsibility for maintenance primarily falls on the property owner. Homeowners are responsible for regular inspection, septic tank pumping, and maintenance of their septic tanks. This may involve hiring a professional septic company to assess the system, pump out accumulated solids, and address any issues.

• What Is The Cost?

Sewer System: The cost for residents and businesses connected to a municipal sewer system is typically a recurring utility fee. This fee is usually included in the overall water and sewer bill issued by the local government or utility provider.

Septic System: The cost of a septic system involves several factors, including septic tank installation, routine maintenance, and occasional septic tank repairs. It's important to note that while a septic system may involve more upfront costs and ongoing maintenance responsibilities for the property owner, there’s no recurring utility fee.

• What To Do If It Fails To Work?

Sewer System: If your sewer system fails to work, you will need to contact your local municipality or sewer authority. They will send a plumber to your home to assess the problem and make repairs.

Septic System: In the event of septic system failure, you will need to contact a septic company to conduct a comprehensive inspection and resolve the issue.

If you’re looking for professional and budget-friendly septic services, reach out to Rooter Man Plumbing.