Septic Vs. Sewer System: Which wastewater management system suits your property?

Table of Contents

Septic Vs. Sewer System: Which wastewater management system suits your property?

Talking about wastewater management may stink, but every property needs a system to carry away and treat waste effectively. Whether you’re a city resident or looking to settle down in the country, you may consider connecting to the local sewer system or installing your own septic system in Port Orchard, Bremerton, and Shelton to handle wastewater. 

 

These drainage systems manage your property’s waste, and understanding the differences is crucial for the overall health and safety of your household. 

This blog post aims to simplify your choice by weighing the pros and cons of each system so that you can make an informed decision.

 

Septic Vs. Sewer

The two most popular types of drainage systems are,

  • Septic system: 

A septic system in Bremerton is an on-site drainage system that transports wastewater to a buried tank, collects sewerage, removes the solid sludge, and distributes it back into the soil.

 

  • Sewer system: 

A sewer system in Shelton is a network of pipes that transports clean, drinkable water directly to plumbing fixtures inside residences. It carries drain water to a municipal water treatment plant.

 

Let’s discuss them both in detail, figuring out the ideal solution for effective waste management. 

 

Septic System

A septic system is best for:

  1. Houses in rural areas
  2. Homeowners looking to go “off the grid” or disconnect from municipal utilities
  3. Properties with at least 1/4 to 1/3 acre of space for Port Orchard septic tank and drain field installation

 

Pros:

  • Durable:

When properly installed and maintained, Shelton septic systems rarely need replacing and can last up to 30 years.

 

  • Eco-friendly:

Since septic tanks in Port Orchard eliminate bacteria before releasing water back into the soil, they don’t contaminate the water supply, unlike sewer systems, which can be harsh on the environment.

 

  • Economical:

Installing them is usually cheaper than connecting to the city’s sewer system.

 

  • Independence:

Since septic systems in Bremerton are their own contained system, they aren’t affected by community sewer system issues like backups and overflows.

 

Cons:

  • Frequent clogs:

Shelton septic systems are more prone to clogs, so you need to be cautious of what you dispose of down the toilet and drain. 

 

  • Routine maintenance:

Septic tanks in Bremerton need to be pumped every 3–5 years by a credible septic company like Dano’s Septic to help keep them running smoothly and efficiently.

 

Sewer System

Sewer System is Best For:

  • Homes in cities
  • Small residences without space to install a tank and a leach field
  • Anyone who doesn’t want to manage their own drain water

 

Pros:

  • Minimal Maintenance:

Sewer systems in Port Orchard are designed to handle heavy wastewater, including water from heavy rains, and run multiple plumbing fixtures and appliances simultaneously.

 

  • Can Handle Heavy Waterflow:

They don’t need regular drain cleanings and maintenance.

 

Cons:

  • Dependent on City:

If you have a sewage treatment plan and the city’s portion of the drain clogs, your home or business will be directly affected.

 

  • Cost of Connection:

Connecting to a municipal sewage treatment can be costly, especially in rural areas. Homeowners also need to pay an annual fee for using it.

 

  • Foul Smell:

If not maintained correctly, sewage systems can become smelly.

 

  • Require Too Much Space:

Compared to a septic system in Shelton, the set-up cost of a sewage treatment plant can be seen as a disadvantage. 

 

How do they work? Sewer System Vs. Septic Tank

Septic Systems:

Here’s how a Port Orchard septic system works:

  1. The wastewater in your house or building moves down the drains and settles into the Bremerton septic tank.
  2. Healthy bacteria in the septic tank break down the waste.
  3. Special septic compartments prevent the sludge and scum from exiting the tank while the effluent leaves the tank into a drain/leach field.
  4. The effluent slowly spreads into the soil through the perforated pipes in the leach field.
  5. The soil naturally treats the drain water, removing any harmful bacteria and viruses.

 

Sewer Systems:

Here’s how a sewer system in Bremerton works:

  1. The drain water in your residence flows down the sewer drains into the upper lateral line.
  2. Next, the wastewater is carried to the lower lateral line, merging with drain water from other properties.
  3. The lower lateral line carries the drain water to the municipal treatment facility, which purifies the water in different stages.
  4. The drain water is discharged into normal surface waters (rivers, lakes, coastal waters, etc.).

 

Which is better: Sewer or Septic? 

Septic systems in Port Orchard are better than sewage treatment plants if all the pros and cons are considered.

 

They require minimal infrastructure, make independent living possible in rural areas, and come with zero monthly fees. 

 

By contrast, sewer systems in Shelton are better equipped for periods of heavy usage and require little homeowner maintenance. However, they can be pretty smelly, hog up a huge area in your landscape/backyard, and require reliable electricity to operate.

 

Final Thoughts 

Not sure which drainage system is the best for your property? Speak to our experts at Dano’s Septic, who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, giving you a competitive price and the septic solution that’s perfect for you!

 

With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, we specialize in septic systems and offer effective services like grease traps, septic tank pumping, inspections and repairs, septic locating, drain field rejuvenation, installations for commercial and residential septics in Port Orchard, Shelton, and Bremerton. 

Schedule an appointment with our team today.

Recent Post