Drainage systems make wastewater disappear whenever toilets are flushed or hands are washed in buildings and residential properties. But for all the functions that drainage helps make possible—dishes, laundry, showers—few people stop and think about the mechanisms that go into the process.
Every homeowner dreads plumbing issues. Fortunately, we understand the worries that come with plumbing problems. This guide will help you understand when to opt for a repair and when to replace your plumbing system.
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Drainage systems make wastewater disappear whenever toilets are flushed or hands are washed in buildings and residential properties. But for all the functions that drainage helps make possible—dishes, laundry, showers—few people stop and think about the mechanisms that go into the process. The whole thing basically comes down to two types of systems: sewer and septic.
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Sewer systems are more common because they're funded and maintained by local governments. Septic systems, however, are becoming more popular as an affordable, environmentally sound alternative that give homeowners full control over their drainage. The following article examines the facts, pros, and cons of the whole septic vs sewer system debate.
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Sewer or Septic System: Myths and Facts
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When it comes to the sewer vs. septic system debate, a lot of half-truths and outright inaccuracies persist in the minds of many homeowners. Sewers, on one hand, are generally viewed as the cheaper, easier option because there's no maintenance involved. All you need to do is wash something down a drain or flush it down a toilet and it's gone forever.
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While septic systems are sometimes viewed as the more eco-friendly option, many people are apprehensive about the costs and maintenance involved. As a result, homeowners often perceive more resale value in houses linked to sewer lines over those equipped with septic systems. But does the latter really cost more and require frequent maintenance? Read on to learn the benefits of sewer vs septic systems.
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Similarities Between Sewer and Septic Systems
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In many ways, sewers and septic systems offer the same benefits. Both systems filter out black water — the water you flush — and grey water, which comes out of sink and shower drains. In terms of sanitation, both systems filter bacteria and pathogens from water before it flows back out into the environment. Basically, the two systems both offer reliable drainage of wastewater from houses and buildings with minimal problems the majority of the time.
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Both systems, however, can also have their drawbacks. A sewer system connects whole communities to one centralized drain field. Consequently, sewers can sometimes get clogged with grease, hair, and hard elements, all of which can cause sewage to plug up sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. Since sewage systems are paid for and maintained by local governments, residents don't have to handle the maintenance and labor, but they do have to foot the fees.
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Septic systems, by contrast, are generally the responsibility of private homeowners. A septic tank should perform without a hitch over expected time spans, providing the tank is pumped and maintained at recommended intervals. If a tank does malfunction, it's likely due to negligence on the part of the homeowner, and therefore it’s his or her responsibility to call out a service crew and pay for the needed repairs.
A septic system is a steel or concrete tank that's situated under the soil near a commercial or residential property. Wastewater goes in on one side and filters out through the other to a drain field. Most tanks are capable of holding 1,000 gallons of water. Inside the tank, the water splits into three layers. Everything that floats rises to the top, which is known as the scum layer. All the heavy material sinks to the bottom, which is known as the sludge layer. Between the two is a layer of clear water, which contains fertilizing chemicals like phosphorus and nitrogen.
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Wastewater is led into the tank through a series of pipes that connect to the toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and laundry machines in a given house or building. As scum is rinsed out of the wastewater, the tank produces rancid gases which are filtered through vent pipes that funnel out of rooftops. With each influx of wastewater, the tank empties earlier loads through distribution boxes that lead to drain fields.
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Septic Tank vs Sewer Cost
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While the considerable costs of septic system repairs are often discussed, what isn't as well known is the fact that municipal sewer systems can also come with some hefty costs. For starters, homeowners can be charged pricey fees for installation and repairs on newer sewage systems. Many communities even impose what are known as Sewer Betterment fees, which can rise into the five figures. As revealed by Hopkinton Mass.-based realtor Bill Gassett, the recent Betterment fee in his town was $16,000.
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Debates have been waged between municipal boards regarding the best possible ways to handle sewer development costs, which are known to rise as new pumping stations are constructed. Certain municipalities have even gone so far as to impose liens on homes that haven't paid their fees. Houses everywhere could be subject to such costs, but properties situated in sparsely populated areas stand to pay the highest fees, due to the small number of taxpayers who reside in such areas to share the costs. Even if the pipes and pumps are already in place, there are still fees involved in linking a house to a nearby system, the costs of which can rack up into the thousands on top of maintenance and usage fees.
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Sewer fees differ from city to city, but specific localized rates per household include the following:
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Boston, Mass. – $832
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Chandler, Ariz. – $612
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Danvers, Mass. – $680
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Lemoyne, Pa. – $651
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On the other hand, the cost of having a septic tank is merely down to pumping, which only needs to be done every 3-5 years and generally falls within a price-range $200 to $300. With proper maintenance, some tanks can go for a decade or more between pumps.
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Another issue that factors into the pricing comparison is the business surrounding sewage systems, which have become subject to an ever-growing set of complex, costly improvements. Septic systems, by contrast, only need minor touchups to work perfectly over lengthy spans of time. On average, a septic system for a standard-sized household on even land and healthy soil will run anywhere from $3,500 to $6,000. Depending on the type of tank, septic systems generally last for the following lengths of time:
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Steel tanks - 15-20 years
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Concrete tanks - 40 years
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With proper maintenance, septic drain fields typically last 20 years, though some could possibly last for half a century.
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Benefits of Septic vs Sewer
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As the public becomes better informed about the needs of the environment, septic tanks are becoming a selling point for properties in the minds of younger homebuyers. The reason for this shift in opinion is that septic tanks are reputed to be the green-friendly alternative to old fashioned sewer systems.
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With sewer systems, energy and chemicals are needed to pump and treat the water. Concerns have developed over the impact this could have on rivers as the bacteria of sewage stream outward. There are also issues involving the stability of treatment plants, which can overflow in times of intense downpour or overuse.
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None of those problems are an issue with septic systems, which pump and treat water without the need for energy or chemicals. Used water is returned to the aquifer, which never overflows if properly maintained. Since such systems are evenly distributed, there's no single point at which treated outflows are run from large communities of houses and buildings. Wastewater, by contrast, is carried away in small, even amounts. In many communities, particularly those that are modestly populated, septic systems are the cost-efficient answer for sanitation and water quality concerns.
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Septic vs Sewer System: The Biggest Differences Between the Two
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Perhaps the most liberating aspect of owning a septic system is the ability to set one up virtually anywhere with healthy soil. For a new house in a remote area, connecting to a sewer system is usually costly and difficult. In some cases, it’s even impossible due to the lack of nearby sewage lines. For those situations in particular, septic systems are a viable, cost-effective alternative. Furthermore, septic systems don't come with the municipal obligations of sewage lines, so there's no need to worry about pipes, pumping stations, replacements, or infrastructural renovation costs.
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Nonetheless, sewer systems do have the power to handle large amounts of wastewater from the collective addresses of cities, towns, and suburbs. Due to the marketability of houses on sewer lines, many homeowners still prefer such properties. Sewer lines are also built to accommodate the largest possible amounts of water; as such, they can take on storms and periods of heavy downpour. Since the management of sewer lines fall on local governments, people often assume that such systems will be better managed in the most well-financed and capable of hands. Furthermore, the thought of having wastewater conveniently sent to one big treatment center is an attractive prospect to any homeowner who has endured a septic system backup.
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Given these differences, the preference between one system or the other could largely be based on one's independent mindedness as a homeowner. If you don't mind the municipal obligations that can factor into your dependence on a centralized sewer system, then that might be the adequate option, especially if you're likely to change addresses every few years or less. But if you want independence as a homeowner and are looking to choose a remote or custom-built residence and have personal responsibility for the running of your wastewater, then a septic system would be the more ideal option.
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The Choice: Septic or Sewer System
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Whenever it comes to existing properties, the choice between a sewer or septic system is usually not even on the table. But if you move into a septic-based community where all the neighbors are lobbying to have a sewer line, the choice would likely be yours to either opt in or stick with a septic tank.
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If you're having a home custom built on some remote hill, deep forest, or sparse rural environment, a septic system will likely be your only choice. Within this context, a septic system would be the more suitable option anyway. After all, the independence and responsibility of maintaining such a system would go hand-in-hand with the will to live in a remote, custom-built property. For instance, if you were to buy a few acres of land out in some deep, green, spacious forest area, and then you built a house yourself on that land and proceeded to own it free and clear, owning your own drainage system, independent of local government, would complete the picture.
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When Septic Systems are Poorly Maintained
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Problems with septic systems usually come down to the negligence of property owners. When a tank isn't adequately maintained, the outflow can be detrimental to lake water purity and hazardous to the surrounding environment. For example, if wastewater isn't sufficiently treated, it can spread contamination to other water and cause human health threats. As stated by the University of Minnesota Extension (UMNE) in its Septic System Owner’s Guide, the way to \"guarantee effective treatment is to have a trained professional ensure [that] adequate, unsaturated, and suitable soil exists below the soil treatment area to allow for complete wastewater treatment.\"
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UMNE has also linked contaminated sewage to the appearance of hepatitis and dysentery pathogens in tap water. Contaminants, for instance, can infect drinking water with higher levels of nitrate, which can take its toll on people with weak immune systems, as well as toddlers and pregnant women. Increased nitrates are even damaging to the air and water quality of surrounding ecosystems, thereby devastating the flora and fauna of a given area. Furthermore, bugs and rodents that fester in areas with sewage-contaminated wetlands can spread diseases to people, pets, and livestock. With all these things taken into consideration, it's crucial to keep your septic system well maintained throughout the time that you own and reside at a given property. To prevent the sludge layer from rising too high, the system should be cleaned and inspected at least every few years.
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Of course, maintenance and pumping of the tank itself is merely half of what it takes to responsibly run a drainage system; a lot of it also comes down to how you treat the pipes that lead to the tank. In order to prevent the pipes from clogging, don't allow grease, hair, or hard particles to slip down your sink or shower drains. Furthermore, don't plant trees or other heavily rooted plants either on or near the area of soil in which the system lies, because roots and bulbs can grow stronger as time passes and ultimately damage drainage pipes. After all, the purpose of having a septic tank is to enjoy good, clean, affordable, eco-friendly drainage for the full span of your time on a given property. When you do decide to sell, a perfectly operating septic system could also add value to your property.
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If you're in need of maintenance or pumping on your septic system, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Syracuse. We provide plumbing repair, drain cleaning, maintenance, and installation of septic systems in the Greater Syracuse area. Call us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. We’ll send a licensed plumber who is certified by Onondaga County for plumbing leak detection or any plumbing related project.
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Quick Answer — 7 Signs You Should Replace Plumbing Instead of Repairing It:
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Frequent or recurring leaks in multiple locations
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Corroded pipes or persistently discolored water
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Metallic or sulfur odors from your faucets
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Cracks in pipes or fixtures
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Slow drains that return after professional cleaning
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A green lawn patch or standing water (possible sewer leak)
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An unexplained spike in your water bill
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Every homeowner dreads plumbing issues. Maybe you are dealing with a leaky faucet or low water pressure and are wondering if you should repair the issue or consider a complete replacement. Fortunately, we understand the worries that come with plumbing problems. This guide will help you understand when to opt for a repair and when to replace your plumbing system.
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Plumbing Issues Your House Might Be Facing
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Your home's plumbing system constantly works behind the scenes to bring in clean water and remove wastewater. With all that action, it is natural for issues to arise. Here are some common plumbing problems you may experience:
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Clogged pipes: The buildup of grease, food particles and other debris often causes clogged pipes. These substances can increase the pressure in the pipes, which can cause leaks or bursts.
Faulty water heater: Water heater issues can result from sediment buildup or issues with the thermostat. Minerals in the water settle at the bottom of the heater and may reduce its efficiency.
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Running toilets: Problems with the flapper valve or fill valve can cause running toilets. These components can wear down or become misaligned, resulting in continuous water flow.
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Low water pressure: Low water pressure can stem from clogged pipes, leaks or sediment buildup. Sometimes, it signals corrosion, which can narrow the pipes and restrict water flow.
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Irregular watercolor: Yellow or brown water can happen when older pipes corrode or when sediment builds up. Rusty water is unappealing and can stain fixtures and laundry.
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Stagnant water in your yard: If you notice unexplained wet patches or standing water in your yard, it could be caused by leaky pipes.
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Frozen pipes: Pipes are prone to freezing during winter. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to burst. Even if a pipe doesn't burst immediately, the pressure can weaken it.
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How to Determine When It Is Time to Repair or Replace Your Plumbing
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Here is how to tell when a repair might suffice and when it is smarter to invest in a replacement.
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1. Frequent Leaks
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If you are experiencing persistent leaks, it could mean your pipes are nearing the end of their life span. A single leak is often repairable, but consistent leaks may signal an issue with the plumbing system. Repeatedly patching leaks can add up in cost and cause water damage to your home. Replacing the pipes or the entire plumbing system can be a better long-term solution.
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2. Corroded Pipes and Discolored Water
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Corroded pipes affect water quality and may weaken the plumbing system's components. Replacing old pipes can resolve water quality issues and ensure clean water flows through your fixtures. If the discoloration only occurs with hot water, your water heater may need a flush or replacement.
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3. Strange Odors
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Water that smells metallic or sulfuric suggests issues within the plumbing system. Metallic or rusty smells indicate corrosion, while sulfur-like odors may point to bacteria growth. If these odors persist, consult a plumber to replace your plumbing system.
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4. Cracks in Pipes or Fixtures
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Cracks often lead to leaks, which can damage surrounding areas, attract mold growth and increase your water bill. Smaller cracks may be repairable, but replacing cracked pipes or fixtures is better. Contact a professional for plumbing pipe repairs.
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5. Slow Drainage
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If you are constantly dealing with slow drains — even after repeated professional cleaning — it could signal damaged or narrowed pipes. Buildup accumulates in aging pipes and further restricts water flow. A licensed plumber can clear these clogs and restore normal water flow. Replacing pipes will improve drainage and prevent ongoing issues.
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6. Green Lawn or Standing Water
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A bright green lawn in specific patches may look healthy, but it could actually signal a sewer line leak. Sewer leaks release biological waste into the soil and create lush growth in affected areas. If you notice unusually green patches, standing water or a foul odor in your yard, contact a professional for a sewer line replacement.
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7. Increase in Water Bill
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A sudden increase in your water bill might point to a leak. Look for visible leaks, and if you can't locate the issue, a plumber can help you identify the source. If you discover multiple small leaks or have aging pipes, replacing them with newer material may bring your bill back to normal.
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Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Your Home Plumbing System
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Each season brings different plumbing challenges, so here are a few essential maintenance tasks to focus on throughout the year to keep your system in good shape.
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Spring Plumbing Maintenance
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Spring is ideal for a full plumbing checkup after the winter. Follow this upkeep checklist to ensure your system is ready for the months ahead:
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Inspect for leaks and damage from freezing temperatures.
Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home.
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Clean out gutters and check downspouts.
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Have a plumber inspect your sewer system.
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Cover outdoor spigots.
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Drain water pipes.
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Winter Plumbing Maintenance
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Cold winter conditions can lead to frozen pipes. Here are precautions you can take to protect your system:
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Keep cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate.
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Let faucets drip slightly.
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Seal hot and cold water pipes.
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Check the basement and crawl space for leaks.
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How to Choose a Plumber in New York
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Here is how to vet plumbing professionals in Syracuse.
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Look for Licensed and Local Professionals
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Choosing a licensed plumber means working with a qualified professional who prioritizes safety and follows relevant codes. Additionally, local experience is invaluable. New York's specific climate, water quality and environmental conditions require plumbing professionals familiar with Syracuse who can offer insights and solutions for your home's plumbing system.
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Consider Their Range of Services
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A reliable plumber should offer a comprehensive range of services. This includes emergency repairs, scheduled maintenance and expertise in various plumbing issues. This expertise means you get an all-in-one provider to meet your needs.
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Ensure Upfront Pricing and Transparency
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No one likes hidden fees or unexpected costs. A reputable plumber will provide upfront pricing and transparent quotes so you can budget accordingly. Look for a plumber who explains the project's scope, discusses potential additional costs and provides written estimates. Some plumbers value upfront pricing with no overtime charges, so you know what you are working with before any job begins.
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Evaluate Their Customer Service and Professionalism
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Customer service quality can tell you a lot about a plumber's professionalism. Seek companies that treat you with respect, are courteous and provide clear communication. Additionally, look for professionals who take safety precautions and keep their work areas clean.
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Prioritize Emergency Availability
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Plumbing emergencies do not follow a schedule, so issues like a burst pipe or sewer backups need immediate attention. Partner with a plumbing company that offers emergency services so you are covered when an issue arises. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse offers emergency plumbing repairs in towns across Syracuse, so you have access to help when you need it most.
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Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Plumbing Repairs in Syracuse, NY
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Choosing the right plumber can make all the difference in the quality and reliability of your plumbing system. Mr. Rooter of Greater Syracuse has a team of licensed plumbers ready to assist with plumbing leak detection or any plumbing-related project. Our professionals can address routine maintenance, plumbing pipe replacement or sewer line replacement.
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No matter what your plumbing needs are, we're here to serve residential and commercial customers in Syracuse, NY. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
