Septic vs. Sewer: The Differences & Which Is Right for You

Deciding between a septic system and sewer services? It’s an essential choice for homeowners in Fayetteville, Raleigh-Durham, or the Triangle area. These systems manage your home’s waste, and understanding the differences is crucial for the health and safety of your household. With over 70 years of experience, Blanton’s Air, Plumbing & Electric will guide you through this process.

For expert advice, schedule a consultation today by calling Blanton’s Air at [site_info_phone_number] for Fayetteville or [site_info_phone_number] for the Triangle area.

Septic Basics & What To Know

A septic system is a waste disposal unit typically found in rural areas. It’s a self-contained unit with a septic tank for waste collection and a drain field for filtration.

How Does a Septic System Work?

A septic system functions as a personal sewage treatment facility for a home. When waste leaves your house, it travels through plumbing pipes into the septic tank, a buried, water-tight container. The waste separates into three layers in the tank: sludge, solids that sink to the bottom, or scum, which is oil and grease that floats to the top, and a middle layer of partially clarified wastewater.

The clarified wastewater in the middle layer is pushed into the drain field as new wastewater enters the tank. The drain field, a series of buried perforated pipes, releases the wastewater into the soil. The soil naturally filters the wastewater, removing harmful bacteria and viruses before reaching groundwater.

Pros & Cons of Septic Systems

Pros

• Can be more cost-effective over time
• Self-contained, reducing reliance on city systems

Cons

• Regular pumping and maintenance are required
• System backups can cause significant issues
• Plumbers like Blanton’s don’t work on septic systems, making repairs and maintenance more difficult to get done

Remember, a septic system might be your only option if you live in an area without municipal sewer service. Most of your septic issues will be caused by backups and clogs, which can cause backflow into your home and yard. Having a septic system requires homeowners to be comfortable with DIY repairs.

Learning About Home Sewer Services

In contrast, sewer systems are prevalent in cities like Fayetteville and Raleigh. Your home’s waste travels to a city-operated waste treatment facility through sewer lines.

Where Does My Home’s Waste Go in a Sewer System?

Sewer systems are communal waste management systems managed by municipalities or local government bodies. When waste leaves your house, it travels through a network of sewer pipes until it reaches a sewage treatment plant. These pipes are much larger than those in your home and are designed to carry waste from many households.

The waste undergoes a multi-stage process at the sewage treatment plant, including physical, biological, and chemical treatment to remove contaminants. The process involves separating solids from the water, breaking down organic matter, killing bacteria, and chemically treating the water. The treated water is then released back into local water systems, and the waste solids and sludge are often further treated and used in agriculture or safely disposed of in landfills.

Pros & Cons of Municipal Sewer Systems

Pros

• Minimal maintenance for homeowners
• Plumbers like Blanton’s Air can easily handle any sewer work

Cons

• Monthly usage fees
• Potential for sewer line problems

Choosing the Right Plumbing System for Your Home

Whether you opt for a septic system or sewer service largely depends on your home’s location, local infrastructure, and preference for home responsibilities. A septic system might be your only option if you’re in a more rural area. If you’re in the Triangle area, Fayetteville, or Raleigh, a sewer system is a better choice because it is easily accessible, with lower maintenance needs, and the convenience of available professional services.

Meet All Your Plumbing Needs With Blanton’s

Blanton’s hires the most experienced professionals to perform highly trained and certified plumber services through Raleigh-Durham and the Fayetteville area. Whether you want to discuss sewage options for your home or need other plumbing services, we’re the team clients trust with their plumbing.