Public Sewer Systems Vs. Septic Systems
Public sewer systems are generally installed in cities and municipalities where the local government has decided the population is large enough to need a centralized system for sewage disposal. Septic systems are used by residents living outside of the city limits or in very small towns where a public sewer system is not financially feasible. Does this Spark an idea?
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How a Public Sewer System Works
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A public sewer system directs waste to a centralized water treatment facility where organic solids and sludge are removed, the water is treated and then discharged to a local water body. Many homes are able to connect to the system via gravity feed but sometimes lift pumps are employed to get the waste to the treatment plant.
How a Septic System Works
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A home septic system also uses gravity to transfer the waste into a holding tank where bacteria breaks down the solids and a liquid effluent is then released into the drainfield. The drainfield is a set of perforated pipes buried in the soil to allow the water to drain with the soil acting as a filter.
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Longevity
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Domestic septic systems have a life span of approximately 20 to 30 years.
Public Sewer System Benefits
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Being connected to a public sewer system can be very convenient for the homeowner who does not have to pay the installation cost of a septic system. Many issues, including taking the extra measures to break down solids and remove oils, are also undertaken by the public system and are not a concern to the homeowner.
Septic System Benefits
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However, being connected to a public system usually means living within a city or a town and continually paying for the service. The septic system, if properly installed and maintained, has fewer ongoing costs, but any problems with the system must be addressed by the homeowner.
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