Septic to Sewer Conversion
Septic to Sewer Conversion:
What You Need to Know…
Generally speaking, cities and towns, and their immediate surrounding areas, will be on sewer systems that are maintained by the local public works department. If a neighborhood is outside the area serviced by the local sewer system, the homes will generally use a septic system to handle waste water.
Septic Tank Decommissioning
If you would like to discontinue use of your septic and connect to the municipal sewer, you must hire a licensed plumbing contractor to assure proper decommissioning methods are followed. This will help ensure that our health, safety and environment are protected.
Septic tanks are full of untreated wastewater. Wastewater is loaded with contaminants including bacteria, viruses, parasites and nitrates which can cause diseases or other health or environmental problems. If abandoned and not properly decommissioned, wastewater will eventually leak out, contaminating the soil, groundwater and polluting local watercourses.
First All Service Plumbers and the homeowner must obtain all the necessary permits. There is generally a tie-in fee that the homeowner must pay. It is not cheap, but keep in mind that it cost the town a lot of money and time to run the new sewer line down your road. You can contact your local town sewer department to find out about the different permits.
The Process
Septic tanks that have not been properly taken out of service can also create a safety hazard. If an abandoned septic tank has not been filled in with soil, the lid or top of the tank may collapse or cave in. There have been serious injuries and even deaths caused by a fall into an abandoned septic tank when the lid collapsed.
Note: Septic systems can include holding tanks, pretreatment tanks, pump chambers and advanced treatment units.
By hiring a licensed plumbing contractor, homeowners will have the peace-of mind that their family’s health and safety is protected.
Septic Tank to Sewer Conversion
Converting your home from a septic system to a municipal sewer system is theoretically a very straightforward process. A licensed contractor, digs up the waste pipe between the house and septic tank, intercepts and re-routes to the sewer main taking the path of least resistance.Most cities do not require you to tie into public sewer, and if you have a newer septic system it might be better to just wait. However, the cost of installing and maintaining a new septic is much higher than paying a quarterly sewer bill. The sewer line is also maintenance and headache free.The biggest advantages of Sewer vs. septic is that it increases a home’s value. New buyers often use this as leverage against a seller when a house is on septic but sewer is available. “I’ll pay your asking price but I want you to convert to sewer before close of escrow.”Another benefit, some cities ARE NOT septic friendly and often will not permit repairs to septic system when sewer is available. In addition some cities WILL NOT permit pools, room additions, or remodeling when on septic if sewer is available.
Requirements for Septic Tank Abandonment Code
When wastewater disposal systems are abandoned, a septic tank must have the sewage removed by a licensed septic tank pumper, and must be crushed in place or completely filled with compacted soil, concrete, or other approved material, as required by the Uniform Plumbing Code. Depending on specific site conditions, disinfection may also be required.
If your septic system is still in relatively good condition, it may not always be in your best interest to abandon your septic tank. While it makes perfect sense to get rid of a septic system that’s always backing up into the house, a septic system in good condition may continue to serve your family well for more than a decade.
If you haven’t had issues with your septic system, be sure to carefully evaluate all the costs involved. Not only will you have to pay for the septic tank abandonment, but you’ll also have to pay the city to hook up to their sewer system, as well as any monthly sewer fees they may charge. When your system is giving you trouble, you may find that the cost of septic tank abandonment and sewer access is quite a bit more than repairing your system or even replacing the existing septic tank.
Septic Tank Removal Contractor
If you’re in need of septic to Sewer conversion, contact All Service Plumbing. We provide plumbing repair, drain cleaning, maintenance, and installation of septic systems throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. Call us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. We’ll send a licensed plumber who is certified by Los Angeles County for plumbing leak detection or any plumbing related project.
