The switch to a sewer main is something many homeowners with septic tanks consider. There are a variety of reasons why that switch could be a good decision, which include property value, pollution, subsidence and maintenance.
Pollution
One main reason that homeowners should consider the switch from a septic tank to the sewer is the fact that septic tanks can pollute. Water runoff from septic tanks can flow into streams, lakes, and oceans, carrying harmful bacteria along the way.
Property Value
Some may refuse to buy a home that is on a septic tank unless it is switched before the sell date. Homeowners that make the switch before selling will prevent that scenario. Avoiding last minute renovations is a great way to speed up the sale process.
Repair or Addition Permits
The city may block a homeowner from obtaining a permit on repairs and additions if they have a septic tank where there is easy access to the sewer main. A homeowner who wants to make repairs or additions should consider the switch from a septic tank to the sewer for this reason. Some reasons for the permit block may include the pollution factor, subsidence and rising water tables.
Odors
Septic tanks can cause odors during wet weather and other conditions, especially when not properly maintained. Homeowners need to do routine maintenance to avoid some of these odors. The switch from a septic tank to a sewer main can resolve problems with odors.
Subsidence
Septic systems are one cause for subsidence, which is the action of the ground sinking in or creating a sink hole. Subsidence can be a very dangerous phenomenon. It creates unstable ground. Homeowners who wish to avoid this can help prevent it by making the switch from a septic tank to a sewer main.
Maintenance
Those who own a septic tank are responsible for routine maintenance of the system. That maintenance should include removing solids every few years. Many do not like to do this and some just don’t. A lack of maintenance can cause pollution to nearby groundwater, which can eventually get into lakes, streams and neighboring wells. Any of these can cause disease in plants, animals and humans. Homeowners who wish to avoid maintenance should consider the switch from a septic tank to a sewer main to prevent this type of scenario.
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Another way that property values sometimes increase when a homeowner switches to centralized sewer: More of the property can be built on, because there is no need for a leach field. In some suburbs the introduction of central sewer has led to almost every house being enlarged/remodeled/replaced with a larger house.
More info is at SepticTankInfo.com
Miles Abernathy – February 23, 2009 , 6:16 PM
My septic tank stinks - help! I would love to get rid of it but don't have the cash. And we have subsidence too - talk about a s(t)ink hole! Could you elaborate a but more on removing solids - does that mean getting rid of an accumulation of fecal matter? Couldn't do it myself! Surely you can pay someone to do that for you…
Bad Smell – July 2, 2009 , 6:29 PM
will home owners insurance pay for septic to sewer switch
angela heath – September 10, 2009 , 5:10 PM