What's the Difference Between Septic and Sewer?

Apr 05, 2023

What's the Difference Between Septic and Sewer?

When it comes to wastewater treatment, homeowners and businesses have two main options: septic systems and sewer systems. Understanding the differences between the two systems will help you make an informed decision about which system is best suited for their needs.

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Mitch Kranes

Tim Grant of Septic Blue performed our septic system service. He was fantastic. Tank had not been serviced in a…

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Tim P.

Bret Brooks arrived on time, was completely professional and courteous.  I needed my septic tank pumped and a riser installed.…

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Ashley Maylott

We are renovating a home that has a septic tank. We contacted Septic Blue and scheduled an appointment. They came…

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Eric Lehtinen

Bret was professional and courteous.  Bret walked me through his process and explained everything to me.  When it came to…

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Here at Septic Blue of Charlotte, we are a professional septic company offering a range of services, including septic tank installation, septic tank pumping, septic tank repair, and more. We understand the differences between septic systems and sewer systems thanks to our expertise and experience in the field. If you’re trying to figure out which is the better choice for your property, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s look at the differences between septic and sewer systems.

What Is A Septic System And How Does It Work?

A septic system is an on-site wastewater treatment system that is used to treat and dispose of wastewater. It consists of a septic tank and a drainfield, which is an area of soil that is used to filter and treat the wastewater. When wastewater flows from a house into the septic tank, the solid waste settles to the bottom of the tank and is broken down by bacteria. The liquid wastewater then flows out of the tank and into the drainfield, where it is further treated by the soil before being absorbed into the groundwater. A septic system can be more cost-effective than a sewer system, particularly in rural areas.

What Is A Sewer System And How Does It Work?

A sewer system is a network of pipes that carry wastewater from multiple homes and businesses in an area. The wastewater flows from homes and businesses through pipes and into larger sewer lines, which transport the wastewater to a treatment plant. At the treatment plant, the wastewater is treated and disinfected before being released into a river or other body of water. A sewer system provides a centralized approach to wastewater treatment; hence, it’s suitable for densely populated areas.

What Are the Differences Between Septic and Sewer Systems?

A septic system is owned, operated, and maintained by the individual property owner, while a sewer system is owned and operated by a municipal or regional authority. When it comes to wastewater treatment, a septic system enables property owners to treat wastewater on-site within the septic tank and drainfield. In a sewer system, wastewater is treated at a centralized treatment plant. In terms of capacity, a septic system is designed to handle the wastewater of a single household or commercial property, while a sewer system is designed to handle the wastewater output of an entire area.

Professional Septic Services

Perhaps you’re considering installing a modern septic system in your new home, or your existing septic system is in disrepair and you’re in need of professional septic repair services. When you’re in need of reliable septic system services, you can trust the team at Septic Blue of Charlotte to get the job done right. Here at Septic Blue of Charlotte, we offer dependable and cost-effective septic system services, including septic installations, septic tank pumping, septic tank repair, septic system maintenance, and many more.

Call Septic Blue of Charlotte today to schedule an appointment.