by Laura Seddon

Created on: September 03, 2008   Last Updated: October 07, 2008

Septic systems and sewer systems both serve the same function of removing wastewater and sewage from your home.

Sewer systems usually serve a city. Your home's sewage flows through pipes to a larger main sewer pipe. It then flows to a central sewage treatment plant, where the solid waste is separated from the liquid waste, then disposed of or incinerated. The liquid waste is treated so that the water can be used again.

Homeowners pay for the sewers with property taxes and sewer fees. When a new home is connected to the sewer system, a service hook-up fee is charged. This fee is built into the cost of a new home. City workers perform maintenance of the sewage system.

In rural areas a septic system often needs to be used. Septic systems consist of a holding tank and a drainage area called a "weeping bed". The holding tank allows the wastewater to flow into the weeping bed, while the solid waste sinks to the tank's bottom. The weeping bed is several long pipes buried in sand and fine gravel. The pipes, or "weeping tiles" have holes in them to allow the wastewater to seep out slowly onto the weeping bed.

Just as in the sewer system, the solids and liquids are separated. Bacteria further break down the solids. For a septic tank to work, it needs these bacteria. When using a septic tank, you should not use harsh cleaning chemicals that will kill the bacteria. The liquid waste is filtered through the sand and fine gravel.

Septic tanks need to be pumped out when full. How often depends on tank and family size. An average family would need to pump out the tank once every two or three years. The cost of sewage pumping varies by location.

Tampons cannot be flushed as they plug the weepers, then the bed has to be dug up and the weeping tile replaced. In areas with cold winters, septic systems can freeze, rendering them useless. The tank and weepers cannot handle too much fluid at once. Septic user's live by the motto "if its yellow; let it mellow, if its brown; flush it down."

We all need to dispose of our wastewater and sewage. A septic system needs to be maintained, and is prone to problems without proper care. Sewer systems, on the other hand are convenient and efficient. In rural areas, however, septic systems let people enjoy everyday conveniences such as dishwashers and indoor flush toilets.

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