by Tammy Winand

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

The basic difference between a sewer and a septic system is relatively simple. One is a public service offered by the local governement, the other is an option which must be maintained by the home-owner.

The sewer is a public utility which connects your home's plumbing to a local waste treatment plant via a network of pipes. Except in rural areas, most communities now offer the option (in some places it is mandatory) to be connected to the public sewer. Pipes move the home's water and waste to a central location where it is then treated to be reused or released into the environment. Because they are public utilities, home-owners are not responsible for the maintenance of sewer components on their property, but are required to pay a fee for their use.

A septic tank is a self-contained underground unit, ranging in size from 1000-2000 gallon capacity, on your property into which your home's waste water is funneled. The system relies on anaerobic bacteria to decompose the waster materials. Additives are available which are designed to increase the amount and rate of decomposition in septic tanks. However, periodic maintenance is still required to remove sold wastes which do not fully decompose.

Some common problems with septic tanks include over-topping (which occurs when too much water is let in), perforation by tree roots, or damage by other construction on the property. Other issues include damage from cooking grease and other household pollutants as well as clogging when non-biodegradable materials are flushed into the system.

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