by Deborah Michelle Jordan

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

Before buying a home with a septic tank or having one installed, one needs to understand what a septic system is, and the difference between a septic tank and a traditional sewer system. For the purpose of this discussion, wastewater includes waste from the sink, garbage disposal, shower, bathtub, toilet, dishwasher and clothes washing machine.

Sewer systems are usually managed by the local municipality or city. Sewage is extracted from the home via a system of underground pipes or tunnels and transported to a central location for treatment. The cost for these services is billed to the homeowner. Sewer systems are maintenance-free as far as the homeowner is concerned. If a pipe bursts or something goes wrong, it is the city's job to make repairs.

Septic systems operate and treat wastewater on the homeowner's property. The cost of a septic tank varies based on its size and ranges anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. Wastewater is treated through natural bacteria that proliferate in the tank and a specialized system of draining, as follows:

1) sewage pours into the tank via plumbing from the home
2) solid matter sinks to the bottom of the tank and water rises to the top
3) solid matter is broken down by bacteria
4) water exits the system into an elaborate grid of plumbing pipes and soaks into the ground, away from the home and beneath the surface of the visible earth.

Septic tanks are available in different sizes, based on the number of people living in the home or the estimated occupancy of a home. The tank has a lid on the top to allow for maintenance and is buried underground, along with the drain field pipes. They must be installed and operate in accordance with strict state and local laws. When buying a home with a septic tank, an inspection is often required by mortgage lenders.

Normally, a septic tank will operate with no problems. However, if excessive solid wastes are disposed into the tank, over time, the tank can become full and lose its ability to drain. If this happens, the tank should be drained by a qualified service.

Reducing the amount of paper products disposed in the toilet and food waste disposed by the kitchen garbage disposal, will add to the life of the septic tank and lower the probability of malfunction. Some homeowners have the water from their washing machines and/or dishwashers, plumbed to run outside onto the ground - this is called gray-water. Use of gray-water is not always allowed by city code.

Some prefer septic systems - there is no monthly bill that needs to be paid for sewage services. And still others, prefer the seamless operation of the city sewer. There isn't always a choice on which system to use, but when there is, an informed decision is the best decision.

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