Life at home often feels like a balancing act. Between managing bills, cooking dinner, keeping laundry from piling up, and maybe even helping kids with homework, there is already a lot to think about. With so much happening above ground, it’s easy to forget that something just as important is happening underground. Each time water leaves your sink, toilet, or shower, it has to go somewhere. How that water and waste are handled depends on the type of system your home relies on.
That’s where the septic vs. sewer systems conversation begins. It may not be the first thing on your mind when buying or maintaining a home, but it makes a big difference in cost, care, and even long-term property value. Let’s walk through the difference between a septic system and a sewer system, how to figure out which one your house uses, and why it matters for you as a homeowner.
Septic vs. Sewer Systems Explained
At a basic level, both systems serve the same purpose: they handle wastewater safely and direct it away from your home. The way they achieve this, however, is very different.
How a Sewer System Works
In a sewer system, wastewater flows from your home into underground pipes connected to a larger network. This network carries the water to a municipal sewage treatment plant, where it goes through wastewater treatment processes that remove solids, treat pollutants, and release clean water back into the environment.
How a Septic System Works
In a septic system, everything stays on your property. Wastewater flows into a buried septic tank where bacteria break down solids. The liquid portion, called effluent, moves into a septic drain field, where soil naturally filters it before it reaches groundwater. Over time, solids settle at the bottom as sludge and need to be pumped out to keep the system healthy.
Septic Systems vs. Sewer Systems: Who Handles the Responsibility?
One of the biggest differences between these systems is who is responsible for keeping them in working order.
Who Maintains a Sewer System
A public sewer system shifts responsibility to the municipality. Homeowners pay a monthly bill for access, and in return, the city manages the larger infrastructure, the treatment plants, and the main sewer lines. Your only responsibility is the line that runs from your home to the public connection. If that line cracks, clogs, or needs line repair, it becomes your responsibility to fix it, but the city takes care of the rest.
Who Maintains a Septic System
With a septic system, the responsibility belongs to the homeowner. That means scheduling regular septic tank pumping, arranging inspection, and watching for signs of problems such as odors, soggy patches in the yard, or drains that move slowly. Services like septic tank rejuvenation or septic enzyme treatments can help restore function and support the system’s bacteria.
The Difference Between a Septic System and a Sewer System in Terms of Maintenance
Maintenance is often the area where homeowners notice the most contrast. The two systems have very different requirements, and understanding these helps you plan for the future.
Sewer System Maintenance
A public sewer system usually requires little from the homeowner. As long as household drains are used properly and items that do not belong in the pipes are kept out, maintenance is minimal. The main concern is the sewer line that connects your home to the public system. Tree root intrusion, broken pipes, or clogs may require professional sewer line repair, but the bulk of the work takes place at the wastewater treatment facility managed by the city.
Septic System Maintenance
A septic system requires more active involvement. The tank must be pumped every few years to prevent solids from building up. The septic drain field must remain free from excess water, heavy equipment, or structures that could interfere with drainage. Treatments and inspections help maintain the balance of bacteria, allowing them to continue breaking down waste effectively. Skipping maintenance often leads to problems such as odors, contamination, or backups inside the home.
How to Tell If a House Is on Sewer or Septic
Knowing what type of system a property uses can help you prepare for costs and responsibilities. There are several reliable ways to determine if a house is on sewer or septic.
- Review the Water Bill: A quick glance at the water bill can provide an answer. If you see a line item for sewer service, the home is connected to the public system.
- Look for a Septic Tank: Homes with septic systems usually have a visible access point in the yard. This may appear as a lid or cover that allows for septic tank pumping or inspection.
- Ask for Property Disclosure: Homeowners selling a property are generally required to disclose whether the home has a septic system or a sewer connection. If you are buying, request this information before making a decision.
- Contact Local Authorities: Your local municipality will have records showing which properties are tied to public sewer lines. This is a reliable way to confirm the system type if you’re unsure.
Accessibility and Infrastructure Differences
Another key difference between septic systems and sewer systems is accessibility. Where you live often determines which system is available.
Sewer Systems in Urban Areas
Sewer systems require extensive infrastructure, including large sewer lines, treatment plants, and pumping stations. This makes them practical in cities and suburban neighborhoods where many homes are close together.
Septic Systems in Rural Areas
Septic systems are more common in rural areas where it is not practical or affordable to build miles of sewer lines. For homeowners in these areas, a septic system is often the only option.
Call Us Today for Septic and Sewer Solutions That Last
Wastewater systems may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. Whether you’re dealing with a septic setup that needs attention or a sewer connection that requires repair, knowing who to call makes life a lot easier.
At Tidy Tank Plumbing, Sewer, and Septic, we proudly serve homeowners in McHenry County, Lake County, and the surrounding areas in Illinois. Our services cover everything from septic tank pumping to sewer line repair.
Don’t wait until you’re dealing with an overflowing toilet or a clogged drain. Schedule a service with us today and let our team keep your home’s waste management running smoothly above and below ground!