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Some homebuyers who have always used a centralized/city sewer are leery of moving into a home with a septic system. While both centralized sewer and septic systems are a means to dispose of and treat wastewater, they both have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some advantages to owning a septic system.
(Note: This article is refers to absorptive septic systems, not aerobic systems, which come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.)
In most cases, centralized sewers are only available within city limits or in urban areas. San Antonio and the surrounding area continues to grow outside of the city where there is no city sewer available; therefore, a septic system is a cost effective — and in some cases the only — solution to disposing of and treating the wastewater from the residences.
All your wastewater goes down your drains, moves through the septic system, down into the soil beneath the drainfield, and eventually into the underground water supply.
So, really, the septic system filters and treats the wastewater and “recycles” the water you use inside the house.
Maintenance includes watching what you put down the drains and pumping out the tank.
Pumping out the tank helps prevent solids from entering the absorption area, increasing the longevity of the system and increasing the treatment process before the wastewater is “recycled” into our water supply.
Your septic system should be pumped every 3-5 years. Between pumpings there are lots of things you can do to keep your system healthy — here’s septic system do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
Homes that utilize centralized sewer systems pay a monthly fee for the service. If you have a septic system you don’t have a monthly service fee, but pumping expenses are the homeowner’s responsibility. In most cases, pumping cost is less than or equals the monthly fees over time.
Are you considering buying or building a home that uses a septic system? We offer consultations, inspections, and routine septic maintenance that can help you keep your system in good working order.
Want to know more? Download our free guide, Understanding and Maintaining Your Septic System.