When considering purchasing a home, planning any type of major renovation, or simply maintaining your property, an important question homeowners will often ask is: “Does my house have a septic tank?”. The simple and short answer is, not every house has a septic tank. The answers also depend on various factors such as location of the home., zoning regulations, and infrastructure availability to accommodate the septic tank in the first place.
In this post, we’ll be exploring the ins and outs of septic tanks, municipal sewer systems, and how to best determine the appropriate wastewater system your home can thrive on. Additionally, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each system, the maintenance requirements involved, and how to properly handle any potential issues which may arise. Feel free to contact us should you have any immediate questions and we’ll be happy to help!
Every home requires a method to dispose of wastewater from household drain systems, including sinks, showers, toilets, and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. The two most common disposal methods include:
Septic Systems – These systems are private, self-contained systems which treat and dispose of household wastewater on your property
Municipal Sewer Systems – These systems are publicly managed infrastructure which carry wastewater from multiple properties to a focused, centralized treatment facility to be processed accordingly.
Both of these systems have similar outcomes, which is to safely process and dispose of any and all wastewater your home produces. The primary differences consist of their operation, maintenance, and associated costs.
No, not every home has a septic tank. The specific type of wastewater system a home will utilize depends on multiple factors, including:
Homes within urban areas and suburban areas will usually be connected to a municipal sewer system, as the city or township infrastructure is purposely designed to best accommodate the denser populations you’ll see within these environments.
Homes located in rural areas will predominantly rely on septic systems, as extending sewer lines to lower population areas is often impractical and quite costly.
Certain municipalities will require homes within their locale to connect to a public sewer system when available.
Certain areas will have sewer lines which are inaccessible, therefore requiring homeowners to install a septic tank to properly manage wastewater.
If you have an older home, you may have a septic tank, especially if your home was once deemed “rural”, but is now surrounded by newer built homes.
In neighborhoods under development, there may be a temporary septic system installed until the sewer lines have expanded.
Larger properties with a plenty of land will be able to easily accommodate a septic system, making septic systems much more common in rural areas.
Smaller properties, more so in city environments, will nearly always rely on municipal sewer lines, as there is simply not enough space for a septic drain field within their immediate area.
If you’re unsure of whether or not your home has a septic tank, below you’ll find a few different tips to help you better determine if you do or do not have a septic tank:
Local government offices, or even local health departments will usually keep records of a property's wastewater system.
A simple title search or property deed may also be of assistance when it comes to helping you determine whether or not a septic system is present.
Are you receiving a monthly sewer bill from the city? Then you’re likely connected to a municipal sewer system.
If you don’t receive a sewer bill, you most likely have a septic tank.
Have you noticed any large, round, or rectangular lids or covers in your yard area? These covers, if present, will often be located near your home, yet still far enough away for safety and cleanliness. These lids or covers will often indicate the presence of a septic tank.
If a drain field is present, there may be slightly raised or discolored patches of land or grass. This could be a sign of a septic system.
Any qualified plumber or septic professional will be able to come out to your property and conduct an inspection to best determine if your home does indeed have a septic tank.
The plumber or septic professional can also provide you with information about the septic tank’s overall condition and maintenance history.
Septic tanks and sewer systems each have their respective advantages and disadvantages, which will likely influence a homeowner's decision when choosing to purchase a specific property:
No Monthly Sewer Bills – As septic systems are independently operated, you won’t have to worry about monthly sewer bills, which ends up resulting in money saved over time.
Eco-Friendly – Septic tanks are able to naturally filter wastewater prior to successfully returning it to the environment within your property.
Long-Term Cost Savings – With the right level of maintenance, a septic system will sometimes be able to last decades.
Regular Maintenance Required – Regular maintenance is a must, as septic systems will need to be professionally pumped every 3-7 years to prevent any overflows or clogs.
Potential for System Failures – If your septic system is not properly maintained, general backups, foul odors, and groundwater contamination may occur.
Initial Installation Costs – Initial installation costs of a septic system may cost anywhere from $3,000 - $10,000, depending on the type of septic system and the size of the septic system.
Low Maintenance for Homeowners – The city in which your home is located will handle all wastewater treatment and infrastructure maintenance.
Reliable Waste Management – There are certainly less risks of backups or malfunctions when compared to septic tanks.
No Need for Large Drain Fields – Municipal sewer systems will not require extra yard space for wastewater processing.
Monthly Sewer Fees – Homeowners must pay their sewer bills each and every month, which will vary in cost from city to city and overall levels of household water usage.
Limited Control – If there is ever a municipal sewer issue, you’re reliant on your local municipal sewer system authorities to resolve the problem.
Risk of Sewer Line Backups – If there’s a blockage in the city’s sewer system, it may end up leading to backups across multiple homes which are connected to the municipal sewer system.
If you’re house hunting or selling your home, and the home has a septic tank, certain steps and inspections are necessary:
Many states will require a full septic inspection before the home can be sold.
A licensed professional (usually a plumber or septic professional) will check the septic system for any leaks, necessary repairs, and also check for proper functionality.
Before purchasing a home with a septic system, it’s a smart move to have the tank pumped. This not only helps assess the current condition of the system, but also gives the new homeowner a clean slate—avoiding the risk of an unexpected maintenance bill soon after moving in.
Buyers should always ask when the septic tank was last pumped and whether any regular maintenance has been done. A long gap between pumpings—especially if the current homeowner has lived in the house for decades without service—could indicate potential issues, including system overload or field damage. In such cases, immediate pumping and possibly further repairs may be required.
The new homeowner will inherit any and all responsibility for maintaining the septic system once the home is transferred into their name.
Potential buyers should inquire about past maintenance records and potential future costs of the septic system when considering the purchase of the home.
Yes, it is possible, but it’s likely going to be quite costly and involved.
Confirm Availability – Always be sure to contact local authorities to see if the sewer line is accessible.
Obtain Permits – Many areas will require proper permitting prior to making the switch from septic to sewer.
Hire a Licensed Contractor – Hiring a qualified professional, either a plumber or a septic specialist, to handle the sewer connection and decommission your previous septic tank will be helpful.
Decommission the Septic Tank – The septic must be fully pumped, filled, and sealed.
$3,000–$10,000 for standard connections
Costs may increase if the sewer line is far away from the property or if any major excavation is required
No, not every house has a septic tank. Homes which are located in urban and suburban areas will most commonly use municipal sewer systems. Rural properties will likely use septic systems. If you are unsure of whether or not your home’s wastewater system is a municipal sewer system or septic system, check your property records, inspect your yard, and consult with professionals if you’re still unsure.
Each system has its positives and negatives, and all homeowners should be aware of their overall maintenance responsibilities. Whether you’re buying a home, selling a home, or considering switching from a septic system to a sewer system, you’ll want long-term homeownership success, every step of the way. Browse through our wide array of septic supply products by clicking the button below. We look forward to working with you soon!
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