If your home is on a septic system in the Puget Sound area, there may come a time when you want to start using the city’s sewer services. This transition makes a lot of sense if the service is available because it will save you on maintenance costs in the future.
However, converting from septic to sewer isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. You’ll need the right infrastructure in place to make this transition, and the job will require professional intervention.
Hunt’s Services can assist with your septic to sewer conversion in Pierce, King, Kitsap or Thurston Counties. Call us at 253-533-7500 to learn more or book a consultation with our team.
What is a Septic to Sewer Conversion?
A septic-to-sewer conversion is when you disconnect a home or property from its septic system and connect it to a public or municipal sewer line. Septic systems are common in Puget Sound’s rural or suburban areas without public sewer lines.
These systems rely on a septic tank to treat wastewater on-site, while sewer systems transport wastewater to a centralized treatment facility for processing.
In a septic system, wastewater flows from your home into a septic tank, where solids are separated, and the liquid waste filters into the ground. While this type of system can work well for many years, it requires regular maintenance and can be problematic if you don’t manage it properly.
In comparison, sewer systems carry wastewater through underground pipes to a municipal treatment plant, such as the two Treatment Plants in Tacoma, offering a more consistent and regulated waste disposal method.
Converting from septic to sewer might be necessary when local regulations mandate the switch, particularly if a municipality extends its sewer lines to a previously underserved area.
In addition, if you’re going ahead with some property development, you might need a more reliable waste management system.
Conversions can improve property value and eliminate the maintenance and potential failures associated with septic systems, making them worth your consideration. Call Hunt’s Services at 253-533-7500 in King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Thurston counties to learn more.
Reasons to Convert from Septic to Sewer
There are several reasons homeowners may choose to convert from a septic system to a sewer connection.
For starters, sewer systems have a positive environmental impact compared to septic tanks. Septic tanks can sometimes leak or overflow, releasing untreated waste into the soil and nearby water sources. On the other hand, sewer systems direct wastewater to treatment plants, reducing the potential for pollution. Every municipality in Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue, Gig Harbor, and Olympia has sewer systems available to homeowners and businesses depending on your location.
While the initial conversion can be costly, sewer systems often lead to lower long-term maintenance costs. Septic tanks require regular pumping and maintenance and are prone to expensive repairs if they fail. A sewer connection eliminates these expenses.
Converting to a sewer system can make a home more appealing to potential buyers. Properties with septic systems are a higher risk due to the maintenance and repair needs. Homes connected to sewer systems are more reliable, potentially increasing property value.
Local authorities may require homeowners to switch from septic to sewer systems in some areas, especially if municipal sewer lines now extend to previously underserved regions. Areas such as Eatonville, Ravensdale, Covington, Black Diamond, Maple Valley, Rainier, Snoqualmie, Graham, Steilacoom, and Bonney Lake are cities and communities in Puget Sound that are on septic but could convert to sewer depending on their location.
No matter the benefits you’re after, Hunt’s Services can help. Call us at 253-533-7500 to begin the process.
The Septic to Sewer Conversion Process
Converting from septic to a city sewer connection involves several steps. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Assess Feasibility and Get Permits: The first step is to evaluate whether connecting to a sewer line is possible. Check if your property is within the service area of the municipal sewer system and determine the distance to the nearest connection point. You’ll also need to obtain the necessary permits from local authorities before beginning the work.
- Hire a Professional Contractor: It’s important to hire a licensed plumbing contractor with experience in septic-to-sewer conversions like Hunt’s Services. We will take care of every aspect of the installation, completing the job safely and up to code.
- Disconnect and Decommission the Septic System: The septic tank and system must be properly disconnected. This step involves pumping out any remaining waste from the septic tank and safely sealing it, eliminating environmental hazards. In some cases, you might want to remove the tank completely.
- Connect to the Municipal Sewer Line: The contractor will dig trenches and connect your home’s plumbing to the municipal sewer line. This step may involve significant excavation, especially if the connection point is far from your property.
- Inspections and Final Approvals: After completion, local authorities must inspect the installation to confirm it meets building codes and regulations.
- Backfill and Restore Property: After receiving approval, your contractor will backfill the trenches and restore the property to its original condition.
You can contact Hunt’s Services at 253-533-7500 to handle the conversion process. We’re available to serve you in King County, Pierce County, Kitsap County, and Thurston County in Western Washington.
