Which is better? A Septic Tank or Public Sewage?

Question

Based on your environmental or financial knowledge and experience, would you prefer a septic tank or public sewage system in your neighborhood? Why? Anyone got any good sources? Thanks.

Answer 1

theY both STINK

Answer 2

I've installed both. From an environmental viewpoint I prefer septic tanks. You are returning back to the earth what came from it. As long as you are responsible about what you put in it, it is the simplest and a natural way to go. However, they are usually more expensive initially to install and require diligent maintenance to function properly and trouble free. Plus, they can only be located in a perkable area free of trees and bushes on your property which may require a pumping station and/or land clearing. For info about what can go wrong check the question that comes about 10 or 15 before yours.

Public sewers are easy to connect to and are relatively maintenance free except for the possibility of occasional stoppages. Everyone in the neighborhood would share the cost of the sewer mains being installed and individuals would pay for their hookups. Depending on the run lengths, it might be less or more expensive than septic systems. Then you will get to pay on a regular basis for the "privilege" of using it as long as you live there. Cost of use is based on the amount of water consumption. If you are on a well the cost is determined by factors such as number of bedrooms, bathrooms and occupants.

If you already have a septic system I'd say stay with it. Keep in mind though, if this is a community decision you may not have a choice.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

A public sewer system comes with maintenance fees. Therefore, a private septic tank is cheaper.
A public sewer system, however, is much more tolerant to stuff being flushed down the toilet than a septic system.
Septic systems require a bacterial and enzyme balance for their proper functioning.
If large amounts of toilet paper or anything other than poop is flushed into a septic system, the septic tank can overfill and require pumping out.
You should also avoid flushing bleach or any other harsh chemicals into a septic system as it kills the bacteria and enzymes that make it work.
It's a trade-off:
1. Public sewer costs monthly maintenance fees payable to the city but tolerates ignorance by the user
2. Septic tank, with proper maintenance, is a lot cheaper in the long run. It does cost an initial amount to set up. This, for a 4-bedroom household, can run $10,000 - $15,000.

Answer 4

If the public sewer system is available you will be required to connect to it. It is more expensive in the long run than a septic unless you don't maintain your septic tank well and clog the leach field. In a heavily occupied area public sewer is much better than septic where you have to worry about runoff contaminating the groundwater. If you live in a very rural area there is nothing wrong with using a septic system, only when the density rises above a certain level.

Answer 5

Septic systems require maintenance, clean out and a lot don'ts. Don't run too much water into them, don't put too much food into them, don't put too many chemicals in them, etc. Septics also require land to absorb the the exiting water. When the land becomes saturated, it can be a source of E-coli. Septic systems are an alternative when public sewer is not available. Public sewer is by far the better choice.

Answer 6

A Public Sewage System! Too many people in the neighborhood not too far from mine are famous for complaining on the news and in the newspaper about sewae backup. It creeps into their yards and everywhere, which some say is an annoyance especially when their children are playing outside. Public Sewage is definitely a good thing

Answer 7

having a septic tank is a lot cheaper in the long run

Answer 8

Public sewage is required if you're able to connect to it, but a private system is better if it isn't economically feasible to connect to a public system.