If you own a home, you’ve probably had someone throw out terms like “you’re on septic” or “check with the city sewer department.” These phrases can be confusing, especially when you’re just trying to take care of your house.

Let’s take a closer look at septic systems vs. sewer systems. This breakdown will help you understand what each system does, how they’re different, and what kind of care they need.

The Basics of How Wastewater Leaves Your Home

When you flush a toilet, run the dishwasher, or take a shower, all that water has to go somewhere. The route it takes depends on whether you’re hooked up to a septic system or a sewer system. This section covers the key mechanics so you can visualize what’s happening behind the scenes.

What Is a Septic System?

A septic system is an independent setup located right on your property. Wastewater flows into an underground tank, where solids settle at the bottom, and lighter materials rise to the top. In the middle is a layer of relatively clear water. This liquid then travels to a septic drain field and seeps into the soil. The system uses natural processes and bacteria to treat wastewater without any help from the city.

What Is a Sewer System?

In a sewer system, your home is connected to a much larger network of underground pipes. Wastewater is carried away to a central treatment plant managed by the local municipality. These facilities are designed to treat waste on a large scale and release clean water back into the environment. The homeowner pays for access to this system through monthly sewer bills.

What the Difference Between a Septic System and a Sewer System Is

If you’re comparing options or trying to understand what your house already has, it’s helpful to know what the difference between a septic system and a sewer system is in day-to-day terms.

• Treatment Location: Septic systems treat waste on your property. Sewer systems send it away for centralized treatment.
• Responsibility: Septic systems are fully your responsibility — maintenance, inspections, and repairs. Sewer systems require you to maintain the pipe leading from your home, but the city handles the rest.
• Financial Setup: With a septic system, you pay for pumping and repairs as needed. With a sewer connection, you pay a monthly fee.

Cost and Maintenance of Septic Systems vs. Sewer Systems

No system is truly maintenance-free. Knowing what each requires can help you plan for the future and avoid unwanted surprises.

Septic System Maintenance

Owning a septic system means keeping up with a few regular tasks:

• Pumping the septic tank every three to five years to remove buildup.
• Watching what goes down the drain, avoiding bleach, grease, or non-biodegradable items.
• Protecting the drain field by not driving or planting deep-rooted trees over it.

Failing to keep up with these septic tank maintenance steps could lead to backups, smells, and a pricey repair job.

Sewer System Maintenance

Though sewer systems are more hands-off, problems can still pop up:

• Clogged or broken pipes between your home and the main line can cause backups.
• Tree roots can infiltrate older pipes and cause slow drainage.
• Grease or foreign objects can build up in the system over time, leading to clogs.

Although sewer systems generally don’t need regular pumping, clogs can still happen. In those cases, turn to A&J Sewer Service for sewer cleaning in Chicago.

Picking What’s Right for Your Home

So, what’s the better option? That really depends on where your home is, what infrastructure is available, and how hands-on you’re willing to be. Knowing what the difference between a septic system and a sewer system is can help you make an informed decision, or at least understand what you’ve got under your yard.

Some things to think about:

• Are you in a rural area with no city lines nearby? Septic may be your only option.
• Do you prefer fewer maintenance tasks and don’t mind a monthly bill? Sewer might make sense.
• Planning to stay long-term? Consider future costs and responsibilities.

Key Takeaways From the Septic Systems vs. Sewer Systems Comparison

So, what is the difference between a septic system and a sewer system? As you can see, the main difference lies in how and where wastewater is treated. Septic systems manage waste right on your property using a tank and drain field, while sewer systems carry it away to a municipal treatment plant.

Understanding these key differences in septic vs. sewer systems helps homeowners make smarter decisions about their home’s plumbing and future maintenance needs.

Need Help in Chicagoland? Call A&J Sewer Service!

If your septic or sewer system needs attention or you’re thinking about making a change, call A&J Sewer Service. We’ve been helping homeowners throughout Chicagoland for years. We offer reliable, respectful service backed by hands-on experience. Our technicians don’t just show up and do the job; they take the time to understand your system, talk through what’s going on, and recommend the right fix for your situation.

From septic tank pumping and inspections to sewer line rodding in Chicago, we handle the full range of wastewater issues. Schedule your appointment with A&J Sewer Service today!