Converting from City Sewer to Septic Systems: A Major Decision That Requires Careful Planning and Professional Expertise
While most homeowners consider switching from septic to city sewer systems, there are unique circumstances where the opposite conversion becomes necessary. Whether due to municipal sewer failures, rural relocations, or infrastructure changes, converting from city sewer to a septic system represents a significant undertaking that requires extensive planning, permits, and professional expertise.
Understanding When This Conversion Might Be Necessary
Converting from city sewer to septic isn’t common, but several scenarios might make it necessary. A permit will not be issued for a new installation or repair of a septic tank system when a municipal sewer connection is available or within 200 feet of the property. In areas where public sewer is not available, home and property owners are legally required to have a septic system installed to treat wastewater coming from their home. This conversion might be required when moving to rural areas without municipal services, dealing with failed city infrastructure, or when local regulations change.
The Complex Permit Process
The permitting process for septic system installation is rigorous and varies significantly by location. A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF. A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF. The process typically involves multiple steps and agencies.
Your contractor must pull permits from your municipality (local health or environmental department) before breaking ground on your septic system. The city approves the contractor’s plan, including details such as septic tank placement. This approval process can take several weeks and requires detailed site evaluations.
Essential Site Evaluations and Requirements
Before any conversion can begin, comprehensive site evaluations are mandatory. Arrange for a preconstruction site evaluation by a licensed site evaluator or a licensed professional engineer. The evaluation includes conducting a survey of the entire lot, a soil analysis in the proposed disposal area, and identifying other criteria necessary to determine suitability for an OSSF system.
The soil analysis is particularly crucial because it determines the type of septic system that can be installed. A perc test measures the rate of soil absorption—essentially, how quickly the soil can drain water. It’s a necessary step before installing or making changes to a septic or drainage system.
Major Plumbing Modifications Required
Converting from city sewer to septic involves extensive plumbing modifications that go far beyond simple pipe connections. The existing plumbing system designed for city sewer must be completely reconfigured to accommodate septic system requirements.
A watertight, 4-inch diameter Schedule 40 PVC pipe should connect the septic tank to the plumbing drains of the home. Slope the pipe 1/4 inch per foot (1/8 inch per foot minimum) toward the tank. This precise grading is critical for proper function and differs significantly from city sewer connections.
Professional septic tank plumbing modifications also include installing proper cleanouts and ensuring all connections meet strict watertight requirements. Install cleanouts (Figure 3) every 50 feet (100 feet minimum) along the pipe or wherever the pipe turns corners sharper than 45 degrees.
Septic System Components and Installation
A complete septic system conversion involves installing multiple components that work together to treat wastewater. A septic tank system consists of three major components: the septic tank, a distribution device and an absorption field. A septic tank is a large, watertight, corrosion-resistant, buried container that receives raw sewage from the plumbing drains of the home.
The septic tank must be properly sized based on the home’s requirements. The tank must retain at least two days (48 hours) of sewage flow from the house; size is based on the number of bedrooms in the dwelling. Current regulations specify a sewage quantity of 120 gallons flow per day per bedroom for design purposes.
Professional Installation Requirements
Most jurisdictions require professional installation due to the complexity and safety considerations involved. Most municipalities require a licensed contractor to build a septic system, as it is a complex plumbing project that must adhere to many local codes. Contact at least three local licensed septic tank installers to ensure you hire a knowledgeable installer.
The installation process involves precise excavation, proper tank placement, and careful attention to grades and connections. The depth of excavation must be determined before setting the tank to insure that the building sewer pipe can maintain the minimum/maximum grade set by the plumbing code once it is connected to the tank inlet fitting. Similarly, the effluent sewer pipe that connects to the tank outlet fitting must have a minimum fall of 2 inches, and maintain a minimum grade of 4 inches per 100 feet.
Ongoing Maintenance Considerations
Unlike city sewer systems, septic systems require regular maintenance that homeowners must manage. Septic maintenance includes inspecting the entire system every 1 to 3 years and pumping the tank every 3 to 5 years. The frequency for pumping the septic tank depends on the tank size, number of people in the household, the water habits and use, if a garbage disposal is used, and the amount of solids accumulated in the tank.
Why Professional Expertise Matters
Converting from city sewer to septic represents one of the most complex residential plumbing projects possible. All Rooter Plumbing, serving the Chicago area, understands these complexities. We’re dedicated to keeping your plumbing running smoothly and providing honest, reliable service at a fair price. People who need plumbing services in the Chicago area choose All Rooter for a number of reasons, some of which include: Local Expertise: We know Chicago’s plumbing inside and out.
The company’s commitment to quality service extends to complex septic installations. Fast Response Times: We’ll be there when you need us most. Satisfaction Guaranteed: Your happiness is our top priority.
Planning for Success
Converting from city sewer to septic systems requires careful planning, professional expertise, and significant investment. The process involves multiple permits, extensive site evaluations, major plumbing modifications, and ongoing maintenance responsibilities. Success depends on working with experienced professionals who understand local codes, proper installation techniques, and the long-term implications of septic system ownership.
For homeowners facing this conversion, the key is thorough preparation, realistic budgeting, and partnering with qualified professionals who can navigate the complex requirements while ensuring a properly functioning system for years to come.