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Septic Tanks vs. Sewer Lines in Florida & How To Convert


Man worker holding pipe, providing sewer cleaning service outdoor. Sewage pumping machine is unclogging blocked manhole

The septic tank or sewer lines in your Florida home are essential to keeping your home functioning. When they fail, get clogged, or need service, you need someone you can trust to help you solve your problem quickly and efficiently.

David Gray Plumbing offers comprehensive plumbing services, including septic tank and sewer line conversions.

For upfront pricing and exceptional plumbing service for your First Coast home, call David Gray at (904) 467-0784 or contact us online today!

Septic Tanks vs. Sewer Lines

You can find septic tanks and sewer lines in Florida’s First Coast homes. While both have the job of moving wastewater away from your home, they function in different ways.

  • Septic tanks hold the wastewater and matter in underground tanks near your home. Bacteria break down the waste so that the liquid can be released into the drain field.
  • Sewer lines move the wastewater and matter through a series of pipes to a local facility. That facility is responsible for breaking down the matter and moving the uncontaminated water back into local water supplies.

For superior service, choose David Gray to maintain your sewer system. Call us at (904) 467-0784 or contact us online today!

Pros & Cons of Septic Tanks

There are several important things to consider if you are contemplating the benefits and drawbacks of a septic system in your Florida home. The pros are that:

  • They are cost-efficient: The technology behind a septic system is simple, allowing installation and maintenance to be simple. You also don't have a monthly sewer bill when you use a septic tank.
  • They have a long life span: While you do need to maintain your septic system, the maintenance is straightforward. Many septic tanks can last up to 40 years.

However, there are some drawbacks too. These include:

  • More stringent flushing considerations: Because the septic tank needs to break down matter, you need to pay more attention to what you flush. Things like grease, tissues, and other large items cannot be flushed. If you do, there's a higher risk of clogging the pipes.
  • Necessary maintenance: The maintenance may be simple, but you must do it regularly to keep your septic tank functioning properly. Forgetting or neglecting the maintenance could lead to clogs or septic backups in your yard.
  • Potential damage to protected springs in Florida: According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, "In some areas, the water leaving septic tanks has been identified as a major contributor to nitrogen pollution." They go on to say that "for existing septic systems ... failing systems may need to be enhanced with nitrogen-removing technology or to connect to central sewer."
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Pros & Cons of a Sewer Line for Your Florida Home

Sewer lines are common solutions to household waste management. When deciding if sewer lines suit you and your home, you must consider the advantages and disadvantages.

Some of the pros of sewer lines for your Florida home include:

  • Less maintenance: Most of the maintenance work for your sewer lines is done by your local sewer system provider. Sewer lines require less frequent maintenance than septic tanks.
  • Less stringent flushing considerations: Because of the flow and pressure within your sewer lines and the waste moving away from your home, your sewer system is not as sensitive to what you can flush and cannot flush.

Sewer line cons include:

  • A sewer bill: Like other utilities, you must pay a monthly fee for connecting to the public sewer system.
  • Repairs are your responsibility: Repairing or replacing the sewer lines under your property and in your home are the homeowners responsibility.

For your sewer line services in Florida’s First Coast, call David Gray at (904) 467-0784 or contact us online today!

How To Convert From Septic Tanks to Public Sewer Lines

If you decide that sewer lines are a better option for your home than septic, there are specific steps you need to take in order to convert your system.

  1. You need to contact your local public works to determine if there's a sewer line by your home that you can connect to. Make sure you consider the fees you will need to pay to connect to the nearby sewer lines.
  2. Pay for and obtain the needed permits.
  3. Schedule sewer line installation with a local, expert plumber.

Remember that while the process can be straightforward once you have the necessary permits, you’ll need to plan for the several hours you won’t have water in your home. Expert plumbing teams like David Gray can assist in permit acquisition where needed.

To schedule your sewer line installation in your home, call David Gray at (904) 467-0784 or contact us online today!

Choose David Gray for Your Jacksonville, FL Sewer Line Conversion

When you need sewer line conversion in Florida’s First Coast, choose David Gray Plumbing. Our family-owned business is committed to upfront, honest pricing and superior customer service. We offer free estimates on all our services, and our expert professionals are well-trained and courteous.

To schedule your sewer line service in Florida’s First Coast, call David Gray at (904) 467-0784 or contact us online today!

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Disclaimer

The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. It does not constitute professional advice. All information is subject to change at any time without notice. Contact us for complete details.

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