Reprint from Holmes Magazine
Q: I’m looking to switch from a septic system to the municipal sewer system. How much will this cost me, and what’s involved in the process?
A: When sanitary sewers are available, a homeowner on a private septic system has the option to connect to it, but there are several steps that must be taken.
First, approval must be obtained from the municipal authority that has jurisdiction over connections to the sewer, likely the public works department. This fee is based on where the municipal sewer is located. Next, you must get a building permit for the connection from the dwelling to the street. Building permit and sewer connection fees vary across municipalities but the permit will likely cost about $100 to $150. Then you must hire a contractor to install the piping. Costs vary based on site conditions, depth of installation, and pipe materials, but expect an estimate around $10,000. This overall budget should include the street connection fee as well.
Once the piping is installed, an inspection from the local municipality is required to ensure that the work meets the building code. It’s the responsibility of the homeowner to make sure this is done before the piping is covered with backfill.
The existing septic tank must then be removed, filled with granular material or pumped by licensed waste hauler to prevent it from becoming a health and safety hazard and from contaminating the environment.
Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only
Green Real Estate Appraiser 