Currently reforming an old house in Saitama. The area has changed to sewer since the house was built. The previous owner used a septic tank. The previous owner paid the fees to be connected but we’d be responsible for the fees of going from the house to the connection. Joining sewer is not mandated but was recommended by reform company. The cost is around 1,000,000 yen. The septic tank its self has damage and would need to be replaced soon if not. But that cost is only 50,000 yen. Is it worth it to switch to sewer.
by CarlOGsan
7 comments
We did that with our house when we had that option. It was worth it. Our septic tank had a host of problems, including water backing up into the toilets during periods of heavy rain. Switching to the sewer line got rid of all of the septic tank headaches.
IMHO if given the chance I would always opt for sewer.
I’ve owned houses with sewer and septic. Septic has a lot more maintenance to it that most homeowners I think tend to ignore. You really should have it pumped every 3-5 years. Plus flushing incorrect products will lead to issues since they don’t properly dissolve and instead of it being carried away to some void owned by the city, it’s sitting on your property waiting to become your personal problem.
I switched after I bought and I’m glad I did. Mine wasnt a million fully but close. 2 companies turned us down before we found that willing to connect us But was told the family maybe too large to connect. No issues from the city.
The land to access and connect mine to the city was empty so it was easily done. A new home went up and I know it would be difficult to try and do it now.
Apparently the only voice of disagreement, but I grew up with a septic system and don’t flush random garbage down my drains so I’ve never once had a problem with my current system despite its age. I have a contract for maintenance/cleaning/testing, but it’s cheap.
Edit: Long-term, sewer hook-up is going to give you less responsibility, but it is more expensive than a septic system (unless you abuse it, then the septic system gets more expensive) so it is just a matter of cost vs convenience.
> The septic tank its self has damage and would need to be replaced soon if not. But that cost is only 50,000 yen.
50,000yen to replace a septic tank seems **exceedingly** low. Are you sure it’s not 500,000yen aka 50万円?
Connecting to the sewer is for sure the preferred option but only you know your budget. If it’s 50man vs 100man, I’d go for it. If it’s really only 5man to replace the septic tank then you might want to try that and only pay for the sewer if you decide you need/want it later.
Sewer will be cheaper in the long run. Remember you need to pay for people to maintain and empty you tank for the duration of your ownership. And if there is a problem you will need to pony up the money. In the long run Sewer will save you money. I wish we could have sewer!!!
It’s absolutely a no brainer. Sewer is a million times better than septic. I can’t think of a single thing that’s better with septic than the sewer system. Maybe if you needed to test your entire families waste for an infectious disease? Lol