If your home is currently on a septic system and the city sewer line is now available in your neighborhood, you may be wondering: Should I make the switch? What does the process involve? And is it worth the cost?
Tying a house with a septic tank into the city sewer system is a big decision—but for many homeowners, it’s a smart long-term move that brings convenience, value, and peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making the transition, including how septic tanks work, the permitting process in various cities, and why connecting to the municipal sewer line may be the right choice for your property.
Understanding Your Septic System
A septic tank is an underground wastewater treatment structure commonly used in rural areas without centralized sewer systems. When you flush a toilet, run a sink, or use your washing machine, the water flows into the septic tank. There, solids settle at the bottom, scum floats to the top, and the liquid effluent drains into a leach field (also known as a drain field) for further natural filtration in the soil.
While septic systems can function well for decades with proper maintenance, they do come with limitations:
- They require regular pumping and inspection (typically every 3–5 years)
- They’re prone to failure due to root intrusion, soil compaction, or improper usage
- They can pose environmental risks if not maintained, especially near groundwater sources
When a city sewer line becomes available, many municipalities will encourage or even mandate homeowners to tie in over time, particularly if the septic system begins to fail.
Why Tie into the City Sewer?
Connecting your home to the city sewer system comes with multiple benefits:
1. Low Maintenance
Once you’re on the city sewer, you no longer need to pump your septic tank or worry about leach field failure. Municipal sewer systems are professionally maintained and typically more reliable.
2. Higher Property Value
Homes connected to the city sewer often have higher resale values. Buyers are more likely to purchase a property with a low-maintenance sewer connection over one with a septic system that could fail or require expensive repairs.
3. More Building Options
Want to build an ADU, pool, or expand your home? With city sewer access, you don’t need to worry about how that expansion affects your leach field or setbacks.
4. Better for the Environment
Municipal sewer systems treat wastewater at centralized facilities, ensuring higher environmental compliance and reducing the risk of pollution in local soil or water tables.
5. Peace of Mind
No more guessing if your tank is full or if your backyard puddle is a failing drain field. With city sewer, the responsibility shifts from you to the city’s infrastructure.
The Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Process
Tying into the sewer system is a multi-step process that typically includes:
- Permits & Approval
Before anything is done, you’ll need to secure a permit from your local city or county government. This ensures your plans meet health, plumbing, and environmental standards. - Hiring a Licensed Contractor
A professional plumber or sewer contractor will inspect your current septic system, locate utility lines, and design a plan to connect your home’s waste line to the city sewer. - Abandoning the Septic Tank
Most cities require the septic tank to be properly abandoned. This includes:
◦ Pumping and cleaning the tank
◦ Breaking the tank bottom or filling it with sand/gravel
◦ Capping and sealing all openings - Excavation and Installation
A trench will be dug from your home to the sewer lateral connection point (usually near the curb or street). The new sewer pipe is installed and connected to both your home and the municipal system. - Inspection and Sign-Off
Before backfilling the trench, a city inspector will ensure the work meets code. Once approved, the line is covered, and the project is complete.
Permitting Requirements by City (California Central Valley Examples)
Here’s a look at the permit process in a few Central Valley cities:
Visalia, CA
- Permits obtained through the Visalia Permit Center.
- Septic abandonment must be inspected by Tulare County Environmental Health.
- Sewer connection fee varies based on property size and use.
Clovis, CA
- The City of Clovis requires a Sewer Connection Permit from the Building & Development Services department.
- Abandoning a septic tank requires an additional Environmental Health permit from Fresno County.
- Fees may include inspection, sewer capacity charges, and street repair bonds if excavation crosses city pavement.
Fresno, CA
- The Fresno Building and Safety Department issues sewer tie-in permits.
- All work must comply with the Fresno Municipal Code.
- Homeowners must submit a site plan and obtain clearance from the Department of Public Utilities.
- Cost estimates are available online through the city’s fee calculator.
Tulare, CA
- The City of Tulare requires both a plumbing permit and septic tank decommissioning permit.
- The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency oversees proper abandonment and final inspections.
- Property owners may be eligible for financial assistance if tying in is mandatory due to system failure.
Note: Always check with your local city’s Public Works or Building Department for the most current regulations, costs, and application procedures.
Cost Considerations
The cost to tie into the city sewer can vary significantly depending on several factors:
- Distance from the house to the sewer main
- The complexity of excavation (concrete, trees, utilities)
- City impact fees or connection charges
- Septic tank abandonment costs
- Whether street cutting or curb repair is needed
Some cities offer sewer connection financing, payment plans, or low-interest loans to help homeowners with upfront.