Converting from Septic to City Sewer: Cost, Process, and Whether It's Worth It

If a municipal sewer line has been extended to your street, you may be wondering whether it makes sense to abandon your septic system and connect to city sewer. Sometimes it's mandatory. Sometimes it's optional but financially smart. And sometimes it's better to stick with septic. Here's how to think through it.

Typical Cost to Connect to City Sewer

The total cost to convert from septic to sewer typically ranges from $5,000 to $20,000+, depending on your property and local requirements. Here's the breakdown:

The biggest variable is distance. If the sewer main runs along your property line, the lateral installation is straightforward. If it's across the street or hundreds of feet away, costs climb quickly. Gravity-fed connections are cheaper than those requiring a pump (grinder pump systems can add $3,000–$7,000).

The Conversion Process: Step by Step

1. Check Availability and Requirements

Contact your city or county public works department to confirm sewer is available at your property. Ask whether connection is mandatory (some municipalities require it once sewer reaches your street) or voluntary. Get the connection fee schedule.

2. Get Permits

You'll need permits from the local building department and possibly the health department. Many jurisdictions require a licensed plumber or contractor to do the work — this isn't typically a DIY project.

3. Hire a Contractor

Get at least three bids. The contractor will excavate a trench from your home to the sewer main and install the lateral pipe. This typically takes 2–5 days depending on distance and obstacles (driveways, landscaping, utility lines).

4. Connect and Inspect

The connection to the main sewer line is made (often requiring a city inspector present). Your home's plumbing is redirected from the septic system to the new sewer lateral. An inspection confirms everything is to code.

5. Decommission the Septic System

Your old septic tank must be properly decommissioned — you can't just leave it. This typically means pumping it out, then either filling it with sand or gravel, or removing it entirely. Most jurisdictions require a permit for decommissioning. Leaving an abandoned tank unfilled is a safety hazard (collapse risk) and may violate local codes.

When Converting Makes Financial Sense

• Your septic system is failing. If you're facing a $15,000–$30,000 replacement and sewer is available, connecting may be the same cost or cheaper — and eliminates future septic maintenance.
• Your drain field is compromised. If your property can't support a new drain field (soil issues, lot too small), sewer may be your only option.
• You're selling the house. Sewer connection can increase property value and removes a common buyer concern. In some markets, the ROI is well worth it.
• The city is requiring it. Many municipalities mandate connection within 1–2 years of sewer availability. In this case, you don't have a choice — but you may qualify for financing or assessment programs that spread the cost over several years.

When Sticking with Septic Makes More Sense

• Your system is healthy and relatively new. A well-maintained septic system with a good drain field can last 25–30+ years. No reason to spend $10,000+ to replace something that works.
• Connection costs are extremely high. If the sewer main is far from your house or requires a grinder pump, you could be looking at $15,000–$25,000. Compare that to the cost of maintaining your septic system for the next 15–20 years.
• Monthly sewer bills are expensive. Sewer users pay monthly fees (typically $30–$100/month). Over 20 years, that's $7,200–$24,000 on top of the connection cost. Compare to septic pumping every 3–5 years at $300–$600.
• Connection is voluntary. If you're not being forced and your system works, the math often favors staying on septic.

Mandatory Connection: What to Know

When a municipality extends sewer service to your area, they often require connection within a set timeframe (usually 1–3 years). Here's what to know:

• You'll typically receive a letter with a deadline and fee schedule
• Many cities offer payment plans or special assessment districts that spread costs over 10–20 years
• Some states offer exemptions for properties with functioning, recently-installed septic systems
• Low-income homeowners may qualify for assistance programs
• If you miss the deadline, the city may connect you and bill you — sometimes at a higher rate

Impact on Property Value

In suburban and developing areas, sewer connection generally increases property value. Buyers prefer not dealing with septic systems, and lenders sometimes view sewer-connected homes more favorably. The exact impact varies by market, but $5,000–$15,000 in added value is common in areas where sewer is available but not universal.

In rural areas where septic is the norm, connection to sewer doesn't necessarily add value — and the ongoing monthly sewer bill may be seen as a negative.

The Bottom Line

If your septic system is failing and sewer is available, converting usually makes sense. If your system is healthy and connection is optional, do the math carefully — the upfront cost plus decades of monthly sewer bills often exceeds the cost of maintaining a working septic system.

Either way, start by calling your city's public works department to get exact connection fees and requirements for your property. Then get contractor bids. The numbers will make the decision clear.