Septic vs. Sewer in Greater Greenville: What Owners Should Know

Are you wondering whether a septic system or public sewer is the better fit for your Greenville home? You are not alone. Between permits, fees, and maintenance, the choice can feel complicated. This guide breaks down how each option works in Greater Greenville, what it costs, and what to check before you buy or sell. Let’s dive in.

Septic vs. sewer: the basics

A septic system treats wastewater on your property in an underground tank and drain field. The EPA recommends inspections every 1–3 years and pumping every 3–5 years for a typical household, with frequency based on use and system type. You can review homeowner guidance in the EPA’s overview of how to care for your septic system.

Public sewer sends wastewater through community pipes to regional treatment facilities. In Greenville County, treatment is handled by Renewable Water Resources (ReWa), while various districts and municipalities own the collection pipes. You can learn about regional treatment roles in ReWa’s development and treatment overview.

Who manages sewer in Greater Greenville

Greenville’s sewer network involves a few key players:

• MetroConnects operates and maintains much of the county’s collection system outside city limits and coordinates permits for new connections. See permitting steps and contacts on the MetroConnects permits page.
• Municipal systems like the City of Greenville own and maintain sewer mains within their boundaries. Review city sewer info on the Wastewater Management page.
• ReWa provides regional treatment capacity, partnering with collection systems to receive and treat flows.

Availability varies by address. Some neighborhoods are on sewer, while others use septic. Always verify your specific parcel with the relevant district or municipality.

How to confirm your property’s setup

• Ask the seller or current owner for utility bills, septic permits, and any pumping records.
• Contact the serving district or municipality to confirm service availability and connection rules. MetroConnects provides address-level support through its permit resources, and the City of Greenville lists sewer contacts on its Wastewater Management page.
• If a property appears to be on septic, plan for a professional inspection and consider a pumping and dye test if you have concerns.

Cost and maintenance: what to expect

Septic ownership usually means lower monthly costs but periodic maintenance. The EPA recommends routine checks and pumping, which helps avoid expensive failures. See the EPA’s guidance on septic care and maintenance.

Installation or replacement costs vary with soil, site, and system type. Local aggregators show typical Greenville-area installs ranging from the low thousands to mid five figures depending on complexity, with many projects quoted in the mid-thousands. For ballpark context, see Manta’s Greenville septic replacement cost overview, then get site-specific bids.

With public sewer, you avoid septic pumping but pay connection fees and ongoing utility bills. MetroConnects’ current fee schedule lists example residential connection fees such as $1,500 for a standard 5/8–3/4 inch meter and $2,850 for a 1 inch meter. Review the latest numbers in the published MetroConnects fee schedule. Monthly sewer bills are set by the billing utility and can include a base charge plus usage. For a point of reference on rate structures, see Greer CPW’s wastewater information, and confirm the exact billing entity for your address.

If you plan to switch from septic to sewer

Connecting to sewer is usually a two-part process. First, obtain a connection permit and pay applicable fees to the local collection authority, such as MetroConnects. Second, set up your account with the treating or billing utility. Expect inspections of the new lateral and any building-sewer work as part of the permit closeout.

When abandoning a septic tank, most jurisdictions require that the tank be pumped and either filled with inert material or collapsed and backfilled to prevent hazards. The EPA outlines safe abandonment practices in its septic tank closure guidance. Always check local permitting rules before starting work.

Rules and permits you should know

In South Carolina, onsite wastewater systems are regulated by SCDHEC. New systems, upgrades, and many repairs require permits, and a site evaluation determines if a conventional or specialized system is allowed. You can review SCDHEC’s regulatory framework in this summary of onsite wastewater rules.

Local sewer districts and municipalities control connection permits and inspections for public sewer. Districts can require properties to connect where service is available. Verify the exact requirements with the serving authority before planning a project.

Buying or selling in Greenville: quick checklists

Buyer checklist

• Confirm whether the home is on septic or sewer with the serving utility or district. Start with the appropriate district portal or city department and request availability confirmation.
• For septic homes, order a qualified septic inspection. Ask for tank age, drain field condition, baffles, pump or alarm function, and any evidence of backups. Follow the EPA’s guidance on inspection and pumping intervals.
• If sewer is available and you plan to connect, get itemized estimates covering connection fees, contractor costs for the lateral, permits, and inspections.
• Clarify contract terms for septic repairs, utility account transfers, and any credits.

Seller checklist

• Provide South Carolina’s Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement and update it if anything changes before closing. Review obligations in this S.C. Realtors summary of disclosure rules.
• Disclose known septic issues, backups, or past repairs based on your actual knowledge.
• If a sewer line is available and a connection is required, share what you know about the process, fees, and how the onsite tank must be decommissioned.

Septic or sewer: how to decide

• If current septic is permitted and working well, you may keep monthly costs lower with routine maintenance.
• If septic is failing or your site cannot support a compliant system, connecting to sewer can be the more reliable long-term option despite upfront fees and monthly bills.
• Always confirm service availability, permit requirements, and total costs for your specific address before making a decision.

Ready to compare your options for a home in Greater Greenville or the Upstate? For practical guidance and a plan that fits your goals, reach out to Dina Napechnik.

FAQs

What is the difference between septic and sewer for Greenville homes?

• Septic treats wastewater on your property with a tank and drain field, while sewer sends it through community pipes to regional treatment facilities like ReWa.

How often should a Greenville homeowner pump a septic tank?

• The EPA suggests inspections every 1–3 years and pumping every 3–5 years for typical households, adjusted for system type and usage.

Who do I contact to confirm sewer availability at my address?

• Start with your serving district or municipality. MetroConnects and the City of Greenville provide permit and contact resources to check service availability.

What fees should I expect to connect to sewer in Greenville County?

• One-time connection fees depend on meter size and district schedules. MetroConnects lists residential fees that start around $1,500 for common meter sizes, plus any inspection and admin charges.

What happens to my old septic tank if I connect to sewer?

• It typically must be pumped and properly abandoned by filling or collapsing and backfilling, with permits and inspections as required by local rules.