Discover the 6 Main Types of Sewer Systems

For most of us, sewer stuff is one of those “out of sight, out of mind” things, until something goes wrong. Then suddenly you’re Googling words like “effluent” and “lateral pipe” at 2 a.m.

Knowing a bit about the different types of sewer systems, especially if you’re a property owner, can save you a lot of headaches (and money) and makes it easy for you to identify some common sewer problems and when to call the experts.

What Is a Sewer System & 6 Main Types of Sewer Systems

At its core, it’s just a network of underground pipes. Its job? Take wastewater (like what you flush or send down the drain) and move it somewhere safe to be treated.

But here’s the twist: not all systems work the same way. Some are basic and local. Others are massive city-wide setups that have been in the ground since before your grandparents were born.

There are different types of sewer system, and they matter. Especially when you’re trying to figure out what’s under your house… or why your backyard smells weird after a rainstorm.

Common Types of Sewer Systems (The Important Part)

Let’s start with the big-picture stuff.

1. Combined Sewer System

These do double-duty. They handle both sewage and stormwater in the same set of pipes. Sounds efficient, right?

Well, it is… until it rains a lot. Then all that extra water can overwhelm the system and boom, raw sewage gets pushed out into the environment. Some cities still use them (mostly older ones), but they’re kind of on their way out.

2. Sanitary Sewer System

This one’s more modern. It only deals with wastewater, stuff from your house. Stormwater goes somewhere else. Much less risk of flooding, backups, or gross street puddles.

A lot of urban and suburban areas use these now.

3. Gravity Sewer System

This is the classic one. Everything flows downhill (literally) to the treatment plant. It works well if the land cooperates.

But if your house is sitting lower than the main line? You’ll probably need a pump or lift station to help it along. Still pretty reliable though.

4. Effluent Sewer System (aka STEP, STEG, SFS)

Here’s where it gets a bit more technical.

These systems use a septic tank to separate solids at your property, and then just send the liquid (called “effluent”) off to be treated somewhere else. You’ll see these in rural areas or smaller developments.

The variations:

STEP: use pumps.
STEG or SFS: uses gravity.

They’re a smart middle ground between full-on septic and full municipal systems.

5. Vacuum Sewer System

These are kinda wild.

Instead of flowing on their own, waste gets sucked through the pipes using air pressure. It’s cleaner, faster, and good for areas where gravity systems don’t work (like really flat land or flood zones).

Not super common yet, but they’re popping up in places like airports, deserts, and eco-friendly developments.

6. Decentralized Systems (aka DEWATS)

These are small-scale setups, meant for a single home, building, or maybe a little group of them. Everything’s treated on-site.

They’re perfect for off-grid properties, remote areas, or people who want to reuse their water (graywater for gardens, etc.).

For Homeowners: What Type of Sewer System Do You Have?

If you live in a city or a suburb, your home probably connects to a municipal sanitary sewer.

But if you’re out in the country, or on a big property, you might have a septic tank, or even something like a STEP system.

Knowing what you’ve got helps a ton when something breaks… or if you’re thinking of upgrading.

Quick Sidebar: Types of Sewerage Pipes (Because Yes, That Matters Too)

The type of pipe under your yard makes a big difference in how long sewer pipes last, and how often you’re calling a plumber.

Here are the main sewerage pipes types you might run into:

Clay: Common in older homes. Strong, but roots love breaking into these.
Cast Iron: Heavy-duty. Also heavy, period. Can corrode over time.
PVC: Lightweight, affordable, and kind of the standard now.
Orangeburg: Paper and tar. Sounds like a bad idea? It was. If you have these, call someone right away.
HDPE: Newer, flexible, and used a lot in trenchless sewer repair (no digging up your yard).

And before we wrap this up, let’s talk trenchless vs traditional sewer repair for a sec. The type of sewer system and pipe you’ve got makes a big difference. If you’re dealing with older clay or cast iron pipes in a gravity or sanitary system, trenchless repair (like pipe lining or bursting) can often fix the problem without tearing up your yard. But if your setup’s super outdated, or made from something like Orangeburg, it might still need full replacement the old-fashioned way. But what about the systems with complex chambers or weird layouts? Sometimes a hybrid approach works best. Either way, it’s worth getting a pro (like Restore Pipe Systems) to check things out before anyone starts digging.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dealing with a fancy new vacuum setup or an old clay pipe that’s barely holding on, it pays to know what’s going on underground. If you’re dealing with mystery smells, slow drains, or a sewer line from 1963 that’s basically made of paper mache… you need pros. Not some random fly-by-night operation.

We at Restore Pipe Systems want to ensure that your sewage system continues to function correctly. For trenchless sewer repair, full sewer line replacement, CIPP and regular sewer maintenance, please call Restore Pipe Systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of sewer pipes?
Common sewer pipes include clay (old and sturdy but can crack), cast iron (strong but can rust), PVC (light and durable), HDPE (flexible, good for repairs), and Orangeburg (outdated and prone to failure).

What are the different types of sewer chambers?
Sewer chambers include inspection chambers (small access points), manholes (larger entry spots for maintenance), junction chambers (where pipes meet), and pump chambers (which push wastewater uphill).

What are the different types of sewer covers?
Sewer covers can be heavy cast iron, lighter composite, steel, locking types for security, or ventilated covers to let odors escape, depending on where they’re used.

Discover the 6 Main Types of Sewer Systems