Connecting Sewer Estimates

[Alex Chin]

Good afternoon BP,

I am looking at a 6-unit complex near JBLM that currently has a septic system in place. I wanted to get a little bit of help estimating sewer hook-up costs, what sort of information will I need to get a ballpark figure? What websites/resources can you suggest to help get me started?

It's in the Lakewood area, south of Tacoma/Seattle.

[Jeff Hamel]

@Alex chin

first off is that city of Tacoma or Pierce County sewer?  You can contact them and they will provide a list of "approved" contractors they recognize to do the hook up work.  While on the phone with them you can ask them about the "hook up" charges and permit fees.  Then call the contractors to find out their costs for the work.  Again, they have to be "approved" by the utility company.  

One thing to also know on the 6 unit, do they all drain to one septic tank or are there multiple tanks?  Our 4 unit had 4 tanks.  The reason this is important is how many outflow sewer lines are there?  Is there one main line or do 6 lines need to be connected to the one going to the sewer.  The contractor will need to know this. 

You can also look up the "as builts" from the health department to show the septic system and how it was installed.  This is of course if it was done with permits and never altered. 

Hope this helps.