The Difference Between Sewage and Sewerage
The terms sewage and sewerage may sound almost identical, but they serve distinct purposes when it comes to understanding what’s flowing beneath your property. Knowing the difference isn’t just about semantics—it can help you communicate more effectively about your property’s infrastructure and manage potential issues with confidence. Read along to discover the difference between sewage and sewerage so that you can properly identify issues with your property’s wastewater system.
What Is Sewage?
Sewage includes waste materials like water, human waste, and other substances flushed down toilets, sinks, and drains within a home or property. In simple terms, sewage is the material transported through your pipes and sewer system to a water treatment facility. Sewage is often the product of daily activities like washing dishes, taking a shower, or flushing the toilet.
Depending on its source, sewage is categorized as either domestic, industrial, or stormwater runoff. Domestic sewage comes directly from residences, while industrial sewage comes from businesses or other large, non-residential buildings. However, both types must undergo treatment to separate clean water from harmful contaminants before it’s safely released back into the environment.
Why Does It Matter?
To prevent blockages, backups, or environmental harm, you need to manage what flows through your system. If you regularly put non-biodegradable material or grease down your drain, you risk creating a blockage in your pipes that could cause sewage to leak into your home.
What Is Sewerage?
On the other hand, sewerage refers to the system responsible for carrying sewage away from your property. This includes the pipes, pumps, manholes, drains, and sewers that form the network that moves wastewater to treatment plants. Basically, sewerage is the infrastructure, while sewage is the material it transports.
Whether it’s municipal sewerage connecting neighborhoods or private septic systems serving rural properties, this network plays a vital role in maintaining hygiene and preventing pollutants from contaminating water sources.
Why Does It Matter?
When you understand sewerage, you can maintain your property’s connection to the system. Regular inspections performed by industrial plumbers, proper disposal habits, and an understanding of local networks all reduce the chance of unpleasant surprises, such as overflowing drains.
Clear Understanding for Peace of Mind
Knowing the difference between sewage and sewerage is key. By keeping an eye on your property’s waste disposal habits and sewerage network, you can keep your system operating smoothly.
If you’re managing a property or navigating homeownership, make sure to contact Fletcher’s Plumbing & Contracting to stay on top of maintenance and prevent potential plumbing issues.
