How septic-to-sewer conversion works in DeKalb, Newton and GwinnettSwitching from septic to public sewer.

Gwinnett's published procedure lists $4,172 for a typical 3/4-inch residential conversion: a $4,147 system development charge plus a $25 permit fee. The plumbing permit adds 0.6 percent of the construction estimate, with a $30 minimum. Construction is separate; HomeGuide's 2025 national range for conversion work runs $3,000 to $15,000.

Source: Residential Septic to Sewer Procedure for Unincorporated Gwinnett County

Generally, yes. Georgia rule 511-3-1-.03(1)(a) requires connection when a public system is within 200 feet of the property line or in an abutting right-of-way, and immediate connection when an existing system fails and sewer is available. A county board of health can exempt a qualifying residential repair under subsection (b).

Source: Georgia DPH Rules Chapter 511-3-1, On-Site Sewage Management Systems (Jan 2016)

Georgia requires the tank to be pumped out by a certified pumper and then either filled with sand, soil or rock or removed entirely, so no one can fall in. Gwinnett's procedure allows crushing the tank or filling it with concrete or gravel, followed by an inspection.

Source: Georgia DPH Rules Chapter 511-3-1, On-Site Sewage Management Systems (Jan 2016)

NCWSA's guidelines start with whether sewer sits in the right-of-way or easement next to your property and whether the house has enough fall to drain by gravity. You then hire a design professional, get NCWSA's approval, obtain any easements, pay the $3,650 residential fee plus $75 tap inspection, and build under NCWSA inspection.

Source: NCWSA — Connecting to Sanitary Sewer in Unincorporated Newton County (rev. 11/29/2018)

Under DeKalb's general sewer code, an owner has 24 months from notice to tie in if a main lies within 100 feet. Inside a septic-to-sewer conversion tax district, connecting is encouraged but not mandatory unless health or water-quality conditions require it, and each lot's share of the extension cost is capped at $7,500.

Source: DeKalb County Code Ch. 25, Art. IV, Div. 2.5 — Special Septic Tank to Sewer Conversion Tax District

Sometimes. Georgia's rule calls for gravity flow at a self-cleaning velocity where it can be achieved. When the lot sits below the main, NCWSA's guidelines mention a private lift station that pumps wastewater up to the public sewer. That adds equipment the owner maintains, so it's worth a design review before committing.

Source: NCWSA — Connecting to Sanitary Sewer in Unincorporated Newton County (rev. 11/29/2018)

The abandonment itself is governed by Rule 511-3-1-.17(5), and in a conversion it's inspected as part of the sewer permit, as Gwinnett's procedure shows. If you're abandoning a tank for another reason, check with your county environmental health office, such as GNR Public Health or DeKalb Public Health.

Source: GNR Public Health — Septic Systems (Gwinnett, Newton & Rockdale)

The construction is often short; permits and approvals set the pace. In unincorporated Newton, NCWSA must approve construction drawings before work is permitted, and Gwinnett won't let work start until both permits are issued. Plan for permitting first, then book the dig, inspections and tank abandonment together.

Source: NCWSA — Connecting to Sanitary Sewer in Unincorporated Newton County (rev. 11/29/2018)