Connecting to city sewer in Harrisonburg: financial assistance
If your Harrisonburg home is on septic but city sewer is available nearby, the city offers a Septic Connection to Sanitary Sewer Financial Assistance Program that can take a big bite out of the cost of switching (City of Harrisonburg).
What the program offers
According to the city, homeowners who connect to the sanitary sewer may receive:
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Public Utilities connection fee waiver | $5,000 (Level 2 and Level 3 properties) |
| Plumbing and tank abandonment costs | Up to $2,000 |
| Stormwater Utility Fee credit | 50% credit on the annual fee |
Homeowners pay any remaining connection, plumbing or abandonment costs.
Who's eligible
The city groups properties into levels:
- All Level 1 and Level 2 properties are eligible.
- The first 30 Level 3 properties to apply are eligible.
- Level 4 properties are not eligible unless sewer becomes available in the future. They may apply for a sewer main extension instead.
To find out your property's level, contact Public Utilities at 540-434-9959 or waterservice@harrisonburgva.gov.
What the switch involves
- Confirm eligibility and costs with Public Utilities.
- Hire a plumber to run the sewer lateral from your house to the city connection point. For a job over $1,000, Virginia requires a licensed contractor (Va. Code § 54.1-1100). Check it on the DPOR License Lookup.
- Abandon the old septic tank properly. The tank is typically pumped and then removed or filled. The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Health Department (540-574-5200) sets the abandonment requirements.
- Keep receipts for the reimbursement.
Septic or sewer: which is better?
It depends on your situation. Sewer means no more pump-outs or the five-year inspection, and no drainfield to worry about, but you'll pay monthly sewer charges and the up-front connection cost. A healthy septic system can last for decades with pumping. If your system is aging, failing, or due for an expensive repair and you're eligible for the program, connecting may be the better long-term choice.
Need a septic company for the final pump-out and abandonment? Contact us and we will point you to one.