Indianapolis, IN
Septic to sewer conversion in Indianapolis
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Citizens Energy Group's Septic Tank Elimination Program (STEP) extends sewers into high-priority Indianapolis neighborhoods still on septic tanks. With newer low-pressure systems, homeowners have been charged $2,766 including the grinder pump and installation, compared with $4,000 to $9,000 to connect under older approaches.
What's different in Indianapolis
Citizens Energy Group's Septic Tank Elimination Program (STEP), which began in 2005, extends sewer systems into high-priority neighborhoods. [1]
With the low-pressure sewer system, homeowners are charged $2,766, including the grinder pump and installation. [2]
Previously, connecting to the city's sewer cost homeowners between $4,000 and $9,000, depending on distance from the main line. [2]
Homeowners may not qualify for STEP if their sewer was privately constructed, and neighborhoods not identified as high priority aren't part of the current program. [1]
How a low-pressure sewer connection works
In a low-pressure system, each home gets a grinder pump in a small tank that grinds wastewater and pumps it through a small pressurized line to the sewer main. It avoids deep gravity sewers in areas where the ground or layout makes them costly. The pump needs electricity and occasional service, and a power outage limits how much water you can use.
Converting from septic
Confirm your neighborhood
STEP covers high-priority areas identified by Citizens; others aren't in the current program.
Connect the house
A plumber connects the building drain to the grinder pump or gravity lateral.
Abandon the septic tank
The old tank is pumped and properly abandoned per local rules.
Living with a grinder pump
- Never flush wipes, grease or hygiene products; they jam grinder pumps.
- Know where the alarm panel is and what it means.
- During a power outage, limit water use until power returns.
- Call for service if the alarm sounds or the pump runs constantly. See sewer line repair.
Further reading: Repair or replace a sewer line?.
Common questions
What is Citizens Energy's STEP program?
The Septic Tank Elimination Program, which extends sewers into high-priority Indianapolis neighborhoods on septic systems.
How much does it cost to connect to sewer in Indianapolis under STEP?
With the newer low-pressure system, homeowners have been charged $2,766, including the grinder pump and installation.
What did septic-to-sewer connections cost in Indy before?
Between $4,000 and $9,000, depending on distance from the main.
Does every Indianapolis septic home qualify for STEP?
No. Only high-priority neighborhoods are in the current program, and privately constructed sewers may not qualify.
What is a grinder pump?
A pump in a small tank that grinds wastewater and pushes it through a pressurized line to the sewer.
Does a grinder pump work during a power outage?
No; limit water use until power returns.
What should never go down a drain with a grinder pump?
Wipes, grease, hygiene products and other non-flushables.
What happens to my old septic tank?
It's pumped and properly abandoned according to local rules.
When did STEP start in Indianapolis?
In 2005.
Who connects my house to the new sewer?
A licensed plumber connects the building drain; check program requirements first.
More plumbing help in Indianapolis
How other cities handle it
- Septic-to-sewer conversion in JacksonvilleJacksonville's Septic Tank Phaseout with JEA: free sewer connection including private-side work and fees, the 70% neighborhood vote.
- Sewer line replacement in Houston: who can pull the permitReplacing a sewer line in Houston: a registered master plumber must pull the permit, how the homestead permit differs, minimum fees and inspections.
Sources (2)
- WRTV, Northeast side neighborhood forced to pay for sewer system · checked 2026-10-03
- FOX59, Grinder pumps are popping up around Indy's neighborhoods as part of sewer project · checked 2026-10-03