Not sure if your Mechanicsville home is on public water or sewer? You are not alone. The answer affects everyday costs, maintenance, and even your closing checklist if you plan to sell. The good news is you can confirm your service status quickly with a few simple checks and the right local resources. This guide walks you through what to look for, how Hanover County’s Suburban Service Area works, and who to call for clear answers. Let’s dive in.
How Hanover County plans utility service
Hanover County uses a Suburban Service Area, often called the SSA, to guide where public water and sewer are planned and extended over time. If your property is inside the SSA, it is more likely to have public utilities available now or in the future. If it is outside the SSA, you are more likely to rely on a private well and a septic system.
Being inside the SSA does not guarantee immediate access or a free connection. County planning and public utilities teams maintain maps that show existing mains and planned extensions. These are the authoritative sources for whether a parcel is currently served or eligible for future extension.
Quick property-level clues you can check today
You can often spot signs of public or private service without leaving your driveway. Use these as first clues before you verify with the county.
Signs you may be on public water
- A water meter box near the street or sidewalk, often a small round or rectangular metal lid.
- A water meter inside the basement or utility area, or a shutoff valve where the service line enters the home.
- A curb stop or municipal service riser near the property line.
Signs you may be on public sewer
- A sewer cleanout near the home, usually a short capped pipe in the yard.
- Manhole covers in the street or right of way adjacent to the property.
- No visible septic tank lids or drainfield patterns, though absence is not proof by itself.
Signs you may be on a private well and septic
- A visible well cap or casing above ground, plus a pressure tank or pump in the basement or utility room.
- Concrete or plastic septic tank lids or risers and a distribution box location.
- A drainfield area that may look raised or consistently greener than the surrounding yard.
Confirm it online in minutes
Hanover County offers online GIS and utilities maps that show parcel boundaries, public water mains, public sewer mains, and the SSA boundary. Look up your address to see if public mains run in front of or near your property and whether your parcel lies within the SSA.
Mapped availability is a strong indicator of service, but you should still confirm with the county because planned lines and future extensions may appear on maps. Always verify whether a main is active and whether your specific parcel is eligible to connect.
Get official confirmation from the source
The Hanover County Department of Public Utilities can confirm whether your parcel is currently served and whether a connection is available. When you call, have your property address and parcel ID ready. Ask clear, specific questions:
- Is this parcel currently served by county water or county sewer?
- If not served, is it inside the SSA or otherwise eligible for a service extension now or in the future?
- For public sewer, where is the lateral tap and are there any grinder pump requirements?
- For public water, where is the meter and what lines are homeowner responsibilities versus county responsibilities?
If you need documentation for a purchase, refinance, or sale, request a written service availability letter by email. If records are unclear, you can ask for a field check to confirm the presence of a meter, tap, or lateral.
Who to contact for help
- Billing and account setup: Contact Hanover County Department of Public Utilities customer service. They can confirm active accounts, billing history, and meter numbers.
- Water outages, sewer backups, and emergencies: Use the county’s 24/7 utilities emergency line. If there is sewage discharging to the environment, report it promptly to utilities and follow any guidance to contact public health.
- Private well questions: The Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water offers guidance on private wells and recommended water testing.
- Septic system records or failures: The Virginia Department of Health onsite sewage program holds septic permits and as-built records. They also advise on inspections and decommissioning if you connect to public sewer.
- SSA status and future extensions: County planning or public utilities planning staff can explain how utility extensions are prioritized and funded.
Check the county and VDH websites for current phone numbers, forms, and online request options.
Buying or selling in Mechanicsville? Read this first
If you are selling, you will typically disclose whether the property uses public utilities or a private well and septic. Buyers often request septic pump-out records, septic inspection reports, and recent well water test results before closing.
If you plan to connect to public water or sewer, expect tap or connection fees, permit applications, and possible easements. You are usually responsible for the service lateral from the house to the property line. Some properties require a grinder pump for sewer; confirm costs and maintenance responsibilities with the county.
If you abandon a septic system after connecting to public sewer, state and local guidance typically requires that the tank be pumped and properly decommissioned. The Virginia Department of Health provides procedures for abandonment and can confirm what is required in Hanover County.
Even if your parcel is inside the SSA and near an existing main, connection timing depends on funding, permits, and construction. Some property owners choose to fund private extensions or participate in assessments tied to development. Always confirm availability and schedules with the county.
Step-by-step decision tree to confirm service
Follow these steps to reach a clear answer fast.
- Step A: Look for a current water or sewer bill and check for a Hanover County or other municipal provider name. If you see one, call the listed provider to confirm service for your address.
- Step B: Use the Hanover County GIS utilities map to search your address. Look for public water and sewer mains and whether your parcel is within the Suburban Service Area.
- Step C: If you are still unsure, contact the Hanover County Department of Public Utilities and request a service availability letter for your address.
- Step D: If the property has a private well or septic, schedule a well water test and a septic inspection before purchase. If you plan to connect to public utilities, ask the county about tap fees, permits, and septic decommissioning requirements.
- Step E: For emergencies such as a water outage or sewer backup, call the county’s utilities emergency number immediately. For well contamination or a septic discharge to the environment, contact the Virginia Department of Health in addition to county utilities.
Handy document checklist
Gather these items to speed up verification and transactions:
- Current water and sewer bills for the property.
- A written service availability letter from Hanover County, if needed for closing.
- Septic permit, as-built, and pump-out records if the property uses a septic system.
- Well permit and recent water test results if the property has a private well.
- Any recorded public utility easements or maintenance agreements.
- Seller disclosures and any recent repair or maintenance invoices.
Need a local guide?
If you are preparing to buy or sell in Mechanicsville, you deserve clear answers about utilities before you make your next move. Search RVA Homes can help you focus your search, request the right records, and present your home with confidence. Get Your Instant Home Valuation and let’s start your plan today.
FAQs
How do I confirm if my Mechanicsville home is on public water?
- Check for a water meter or a recent bill, verify your parcel on the county’s GIS map, then call Hanover County Public Utilities for written confirmation.
What if my Mechanicsville property is inside the SSA but not connected?
- Being inside the Suburban Service Area signals planned service, but you still need county confirmation on timing, eligibility, tap fees, and any required permits.
Who do I call for a sewer backup in Hanover County?
- Call the county’s 24/7 utilities emergency line for immediate response, and follow any instructions for additional public health reporting if needed.
How do I find septic permits for a Mechanicsville home?
- Contact the Virginia Department of Health’s onsite sewage program for permit and as-built records, inspection guidance, and decommissioning procedures.
What are the costs to connect to public water or sewer in Hanover County?
- Property owners typically pay tap or connection fees and the cost of the service lateral; the county will outline exact fees, process, and any grinder pump needs.
