Important Differences Between Cesspools and Septic Systems

Homes without public sewage services require another form of wastewater management. Wastewater comes from dishwashers, showers, and toilets; wastewater adds up quickly. That’s why it’s important to provide an efficient and safe system to filter and dispose of waste. Cesspools and septic systems are two very different solutions.

Cesspools predate septic systems by many years and are often considered out of date. By definition, a cesspool is a big hole in the ground lined with cinder blocks that allow water to drain through the gaps.

“The system consists of a large hole in the ground that is lined on the inside with rocks or concrete blocks laid without mortar. The sewage from the house flows into this tank and the liquids filter through openings in the rocks or blocks and are absorbed into the earth.” ~Plumbing-Basics

Cesspools don’t have a tank built specifically for solid waste decomposition, and due to the lack of solid containment, they tend to need lots of maintenance and clog easily. Wastewater that seeps into the surrounding soil is still contaminated and poses a threat to nearby water supplies.

On the other hand, septic systems filter and decompose waste leaving surrounding areas safe and contaminate free.A septic system consists of two basic parts, the tank, and the drain-field. The tank filters out any solid waste. Beneficial bacteria in the tank continue to break down and decompose solid wastes. The drain-field works in a similar way to a drinking water filter. A perforated pipe allows effluent to seep into layers of gravel and soil till what is left is well-filtered water.

While both cesspools and septic systems require regular maintenance, it’s easy to see that septic tanks have the upper-hand. Tanks filter out solid waste and drain-fields filter the rest. Contact us to learn more about residential wastewater disposal. Take care of your current system and click here to schedule service.