Clear the Fog: Cesspool vs Septic Tank - What Is the Difference

Most people have probably heard of cesspools and septic tanks, but many don't know the differences between these two systems Both a cesspool and a septic tank are used for wastewater treatment in areas where no connection to the municipal sewer is available. However, the two systems have entirely different approaches and designs. In this blog post, we'll go through the differences between a cesspool and a septic tank to help you understand which one is best for your property.

What Is the Difference Between a Cesspool and a Septic Tank

If you are interested in cesspools and septic tanks and want to know about the difference, then let’s dive into the article From my years of experience, I am going to describe it to you in the most easiest and informative form.

Design

Septic Tank: Septic tanks are designed to hold and treat wastewater from residential and commercial properties. They are typically made from concrete, fiberglass, or plastic and are divided into two chambers The first chamber is used to hold the solids that sink to the bottom while the second chamber is for liquid treatment. The treated effluent leaves the tank and goes into the drainage field where it is dispersed into the soil for further treatment

Cesspool: A cesspool is a pit dug into the ground that is entirely permeable It does not have any outlet pipes for treated effluent to pass through. All wastewater from the property goes straight into the pit, where it remains until it is pumped out As a result, cesspools don't treat wastewater and rely on the soil around the pit to absorb and break down the effluent.

Maintenance

Septic Tank: Septic tanks need to be pumped out every two to three years to remove the solids that have accumulated in the tank This is to prevent the solids from flowing out of the tank and clogging the drain field Regular maintenance is essential to keep the septic system operating correctly.

Cesspool: Cesspools need to be pumped out more frequently than septic tanks, which is typically every year or more often Cesspools require regular maintenance to prevent the system from overflowing or contaminating the area around the pit. Due to the permeable nature of the pit, environmental concerns need to be addressed, and therefore the cesspool system is no longer a popular choice in modern times

Cost

Septic Tank: Septic tanks are moderate in cost but require more maintenance They also have a larger installation area and require more permits than a cesspool, which adds to their cost.

Cesspool: Cesspools are more cost-effective than a septic tank in installation as well as maintenance. However, it is worth noting that cesspools do not treat wastewater at all and their use is now, for all intents and purposes, outlawed by concerned regulatory authorities to eliminate the risk of groundwater contamination.

Environmental Impact

Septic Tank: Septic tanks have a positive environmental impact because they treat water on-site and return it to the surrounding environment. When the effluent is treated correctly through the drain field and into the soil, the soil acts as a natural sanitiser

Cesspool: Cesspools have a negative environmental impact because they do not treat the water and allow wastewater to pollute groundwater, which leads to the contamination of the surrounding area. They can also lead to health hazards as the wastewater potentially seeps into surrounding areas

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between a cesspool and a septic tank is helpful in deciding which one is suitable for your property. Although cesspools are less expensive in the short run, they pose significant health hazards to the people living near them and may not be environmentally friendly Septic tanks have a higher installation and maintenance cost, but they are the more regulated and eco-friendly option, treating wastewater on-site and returning it to the relevant water table in a controlled, sanitary manner Whether you choose a cesspool or septic tank ultimately depends on various factors, such as local regulations, budgets, and the size of the property. However, informed decision-making is always helpful, and consulting experts, such as your wastewater management provider, is the best approach for discovering the best-suited wastewater treatment method for your home or property.