Septic tanks and cesspools are the logical answer to one’s disposal of waste. Without close enough proximity to the government-owned sewer system, homes must rely on these alternative solutions. How do you decide between a septic tank and a cesspool? Knowing that both remove residential and industrial waste is a start, but it’s helpful to understand the details of each to get the most out of your needs.

The Difference Between Septic Tanks and Cesspools

1. What It Stores

Both options are designed for both residential and industrial waste. Septic tanks can filter all organic human waste from a property while a cesspool only stores human waste. A septic tank stores and decomposes waste found within the tank by using bacteria to break it down and moves water into a leach field system. A cesspool simply holds the waste until it can be pumped. In other words, a cesspool is just a hole in the ground. In addition, some cesspools may be lined with concrete liners or cement blocks. 

2. Location

Cesspools and septic tanks look quite similar, but they are installed on each property differently. Septic tanks are placed underground with their lids blurred 1-2 ft below the ground surface. In these cases, it is common for the home owner to install risers and riser covers to bring these lids to the ground surface. These lids help for easy access during maintenance and emergency pumping as well as checking on one’s system between pumpings. A cesspool is a hole in the ground with a cement plug usually with a rebar hook. A cesspools size varies depending on the engineer designing the system.

3. Maintenance

Taking care of a cesspool or septic tank is a crucial component in keeping it running effectively. Septic tanks are relatively easy to maintain, but require maintenance pumpings depending on the amount of people in the dwelling and the size of one’s septic tank. Cesspool maintenance is quite easy because one doesn’t need to pump their cesspool unless the system starts to give problems. These problems may include a slow-age in draining of water (toilet, sink), brown coloring in the toilet after a flush, and gurgaling of water. If one still has a problem with a cesspool after it has been pumped, a chemical treatment may be required to help rejuvenate the system.

Keeping your home’s plumbing system in working order is a major job. Homeowners in Kamuela, HI, contact ABC Cesspool and Septic Pumping for their cesspool and septic tank cleaning needs. For 12 years, they have made it their mission to provide comprehensive maintenance, from wastewater removal to fixing a flooded system. No matter what the problem might be, their team will find a fast, safe, and cost-effective solution. For more help, visit them  online or reach out at (808) 887-0766.