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What's The Difference Between A Cesspool And A Septic Tank?

When managing your property's wastewater, two options—a cesspool and a septic tank—are often considered. Although they are quite similar, understanding the difference between cesspools and septic tanks is essential. These two systems serve different functions and require different maintenance methods. 


If you’re experiencing poor waste management on your property, it’s essential to know the key difference between the two in budget, property, and environment. This difference helps you to make the best decision and install the system that is worth your investment. 


What Is A Septic System?


What Is A Septic System

A septic system is a modern underground waste management system. It holds the overall waste of the house. But it contains a septic tank and a drain field. Household waste first enters the tank where it filters out scum, sludge, and soil with the help of an effluent filter


After that, the liquid sits down at the bottom, and the liquid passes to the drain field. Where it fills out naturally through the soil. This process reduces environmental contamination and any hazardous effects on human health. Septic tank maintenance is essential to reduce long-term issues. 


What Is A Cesspool System?


What Is A Cesspool System

A cesspool septic system is a simple system designed for the underground disposal of domestic effluents generated by households. It is composed of a large box that has pores through which the wastewater is collected via sinks, toilets, and perforated drainage pipes.


The vertical structure of the cesspool also has shafts that are covered with cement mortar which acts as a wall to the tank, and these walls have holes as well. There are however no pipes through which solid waste is expelled to the rest of the water systems so this solid waste eventually settles down to the bottom. Collecting this sediment should be done periodically or constantly to stop the sediment from filling the basin. 


Because of their inability to deliver a satisfactory solution to the problems of pollution, cesspools are becoming rare and are outlawed in most places. 


Key Differences Between Cesspools And Septic Tanks


Key Differences Between Cesspools And Septic Tanks

Design And Structure


The design and structure of the two systems are changed to each other. The cesspools are simply structured as perforated walls with pits that allow wastewater to enter directly into the soil.  


Septic tanks are designed and structured as enclosed tanks that pass through different filtration processes. This difference in septic system design makes it more effective. 


Waste Treatment Process


In a cesspool, usually waste water directly seeps into the soil, and doesn’t require any treatment for it. On the other hand, septic goes through two major steps where solids and liquids are separated from each other. 


The liquid further interacts with soil. This treatment process reduces the risk of contamination and meets with modern septic tank regulations. 


Environmental Impact


Cesspool systems can pose significant environmental concerns as the waste directly enters into the soil without any filtration, harming groundwater. This affects the environment as well as human health. 


The septic tank filters out completely and has less impact on the environment. Converting from a cesspool to a septic is a beneficial investment that gives priority to groundwater.

 

Maintenance And Costs


Cesspools often require frequent cesspool cleaning to prevent overflow, while septic tanks need regular but less frequent pumping and inspections. 


Over time, maintaining a septic system may be more economical, especially since cesspools are often subject to stricter regulations and may incur higher costs for upkeep.


Installation Requirements


Cesspools are generally easy to install due to their simple design like digging a pit and adding perforated walls into it. Septic tanks are usually costly to install, as they are designed with different materials and each type adds additional cost to it. 


Professional septic tank installers can handle this task effectively. Most homeowners now prefer this system which results in higher installation costs for septic systems. 


Lifespan And Durability


Casspools usually have a shorter lifespan and get clogged quickly which requires frequent cesspool maintenance and replacement. Septic tanks have a longer lifespan and durability as compared to this one. 


It can last longer with proper care and is a reliable choice for long-term waste management. 


Health And Safety Concerns


The cesspool system contains more health issues and raises safety concerns due to lack of treatment. This allows septic tank bacteria to release harmful chemicals and contaminate the soil. This reaction can reach drinking water sources and cause health issues. 


Septic tanks, on the other hand, don't cause any major health issues due to their proper treatment process. For those, considering buying a house with a cesspool, is essential to consider these health and environmental issues. 


Pros And Cons Of Cesspools And Septic Tanks


Pros And Cons Of Cesspools And Septic Tanks

Cesspool Septic System


Pros 

  • Lower cesspool installation cost due to its simple design. 

  • The Preferable choice for older properties where septic system installation is not done accurately. 

  • It requires less space as it doesn’t require any drainfield. 

  • Minimal upfront designing and planning are required. 


Cons

  • High cesspool maintenance needs due to frequent pumping and cleaning.

  • Can cause groundwater contamination if not properly managed.

  • Often subject to strict cesspool regulations and may require replacement over time.

  • It has a shorter lifespan due to clogging and soil saturation. 


Septic System


Pros 

  • It provides efficient wastewater treatment which prevents the risk of contamination. 

  • Flexible septic tank size options to accommodate different household waste. 

  • It requires less maintenance costs, which lowers overall cost. 

  • Environmentally friendly as it filters completely and then transfers to the soil.


Cons

  • Higher installation cost due to complex system design. 

  • It requires more land for the drain field and proper soil conditions to function effectively. 

  • Potential for septic tank problems like clogging and unpleasant odors if not pumped regularly. 

  • In dense areas, the drain field doesn’t work efficiently. 


Choosing The Right System For Your Property


Choosing The Right System For Your Property

When considering selecting the right system for your property, it’s essential to have in-depth knowledge and clear differences between both in mind. Consider factors such as soil, property size and location, and local regulations. Septic tanks require larger space or land for drain fields, also soil type is essential as it doesn’t work efficiently in dense areas. However, it has much larger benefits as compared to traditional cesspool systems. 


The Cesspool system is an older one and doesn’t provide much functionality and also has a shorter lifespan. It also contains several other drawbacks. So, as a personal recommendation installing a septic system on your property is essential and is worth the investment in the future. 


Conclusion


The difference between a cesspool and a septic tank can be seen clearly. They serve the same purpose but are different in functionality, design, environmental impact, and maintenance needs. The septic system is considered a modern system and is popular among property owners due to its advanced benefits that are not available in older cesspool systems. Choosing the right waste management system for your property can make a huge difference in it. 


At Barnes Sewer and Septic, we specialize in providing expert solutions for waste management. Whether you’re considering installing a new septic tank or an older septic system repair and replacement we can assist you with it in an affordable budget. Just contact us at (765) 584-7295 to learn more about our service and schedule a consultation. 


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