When managing your property's wastewater, there are two options: a cesspool and a septic tank.
Although cesspools and septic tanks are similar, it is essential to understand the difference between them. These two systems serve different functions and require different maintenance methods.
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 at the bottom and 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?
A cesspool septic system is a simple system designed for the underground disposal of domestic effluents generated by households.
It comprises a large box with pores through which the wastewater is collected via sinks, toilets, and perforated drainage pipes.
The vertical structure of the cesspool also has shafts covered with cement mortar, which act as walls to the tank. These walls have holes.
However, solid waste is not expelled to the rest of the water systems through pipes, eventually settling to the bottom. It should be collected periodically or constantly to prevent this sediment from filling the basin.
Because they cannot solve pollution problems satisfactorily, cesspools are becoming rare and illegal in most places.
Key Differences Between Cesspools Vs. Septic Tanks
Design And Structure
The design and structure of the two systems are changed to each other. The cesspools are structured as perforated walls with pits, allowing wastewater to enter the soil directly.
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, wastewater usually directly seeps into the soil and requires no treatment.
On the other hand, septic goes through two significant steps where solids and liquids are separated.
The liquid further interacts with soil. This treatment process reduces contamination risk and meets modern septic tank regulations.
Environmental Impact
Cesspool systems can pose significant environmental concerns. Waste directly enters the soil without filtration, harming groundwater. This affects the environment and human health.
The septic tank filters out entirely 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.
Maintaining a septic system may become more economical, especially since cesspools are often subject to stricter regulations and may incur higher upkeep costs.
Installation Requirements
Cesspools are generally easy to install due to their simple design, which involves digging a pit and adding perforated walls. However, septic tanks are usually costly to install, as they are made of different materials, and each type adds additional cost.
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
Cesspools usually have a shorter lifespan and get clogged quickly, which requires frequent cesspool maintenance and replacement. Septic tanks have a longer lifespan and durability than this one.
It can last longer with proper care and is a reliable choice for long-term waste management.
Health And Safety Concerns
Due to its lack of treatment, the cesspool system causes more health issues and raises safety concerns. Septic tank bacteria can release harmful chemicals and contaminate the soil.
This reaction can reach drinking water sources and cause health issues.
Due to their proper treatment, septic tanks, on the other hand, don't cause significant health issues. Therefore, it is essential for those considering buying a house with a cesspool to consider these health and environmental issues.
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 needed.
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 thoroughly 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
When selecting the right system for your property, it’s essential to have in-depth knowledge of the apparent differences between both.
Consider 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 more significant benefits than traditional cesspool systems.
A cesspool system is older, lacks functionality, and has a shorter lifespan. It also contains several other drawbacks.
Conclusion
The difference between a cesspool and a septic tank is clear. Although they serve the same purpose, they differ in functionality, design, environmental impact, and maintenance needs.
The septic system is considered modern and popular among property owners due to its advanced benefits, which are unavailable in older cesspool systems.
Choosing your property's proper waste management system can make a huge difference.
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 on an affordable budget.
Contact us at (765) 584-7295 to learn more about our service and schedule a consultation.
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