Are you wondering if you can replace cesspool with septic tank? The answer is a resounding yes! But what is a Cesspool? A cesspool is an underground tank that collects and stores sewage from houses and other buildings. Cesspools or cesspits are usually made of brick or concrete and don’t treat sewage, so they need to be pumped out every seven to nine weeks to prevent sewage backup in the house.
The maintenance cost of a cesspool is higher than that of an average septic tank because it has to be pumped out more often. In the past, cesspools were used because there was no other option. Today, people are choosing to use septic systems because they are easier to maintain and cost less. Cesspools are increasingly becoming obsolete due to the higher maintenance cost.
When comparing a septic tank vs cesspool we have to consider their impact on the environment. Cesspools pose a serious environmental hazard because their contents can contaminate groundwater and soil with bacteria, viruses and other pathogens if they overflow or leak during heavy rainfall or flooding. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified cesspools as a serious threat to public health, safety, and welfare because of their contamination hazard they pose to the environment. On the other-hand, Septic tanks are an environmentally friendly way to dispose of human waste. Septic tanks use anaerobic bacteria to break down waste and convert it into liquid effluent that is easily disposed of with no harmful effects on the environment.
Cost to replace cesspool with septic
The price of septic tank installation is dependent on a variety of factors. Some of the factors that can affect the price include:
- Location of installation site. The location of the site is one of the key factors that needs to be considered when installing a septic tank. The distance from the house, bedrock level and the surrounding terrain are some factors that will affect how complex the installation will be. Some terrain requires the septic tank to be installed uphill from the house resulting in an expensive installation process.
- Size and type of septic tank. The cost of a septic tank varies depending on what material it is made out of. For example, a plastic septic tank is cheaper than a concrete septic system.
- Type of soil the installation site is located on. Soil acts as a natural filter for the septic effluent in order to prevent contamination of groundwater. Sandy soil is a fast draining and poor filter that does not remove pollutants from septic effluent. If your location has sandy soil you have to add clay or loam soil and this will drive up septic installation costs.
- Weather. Winter is a harsh time to install a septic tank. The ground can be frozen making digging extremely hard and costly. It is cheaper to install your septic tank during spring.
- Type of septic pump will affect overall cost of the septic system. The cost of a septic tank pump can depend on various factors such as size, brand, model etc. A thermoplastic pump is cheaper than a cast-iron pump. If your septic is uphill, you will require a powerful grinder pump which is more expensive than a sump pump.
- Drain field system (if applicable).
- Number and type of inlet and outlet pipes.
- Permits.
The price to replace cesspool with septic ranges from $6 500 to $20 000.
What happens when cesspool is full?
A cesspool is a holding tank that collects and stores untreated sewage. Every time you use a tap, toilet or washing machine, you add more sewage and wastewater into the cesspool. Eventually the cesspool or holding tank becomes full. When the cesspool becomes full, untreated sewage will back up into the house or leak into groundwater contaminating the environment. The telltale signs of a full cesspool are usually:
- Sewage backups into the house.
- Slow drains, toilets that do not flush and a foul odor.
How do you fill an old cesspool?
This is a classic, timeless question that has been debated for many years. To fill an old cesspool:
- The first step is to crush it up by breaking apart all the sides.
- Fill it with sand or gravel.
Are cesspools still used?
Cesspools have been around for a long time, but they are not as common as they used to be. Cesspools were replaced by other environmentally friendly technologies like septic tanks, sewers and water treatment plants. There are still some cesspools in use today on houses built before 1970. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the installation of large cesspools in April 2000, because they are environmentally unfriendly.
Can I Replace Cesspool With Septic Tank: Final Thoughts
Can I Replace Cesspool With Septic Tank? A Cesspool is not an efficient way of disposing of sewage. Cesspools collect and store untreated sewage. They often overflow when full, contaminating the environment and are costly to maintain since they require frequent pumping out. You should replace Cesspools with a septic system!
