How Does a Cesspool Work?

by Quality Cesspool
April 27, 2023
Cesspool

How Does a Cesspool Work?

Understanding the Function and Maintenance of Your Underground Holding Tank

If you own a home or business not connected to a municipal sewer system, you may have a cesspool on your property. Cesspools are underground holding tanks that collect and store sewage and wastewater from toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures. Over time, cesspools can become full and need to be pumped out to prevent backups and environmental damage. But how does a cesspool work, and what can you do to maintain it?

How Exactly Does a Cesspool Work?

Cesspools are simple in design but crucial in function. They consist of a large underground tank typically made of concrete or fiberglass. The tank is buried in the ground and has one or more openings for pipes that connect to the building’s plumbing system. When wastewater from

the building flows into the cesspool, it separates into three layers:

Scum: The top layer of the cesspool is made up of oils, fats, and other floating materials. This layer is lighter than water and floats on the tank surface.
Effluent: The middle layer of the cesspool is made up of wastewater and other liquid materials. This layer is denser than scum but lighter than sludge.
Sludge: The bottom layer of the cesspool is made up of solids and other heavy materials that sink to the bottom of the tank. This layer is denser than scum and effluent.

As wastewater enters the cesspool, it decomposes naturally. Bacteria in the tank break down solids and other organic materials, converting them into gasses like methane and carbon dioxide. The gasses rise to the top of the tank and are released into the air through a vent pipe.

Over time, the sludge layer in the cesspool will build up and reduce the tank’s wastewater capacity. When the tank is full, it must be pumped out to remove the sludge and scum layers. This process should be done regularly to prevent backups and ensure the cesspool functions correctly.

Maintaining Your Cesspool

To keep your cesspool in proper working condition, there are some things you can do:

Limit water usage: The less water that enters your cesspool, the slower the buildup of sludge and scum will be. To reduce water usage, fix leaks promptly, use low-flow fixtures, and avoid long showers or baths.
Avoid flushing non-biodegradable materials: Items like diapers, wipes, and sanitary products can clog your cesspool and cause backups. Only flush biodegradable materials like toilet paper and human waste.
Schedule regular pump-outs: To prevent sludge and scum buildup, you should have your cesspool pumped out every 3-5 years, depending on usage. A professional cesspool service can assess your needs and recommend a schedule that works for you.
Monitor the vent pipe: The vent pipe on your cesspool allows gasses to escape from the tank. If the vent becomes clogged, the pressure inside the tank can build up and cause damage. Make sure the vent is clear and functioning correctly.

Cesspools are an essential part of many homes and businesses not connected to municipal sewer systems. Understanding how they work and maintain them is crucial to preventing backups and environmental damage. By limiting water usage, avoiding flushing non-biodegradable materials, scheduling regular pump-outs, and monitoring the vent pipe, you can keep your cesspool in healthy working condition for years to come.

Quality Cesspool is committed to providing reliable cesspool services to homes and businesses throughout Long Island. Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency repairs, our team of experienced professionals is here to help