If your property doesn’t have a connection to a centralized sewer treatment system, you either rely on a septic tank or cesspool for sewage disposal. Both systems serve to separate scum, effluent, and sludge, and knowing which one you have allows you to perform proper maintenance and waste removal. Emery Plumbing, a licensed plumbing contractor in Hilo, HI, shares some of the differences between the two.

What Are Septic Tanks & Cesspools?

A septic system is comprised of several parts, and the two most important components are the septic tank and drain field. However, some systems, like the multi-flow septic, only have tanks. A cesspool, on the other hand, is any concrete pit or container dug deep in the ground; it’s similar to a well, but with perforations.

How Are They Different from Each Other?

Both methods receive wastewater, but the most significant difference is that the septic tank treats the water before it goes to the drain field and back to the water table. Septic tanks have a bacterial environment that breaks down organic waste into scum, while inorganic solids are stored at the bottom as sludge. Unlike septic systems, a cesspool doesn’t treat waste. Sewage is drained directly into the surrounding soil through perforated walls. Both disposal methods need regular pumping from a plumbing contractor to remove accumulated sludge and prevent waste overflow.

How Do They Affect the Environment?

Septic tanks treat wastewater by removing bacteria, which can contaminate the groundwater supply and make people sick. This makes treated water safe as it goes back to the ground. Since cesspools do not utilize any treatment system, wastewater can spill over or seep into the groundwater supply. Sometimes, the surrounding soil becomes oversaturated and wastewater is seen gathering at the soil surface, making cesspools unsafe for the environment.

Both septic tanks and cesspools need regular maintenance from a plumbing contractor. With more than 35 years of experience and a solid reputation, Emery Plumbing is trusted among locals across the island for everything from commercial plumbing to septic tank installation. Call (808) 960-8828 to schedule an appointment with a plumbing contractor or visit them online for an extensive list of their services.