Cesspools are concrete, brick, or cement pits commonly used in Hawaii to collect wastewater from the home and filter it through perforated walls and into the surrounding soil. Today, they are generally used in tandem with septic tanks to catch overflow. When they are not, cesspool pumping and maintenance is required more frequently to keep the surrounding area from becoming saturated with raw sewage. If you’ve recently moved into a home that relies on this setup, the questions and answers below will help you better care for it.

4 FAQ About Cesspools

How Often Is Cesspool Pumping Required?

Generally, when a cesspool is used in combination with a septic tank, it doesn’t need pumping. However, sometimes problems can arise that cause solids or too much effluent to overflow into the pit. When this happens, you might notice ponding around the cesspool location, a gurgling toilet, or a sewage smell emanating from drains, in which case you should call a cesspool pumping contractor.

What Can You Do If Cesspool Pumping Doesn’t Work?

In these cases, chemical treatment would be the next best option. However, this only has a 50% chance of working. If the water is not brackish, caustic soda flakes are added after pumping the sludge to break down any grease and open the walls and floor. If caustic soda flakes are ineffective, liquid sulfuric acid may then be applied.

Do Household Cleaners Affect the Cesspool?

Absolutely! When chemical cleaners are flushed down your drains, they will kill off naturally occurring bacteria inside the cesspool. This will result in waste buildup and the need for more frequent pumping. Always use natural cleaning methods and organic products whenever possible.

Can Landscaping Have a Negative Effect on a Cesspool?

Yes. Avoid planting anything within 50 feet of your cesspool location. Also, try to use above-ground planters or only add vegetation with shallow roots to prevent them from penetrating the walls of the cesspool. 

Whether it’s time for cesspool pumping or you’re ready to upgrade to an alternative septic system, the team at ABC Cesspool and Septic Pumping in Kamuela, HI, can help. They provide septic tank, cesspool, and high-volume pumping to all of the Big Island. They also specialize in septic tank cleaning and discovery, chemical treatment, and overall septic system maintenance. Schedule their services today by calling (808) 887-0766, and visit their website to learn more about taking care of your system.