The Difference Between a Septic System and a Cesspool

Septic systems and cesspools are often misunderstood. Some people even use the terms interchangeably, but they differ significantly in how they work to dispose of household waste.

 

A septic system is like a tiny waste treatment system that is underground in your backyard. It consists of two major components: a tank that liquefies solid waste and a drain field that filters liquid. It is a two-step process that is effective and comprehensive.

A cesspool is less complex; it is just a large hole in the ground into which everything goes. Filtering is done by the ground around it, but there is no separate tank or drain field. It is less efficient and fills up more quickly as compared to a septic system.

So the difference between a cesspool and a septic tank is straightforward. 

• Septic = two-stage treatment (tank + drain field)

• Cesspool = single pit with direct absorption

Most places today favour septic systems as they are more efficient and environmentally sound. However, knowing the difference between a septic tank and cesspool will help you save money in maintenance and repair.

What Is a Septic System?

A septic system is a closed wastewater treatment system in homes that lack city sewers. It is widespread in rural and small towns.

• First, all the waste from your house goes into a big tank (called a septic tank). In this tank, solid stuff settles to the bottom, and liquid stays on top.
• Tiny helpful bacteria (think of them as tiny waste-eating critters) munch on the solid waste, breaking it down.
• The liquid then flows out of the tank into an area called the “drain field” — a system of pipes with perforations to drain the fluid– where it gets further cleaned by the soil. Basically, the ground acts like a big filter!
• Over time, the solid stuff in the tank builds up, so you need to get it pumped out every few years to keep things working smoothly.

The average tank life is between 20 and 40 years, which is based on material and maintenance. Concrete tanks are the longest lasting, and plastic and fibreglass tanks may require replacement sooner. Sluggish drains, unpleasant smells in and around the drain tank, or dampness in the drain field are signs of possible issues that should be professionally examined.

What NOT to flush!

Non-degradable products such as wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, and too much grease are a challenge to the septic systems. They block the system and result in expensive repairs.

What Is a Cesspool?

• A cesspool is much easier than a septic system. Imagine that it is a large hole or a pit in the ground, which is paved with stones or concrete.
  
• All the waste from your house goes straight into this hole.
• Just like with the septic system, the ground around the cesspool helps filter and clean the liquid part. But there’s no separate tank to hold and break down the solid waste. There’s also no drain field to diffuse the effluent. The water/effluent filters directly into the solid from the cesspool.
• Because there’s no special place for the solid waste to get broken down, cesspools can fill up faster and might be less efficient than septic systems.

The majority of cesspools require pumping on a 2-3 year cycle (as opposed to 3-5 years in a septic system) since solids do not decompose by bacteria. Pumping might be required even more often in bigger families.

Cesspools become more dangerous sources of groundwater contamination without a drain field filter, particularly when they are located near wells or water sources. This is what led to their phasing out in many states.

Cost of replacement

Converting a cesspool (removal and replacement) to a septic system typically costs $8,500-$25,000, depending on the soil factors and size of the property.

Key Difference Between a Cesspool and a Septic Tank

Pros and Cons of Septic Systems & Cesspools

Each system is suited for different situations. The table below lists their pros and cons.

Which Is Better for Your Property?

It depends on your particular situation, though septic systems tend to be the better option among the majority of present-day homeowners.

A septic system makes sense if you have the room to build a drain field, and you intend to live in your home permanently. It is less expensive, durable, and will not damage the resale value of your property. And it is more tolerant of bigger families with bigger water consumption.

The only reason cesspools make sense is when you are in an older house, have little room, or have certain types of soil that will not allow you to install a septic system. Even then, be aware that several states are phasing them out, so you will be forced to upgrade at some point anyway.

Costs: Installation & Maintenance

Understanding the difference between a cesspool and a septic tank in terms of costs for repairs and maintenance helps you make a smart long-term decision.

Prices of installation differ widely according to the type of system, the state of the soil, and the location.

• The average cost of the new septic system is $3,000 to 25000 (national average is about $8,000), and conversion of a cesspool to a new septic system costs 3,600 to 20,000.

• Cesspools themselves are less expensive initially, with prices ranging between $6,500 to $8,000; however, this changes when it comes to maintenance bills.

Regular maintenance is where things diverge. The price of maintaining the septic system is between $250 and 500 once every three to five years for proper pumping and inspection. 

Pumping of septic tanks alone requires an average cost of $300 to 600 based on the size of the tank. The cesspools should be pumped every 2 to 3 years, and it costs the same ($300 to 600), but you will be pumping twice as often.

Summary of The Differences

We have discussed the main differences between the two systems of waste management. The main takeaway? Septic systems are the obvious choice among the vast majority of homeowners.

• A septic system is like a two-step process: a tank where solid waste breaks down, then a drain field where liquid gets filtered. They are also more environmentally responsible and do not pollute groundwater. They, however, require a higher initial investment ($3,000-25,000) and professional maintenance. 
  
• A cesspool is more straightforward: it’s a big hole where everything goes, and the ground around it does the filtering.  But they do fill up faster (2-3 years), meaning higher cumulative maintenance expenses over time.
  

The real cost isn't just money, it's peace of mind. A properly maintained septic system works quietly in the background for decades. A cesspool? It's a ticking clock. Regardless of whether you are constructing new or seeking an upgrade, septic is the investment that would pay back in terms of dependability and durability.

Accelerator by Dr. Pooper® Drain Field Cleaner cleans the organic solids in septic tanks, drain fields, and cesspools. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the difference between a cesspool and a septic tank?

A septic tank consists of two processes. Firstly, solids are decomposed in the tank, and secondly, liquid passes through a drain field. A cesspool is one pit into which all is thrown, and soil is the only filter. Septic systems are more efficient and last longer.

2. How does a septic tank work compared to a cesspool?

Septic tanks use bacteria to decompose waste before filtration. Cesspools skip this step; waste goes straight into the ground with minimal treatment.

3. Is cesspool same as septic?

No. Cesspools are simpler but less effective. They are quicker to fill, need more pumping, and are more hazardous to the environment.

4. What is a cesspool?

A cesspool is a large pit filled with stones or concrete through which domestic wastes are deposited and are drained into the soil.

5. How long do cesspools last compared to septic systems?

Cesspools last 10-30 years; septic systems last 20-40 years. This is why septic systems are the better investment because of this life span difference.