Cesspool vs septic tank? It’s understandable if the sewage system is not exactly your favorite topic of discussion when it comes to your home’s features. But seeing that sewage is the heart and soul of our business, you will forgive us if we are a bit more enthusiastic than most people when it comes to adequate waste disposal.

To this effect, you may have thought the only two options for waste disposal were a septic tank vs sewer lines connecting to the city’s treatment plant. While this is the case for most homes, there is actually a more primitive option still relatively common in rural areas: a cesspool. While a cesspool may look like another name for a large septic tank at first glance, there are actually a number of key distinguishing features between the two systems. Keep reading as we compare and contrast the pros and cons of cesspools and septic tanks.

What Is a Cesspool Sewage System?

A cesspool is a waste disposal structure that has been used for millennia. It is essentially nothing more than a giant hole in the ground that accumulates waste. It usually has concrete or brick walls, an open bottom, and pierced sides. As waste enters the cesspool, the solid waste settles to the bottom and the liquid waste disperses through the sides or percolates through the solid into the ground.

Using this approach, waste is merely stored and not treated. As such, cesspools need to be regularly serviced by a professional and pose a significant contamination threat to nearby groundwater.

What Is a Septic Tank Sewage System?

A septic tank is another waste receptacle, albeit far more advanced than a cesspool. A septic tank systematically treats waste material, breaking down organic waste material in the upper level of the tank, releasing waste water to a nearby drainage field, and storing inorganic compounds at the bottom of the tank.

Typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, septic tanks can last for decades when properly installed and maintained. Due to the innovative baffles in the tank that control waste flow, septic tanks also pose little risk for groundwater contamination.

Pros of a Cesspool Sewage System

When comparing cesspool vs septic tank pros and cons, the only real benefit to choosing a cesspool is the lower upfront cost. Due to the fact that it is simply an underground storage pit with no sophisticated technology, it does not cost a lot to connect a cesspool to your drainage pipes. In addition, if you are trying to purchase a home that uses a cesspool, its comparatively primitive construction may give you leverage to negotiate a lower price.

Cons of a Cesspool Sewage System

The cons of a cesspool are numerous. Some of the most apparent include:

• As the waste matter is not treated, the contamination threat to surrounding groundwater is significant
• Cesspools must be emptied by a professional with regularity. Some cesspools need to be serviced every few years, but small, old-fashioned cesspools need servicing as often as every other month. This is inconvenient and results in high ongoing costs
• Cesspools will wear out in as little as 15 years
• They are generally viewed as an outdated sewage solution and can hurt the value of your home on the resale market

As you can see, unless you live in a very remote area and have a small family with relatively few sewage needs, the cons of a cesspool greatly outweigh the benefits.

Pros of a Septic Tank Sewage System

Although they may not be ideal for everyone, the benefits of a septic tank are far more plentiful than those of a cesspool.

To start with, the more advanced drainage structure spreads effluent waste far and wide into an approved drainage field, reducing pollutants by 90% and greatly reducing the risk of groundwater contamination.

In addition, septic tanks need to be pumped far less frequently than cesspools–typically no more than every five years–and will last decades without ever needing to be replaced. This lowers the ongoing costs of maintenance when compared to a cesspool.

They are also generally much larger than cesspools and can better serve large families and other households with heavy sewage needs.

Cons of a Septic Tank Sewage System

Despite the numerous benefits of a septic tank sewage system, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider.

The most obvious is the initial cost. Some of the best septic tanks can cost more than five figures, which is a bigger investment than you would have to make for a cesspool.

And while you do not have to service septic tanks as often as cesspools, the results of overdue service on septic tanks can become particularly problematic. A soggy drainage field, busted pipes, and a shifting tank are a few examples of what can happen if you neglect your septic tank.

The Bottom Line: Cesspool vs Septic Tank Sewage Systems

While similar at first glance, cesspools and septic tanks have a number of key distinguishing features that separate them as sewage disposal options. Whereas a cesspool is merely a storage tank for waste, septic tanks actively treat and break down harmful contaminants and remove them gradually to an approved drainage field. Therefore, outside of a higher installation cost, a septic tank offers nothing but advantages over the more primitive cesspool system.