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Cesspits, cesspools and septic tanks can often get lumped together when talking about drainage, but they’re actually quite different – and in some very important ways.
Different scenarios and properties require different solutions, while regulatory and environmental implications also play their part. That’s why, this month at Express Drainage Surveys, we’re going to explain what each system is, how they work and what the pros and cons are of both.
We’re experts in drainage surveys and solutions, and can advise you on what your property needs thanks to our many years of experience.
Here in the UK, a cesspit is simply defined as a watertight chamber that collects and holds sewage. Sometimes called a cesspool (though other countries have other definitions for this term), it does not drain into the ground; both the solids and the liquids that it collects are held and remain there until it is emptied by a professional contractor.
A septic tank, on the other hand, acts as a primary treatment method for your drainage. That’s because, while it collects liquid and solid waste from a property, it is designed to separate the two over time, with the effluent drained out to a soakaway. Only the solid matter that remains then needs to be emptied.
Cesspits function as a collection-only unit. They fill up over a long period of use, without any treatment or filtration of what is collected. Eventually, when full, a professional tanker is needed to fully empty the cesspit so that it can continue to be used.
A septic tank does a similar job of collecting waste and wastewater, but it features distinct chambers inside that allow solids to settle and be broken down by bacteria. Eventually, this treatment allows for a certain amount of effluent to be discharged into the ground.
A drainage field or a soakaway is often required along with a septic tank, though sometimes secondary treatment may be needed depending on the system.
Both cesspits and septic tanks are often used for more rural properties and historic properties, because they’re less likely to be connected to the main sewer system. Septic tanks will need planning permission and the consideration of the associated soakaway system.
Cesspits, like septic tanks, are also a solution when there is no feasible connection to the main sewers or if there is a high water table. It can also be a solution if there is no way to establish a soakaway or if there are protection orders in place for the area. This means that the risk of contamination from wastewater is removed, as the waste, solid and liquid, has to be removed by a tanker.
Both septic tanks and cesspits have their advantages and disadvantages. Here is a clear breakdown for both so that you can make the right decision for your property:
Cesspit advantages: They’re a simple solution with a lot fewer moving parts to consider. There is also no need to consider a soakaway, so all in all, you have less initial infrastructure to deal with.
Cesspit disadvantages: Since there is no effluent discharge, a cesspit requires more frequent emptying, resulting in higher long-term costs. There is also the real risk of overflow and the associated environmental risk, not to mention the odours that will come with such an event, creating a hazard for your property and anyone nearby.
Septic tank advantages: They’re great as a primary treatment solution, creating a treated effluent that delivers a much better environmental performance. The added bonus of this is that they are more acceptable for planning permission, making them a viable option for the future. They also need far less frequent emptying, which saves money over time.
Septic tank disadvantages: The main drawback of the septic tank is that you need space to also have a soakaway or drainage field. They also come with some initial costs for installation, and can require more careful maintenance. Some septic tanks can be susceptible to blockages, but this is not as much of an issue if used correctly.
It’s worth taking a moment to consider the risks associated with these solutions. Whether it’s a blockage in a septic tank or the neglect of a cesspit, they risk contamination for the area around them when not looked after properly, even posing a danger to the water supply. This is especially true if there is flooding in your area and the system is unable to cope.
Safety precautions should also be taken whenever a cesspit or septic tank is being emptied. To do this, specialist tankers are usually required and protective equipment for anyone carrying out the work. You also need to ensure that the company undertaking the work is a licensed waste contractor; otherwise, you could be culpable if your waste is not properly disposed of.
Choosing the right option for your property is going to come down largely to whether your property is connected to the mains sewer and whether you have the room for a soakaway to be installed. If you do have room, a septic tank is ideal, but without the soakaway, you will require a cesspit.
You also need to factor in any Environment Agency or Local Authority restraints for your area, as this will play a part in what you’re allowed to install.
Finally, think about any future plans you might have for your property, such as an increase in occupancy levels that would render the tank size installed unsuitable, or any extensions, as these cannot be built over your cesspit or septic tank.
If you need professional drainage services to keep the flow going at your property, look no further than our range at Express Drainage Services:
Simply contact us today to learn more or to book a survey with our engineers, and we’ll provide a swift response to get to the bottom of any drainage issues.
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