Cesspool Maintenance & Problems | NYSeptic.com

Cesspool Maintenance & Problems

While urban homes tend to connect to a municipal sewer system, many country and older rural homes make use of a self-contained septic system for waste management. Unlike sewer systems, a septic system requires regular maintenance due to the way it handles your waste. This is costly when working through a waste management company, but you may potentially save money by maintaining the septic system yourself.

Septic System Components
Septic systems consist of two major components: a well or septic tank and a drain field. Updated systems use a septic tank instead of a well for improved efficiency, although some older homes still use wells. While essentially the same concept, there are some minor design differences which may lead to different issues.

The Modern Septic Tank
This large underground tank is directly connected to your home’s main sewage line. When you flush your toilet or run your sink, the waste water flows into the tank where it is digested by anaerobic bacteria. The process separates the waste into three parts. Solid waste sinks to the bottom, and lighter particles form scum on the surface. As more sewage is flushed into the tank, the older water is pushed into drainpipes where it seeps harmlessly into the surrounding field.
Older Cesspool Wells

In older well-based septic systems, there is a large masonry-lined well covered by a stone or concrete lid into which the waste water flows instead of a tank. Once in the well, the anaerobic bacteria begins feeding on the sewage. Solid waste sinks and scum forms along the surface. Unlike tanks, which have pipes leading to a drain field, the well walls have small openings through which the water seeps out into the surrounding ground. As the process is not as efficient as with septic tanks, cesspool wells are now illegal in some states.

Common Problems with Septic Systems
As a general rule, septic systems require little maintenance over the course of a single year and are therefore easily forgotten. This leads to issues which may potentially lead to sewage flooding your yard or backing up into the home. Clogs and a full septic tank are the two most common problems you will encounter.
Clogged Cesspool Wells

Cesspool wells rely upon bacteria to separate the solid and liquid wastes, but this process is not perfect. Over time, the openings in your cesspool may become clogged, causing a wastewater backup. If not kept clean, the cesspool may begin to require pumping several times per year. This may even occur if there is not a large amount of solid waste in the bottom due to the inability of water to escape.

Symptom of a Full Septic Tank
If not pumped every three to five years, your septic tank may become so full of solid waste that it overflows. The least damaging sign is a persistent foul odor near the tank or in your bathroom. This rotting smell may be more noticeable in hot weather.

Another common symptom is a slow-draining or frequently clogged toilet. Plunging and drain cleaners will prove ineffective if the problem is related to the septic tank and not a simple drain clog. Continued use of the toilet without cleaning the septic tank may lead to overflows and sewage damage to your home.

The third sign of a full septic tank is moist ground above the tank’s location. In extreme cases, the flooding may even include visible sewage or toilet paper. Any plants in the flooded area may become sick or die off, leaving bald patches in lawns or other aesthetic damage.

Septic Cleaning Methods
There are three basic ways to clean out your septic system, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Be sure to check your local and state laws before attempting to empty the cesspool by yourself.
Aeration

A chemical alternative for cleaning out the cesspool, aeration involves pouring sulfuric acid into the well or tank. The acid breaks down the solid waste and sludge, allowing air to pass through. As a result, the waste is dissolved without extensive pumping. The downside to this method is that sulfuric acid is corrosive and may cause damage to your septic system if not used properly.

Hydro-Jetting
Another alternative method used in wells which may reduce or eliminate the need for pumping is to use hydro-jetting. A high-pressure blast forces water into the ground at the bottom of the cesspool, breaking up the solids. This method has the fastest recovery time when cleaning a well.

Cesspool Pumping
Pumping is considered the default method for cleaning out septic tanks and should be performed every two to four years. Some smaller tanks may require annual pumping if used heavily, while even large and seldom used tanks should be pumped at least once every five years. Note that in many states, it is illegal to pump a cesspool without proper certification.

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