Both cesspits and septic tanks collect wastewater and sewage from homes and businesses not connected to the mains sewer system. Although they serve a similar purpose, they operate in very different ways
What Is a Cesspit?
A sealed underground tank, a cesspit stores wastewater and sewage. Unlike a septic tank, it does not treat or process the waste. Instead, a licensed waste carrier removes the waste after it collects in the tank.
Cesspits are usually buried underground and accessed via a manhole cover, which makes emptying straightforward.
Cesspit Emptying Requirements
Regular emptying keeps cesspits from overflowing. How often depends on:
-
The size of the property
-
The number of occupants
-
The capacity of the tank
As a result, emptying may be required monthly, quarterly or annually.
What Is a Septic Tank?
Unlike a cesspit, a septic tank treats wastewater before releasing it. The treated water usually drains into a soakaway or, sometimes, a nearby stream.
A soakaway is a pit filled with rubble or coarse stones. It allows treated water to disperse safely into the ground without causing flooding.
How a Septic Tank Works
A septic tank is buried underground and typically has two chambers:
-
First chamber: Solids settle at the bottom and begin to decompose naturally.
-
Second chamber: Smaller suspended particles settle, allowing cleaner water to flow into the soakaway.
Septic Tank Maintenance
To keep a septic tank working efficiently, sludge should be removed every six months.
Healthy bacteria are essential for breaking down waste. Therefore, it is important to:
-
Avoid excessive use of bleach
-
Limit biological cleaning products
-
Use septic-friendly household cleaners
What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Flush
Whether you use a cesspit, septic tank, or mains drainage system, you should only flush:
-
Urine
-
Faeces
-
Toilet paper
Never flush:
-
Sanitary products
-
Wet wipes
-
Food waste
-
Fat or grease
Flushing the wrong items can cause blockages, system failure, and flooding.