Understanding Cesspools and their Issues
Cesspools are underground structures that function as an alternative to a septic tank. They are commonly used in areas that lack a centralized sewer system and where the ground is permeable enough for the filtered wastewater to percolate back to the surrounding environment. While cesspools are relatively low-maintenance, they cannot function indefinitely without regular inspection, cleaning, and occasional repairs. Neglecting your cesspool can lead to a host of problems that include unpleasant odors, slow drains, sewage backups, and even complete system failure. Knowing the most common cesspool problems and how to fix them can save you from costly repairs and potential health hazards.
1. Blockages in the Cesspool Pipes
The pipes that connect your house to the cesspool can become clogged with debris, such as grease, hair, soap scum, and tree roots. Blockages can cause sewage backups, foul smells, and reduced water flow. If you suspect that you have blocked cesspool pipes, you should hire a licensed plumber who can use a special camera to inspect the pipes and identify the blockage. Depending on the severity of the blockage, the plumber may use a high-pressure water jet or an auger to break it apart and restore proper water flow.
2. Cracks or Leaks in the Cesspool Walls
Your cesspool’s walls may crack or leak due to age, corrosion, or ground movement. These cracks and leaks can allow wastewater to seep into the surrounding soil and contaminate groundwater. They can also cause the cesspool to collapse under the weight of the soil above it. Signs of cracks or leaks in your cesspool include a soggy lawn, unpleasant odors, and slow drainage. Repairing cracks and leaks in the cesspool walls requires the services of a licensed contractor who can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the appropriate repair method, such as patching or relining the walls or replacing the entire cesspool.
3. Overflows or Backups in the Cesspool
Cesspools have a limited capacity and can overflow or back up when they are filled beyond their limit. Overflows and backups can occur due to excessive water usage, leaks, or blockages in the pipes. When this happens, sewage can flow back into your home or onto your property, posing health risks and damage to your property. To prevent overflows and backups, you should conserve water by fixing leaky faucets and toilets, spacing out laundry and dishwashing loads, and avoiding pouring grease, chemicals, or solids down the drains. If your cesspool does overflow or backup, you should hire a professional cesspool cleaning service to pump out the wastewater and inspect the system for any issues.
4. Dispersion Field Problems
The dispersion field or leach field is the area where the treated water from your cesspool is dispersed back into the ground. This area can become clogged with solids, such as grease and soap scum, or compacted with soil, reducing its ability to filter the wastewater. Signs of dispersion field problems include soggy patches of soil, unpleasant odors, and sewage backups. To fix dispersion field problems, you should hire a licensed contractor who can excavate the area and either replace the clogged soil or install a new field in a different location. You should also avoid driving heavy vehicles or building structures over the dispersion field to prevent damage to the pipes and soil. Explore the subject further with this recommended external material. Click to read more on this topic!
Conclusion
Cesspools are a practical and reliable system for treating wastewater in areas without a sewer system. However, they require periodic maintenance to prevent the most common problems that can affect them. By knowing how to identify and fix blockages, cracks, overflows, and dispersion field problems, you can keep your cesspool functioning properly for years to come.
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