and Seepage Pits
cesspool is the forerunner to the modern septic system.
The cesspool is simply a vertical pit dug into the earth.
The pit is lined with a porous cement, or block, or
stone. The area outside the liner is filled with gravel.
All the wastewater from the home is routed to the cesspool.
The solids fall to the bottom where they are partially
digested by bacteria and microorganisms that occur there
naturally. The effluent leaches out into the gravel
and soil surrounding the pit.
cesspools are far from the best method of dealing with
household wastewater. If your home has one and it is
working properly, keep it carefully maintained by having
it pumped regularly. Avoid putting grease and food down
the drains. See the septic
system care page on this web site.
many people confuse cesspools with seepage pits and
Vic versa, they serve different purposes in treating
wastewater. A seepage pit is similar to a cesspool in
construction consisting of a large pit lined with concrete
rings, or porous masonry block to support the walls
of the pit, and a surrounding bed of gravel. The difference
is, only effluent that has come from a septic tank enters
a seepage pit. The effluent has already been through
the first stage of processing in the tank. Once it enters
the seepage pit it is temporarily stored there until
it gradually seeps through the walls and into the surrounding
soil. A biomat forms in the bottom of the pit and as
the pit ages the biomat grows thick clogging the pores
of the pit walls. Because of their construction seepage
pits are not as efficient at processing effluent as
drainfields or soil absorption beds.