What Is the Difference Between a Septic Tank and a Cesspit?

If you’re living in a remote property that’s too far away from other houses to have been connected to the main sewerage system, you need something to deal with all the wastewater that you’ll be producing.

Usually, that will mean having either a septic tank or a cesspit. Each does essentially the same job, but what is it about them that makes them different to each other?

This month, the Need a Tanker team is explaining that difference – and letting you know that whichever you have, Need a Tanker is here to help.

Cesspits

Cesspits are far more likely to be present at older properties. If you’ve got one, then chances are that it’s been there a long time, because when they were the only thing to have, they were built to last. A cesspit is basically a large – usually concrete – tank buried into the ground into which all wastewater coming from a property is fed. 

That’s essentially it – what goes there stays there until a licensed liquid waste disposal specialist such as Need a Tanker comes along and takes it away. Depending on the size of the property in question and the number of people living there (the more people there are, the more wastewater there is likely to be), that could be as often as every month.

Very few properties will be fitted with a cesspit these days, because it’s an inefficient and time-consuming method. There are a few recent examples of new cesspits being installed, however: you might choose to use one as a short-term measure (such as at music festivals), or if there’s no safe or sensible place for a septic tank to discharge into (of which more very shortly).

The ins and outs of a septic tank

Septic tanks are a more modern development of the cesspit, and the main difference – which we have already alluded to – is that they don’t just hold the wastewater until someone takes it away.

A septic tank is made up of two or three sections. As the wastewater flows in at one end, it enters the first section; there, the heavier solids sink to the bottom, while any scum floats on top. That leaves comparatively clean water in the middle which passes through into the second tank.

The same process occurs in the second tank, but this time the even cleaner water in the middle feeds out of the tank and into a soakaway field where it can be safely absorbed into the environment. If there is a third section in your septic tank, the waste water is separated even further so that even cleaner water is discharged. 

What remains will sit at the bottom and decompose. Nevertheless, there will be a buildup over time, so septic tanks still need to be emptied regularly, but considerably less often than with a cesspit – in some cases, it may only be necessary every three to five years.

If you have a septic tank or cesspit on your property, Need a Tanker can help with all the cleaning, servicing and emptying you’ll need. We’re experienced and licensed liquid waste specialists able to work with commercial, industrial and domestic customers across the UK, offering a fast, efficient and cost-effective service every time.

Get in touch with us now to find out more or to book a visit from one of our experienced engineers.