The function of the cesspool is to collect the solid and liquid waste as it leaves your home and convert the waste into a liquid. The liquid waste is then absorbed into the soil that surrounds the cesspool. It is important to know that the cesspool is not equipped to handle any other substances than water, human waste, and toilet paper, anything else that you put into the system will most likely reduce the lifespan of your cesspool.
How Do Cesspools Work?
You are probably aware that every time you run water from your faucet, do laundry or flush your toilet, all of the waste and water leave the house and flow into the cesspool. It is here that some of the waste will float and some of it will sink. As the amount of water increases in the septic tank, equal amounts of water and waste is pushed out into the cesspool.
What Causes Cesspool Failure?
If the wastewater is not able to soak into the soil, the sewage can back into the system. As a result, one of two things can occur. Wastewater can be visibly seen puddling on the ground, or the sewage begins to back up in the house. For example, if you flush your toilet and the water does not go down in the toilet, or you hear a gurgling noise, chances are the septic system is clogged and not accepting the water.
In fact, if there is a clog in your system, you may even notice that the grass is taller and greener around the cesspool. The waste begins to act as a fertilizer instead of draining down the system.
Causes of cesspool failure include:
- Age, a cesspool has normal life span of 15 – 20 years
- Extreme water usage
- Bad soil conditions
- Physical damage to the cesspool
- Roots of nearby trees blocking the system
- Vehicles or heavy equipment driving over any area of the system
- Abnormally wet weather
- A cesspool that is too small for the house it serves
What Is Cesspool Aeration?
When a cesspool is aerated, the cesspool is located and the cesspool cover is opened for access. This service is commonly combined with cesspool pumping. The serviceman will use a pipe connected to a high pressure air compressor and drive it into the bottom of the cesspool repeatedly to churn the soil. The pipe is typically driven 3 – 4 feet into the bottom of the cesspool. After aeration, sulfuric acid can be added to help clean the bottom of the cesspool.
Can Cesspool Aeration Help?
- It will immediately increase the performance of your slowly draining cesspool
- It is a temporary solution which will extend the life of your cesspool
- It is an inexpensive solution compared to replacing the cesspool
- It is a green solution which only utilizes air
- Signs from performance problems like odor and wet areas on the lawn are eliminated in a short period of time