Cesspools and septic tanks
What is a cesspool?
A cesspool is a sealed underground tank where all the sewage from a property or properties is stored.
There is no intent to treat or discharge the sewage and its function is simply to collect waste. When the cesspool is full, which is likely to be every four to six weeks, it will need to be emptied. Due to the fact that cesspools have to contain all the waste from the house, the size of the cesspool can be considerable and the frequency of emptying is likely to prove expensive.
Cesspools are typically only used where ground conditions are unsuitable or where the proximity of local watercourses prevent the use of alternative private systems. A consent will be required from the local authority before works commence.
Do you need your cesspool emptied?
The Council offers a cesspool emptying service for one off emptyings, contract emptyings and emergencies.
A septic tank system
will usually be built of brick or a modern plastic. These tanks have the advantage in that they settle and partially digest the settled sewage.
However the effluent from a correctly sized tank still contains about 70% of the original polluting matter. This pollution can be further reduced by discharging the liquid into a sub-irrigation drainage system after the tank, which allows the ground to treat the sewage pollutants. The septic tank should be emptied at least annually. Consent from the local authority and the Environment Agency will be required for a new installation.
