Septic and Cesspool System Basics

By not servicing and maintaining your system properly, solids build up within the septic system and flow into the leaching field. This clogs the leaching field and could permanently destroy the field.
As well, household cleaners like detergents, toilet cleaners, bleach, and disinfectants kill the natural bacteria in the septic tank.

CESSPOOL SYSTEM BASICS

Here is the how the cesspool system works:

1. Waste flows from the home into the cesspool.
2. Organic solids float to the top and inorganic solids sink to the bottom of the tank.
3. Natural occurring bacteria in the cesspool converts the organic solids to liquid.
4. The clear liquid flows out the sides of the tank and into the surrounding soil.

How does a cesspool system fail? SOLID BUILD-UP!

By not servicing and maintaining your system properly, solids build up within the tank and clog the pores of the cesspool walls. This will prevent liquid from escaping the tank into the surrounding soil. In addition, the presence of inorganic household substances in the tank, like toilet cleaners, bleach, and anti-bacterial soaps will also turn into solids, clog the cesspool walls, and cause a system overflow.