Cesspools, septic tanks, and tight tanks are often used interchangeably. Although all these things are designed for waste management in areas where traditional sewerage systems are not available, there are certain subtle differences in each that you should know about.
This will help you decide how to deal with the waste once it is filled including things like cesspool pumping. Nonetheless, the best way to understand the differences between the three would be to get a rough idea of how each works.
What Are Septic Tanks?
One thing to know about the septic tank is how it deals with the waste you put in it.
Traditionally, the tank will allow the wastewater to flow into a leach field. Here, it will go through a comprehensive filtration process after which the water will be separated from the waste.
Septic tanks are considered self-sustainable in the sense that they can process and discard the waste without too much input on your part.
What Are Cesspools?
Contrary to the septic tank, a cesspool does not have any means to deal with the waste on its own.
In essence, a cesspool is just a pit that is lined with waterproof concrete or stone. The pool is then covered at the top using cement as well.
Based on this design, the cesspool can't leach out wastewater. Once the cesspool is full, you will need to call in a utility service to pump it out. Cesspool maintenance is very crucial in the operations of your pit.
What Are Tight Tanks?
A tight tank is more or less like a cesspool. However, it is not permanent. The tank will be sealed on all sides to ensure that the wastewater does not escape into the adjacent soil. There will be a cover at the top as well.
However, unlike cesspools which are made from concrete, tight tanks are typically constructed from other materials including plastic. But as with cesspool cleaning you will also need the same for these tanks.
The great news about tanks is that they can be lifted out of the ground and carried off site for disposal and then returned.
What Are the Pros and Cons of These Options?
At the end of the day, people who live away from municipal sewer systems simply want effective waste management.
But these three options have their own pros and cons.
Cesspools are some of the oldest ways of dealing with waste. It is highly unlikely that you will find a cesspool in a modern home. They also need extra maintenance since the pool has to be pumped out and cleaned regularly.
In addition to this, since cesspools are constructed from concrete, they are very difficult to move. The good news about cesspools is that they will maintain hygiene and protect the soil on your property from contamination.
Tight tanks, on the other hand, share the same pros as cesspools. But there is one area where they do way better. Tight tanks are easier to dispose of. They also require relatively less maintenance compared to cesspools.
Finally, there is the septic tank which is probably the most commonly used form of waste management outside the normal sewage system.
The biggest downside with septic tanks is that they may contaminate the land around with wastewater. But a good cesspool service can help install them correctly so that this doesn’t happen. Other than that, you get many great benefits.
For instance, since the tanks can process waste on their own, maintenance costs are very low. You won't even need cesspool companies for a long time.
In addition to this, septic tanks are often long-term and are seen as a far more sustainable option compared to the three options above.
Need more information on which is better for your property? Then contact a local septic tank installation company and request a free quote!
