Many people believe that a cesspool and a septic system are the same. Although both contain wastewater and both septic and cesspool pumping are essential, they have several differences. Since 1992, Hawaii has forbidden cesspool installation in new homes and buildings. Below is an explanation of what a cesspool is, why new ones are no longer permitted, and how to find out if your home has one.

How Is a Cesspool Different from a Septic System?

Septic systems feature a tank that contains solid and liquid waste until oxygen-loving bacteria can treat it and break it down. Upon completion of the breakdown, liquid waste leaches out through a drain field, where sand, gravel, and soil further clean it so it can return to the water table.

Cesspools are usually a perforated brick pit that contains the waste. They are anaerobic—no oxygen is present—so waste breaks down much more slowly. Furthermore, wastewater often leaves the cesspool before treatment is complete, causing contamination of nearby wells. The buildup of solid waste leads to blockages and much more maintenance. For this reason, Hawaii now forbids cesspools in new construction in favor of safer, more efficient septic systems.

How Can You Tell if You Have a Cesspool?

It's important to know which you have so you can schedule the right type of maintenance—either septic or cesspool pumping. In Hawaii, if your home was built before 1993, it's likely you have a cesspool, as they were very common and easier to install than a septic tank and drain field. If your house is raised off the ground, you can look underneath for a 3 or 4-inch drainpipe and follow its direction to see which side the cesspool is on.

The cesspool must be at least 10 feet from the house, and because the soil above it dries out quickly, it may create a brown circle in the yard during rainfall. If you drop a cinder block on the ground above a cesspool, you'll hear a hollow sound instead of a dull thud. The cesspool pumping port should be in the middle of the hollow circle.

For cesspool pumping or septic system maintenance, contact ABC Cesspool and Septic Pumping in Kamuela, HI. They have served businesses and residents throughout the Big Island for more than a decade and offer prompt, thorough, reliable service. In addition to cesspool pumping, they also specialize in septic tank repairs, cleaning, and installation. Visit their website for a list of their services or call (808) 887-0766 to schedule septic or cesspool pumping.