Cover the mess without the stress
Hiring a pro to fill in a cesspool can save you the exhaustion of manual labor and ensure the job is done properly.
Pros have specialized equipment to fill a cesspool.
A septic contractor near you will eliminate environmental risks and prevent any health hazards.
Are you ready to tackle that old cesspool head-on? The good news is you can do it on your own. Read on to learn what safety gear and tools you’ll need as well as the local rules around filing in cesspools. From digging it out to managing the waste, we've got you covered whether you're in it for the eco-friendly vibe or just reclaiming your backyard.
Filling in that old cesspool is about more than tidying up. For starters, forgotten cesspools are like ticking environmental time bombs. They can leak nasty stuff into the groundwater, affecting water quality and health.
Have you ever thought about the gasses neglected cesspools can belch out? It's not great for the air you breathe. Plus, they're accidents waiting to happen. Imagine a collapse or someone taking an unexpected dive down the cesspool hole!
By giving old cesspools a proper send-off, you’re not just cleaning up but also looking out for your health, safety, and the planet.
Filling in an old cesspool is a very smart move—as we may have mentioned above—and doing some straightforward prep can make the DIY process a bit easier. With safety, compliance, and the right tools, you'll be on your way to a successful project.
Gather safety tools: Gloves, boots, and eye protection are a must. If gasses are present, a gas monitor is also necessary for a safe working environment.
Gather your tools and equipment beforehand: This will streamline the excavation and filling tasks and minimize the risk of delays and complications.
Get some clean fill material: Gravel or soil are great as filling for the cesspool.
Confirm local regulations: Permits may be required for cesspool filling compliance.
Plan for disposal of waste materials: Some may be recyclable, while others require professional disposal.
Identify and mark underground utilities: Avoid accidental damage during excavation by knowing where your utilities are located.
Whether you're motivated by environmental concerns or regulatory compliance or just want to reclaim your space, careful planning is required if you’re planning on filling in your cesspool on your own. Follow the five steps below to address each phase of a cesspool closure so you can easily navigate the process.
Begin the cesspool filling process by meticulously clearing out any debris and excavating the designated area.
Use tools such as a pickaxe and shovel to break down and remove solid materials.
Then, transport the debris away using a wheelbarrow for a clutter-free and safe work environment.
With the cesspool prepped and cleared, add the chosen fill material—gravel, soil or a combination—deliberately and gradually. The key is to layer the fill material, compacting each layer with precision using a compactor. This slow approach minimizes the risk of future settling issues, establishing a robust foundation for the filled area.
Compaction should be done with extra care to ensure a solid and stable result. Use the compactor after each layer of fill is added.
The goal is not only to prevent settling but also to create a level surface. This step is critical for the filled area's stability and long-term resilience.
Level each filled area using tools such as a rake. Pay attention to any variations and make adjustments so there isn’t any sloping.
Once the cesspool is adequately filled and leveled, turn your attention to the finishing touches.
Cover the filled area with topsoil or an appropriate material and level it one more time.
Consider incorporating landscaping elements, such as planting grass or other vegetation, to reclaim the space and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Filling in a cesspool can be a DIY job, but the process can involve tricky stuff like digging, waste management, and navigating regulations.
Opting for a professional contractor when filling in your cesspool also makes a lot of sense. Pros have the right gear to get jobs like this done quickly, reducing the chance of hiccups. It's like outsourcing the headache so you can kick back and relax, knowing your cesspool is in capable hands. Hiring a septic contractor near you guarantees a hassle-free job.
Quick response to investigate my septic issue and was knowledgeable about my issue. Gave me a fair estimate. Once contract was signed they came and fixed my problem the next day. Very nice and responsive company. Thank you
USA Pipe Repair of Virginia, Inc.They took care of everything from tank removal and clean up. I recommend them highly.
Pollard Environmental, LLCThe installation team was knowledgeable and professional. Stephen & Tyler W.
West Shore Home MechanicsburgI never give this high of a review, because if I am paying them, they should do a good job. The last A/C contractor I had, I would not let them clean the blades of a cooling fan. When dealing with a septic Co. I wound up hiring a lawyer to wake them up.. If professional Contractors would...
Professional Contractor, LLCShaun did an excellent job. We had had numerous leaks being on a well with copper fittings and illegal qwest pipping (2 of which were major). We had our final leak that pushed us over the edge. We called Shaun on a Saturday to see if he could come out and do a temporary fix until we could do...
USA Pipe RepairThe project was top notch. The workers arrived on time. The placement of the tank was in a difficult location, but they finished the project in a timely manner. They were very careful to keep water from the old tank with a hole in it from leaking onto the floor. They were very ...
Star Servco, Inc.Service was thorough and professional. Tony was happy to explain what he was doing as he cleaned our tank and he readily identified things we could do to help our system operate more effectively. I highly recommend this company.
I hired Right Now Plumbing to repair a leaking toilet in my home. I replaced the contents of the tank just a few months ago, however water continued to leak into the bowl once the tank was full. Johno Cain came out and immediately diagnosed my problem, made some minor adjustments to the...
RightNOW PlumbingI do not like sprayed on driveway seal so I searched for one that offered brushed on sealing. I found "Seal This" on Angie's List and used a "contact us" feature on his website. I wanted confirmation that he would seal the drive with a brushed on sealer and if so, I requested a quote for...
Dowdy Well and Septic told us when they were going to arrive and they did just that. The crew got to work and they were done in no time. The whole experience was a throw back to another time when folks really came through on their promises. Wonderful folks and a pleasure to deal with. If you...
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