6 Signs of Cesspool Problems and How To Fix Them

When your cesspool is working well, it can be easy to forget about. However, if you’ve noticed a bad smell or a sluggish drain, there could be a bigger issue building up underground. Come with us as we outline the signs of cesspool problems and common issues and the first steps to take if you notice one of these red flags with your sewage system.

What Is a Cesspool?

A cesspool is an underground sewage containment system. It’s made up of a large pit, usually lined with concrete or stone that contains holes at the bottom for wastewater to drain into the surrounding soil. If a cesspool isn’t regularly pumped out, these holes can become plugged and cause a backup of sewage into your plumbing or the surrounding soil.

Since cesspools don’t filter the wastewater that drains out, they aren’t eco-friendly and are no longer used for new builds. However, they’re still common in many older homes, so it’s important to know how to look after one if you’re buying a home with a cesspool or aren’t ready to replace it with another septic system.

Common Cesspool Issues

The four most common problems with cesspools are overflow, blockage, collapse, and contamination. 

• Overflow: Wastewater overflows the cesspool when there’s a block in the system or it’s too full 

• Blockage: Foreign objects, grease from cooking, or excess toilet paper clog the small holes at the base that allow for drainage

• Collapse: Sewage tank walls collapse and release contents due to soil erosion, damage, or aging of an old cesspool system

• Contamination: When chemicals get into the cesspool or harmful bacteria grows in the system, it can pollute nearby water sources because they have no filtration system

6 Signs of Cesspool Problems

Knowing what to look for when it comes to cesspool problems can help you catch any of the common issues above before they turn into costly repairs.

1. Foul Smells

If there’s a blockage or overflow in your cesspool, this can prevent waste from draining properly. One of the first signs of these problems is a strong, bad smell coming from your plumbing system. This can smell like sewage or rotten eggs.

To fix it, call a local septic service and get your cesspool pumped out. While you’re waiting for them to come, stop using any water appliances (everything from faucets, showers, and toilets to washing machines).

2. Sluggish Drains

Problems with drainage can indicate a blockage in your cesspool system. When you have a blockage, you may notice that: 

• Your drains are flowing slowly 

• Your drains are completely blocked

• Your toilet is backed up

If the problem is only with one drain, you can try snaking it to fix the blockage. But if multiple drains are moving slowly, there’s a high chance of a cesspool block, which requires a septic tank repair service to fix.

3. Puddles

Standing water near your cesspool is a big red flag. It’s often a sign that your cesspool may be overflowing, which can cause sewage to leak into the surrounding area. In the early stages, it can look like damp patches, but if left untreated it can escalate into full puddles around the top of your cesspool.

Just like with foul smells, you can fix an overflow problem by pumping out your cesspool and stopping the use of water appliances in the meantime.

4. Changes to Plant Life

Plants and insects that live near your cesspool can tell you a bit more about how well it’s functioning. A sudden burst of plant growth near your cesspool can be an early indicator of leakage, as the extra moisture can cause weeds to spring up quickly. 

Similarly, in dry climates, insects will flock to areas of moisture. If your cesspool is overflowing and leaking moisture upward, insects may gather around the area.

Cesspool maintenance issues can also cause damage to local plant life. If you’ve noticed that plants near your cesspool seem unusually unhealthy or are dying, there may be a problem with cesspool contamination that’s leaking dangerous gasses or harmful bacteria into the soil.

If you suspect there’s contamination in your cesspool, stop using any water and call in a septic professional right away. 

5. Sinking Ground

As cesspools age, the concrete and stone that supports the structure runs the risk of collapse. If this happens, the ground near your cesspool may start to sink or settle. You might also notice cracks in the ground nearby. 

Unfortunately, if your system is starting to collapse, you’ll need to replace the cesspool with a septic tank. This is the standard for new builds, as septic tanks are cleaner and safer for you and the environment.

While waiting for a replacement, it’s best to stop using your water and avoid the area around your cesspool. The ground can become soft or start to shift and stepping on it can be dangerous.

6. Changes to Nearby Water

If you have any streams, ponds, or other water sources nearby, they can give you signs about your cesspool’s health. Even a functioning cesspool naturally leaks some wastewater into the soil, but a cesspool that has problems can dramatically impact nearby water.

Look out for: 

• Changes to the color or clarity of water

• Changes in the water level

Color and clarity usually indicate a leak or contamination, while a dramatic rise in water level can mean a cesspool overflow or collapse. No matter what the actual problem is, it’s important to act quickly and get an inspection on the books to see what’s going on. 

Why Is Cesspool Health Important?

Even the best cesspools carry some risk, since they naturally leak wastewater into the soil. However, when your cesspool is working well, the environmental impact should be relatively low.

If there’s an issue with your cesspool, the health risks to you and to the surrounding environment rise dramatically. Untreated sewage contains harmful bacteria that can cause illness in humans, plants, and animals. Cesspools that overflow or collapse release large volumes of sewage into the soil.

Taking care of your cesspool is also essential if you have a water source nearby, like a local stream that animals drink from or a well that you use to provide water for your home. If a well and cesspool are on the property there’s the potential for unseen water contamination from sewage problems. 

Regular cesspool maintenance can help you prevent any issues, and a professional septic tank repair service near you can bring peace of mind and guaranteed safety for your family and the nearby environment. 

How to Prevent Cesspool Problems

There are a few measures you can take to prevent cesspool problems from happening in the first place. First, you should be sure to get regular inspections and pumping, and practice proper waste disposal. Don’t dump grease down drains, and be sure to use your water efficiently. Also, take good care of your drain field by directing rainwater away from it, and don’t put much weight or landscaping over the septic system. Grass is fine to plant above it, but plants and trees will grow roots that could damage your system. Finally, consult a septic pro to learn the best pumping schedule based on your system and usage.