How to Get Rid of a Cesspool

If you’ve recently purchased a property with a cesspool or discovered an old one in your backyard, you may want to get rid of it. While a handy tool of the past, cesspools now often do more harm, especially to the environment, than good. Use this guide to learn how to get rid of a cesspool on your property.

Why Do You Have an Old Cesspool in Your Home? 

A cesspool, also known as a cesspit, is a wastewater holding pit that’s located underground. Waste then seeps into the surrounding soil through porous walls. They were most often built in rural areas that lacked modern sewage systems. Today, they’re no longer commonly used due to the health and environmental concerns they present.

Many areas have even banned cesspools due to their safety risks. They can contaminate groundwater, spread disease, and pollute the environment. Cesspools that aren’t properly maintained can also leak harmful sewer gasses including hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane, and carbon monoxide.

Benefits of Getting Rid of a Cesspool

There are a lot of positives that come with getting rid of a cesspool. The first and most important pro is the safety of your family. Cesspools can be highly hazardous as they become worn down and eventually crumble. They are also hazardous to curious children who may open the lid and fall in. 

Getting rid of a cesspool can also help you save money. As cesspools need to be cleaned every six weeks, they can get expensive to maintain. On average, cesspool maintenance costs $2,300 to $4,350 every year. 

How To Get Rid of a Cesspool

You have a couple of options when it comes to getting rid of a cesspool: you can fill it in or upgrade it to a more modern septic system. The option best suited for you will depend on your household needs and the area you live in. 

Fill It In

If you’ve decided to fill in your cesspool, here’s what to do: 

1. Begin by emptying the cesspool and disposing of the contents using a high-powered vacuum. The vacuum brings the contents out of the cesspool and into a storage tank truck. 

2. Transport the waste elsewhere to be disposed of in the correct manner.

3. Break down the walls of the cesspool to ensure it can no longer hold water. If it’s made of steel, the walls will be crushed and buried. If it’s made of concrete, the sides will be broken down to prepare for backfilling. 

4. Make a hole at the bottom of the pit to allow for surface water drainage.

5. Once the contents are emptied and the walls are broken down, it’s time to fill the cesspool. It can be filled with sand, gravel, concrete, or dirt. The filling will be compressed to prevent leakage or settling. 

Although filling a cesspool can be done on your own, many people choose to use a septic tank company near you to help you with the process. They’ll have the necessary knowledge and tools to dispose of your cesspool safely and properly.  

Convert It

You can also opt to convert your cesspool into a new septic system. This isn’t recommended as a DIY project—it’s best to call a local septic repair pro.

The cost of converting a cesspool into a septic system ranges from $4,000 to $6,000, but switching to a more modern sewage system can save you big in the long run. Here’s what you need to do and know about cesspool conversion.

1. Before you decide to convert, have a contractor come take a look at your property to discuss your options. The type of septic system you can install depends on the laws in your area and the location of your property. 

2. Work with your pro to design a septic system that works best with your soil conditions and local regulations.

3. Ensure your pro gets the necessary permits.

4. Your pro will excavate your existing cesspool.

5. They’ll install your new septic tank and leach field, and then properly backfill and inspect the system to ensure it meets local standards

6. If you live near wells and other water bodies, you’ll likely have to install advanced water treatment systems. These will fall on the higher end of the cost range due to their advanced properties and components, but they add another layer of health and safety protection to the system.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

With the health and safety risks attached to cesspools, it can be a big job to get rid of a cesspool on your own. Filling in a cesspool or converting it to a new system requires advanced equipment and knowledge so it’s compliant and eco-friendly. Hiring a contractor will give you peace of mind that your property is free of contamination and installed in accordance with all local laws.