Septic tanks need to be pumped every three to five years, but a yearly inspection should be done to ensure your system is functioning properly. A neglected septic system could overflow, causing costly and dangerous messes that could impact your entire property.

 

 

Like a septic tank, a cesspool is designed to hold sewage for a home. Cesspools, sometimes called leaching pools, are pits with concrete or cement walls. The wastewater from a house flows into the cesspool and slowly drains into the soil surrounding the walls.

 

 

The main difference between a septic tank and a cesspool is that a septic tank is designed to hold wastewater until it is pumped, unlike a cesspool that slowly drains. Septic tanks require less maintenance than a cesspool since they are a holding system whereas a cesspool has constant drainage. A septic tank will need to be pumped regularly but are recommended over a cesspool, especially for larger or more crowded homes.