Useful information on cesspools

 

Here are some frequently asked questions about why the maintenance of sewage treatment systems:

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What is a cesspool?
 

If you are unable to connect to the mains sewage infrastructure, perhaps because you live in a rural area, you are likely to have a sewage system to deal with your waste. This could be a sewage treatment plant, septic tank or cesspool. In the case of a cesspool, this is a sealed underground tank that simply collects wastewater and sewage. In contrast to sewage treatment plants and septic tanks, there is no processing or treatment involved. A cesspit is usually located underground with a manhole cover giving access for waste collection.

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Whether you have a cesspit or septic tank, only ever flush pee, poo and paper down the toilet. Blockages can occur when sanitary items, wet wipes, food waste, fat, grease or anything else enter the system.

 

Why is it important to service your cesspool?
 

Here’s just some of the reasons why it is essential you regularly service your cesspool.
 

• Risk of fines
  As an owner of a sewage treatment system, you have a duty of care by law to look after it. If it pollutes the environment, you could be subject to significant fines from the Environment Agency.
   

• Avoid breakdowns
  An unexpected breakdown could come at the worst possible time and result in your sewage system not working for an extended period. For example, imagine it happened over the Christmas holidays and there was nobody available to fix it.
   

• Prevent unpleasant smells
  An overflow or blockage in your system could lead to nasty smells in your home and a backup of sewage in your toilet. Not pleasant for anyone!
   

• Prolong life
  A sewage treatment system is a big investment so you want to make sure it is in good working order for as long as possible. A regular service will help prevent unexpected problems from arising.
   

• Maintain your warranty
  You’ve paid for a warranty on your sewage treatment system so you want to make sure it is valid. It is likely to be subject to you ensuring your system is serviced at regular intervals.
   

• Protect the environment
  Untreated wastewater from failing sewage systems can contaminate nearby wells, groundwater, drinking water sources, and transmit diseases.

 

How often should you service your cesspool?
 

The frequency in which you should empty your septic tank or cesspool depends on the size and type of tank and the number of occupants at your property. As a rough guide, you should get your tank emptied and serviced at least every six to twelve months.

 

How can I tell if my cesspool needs emptying?

 

It is important to regularly empty your cesspool to prevent significant health and environmental risks that can lead to the tank overflowing or malfunctioning.

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If you spot any of the below issues, then it is likely your cesspool needs emptying:
 

• Unpleasant odours near the septic tank

• Pooling of water around the drain field of your septic tank, suggesting that the piping system is blocked and liquid is being pushed to the surface

• Slow-draining sinks and toilets that cannot be fixed by simply unblocking the drain

• Unusually vigorous plant growth near the tank

• Overflowing sludge or scum on the water
   

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What are the regulations for cesspools?

 

As an owner of a cesspool, it is vital that you keep your cesspit in tip-top condition. Under the Public Health Act (1936) and Water Resources Act (1991), your local authority holds a duty to ensure that all cesspits are in good condition and working order. If your cesspit is found not to comply with the law you can receive a significant fine. You can also be forced by your local council or The Environment Agency to repair or replace your cesspit if it is found to be in poor condition. Cesspit maintenance can be legally enforced by your local council and charged to you.

 

As stated on Gov.uk, if you have a cesspit you do not need to comply with general binding rules or apply for a permit. You must, however, ensure that your cesspit tank is emptied regularly by a registered waste carrier and ensure that your tank does not leak or overflow.

 

If you install a new cesspit, you must get buildings regulations approval and planning permission. You must also make sure that is has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per two users, followed by another 6,800 liters per extra user.

What areas do we cover?

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We cover the whole of the midlands and can also work further afield depending on the drainage project. Areas in the midlands that we cover include: 

Birmingham (West Midlands), Coventry (West Midlands), Hereford (Herefordshire), Lichfield (Staffordshire), Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire), Wolverhampton (West Midlands), Worcester (Worcestershire), Shrewsbury (Shropshire), Warwick (Warwickshire), Derby (Derbyshire), Leicester(Leicestershire), Oakham (Rutland), Lincoln (Lincolnshire), Nottingham (Nottinghamshire), Buxton(Derbyshire), Glossop (Derbyshire), Cleethorpes (Lincolnshire), Northampton (Northamptonshire), Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Lapworth, Knowle etc.