Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a cesspit and a septic tank?
Septic tanks collect wastewater and sewage and separate it into different chambers – allowing solids to settle and decompose while water exits to the drainage field.
Cesspools, on the other hand, are sealed, fully-enclosed tanks that collect and store sewage. They don’t treat it in any way.
Usually, septic tanks only need to be emptied once a year to reduce the risk of blockages and any other serious problems. Whereas cesspits require regular emptying to ensure the sewage doesn’t solidify.
If a cesspit tank isn’t maintained properly, it will be difficult to remove sludge and it’s likely to overfill and pollute the ground surrounding it.
For more information about cesspools and how they compare to septic tanks, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts.
Are cesspools easy to maintain?
Although cesspools need to be maintained more frequently than other sewage systems, it involves simple things, such as checking the level in the tank and ensuring it isn’t overfilled.
It’s also important to arrange to have your cesspit tank emptied regularly by a registered waste handler. They should also clean it using biologically-friendly products.
To maintain your cesspool for as long as possible, you must not let hazardous or flammable liquids enter your tank. And don’t flush any medications down the drain, as these can harm or kill the bacteria in your cesspit.
Above all, make sure that the area surrounding the manhole is kept clear, so professionals can access your cesspool with ease – either to inspect it or empty it.
Which cesspit tank should I choose?
Cesspools come in an array of sizes.
Though it’s great to have so many options, knowing which one to choose can be difficult.
The good news is, our team at Cotterill Civils are always on hand and will gladly advise you, ensuring you make an informed decision.
The first step is to consider the number of bedrooms (and people) in the property.
For example, a one-bedroom property with two people will require an 18,000L cesspit tank at the very minimum.
It’s then 6,800L for every additional person at your property – meaning you’ll need a cesspool with a capacity of 24,800L if three people live at your property or 31,600L for four people.
If you’re still unsure which cesspool is the right size for your needs, call us on 0121 351 3230 or drop us an email at enquiries@cotterillcivils.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
How do I order a cesspool?
Ordering a cesspool couldn’t be easier than it is here at Cotterill Civils.
Simply browse our collection in full and click through to find out more about their specifications.
To help narrow your options down and reveal only the most suitable cesspit tanks for your requirements, use the filters on the left-hand side of the page.
Once you’ve found the perfect cesspit, and you’ve compared it with the other options available, add it to your basket and proceed to the checkout.
The next step is to enter your preferred delivery address and payment details. And as soon as you’ve done that, our team will process your order and keep you updated on its progress.
All that’s left to do is sit tight and wait for your cesspool to arrive.