Years ago, before septic systems were common in residential areas, sewage was often disposed of in vertical pits covered in the ground called cesspools. The cesspool was essentially the beginning stages of the evolution of the septic tank. Although there are some cesspools still existing today, mostly on older properties, they aren’t the most practical waste management system and come with a lot of public health concerns. Here’s how to know when it’s time to replace your cesspool with a septic tank.

Frequent Pumping

Greases, oil and soap scum tend to build up over time on the walls of a cesspool, causing clogs. The scum buildup prevents water from filtering through the walls of the cesspool at a normal rate. Because of this, the cesspool becomes filled up with water and needs to be pumped more frequently to avoid backups. If your cesspool needs to be pumped frequently, it may be time to upgrade to a septic tank.

Slow Draining Water Inside the Home

If you’ve noticed that the drains in your sinks are draining much slower than usual, that may be a sign of a clogged cesspool. Although you should call a professional company to check for a backup, switching to a septic system may be the right call.

Toilets Not Flushing Properly

If you’ve noticed a gurgling sound coming from your toilets, or they’re just not flushing properly, there could be a problem with your cesspool. When your cesspool isn’t draining properly, the water in your home has nowhere to go and can back up in the pipes. If this happens frequently, it may be time to switch to a septic tank.

Still not sure if it’s time to replace your cesspool with a septic tank? The experts at Affordable Pumping Services can help you figure it out. Call today for a consultation.