What is the difference between a cesspool and a septic system?
A cesspool generally consists of a pipe, running form a building, which empties into a single component pit. This arrangement does not allow proper detention of solids or proper distribution of effluent. As a result, effluent overloads the capacity of the soil to remove harmful bacteria and viruses, to remove phosphorous, and to convert ammonia. A conventional system, on the other hand is comprised of a building sewer (a septic tank where solids can settle and both the solids and effluent begin to degrade), distribution lines, which prevent effluent from overloading the soil, a soil absorption system, which further treats the effluent by removing harmful bacteria, viruses, phosphorous, and nitrogen, and a reserve area.
