If your home isn’t connected to the main sewer system, you’ve probably got either a cesspit or a septic tank. But what’s the difference and which one do you have? Most importantly—what should you do if something goes wrong?
Whether it’s a blocked septic tank, overflowing cesspit, or you just need regular maintenance, our quick guide is here to help.
What is a Cesspit?
In simple terms, a cesspit (also known as a cesspool) is a sealed underground tank used to store sewage and wastewater. It doesn’t treat the waste—it simply contains it until it can be emptied.
- It has no filtration, no outlet – it’s just for storage
- Used in areas where ground conditions don’t allow for treatment or drainage fields.
- Requires frequent cesspit emptying, often every 30–60 days.
If you’ve got a cesspit, regular maintenance is a must. Miss an emptying and you’re likely to face cesspit problems like bad smells, backing up waste, or even overflows.
- The average person produces around 150 litres of wastewater per day (from toilets, sinks, baths, washing machines, etc.)
- That means a family of four generates roughly 600 litres per day—or about four full bathtubs of waste every 24 hours!
- If you have a 4,000-litre cesspit, it could fill up in just under a week!
This is why regular emptying is crucial—unless, of course, you enjoy surprise sewage fountains in your garden. (yes, sounds horrific but it actually happens!)
What is a Septic Tank?
A septic tank also stores waste, but unlike a cesspit it partially treats wastewater before it’s discharged into the ground via a drainage field.
- Solids settle into sludge at the bottom.
- Oils float to the top.
- The liquid in the middle flows out and is filtered into the surrounding soil.
Septic tanks need annual emptying and occasional septic tank inspection to make sure everything’s working as it should. Septic tanks can be made from several different materials ranging from concrete, fibreglass, plastic (polyurethane) and steel (older models)
What Can Go Wrong?
Both systems can run into trouble—especially without regular care.
Common Cesspit Issues:
- Overflowing due to missed cesspit emptying
- Strong odours or sewage backup
- Access problems for tankers if lids are buried or damaged
- Tree Roots – are one of the most common causes of underground drainage damage, especially in older brick built or poorly maintained systems
Septic Tank Problems:
- Blocked septic tank due to sludge or grease build-up
- Drainage field issues—soakaway not absorbing water
- Non-compliance with septic tank regulations (UK) if the system discharges directly to a watercourse (this is now illegal)
How Happy Drains Can Help
From emergency call-outs to routine care, we offer a full range of septic tank services and cesspit maintenance:
- ✅ Thorough septic tank inspection
- ✅ Unblocking and desludging of tanks and pipes
- ✅ Expert help with off mains drainage systems
- ✅ Advice on system upgrades or replacements
- ✅ Rapid response for emergency septic tank issues
Leave the Dirty Work to Us
Don’t let blocked tanks or overflowing cesspits ruin your day. Whether you need a routine empty or urgent help with your off-grid drainage, Happy Drains has the experience and the friendly team to get it sorted—fast.
Need cesspit or septic tank services? Contact Happy Drains today—your local experts in keeping it all flowing smoothly.
07788 254933 / 0800 849 8099
Best
David & Will
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