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This chapter describes the criteria used to show that a cesspool has failed, or that a cesspool is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced. If a cesspool showns the conditions described below, pumping it out, aerating it (dangerous) or other cesspool service or cesspool maintenance procedures may be simply a waste of money and in some cases can be dangerous too. This document is a chapter of "CESSPOOLS" which explains what a cesspool is, gives important safety and maintenance advice for cesspool systems, and defines the criteria for cesspool failure. We also provide critical safety warnings concerning cesspool systems as with some older and especially site-built cesspools there is a risk of dangerous collapse or cave-ins. This material is a chapter of our Septic Systems Online Book: That document explains septic system inspection procedures,defects in onsite waste disposal systems, septic tank problems, septic drainfield problems, checklists of system components and things to ask. Septic system maintenance and pumping schedules. Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. Use of this information in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved to the author. Some technical review by industry experts has been completed-reviewers are listed at "References." Further review comments and content suggestions are welcome. Home buyers who want less technical advice should see the Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems. Also see The Septic Systems Home Page. © Copyright 2008 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use the links at page left to navigate this document or to go to Other Website Topics. Green links at left show where you are in our document & website.

Cesspool Failure Criteria (MA)

When inspecting a cesspool, how do we know how much capacity it has to handle sewage at a property, and how do we know when it is at or near the end of its useful life? The cesspool failure indicators listed below can prevent a property owner from wasting money pumping or othewise "servicing" a system that really needs to be replaced. If you insist on pumping out a septic system that is at the end of its life, the remaining period of use is likely to be quite short - the pumping cost might have been better spent towards replacing the system since an end-of-life cesspool is going to fill up again in just a few days of usage.

Failure Criteria for Cesspools: If the waste level is within 12" of the inlet pipe near the top of a cesspool the system is at end of life and needs to be replaced. Some municipalities and experts will state other distances. In Massachusetts according to the Massachusetts Title 5 Septic Law the following are considered a failed or unacceptable cesspool installation:

• less than 6inches of freeboard
• less than 1/2 day's storage
• within100 ft. of a pond or dug well (surface water supply)
• within50 ft. of a private well (modern sanitary well)
• between50 and 100 ft from a private well if well fails bacteria test
• inMA, within Zone 1 of a public well
• BOH evaluation is required if within 50ft of any surface water

A cesspool needs replacement if it meets any of these failure criteria. While a septic company may offer to pump, partially pump out, or agitate or aerate the bottom sludge in the cesspool in an effort to extend its life, these procedures are potentially very dangerous (see Cesspool safety Warnings and at best will give only temporary relief.

Where a new cesspool of traditional sort is going to be installed you should at least use a concrete pre-cast model with a safe cover (see photos at left and above).

Fortunately there are alternative onsite wastewater disposal alternative designs which can handle limited or even zero-space sites, so a simple cesspool as a destination for blackwater is no longer the only choice for limited-space sites.

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More Reading about Cesspools Drywells Seepage Pits and Septic System Maintenance, Inspection, Repair, and Design:

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Technical Reviewers

Particular thanks are due to experts and also consumers who read these articles and suggest corrections, changes, and additions to the material. Content suggestions, technical corrections and content critique are invited for any of the content at our website.

• Alan Carson Carson Dunlop Associates, Toronto, Ontario. Mr. Carson is a home inspection professional, educator, researcher, writer, and a principal of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection and education firm. Mr. Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors
• Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. (727) 595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com 11/06
• Hankey and Brown home inspectors, Eden Prairie, MN, technical review by Roger Hankey, prior chairman, Standards Committee, American Society of Home Inspectors - ASHI. 952 829-0044 - hankeyandbrown.com 11/06
• Arlene Puentes, a licensed home inspector, educator, and building failures researcher in Kingston, NY. 11/29/06
• Daniel Friedman - principal author
• Technical reviewers are invited to comment or ask questions - contact us

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