ok so how do you know if your cess pool needs pumping?

we bought the house almost 1 yr ago and since have hooked up a washer, dishwasher and new toilet. So far no backing up issues aside from your ev eryday too much toilet paper clogg which fixed itself in 2 seconds. The previous owners said they had it pumped once but they had been there for 30 yrs but didnt have any of the new appliances i mentioned but I for got to ask when. Also we know where it is in our yard because there is a slight indent in the lawn and the previous owners confirmed it and the grass is not as grean its kind missing in that area.


Do we just wait until it backs up I dont want to make the mistake of being proactive and having it pumped and then something terrible goes wrong and we need to replacement. If it aint broke dont fix it kinda thing

Message edited 1/10/2008 3:22:00 PM.

Re: ok so how do you know if your cess pool needs pumping?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! As long as you have no issues with seeing back ups in your lowest point, or you find that the tub takes longer to drain than usual, etc., than you should be fine.

Re: ok so how do you know if your cess pool needs pumping?

Re: ok so how do you know if your cess pool needs pumping?

the way I found out that the main pipe was broke, was two weeks after I bought my first house, well let's say there was poop floating in my backyard. They had to install new PVC piping instead of the very old brittle pipe that was there. But the cesspool itself was fine. but as the above posters said, if you are seeing more and more backups in the house or things being slow, then I would call up a company and asks some questions. GL!

Message edited 1/10/2008 5:10:24 PM.

Re: ok so how do you know if your cess pool needs pumping?

In my search for cesspool information the past couple of days, I found this. It's a pretty good guide to understanding the whole thing and what to do about it.

The first thing I noticed was a gurgling sound coming from the drains when the toilet was flushed or the washing machine was on.

Then we had water leaking up from the seal of the toilet bowl during a load of laundry.

Then, there was the water coming out of the overflow pipe outside.

Here's the thing about cinder block cesspools though. If they're old (which they would be because they don't use cinder block anymore) by you pumping it, it could collapse in on itself. It's like what is inside the cesspool is keeping it upright.

So the general rule from what I gather is just what you said - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

But that link has some good information on how to maintain a cesspool and what affects the bacteria breakdown.

Re: ok so how do you know if your cess pool needs pumping?

I grew-up in a home with a cesspool. Do NOT wait until you have symptoms that something is wrong. by that point, you may be in for a big bill. (Conversely, of course, you could get lucky and only need a pumping. but that's quite a gamble!)

Generally, you should pump / treat your cesspool once every several years (I forget if it's 4,5,or7 years )

at any rate, preventative maintenance is key. Last thing you want is a cave in giant bill, and a stinky stinky mess Soemtimes, there is almost no advance notice or symptoms that one is about to happen!

Message edited 1/11/2008 11:52:05 AM.