Cesspools & Cesspits

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Cesspools & Cesspits: Sealed Waste Holding Tanks for Off-Mains Drainage

Welcome to our dedicated range of Cesspools (also known as Cesspits), the essential sealed underground storage solution for properties unable to connect to a mains sewer system or where ground conditions prevent the use of a drainage field.

A cesspool is a watertight holding tank designed to store all domestic wastewater and sewage until it is removed by a licensed waste carrier. Unlike septic tanks, a cesspool performs no on-site treatment or discharge.

Our tanks are manufactured from robust materials like GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester) and are available in capacities suitable for temporary sites, seasonal homes, and domestic dwellings. Ensure your installation meets current building regulations and Environmental Agency requirements for capacity and structural integrity.

The Function and Features of a Cesspool

Cesspools are often the only viable wastewater solution when soil conditions (poor percolation) or environmental restrictions prohibit the use of a soakaway or treatment plant. They function purely as a collection system: all sewage and wastewater from the property flows directly into the single-chamber sealed tank, which has an inlet pipe but no outlet pipe.

Key Product Features and Compliance:

Material Integrity: Our tanks are constructed from durable materials like Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) or high-grade plastic, ensuring a fully watertight and structurally sound container to prevent leaks.
Compliance: New installations must adhere to UK Building Regulations and local planning permission. Regulations specify minimum capacity, often around 18,000 litres for two users, plus an additional 6,800 litres per extra user.
Safety Monitoring: We recommend installing a High-Level Alarm float mechanism to warn you when the tank is near capacity, ensuring you arrange waste removal before an overflow occurs.
Easy Access: Tanks are supplied with a manhole cover or access shaft designed for safe and efficient emptying by a sewage disposal tanker.

Maintenance and Operation: Cesspools vs. Septic Tanks

It is vital to understand the operational difference between a cesspool and a septic tank:

Feature	Cesspool (Cesspit)	Septic Tank
Treatment	None. Purely stores raw waste.	Separates solids and liquids, performs anaerobic treatment.
Discharge	No outlet. Must be emptied by tanker.	Discharges partially treated liquid into a drainage field (soakaway).
Emptying Frequency	High. Requires frequent emptying (often monthly/quarterly).	Low. Requires desludging periodically (usually every 1–5 years).
Environmental Risk	Higher risk of pollution if overfilled or leaking.	Lower risk, as effluent is treated before discharge to the ground.

Due to their collection-only function, regular emptying by a licensed waste carrier is mandatory to comply with UK law and prevent environmental pollution.

What is the difference between a cesspool and a septic tank?

A septic tank treats sewage and discharges the liquid effluent into a drainage field. A cesspool (or cesspit) is simply a sealed, watertight underground holding tank with no outlet. It does not treat the waste; it merely stores it until it is full and needs to be emptied by a registered waste carrier.

When should I choose a cesspool over other drainage systems?

Cesspools are usually a last resort. They are used when the ground conditions are too poor for a soakaway (e.g., heavy clay), the site is in a sensitive 'Source Protection Zone' where discharge is banned, or when the property is in a high-flood-risk area where a treatment plant could be compromised.

How often does a cesspool need to be emptied?

This depends entirely on the tank's capacity and the property's water usage. For a typical family of four using a standard-sized tank, a cesspool may need emptying every 4 to 6 weeks. To minimize costs, many owners install water-saving devices or divert 'greywater' (from baths and sinks) elsewhere if permitted.

What size cesspool do I need?

In the UK, Building Regulations (Document H) require a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres for two users, with an additional 6,800 litres for every extra user. This ensures the tank does not require emptying too frequently, which can be expensive over time.

How do I know when the cesspool is full?

It is a legal requirement to have a high-level alarm fitted to a cesspool. This alarm provides a visual or audible warning when the tank is nearing capacity, allowing you enough time to book a tanker for collection before the system overflows.

Are there specific installation requirements for cesspools?

Yes. They must be installed underground, be completely watertight, and have adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of gasses. They also need to be positioned where a tanker can easily access them—usually within 30 metres of a hard-standing area.

Do I need planning permission for a cesspool?

Yes, planning permission and Building Regulations approval are generally required for the installation of any new off-mains drainage system, including cesspools. You should always consult your local authority before commencing work.