DIY vs Professional Cesspool Repairs: Why Long Island Homeowners Should Never Attempt These 7 Fixes
When your cesspool starts showing signs of trouble, the temptation to tackle repairs yourself can be strong. However, attempting DIY cesspool cleaning can result in serious injury from toxic gases or contamination from raw sewage exposure. Long Island homeowners face unique challenges with aging cesspool systems, and certain repairs should never be attempted without professional expertise.
The Hidden Dangers of DIY Cesspool Repairs
Contamination can occur when the cesspool becomes overwhelmed with solids, grease, or chemicals, leading to the growth of harmful bacteria and the release of toxic gases. Contamination can be a serious health hazard, as it can cause illness and even death. Professional cesspool companies like EZ Cesspool understand these risks and have the proper safety equipment to handle dangerous situations safely.
Over 20 years of local expertise, providing trusted cesspool and septic tank solutions, EZ Cesspool has witnessed firsthand the consequences of DIY attempts gone wrong. Their experienced team serves Nassau and Suffolk Counties with fully licensed and insured professionals, ensuring safety and peace of mind with every service.
7 Cesspool Repairs You Should Never Attempt Yourself
1. Structural Repairs and Collapse Prevention
Many cesspools built prior to 1970 were built from concrete blocks and have far exceeded their structural life span. If left ignored these aging pieces of infrastructure can “catastrophically fail,” which often results in a large sewage filled sinkhole in the yard which people and pets can fall into. A cesspool collapse spawned a sinkhole which swallowed and killed one Long Island man last month. In May, a cesspool in Huntington collapsed, creating a major sinkhole which swallowed 59-year-old Edward Sinnott, killing him.
2. Pumping and Waste Removal
Cesspool pumping requires specialized vacuum trucks, safety equipment, and proper waste disposal permits that homeowners cannot access. Professional pumping also includes system inspection and documentation required for county compliance. Pumping such a cesspool is very likely to lead to collapse, especially when dealing with older concrete block construction.
3. Gas Detection and Ventilation Issues
Vacuum trucks, high-pressure jetting systems, and gas monitoring equipment are necessary to remove blockages without health risks. Toxic gases can accumulate in cesspools, creating life-threatening conditions that only trained professionals with proper monitoring equipment can safely address.
4. Excavation and Access Repairs
Sinnott was an employee of Antorino & Sons, which was installing the cesspool when the dirt around the excavation started collapsing, creating the giant sinkhole. Sinnott reportedly was directing a crane when he was sucked into the hole and covered in as much as 15 feet of dirt and mud. This tragic incident demonstrates the extreme dangers involved in cesspool excavation work.
5. System Rejuvenation and Jetting
Pumping a cesspool from the bottom, in an attempt to break up the sludge layer and “rejuvenate” the cesspool is likely to undermine the structure’s walls and in the case of dry-laid concrete block or stone, as we warn just below, can lead to a dangerous and sudden collapse of the cesspool. Experienced septic pumpers who attempt this “cesspool rejuvenation” method despite severe safety warnings not to do so, will still avoid pumping much waste out of the cesspool in hopes to avoid a collapse.
6. Contamination Assessment and Cleanup
Contamination can occur when the cesspool becomes overwhelmed with solids, grease, or chemicals, leading to the growth of harmful bacteria and the release of toxic gases. Contamination can be a serious health hazard, as it can cause illness and even death. To recognize a contaminated cesspool, you should look for the following signs: A strong, unpleasant smell emanating from the area.
7. Emergency Overflow and Backup Situations
An overflowing cesspool can be a serious health hazard as it can contaminate drinking water sources and create a breeding ground for disease-carrying pests. Standing water in your yard or basement backups require emergency professional intervention to prevent health hazards.
Why Choose Professional Cesspool Services
For Long Island homeowners facing cesspool issues, professional Cesspool Repair Long Island services provide the expertise and safety measures necessary to protect your family and property. Prompt, reliable response to unexpected cesspool and septic tank issues, any time of day. A commitment to delivering outstanding results with top-tier customer service.
While homeowners can perform many maintenance tasks, some require professional assistance. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a certified septic professional who can complete the job correctly and safely. EZ Cesspool offers same-day and emergency services for your convenience and understands the unique septic needs of Long Island homes.
The Cost of DIY Mistakes
Failing cesspools are expensive to repair and replace and poor maintenance is often the reason. One of the main reasons to maintain a cesspool is to avoid costly repairs, so when a problem gets out of hand you should get help from a professional cesspool service company as soon as possible. Complete system failures requiring excavation and repair can cost $3,000-8,000, making preventive cleaning a cost-effective investment in system longevity.
Professional maintenance from EZ Cesspool helps prevent these costly scenarios. Professional pumping every 1-3 years prevents system failure and extends cesspool life by decades, making it a wise investment for Long Island homeowners.
Protecting Your Family and Environment
If there’s an issue with your cesspool, the health risks to you and to the surrounding environment rise dramatically. Untreated sewage contains harmful bacteria that can cause illness in humans, plants, and animals. Cesspools that overflow or collapse release large volumes of sewage into the soil.
EZ Cesspool prioritizes protecting your home and the environment with their professional approach to cesspool maintenance and repair. Their highly trained and certified professionals ensure that all work meets safety standards and environmental regulations.
When it comes to cesspool repairs, the risks of DIY attempts far outweigh any potential savings. Trust the professionals at EZ Cesspool to keep your Long Island home safe, compliant, and functioning properly for years to come.