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

Answer: The term cesspool is a colloquial term which usually applies to multiple stage lagoon systems, or possibly single stage lagoons or ponds which are no longer allowed, which allow the natural degradation of waste water effluent.

Answer: Cesspools do not have a leach field, septic tanks have a leach field where water and effluent are treated by bacterial activity. Cesspools are no longer legal anywhere that I know.

Answer: A cesspool is the result of accidental waste pooling. A septic system is designed to treat waste.

Answer: Cesspool needs regular pumping