Queens, NY is the largest New York City borough and is found on the western end of Long Island. Topping the charts in ethnic and linguistic diversity, the borough hosted both the 1939 and 1964 New York World’s Fair.
It is also home to two airports – La Guardia and John F. Kennedy (JFK). The New York Hall of Science, The Queens Botanical Garden, and the Museum of Moving Image are just some of the notable attractions you can visit in Queens.
A&L Cesspool has been proudly servicing the population of Queens, NY to make sure their septic systems or cesspools are functioning properly. We are a family-operated business for three generations and one of the oldest sewer and drain companies in the New York City area.
Our experts are always prepared to service and maintain our clients’ septic systems so they have clean water and are able to dispose of wastewater properly.
Cesspools are not commonly built anymore, but if your home is older than 1970 and is not connected to the city’s main sewer line, you might have one.
A cesspool is a large well made of cement or stone that stores wastewater without filtering or treating it the way a septic system does. Instead, natural bacteria treats the water over time.
Cesspool water slowly seeps into the surrounding soil, but cesspools should still get professionally pumped every 3-5 years or so to prevent backups. There are some environmental concerns with cesspools, and if you are interested in upgrading to a septic system for your Queens, NY property, our experienced professionals can help.
Your septic system is a vital piece in handling wastewater if your home is not connected to the city’s sewer system. It works by directing wastewater away from your home and sanitizing it before letting it flow into other water sources.
This process is important in keeping pollutants out of drinking water and away from plants and animals. The stand alone homes in some more suburban areas of Queens, NY that have larger properties may not all be connected to the New York City sewer system.
In that case, a septic system helps manage household waste in a safe and efficient way. If you live in one of these areas, it’s good to know how septic systems work, why they’re important, and how to take care of them.
A septic system is made up of two main parts: the septic tank and the drain field (also called a leach field).
Wastewater from your home flows into the septic tank, which is buried underground.
Inside the tank, solid waste settles at the bottom, while lighter materials like oils and grease float on top.
The liquid that’s left, called effluent, flows out of the tank and into the drain field, where it is filtered and purified by the soil before it goes into the groundwater.
For homeowners who aren’t connected to the city sewer system, septic systems can be more affordable than paying to connect to a public sewer. Septic systems usually cost less to install and maintain, especially in suburban areas like parts of Queens.
Septic systems also help protect the environment by treating wastewater before it reaches nearby water sources. The system uses the natural filtering power of the soil in the drain field, which helps keep local streams and groundwater clean.
To keep your septic system running smoothly in Queens, NY, regular maintenance is key. Make sure you have a professional pump your septic tank every few years in order to remove sludge and prevent clogs.
Additionally, checking the drain field periodically will keep you aware of any developing problems. It’s especially important not to put any heavy objects on top of the drain field or to plant deep-rooted trees there.
Within your home, make sure not to flush anything aside from human waste down the drain—that includes cooking oil, “flushable” wipes, or chemicals of any kind. If you notice a sewage smell around your property or areas that are unusually damp, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your septic system. Call the experts at A&L Cesspool so we can diagnose and fix the issue before it gets worse.
A septic system is a way to treat and get rid of wastewater from your home. It uses a tank to store solid waste, and the liquid waste goes into the ground through pipes where the soil filters it. A cesspool is a hole in the ground where wastewater just collects. It doesn’t treat the water. Instead, the surrounding soil has to absorb it, which can cause pollution if not looked after.
You should pump your septic system every 3 to 5 years, depending on how big your system is and how many people live in your home. Pumping it regularly helps keep it working well and prevents problems. If you don’t pump it, you might face expensive repairs or system failure.
If your drains are slow, there’s a bad smell around your property, your grass looks extra damp over the drain field, or there are backups in your plumbing, your septic system might be having trouble. If you notice these things, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a professional.
Some products say they can help your septic system by breaking down waste, but the best way to keep your system healthy is by getting it pumped regularly and taking good care of it. These products aren’t a substitute for real maintenance, and some could even cause harm to the system.
Septic systems and cesspools are practical and reliable ways to manage wastewater in parts of Queens, NY where sewer lines don’t reach. If you live in one of these neighborhoods, understanding how septic systems and cesspools work and taking good care of them will help keep your system running smoothly. At A&L Cesspool, our experts can help maintain your septic system or cesspool so it continues to perform perfectly for many years down the line.