A cesspit is a pit, or covered cistern, which can be used for refuse or sewage.
In the UK a cesspit is a sealed tank for the reception of sewage. Because it is sealed, the tank must be emptied frequently - in many cases as often as weekly.
Because of the need for frequent emptying, the cost of maintenance of a cesspit can be very high.
In many rural communities, the builder or installer of a cesspit may breach the floor of the pit after the final inspection by buidling inspectors so as to allow liquid from the tank to escape into the ground. Such incidents can give rise to locally acute pollution and may contaminate the drinking water supplies of others. Using a cesspit in such a condition constitutes a criminal offence in the UK.
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