Prior to the establishment of a sewage treatment plant here in Stewartstown in 1974, most of the older homes in town used cesspools or dry wells.  A hole approximately 8X8X8 feet was dug in the back yard, usually between 30 and 50 feet from the back of the house.  A pipe was laid from the house to the hole to carry the sewage.  The hole was then lined with bricks and a cap of concrete or wood was laid on top. Some have actually been found with old automobiles in them instead of brick linings.  Dirt was then filled in over the top, usually about 10 or 12 inches thick.

Over time, and we’re talking 30+ years, the cap could weaken or collapse, leaving just the dirt.  The area usually sinks a little to form a “dip” in your yard.  If you notice such a dip, further investigation may be necessary to determine whether or not action is warranted.  I had two of these in my backyard and they were discovered while excavating a swimming pool.  My next door neighbor recently fell through a collapsed cesspool.  There was a “dip” in his yard and when he stepped on the right (wrong) spot, his foot went right through, making a hole big enough for his grandson to have fallen through.  It took two dump truck loads of dirt to fill it in.  And remember, there could be more than one.  If you suspect such a potential safety hazard is in your yard, call a plumber to see if there is evidence of a pipe from the house to the area in question.

Guy S. Hook, Chairman
Police & Public Safety Committee
Stewartstown Borough Council