I recently purchased a home in the Chicago suburbs, and it has an old cistern on the property. I'm having a hard time figuring out its condition because local plumbers and builders I've consulted are pretty clueless about it. However, a public works representative told me I can divert rainwater into the cistern.
I'm looking for insights into cisterns, especially how they work and any potential liabilities I should be aware of. I've shared some images and videos of it [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19i-vdTURYL05r9pA2pXkhf899R85YmzB?usp=sharing).
My home was built in 1926, and I can't confirm the age of the tank itself. While the concrete around it seems solid, there's a concern about water quality since it's been stagnant for some time, as well as ongoing flooding issues on my property. Diverting water to this cistern could greatly reduce my project costs. I'm also troubleshooting potential overflow lines connected to my home's sewer and need to dig deeper into their purpose.
2 Answers
If your cistern holds water well and you’ve got a plan for pumping it out, you should be in decent shape. Look for local cistern servicing companies—often, they can handle both cisterns and septic systems. This might help you keep everything in check and avoid future flooding issues. Stay ahead of it and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle later!
Hey! I'm not an expert, but I can share that many old homes in Chicago have similar setups. It sounds like your cistern might be used for catching grey water, which could include runoff from your roof or appliances. Over time, heavier particles like grease can settle at the bottom. It's good to periodically clean it out, especially if you notice any backups! I had a similar issue with tree roots blocking the flow to my sewer. Once cleared, my system worked like a charm again! Keep an eye on that sediment too, as it can build up fast.
Totally agree! Regular checks are vital. Tree roots can be sneaky! Best to be proactive before it leads to bigger problems.
That’s great advice! Definitely reach out to those servicing companies. Better safe than sorry!