Secret Underground Discoveries:
November 10, 2024
Source: Reddit
Imagine this: It’s been raining heavily, and you go into your backyard and see a hole has formed in the ground. For a homeowner, particularly one living in a historic property like yours built in 1900, underground discoveries like that can be both fascinating and more than a little anxiety-inducing. So what might this hole be?” Such enigmatic subterranean finds can inspire amazing theories.
1. Cistern
Cisterns were common in many older homes, particularly those from the early 20th century. And people used them to collect and store rainwater for their homes before widespread plumbing. Your hole’s size and location may indicate that rain ruined or collapsed an old cistern, one of many possible underground discoveries. If it’s a cistern, you’ll see signs of brick, concrete or stone walls encircling the hole.
2. Old Well
Wells were also common in homes prior to the advent of reliable city water systems. And even if it was no longer in use, it might never have been properly filled. The area surrounding it could have already eroded. A deep hole whose sides are lined with stone or brick might have once been a water well, another fascinating discovery you might find underground.
3. Cesspit or Septic Tank
Before the invention of sewer systems, many houses had cesspits or rudimentary septic systems. These were essentially pits into the ground for waste that were more or less sealed up once indoor plumbing became widespread. A rain-triggered collapse might unearth a cesspit. That could be the case if one was never fully shut down. CHECK FOR CONCRETE OR METAL STRINGS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN A LID OR COVER Even more unsettling are these such surprising underground discoveries.
4. Utility Vault or Storage Cellar
Outside the main foundation, builders sometimes added storage cellars or vaults to homes of this vintage. They acted as open storage for tools, coal storage or other supplies of material. With time, these structures may succumb, especially if neglected or poorly maintained. This might account for underground findings of such secretive cellars.
5. Natural Sinkhole
There’s quite a bit of clay-based soil in the Cincinnati area and surrounding places. The weight of the water can sometimes create natural sinkholes, particularly after heavy rain. Although it’s less likely, it’s worth it to consider this as a possible explanation, particularly if the ground is also sinking elsewhere in the yard. Sinkholes are among the more dramatic kinds of hidden discoveries one can come across.
What Do You Think?
Have you found similar holes in your yard, or heard stories of ancient houses hiding secret underground marvels? What (safely) is your best guess as to what might be happening around this confession? Do share what you think or any experiences — maybe you’ll help figure out the case of these subterranean finds!
