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Although many households opt for fiberglass or plastic tanks, concrete septic tanks remain a solid, reliable, and long-lasting option for buyers. In fact, concrete septic tanks are, by far, the longest-lasting septic tank systems available, operating between 40 and 100 years.
Regardless of the type of septic tank you purchase, they should be cleaned every 3-6 months.
They are made from precast concrete and reinforced steel rebar. Concrete septic tanks are created by gradually mixing and pouring thousands of gallons of concrete, using prefabricated metal sheets to give the tank its shape, eliminating air bubbles in the concrete with a vibrator construction tool, and smoothing the surface with a concrete finishing trowel.
Concrete tanks can be used in any type of septic tank system, including holding tanks and pumping systems. However, some concrete tanks require additional parts for certain types of installations, whereas others come totally pre-built. It depends on the manufacturer.
For example, if you’re installing an aerobic treatment unit—a septic tank that uses an air pump to keep waste-devouring bacteria alive—a concrete system can come with the aeration chamber, clarifier, and pump tank pre-installed, or it can require separate installation.
Concrete tanks are heavy and stable, which is perfect for mound systems. These systems are often found in areas with shallow bedrock, high groundwater, and shallow soil depth. These conditions can lead to a floating tank. But with concrete, you won’t have to worry about it.
Plastic tanks require a bit more work to install. Remember that these tanks are much lighter and need to be anchored in place before they can be used; concrete tanks don’t need anchors.
Although it rarely happens, plastic tanks are more likely to crack under intense pressure. These breaks can be fixed by applying heat to cauterize the damaged area.
Plastic tanks can float whenever they’re installed in an area with a high water table. So they should only be buried 3 feet deep. If your property experiences earthquakes, a plastic tank can experience groundshift, which adds pressure to the tank, impairing performance. Concrete tanks, on the other hand, endure any groundshift easily.
Most people choose to install plastic tanks rather than concrete whenever they need to install the tank in a location that the truck can’t reach, like a hill or a tight lot with limited space for maneuvering the vehicle.
As far as answering the question “Are concrete tanks better than plastic tanks?” is concerned, the pros and cons shared between the two are pretty evenly matched.
So your choice comes down to personal preference. In many cases, concrete tanks are better for industrial and residential settings merely due to their longevity, durability, and low maintenance.
These tanks are leak-proof. However, like any material, if enough damage occurs to the concrete, it will be vulnerable to leakage.
It’s not the material but the design itself. If it’s a 500—to 1,000-gallon tank, it will have one lid and two smaller baffle lids on both ends.
But if it’s between 1,125 and 1,200 gallons, it may have two main lids and two small baffle lids at the ends of both sides of the tank or two main 24” diameter lids.
Most tanks have two lids. Manufacturers usually have three 500lb lids for a 1000-gallon tank and four 500lb lids for a 1,500-gallon tank.
Lids have a squared-off or rounded shape. Concrete tank lids are built with a water-tight seal around them and are installed by a team of professionals during the manufacturing process.
If your lid is damaged and needs repair, contact the company that installed or manufactured the tank. Almost certainly, you’ll need to contact professional septic tank repair services to get it done correctly. Residential concrete tanks are created in predetermined standardized sizes.
There’s not a lot of customization available — nor should there be. If you need parts replaced, those must be custom-made to fit your tank’s specific dimensions. With standard part sizes, rinsers and pipe fittings can easily be applied.
Inspect and pump your tank frequently. “How frequently?” You ask. That depends on your usage level. If you have several guests at your home flushing toilets and running water, you can expect to pump and clean the tank more frequently.
Various grades of concrete rinsers and extensions are available for your tank, each sized to fit its specific outspout.
If you’re looking to apply after-market rinsers to your concrete tank, call a professional. However, you can technically install a septic tank rinser by yourself by following a few steps:
Our trained specialist can help install your new septic tank quickly and efficiently. If you’re having issues with your current one, we can diagnose and correct the problem. Call us today at 417.848.0275 to speak with a member of our staff.
