A reliable septic tank is essential for any building that operates independently of traditional utility services. As more people embrace self-sufficiency, ensuring your septic system meets the necessary standards is paramount to safeguarding health. This means it’s crucial to pick the right septic tank for your project. With several different types of septic tanks available, what factors do you need to consider before you commit to a tank? In this article, we explore how to choose the best septic tank for your needs.
How To Choose the Right Septic Tank for Your Needs
When choosing the right septic tank for the job there are a number of things you need to take into consideration.
- Materials used: Septic tanks can be made from a number of materials, but the most commonly used are concrete, fiberglass and polyethylene. Each has pros and cons, and the use of each depends on both site- and project-specific considerations and the regulatory environment in your state.
- Site-specific considerations: Soil type, water table level and climate all need to be considered when selecting which septic tank to use.
- Project-specific considerations: The type and size of the building and the number of people all need to be considered as they will affect which tank is the most suitable.
- Regulatory requirements: Each state will have its own guidance and regulations for septic tanks. Make sure you are familiar with the requirements in your area.
Common Septic Tank Materials
Now that we’ve talked through the factors you need to consider when picking the right septic tank, let’s look at each of the most commonly used materials in more detail.
Concrete Septic Tanks
- Durability: Concrete is able to withstand significant external pressure from soil and groundwater making it ideal for a wide variety of conditions.
- Cost: The cost of a concrete tank will initially be higher than other materials. However, because of its longevity, concrete tanks are actually a cost-effective long-term solution.
- Advantages: Concrete is resistant to buoyancy, meaning it’s less likely to float or move even in areas where the water table is high. Concrete can be easily customized to fit the needs of the site and retain its structural integrity.
- Disadvantages: Concrete is susceptible to cracking and will need specialist equipment to install because of its density.
- Best use cases: Concrete makes an ideal material for long-term residential projects, anywhere the water table is high or anywhere that requires a bespoke-shaped tank.
Fiberglass Septic Tanks
Durability: Fiberglass is non-corrosive in nature and resistant to cracking.
Cost: The cost of fiberglass sits somewhere between concrete and polyethylene.
Advantages: Fiberglass is lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to rust and corrosion.
Disadvantages: Fiberglass is susceptible to damage during installation and because it is so lightweight can have buoyancy problems if not weighted down or installed correctly.
Best use cases: Fiberglass tanks are ideal for corrosive environments or if a temporary or relocatable system is required.
Polyethylene Septic Tanks
Durability: Polyethylene tanks are flexible, resistant to cracking and easy to install.
Cost: The cheapest of all the material types, polyethylene is particularly suited to smaller installations.
Advantages: Polyethylene is easy to install, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion.
Disadvantages: Tanks made with this material have limited size options and there is potential for damage if not properly handled.
Best use cases: Polyethylene tanks are suitable for smaller installations, where a relocatable system is required or in difficult to reach sites such as remote or densely wooded areas.
The main materials, polyethylene, concrete and fiberglass, all have their pros and cons. Spend some time considering what you need for your project before committing to a particular septic tank.
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