Plastic Versus Concrete Tanks: How to Select a Septic Tank

09 Dec.,2024

 

Plastic Versus Concrete Tanks: How to Select a Septic Tank

One of the most significant components of your plumbing system is your septic tank. The septic tank holds and processes all of the wastewater from your property. The installation of a new septic system is a major project. The new tank in your home will provide years of essential plumbing service. 

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The tank materials are a significant consideration when choosing a new septic tank. Concrete and plastic are the most popular materials used to construct septic tanks. Each material has pros and cons, so the choice will depend on your home and preferences.

Read on to discover the advantages and disadvantages of each material.


Plastic Septic Tanks

Plastic septic tanks are a common alternative to concrete tanks and are typically oblong shapes with a ridged wall. The ribbed wall provides the strength to withstand inside and outside stresses in the ground. Some advantages of plastic septic tanks include the following:


  • Plastic septic tanks are relatively lightweight, making them easier to maneuver around with a truck. The material's ease of use makes the tanks easier to install.

  • Plastic septic tanks are waterproof and are less susceptible to damage by tree roots. In contrast, concrete septic tanks are porous and are more inclined to damage by infiltrating tree roots.

  • Installation of a plastic septic tank can be done without heavy-duty equipment. Your company will need fewer employees and less time to install a plastic septic tank &#; translating to lower costs for the homeowner.

  • Plastic is not chemically reactive and, therefore, resistant to rust and corrosion, unlike steel and concrete tanks.

  • Plastic is a resilient material with a natural flex that prevents the tanks from cracking. Temperatures tend to get extreme underground. The ground gets very hot during the day, and temperatures drop below freezing at night. 


While there are many advantages, plastic tanks have a few disadvantages too:


  • Plastic tanks are very lightweight. The tank can easily break or crack during the transportation and installation process.

  • Plastic tanks' lightweight nature means they have a low effluent level. The tanks cannot handle as much effluent as their concrete counterparts. Plastic tanks can float out of position if the water table rises.


Concrete Septic Tanks

Concrete is a more durable material than plastic, so there are many advantages to installing a concrete septic tank:


  • Septic tanks made from pre-cast concrete can last up to 

    40 years

     without needing as much maintenance as plastic tanks.

    Are you interested in learning more about plastic septic tank prices? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

  • All states and cities approve of concrete septic tanks in the US. However, plastic septic tanks vary from state to state due to the risk of floatation and contamination. In areas restricted, you may need a permit application to install one.

  • Concrete is quite sturdy, and there is zero risk of collapse when pumping. Plastic tanks require more pumping and can collapse inwards or warp when pumping.

  • Concrete septic tanks have a bigger holding capacity compared to plastic tanks. Therefore, concrete tanks are preferable for big families and commercial installations. 

  • Concrete tanks are complex to install. The sheer weight of the concrete requires heavy equipment. Despite the complexities, the installation process is low-risk.

  • Concrete septic tanks can survive weather storms. In heavy rains, plastic tanks tend to float out of their positions. However, the weight of concrete septic tanks allows them to perform exceptionally well. Thanks to the weight, the tanks are at low risk of flooding and floating.


However, like any material, concrete does have some downfalls:


  • Although concrete tanks are sturdy and durable, they don't suffer from the weight of items above them and can develop cracks as years go on.

  • Pre-cast concrete is more expensive than plastic septic tanks. Aside from transportation and handling, the tank repairs are also very costly. 


When shopping for a septic tank, weigh your options carefully to make the right decision. If you're still not sure what type of septic tank is right for you, consult with an expert. If you have any questions about septic tank installation, feel free to 

contact us

 at Bowen&#;s Septic Tank today.

How to Choose Between Plastic and Concrete Septic Tanks

When you are shopping for a septic tank, one of the most important decisions you&#;ll have to make is the type of tank you&#;ll purchase. Most modern septic tanks are made of either concrete or plastic. Both of these materials have their own unique advantages, so the right style will really just depend on your home and your preferences. Here are some things you need to think about while looking for a septic tank.

Budget

A large concern for many homeowners is the cost of a septic tank. If you want something affordable, plastic is often a good choice. Plastic tanks are quite a bit cheaper to buy than concrete tanks. On average, expect to spend at least a few hundred dollars more if you buy a concrete tank. Since they&#;re simpler to work on, you&#;ll also find that your repair bills will probably be a little lower if you pick a plastic tank. Once the tank is at the end of its lifespan, a concrete tank will continue to cost you more than a plastic tank. Concrete tanks can be quite costly to remove and dispose of when their usefulness is done.

Ease of Installation

If you want a simple septic tank installation, plastic might be a better choice. Because of their complex design and heavier weight, concrete tanks tend to require more professional input and take longer to install. The concrete tank installation process can be a little disruptive, so plastic tanks can be more convenient for homeowners to put in. Also, consider the challenges associated with transporting the tank to your property. Concrete tanks are very bulky and heavy, so moving them takes specialized equipment. If you live in a remote area with difficult roads, getting a plastic tank to your home can be significantly easier. It will also be easier to maneuver into place once it reaches your home.

Durability

Concrete is significantly more durable than plastic. A concrete septic tank can last up to 40 years while a plastic tank usually lasts around 30 years. Part of the reason for this longer lifespan is that plastic is more vulnerable to environmental changes. Things like soil vibrations or growing tree roots can cause a plastic tank to break while they barely affect a concrete tank. Consequently, plastic tanks often need more repairs than concrete tanks. Concrete tanks are also stronger, so if heavy equipment rolls over them, they are less likely to break. If your tank is going into an area that could get driven over, concrete is definitely the best choice. Another nice thing about concrete is that it&#;s not easy to puncture. If you&#;re doing work near the tank, it&#;s unlikely that you&#;ll be able to poke a hole in it.

Soil Type

Your soil will play a big role in your septic tank decision. It is a good idea to get your soil acidity levels tested before picking a tank. This is important because concrete is very vulnerable to acid. In high-acidity soil, cement will start to crumble away. Therefore, some people may need to get a plastic tank regardless of their other preferences. The unique construction of plastic septic tanks makes them work in acidic environments that other tanks cannot handle.

Likelihood of Issues

When it comes to maintenance and potential repairs, both styles have their own disadvantages. The main issue with plastic tanks is that they have the potential to &#;float.&#; When the water level is higher than usual, these lightweight tanks can shift, requiring you to repair a lot of your plumbing. Plastic tanks also require more maintenance to stay in good condition. Concrete tanks don&#;t float and are easier to care for, but they are more susceptible to rust and water-based corrosion. Concrete is also a little more likely to crack over time, especially if the concrete was mixed improperly. If your concrete tank breaks, fixing the issue could be tricky. These tanks can be quite complicated to repair.

Ultimately, if you want something durable and low in maintenance, concrete is a good choice. Meanwhile, plastic can work well if you want an affordable and easy-to-install tank. Still not sure which style is right for you? The experts at [company_name] are happy to help you go over the pros and cons of each design, and we&#;re comfortable installing both styles. In addition to septic tank installations, we also help people in Puyallup, WA and the whole Pacific Northwest with a variety of other plumbing tasks. We do everything from water heaters and water softening systems to drain repair and gas repiping. To learn more about our full range of services, give us a call today.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website GFRP Pipe Standards.