Concrete Septic Tanks Vs. Plastic: A Comprehensive Guide

When choosing a septic tank, two primary materials are often considered: concrete and plastic. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these can help homeowners make informed decisions.

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At 1 Source Water Well & Septic, we aim to provide you with the best guidance for your septic system needs. In this article, we discuss concrete and plastic septic tanks in detail, comparing their features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you decide which is the right choice for your property.

The Importance of a High-Quality Septic System

Septic systems are critical to any home or business that does not connect to a central sewer system. They are responsible for treating and disposing of wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and other appliances. Typically, rural areas that do not connect to a municipal sewer system use septic systems instead.

Septic tanks are a crucial component of these systems. The tank collects wastewater from the home, separates solids from liquids, and allows for the breakdown of organic matter. The treated effluent then flows into a drain field, where it undergoes further natural filtration.

The Role of Septic Tanks

• Wastewater Collection: Septic tanks receive all wastewater from the home, including from sinks, toilets, showers, and laundry.
• Separation of Solids and Liquids: Heavier solids settle at the bottom, forming sludge, while lighter materials such as grease and oil float to the top as scum.
• Biological Breakdown: Bacteria in the tank help decompose organic matter, reducing the volume of sludge.
• Effluent Discharge: The liquid effluent flows out of the tank into the drain field for further treatment.

A septic system ensures that wastewater is properly treated and does not pose a health risk to the property owner. It also plays a critical role in public health and the environment.

For these reasons, it is important to select a high-quality septic system when installing or replacing one for your home or business. You should also be sure to have regular septic inspections performed.

Plastic Septic Tank Pros & Cons

Plastic septic tanks have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are made of lightweight polyethylene and can last about 30 years.

Advantages of Plastic Septic Tanks:

• Lightweight: Plastic is easy to transport for placement and relocation, which can save time and money during the initial septic installation.
• Flexibility: Plastic tanks are flexible, which can help them withstand minor ground movements without cracking.
• Corrosion Resistance: Plastic does not corrode, ensuring the tank remains intact and functional for many years.
• Lower Initial Cost: Typically, plastic tanks have a lower upfront cost compared to concrete tanks.

Disadvantages of Plastic Septic Tanks:

• Shorter lifespan: You may need to replace a plastic tank more often than a concrete tank.
• Environmentally sensitive: Plastic tanks are easily affected by environmental conditions, which could lead to a break.
• Maintenance: Plastic septic tanks require more maintenance over the life of the tank.
• Less Durability: While durable, plastic tanks are generally not as long-lasting as concrete tanks and can be more susceptible to damage from heavy loads or sharp objects.
• Buoyancy: Plastic tanks are lighter, making them more prone to shifting or floating if not properly installed, especially in areas with high groundwater levels.
• Potential for Deformation: Plastic tanks can warp or deform under heavy weight or pressure, which can affect their performance and create safety hazards.

Plastic tanks have some clear benefits and are a good option for many people. But before you choose a septic tank for your home or business, you should also know how concrete septic tanks compare.

Concrete Septic Tank Pros & Cons

A concrete septic tank is the traditional option and has been the leading choice for many years. These cylindrical tanks made from reinforced concrete have a lifespan of up to 40 years.

Advantages of Concrete Septic Tanks:

• Durability: Concrete septic tanks are known for their long-lasting nature. When properly maintained, they can last for several decades.
• Strength: These tanks are extremely robust and can withstand heavy loads, making them suitable for areas with vehicular traffic.
• Resistance to Environmental Conditions: Concrete is resistant to environmental changes, including temperature fluctuations; tree roots, soil changes, and vehicle traffic do not affect it.
• Less Prone to Damage: Concrete tanks are less likely to be damaged during installation or by external factors.
• Heavy: This means it won&#;t &#;float&#; if there is a lot of rain or the area gets flooded.
• Low maintenance: Concrete septic tanks require little maintenance compared to plastic tanks.
• Widely Used: Approved for use in all US states.

Disadvantages of Concrete Septic Tanks:

• Septic installation cost: Concrete septic tanks come with a higher upfront investment than plastic tanks and require heavy machinery for installation.
• Susceptible to cracking: This happens if the materials are not mixed and cast correctly.
• Weight: This makes concrete tanks difficult to transport and place.
• Leaking: This is possible if the tank is not installed correctly.

-Note that several of the drawbacks of concrete septic tanks occur when the tank is not installed or maintained correctly. That&#;s why you should always work with a reliable septic installation company.

Call the Septic Tank Installation Experts Now

Choosing the right septic tank is a challenging decision that requires you to weigh costs, durability, maintenance requirements, and environmental concerns.

At 1 Source Water Well & Septic in Magnolia, TX, we recommend concrete septic tanks because they last longer than plastic, require little maintenance, and are sturdy enough to withstand heavy use and environmental damage.

Our team promises quick and efficient septic tank installation that will stand the test of time. Contact us today at 936-297- to learn more!

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

Need help choosing the right size septic system? Click here!

When it comes to purchasing a septic tank for your property, you don&#;t want to make the wrong choice. This is a purchase that you will likely be committed to for at least a couple of decades, not to mention the fact that after it&#;s been buried underground, removal can be a difficult task to undertake simply because you changed your mind after the fact. Before you make your decision, it&#;s critical you get educated on the facts and weigh up the various pros and cons of your options. Plastic and concrete tend to be the most widely available septic tanks so we&#;ve laid out the advantages and disadvantages of both materials below to help make things easier:

Plastic Septic Tanks

The Pros

&#; Recyclable
At Global Tanks, we only ever create and mould our tanks out of recyclable plastic which means that you don&#;t have to worry about harmful landfill or expensive removal when it eventually comes time to dispose of your septic tank.

&#; Crack Resistant
Plastic is much more flexible than concrete, making it much less likely to crack or weather over time. This makes them completely watertight and prevents contamination or leaking.

&#; Easy Installation
As a lightweight material, choosing plastic makes it much easier to transport and install. This means that no heavy machinery is required and that plastic septic tanks can be placed in a bigger variety of locations or surroundings. More than this, easy installation means it&#;s quicker, requires fewer employees, and is cheaper to transport, all of which will bring down the cost.

&#; Cost
Plastic is easier to manufacture and mould, making plastic septic tanks cheaper to purchase than concrete tanks.

&#; Hygiene
Due to the fact that plastic tanks are more watertight and much less likely to let water in or out, they&#;re the more hygienic option. This massively reduces the chances of your wastewater leaking and contaminating your property while also helping to ensure no foreign water, liquids, or chemicals can get into your tank.

&#; Corrosion-Free
Plastic is completely resistant to corrosion or rust from water which means that it requires less maintenance and is much less likely to break or cause you trouble as it gets older.

The Cons

&#; More Easily Crushed
A plastic tank is more likely to become crushed when exposed to extreme pressure. However, this is rare and can easily be avoided through strategic placement; they are engineered to overcome this.

Concrete Septic Tanks

The Pros

&#; Remains rust-free
Concrete is made from natural materials and therefore non-toxic but also, for obvious reasons, it means the tank will not rust over the long-term.

The Cons

&#; Higher Carbon Emissions During Production
As the second most used material in the world after water, concrete is responsible for a significant negative contribution to the environment. The manufacturing of concrete generates roughly 4.5% of the world&#;s human-induced carbon dioxide emissions.

&#; Much Heavier
As concrete is a lot heavier than plastic, it&#;s harder to install a concrete septic tank. The process will likely be a lot longer, more expensive, and require machinery.

&#; Easily Cracked
Concrete is more brittle than plastic which means that as the years go on, cracks are likely to appear which could lead to expensive repairs, contamination to your property, foul smells, and environmental health issues.

&#; Easily Corroded
Concrete is much more prone to corrosion from water which isn&#;t ideal as it will be often exposed to water. Serious corrosion is likely to compromise the integrity of the entire tank.

&#; Difficult to Repair
Not only are concrete tanks more likely to crack or break but when they do, the repair process is far more difficult and disruptive than that of a plastic septic tank.

At Global Tanks, our business is all about innovating for the future. We are confident that concrete will soon become a thing of the past and that our recyclable plastic tanks are the way forward. We have a range of plastic septic tanks, water storage tanks, transportable tanks and we are also experts in Custom Rotomoulding. To learn more about our products or services, get in touch with one of our friendly team members today!

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