5 Types Of Septic Tanks (And Which Is Best For You!)

There are many different types of septic tanks, and they all have their differences. There is one thing that they all have in common, you have to install them a certain way.

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Septic tanks, as well as the machinery that supports them, are placed underground. You should place them at least ten feet away from the home for your safety. You must also situate them far enough away from wells to avoid contaminating any drinking water. With that being said, bacteria are what makes a septic system work. The whole system is designed to keep bacteria healthy and busy, some of which live in the tank, but most do their work in the drain field.

Types of Septic Tanks 

The most common materials used to construct a septic tank are concrete and plastic. High-quality polymers, such as polyethylene, are present in some of the latest models. Septic tanks are available in a variety of sizes to suit any homeowner’s needs. It’s important that you’re keeping up on the maintenance of your septic tank and having a professional pump it when necessary. Pumping removes the buildup of sludge and scum, which slows down bacterial action in the tank. Depending on the size of your tank, the type of tank it is, and the amount of waste that runs through your system, you may need pumping each year, or it may be possible to go two or three years between pumpings. Regular inspections and pumping can be critical to the lifespan of your septic tank. Initial inspections can cost anywhere from $300-$500, then around $100 each after that. 

Septic systems can be made of all sorts of different materials, each offering a different purpose or level of strength. Here are some of the most prevalent types of septic tanks:

Plastic Septic Tanks 

Plastic septic tanks are made of polyethylene plastic and can also be known as poly septic tanks. They are long-lasting, lightweight, and affordable. Plastic septic tanks do not rust and are less prone to cracking than concrete septic tanks. These tanks are very light, making installation simple. However, because they are so light, they can be damaged while installing. Furthermore, if not fitted properly, plastic tanks may float to the surface, requiring reinstallation. Plastic tanks may float due to their weight when the water table is near to the tank bottom. 

300- gal Plastic Tank – one of many to choose from as they come in many different shapes and sizes.

Concrete Septic Tanks

These long-lasting tanks will typically last several decades, up to forty years if properly maintained. Concrete tanks are also solid types of septic tanks and are not easily damaged by heavy machinery. Speaking of not easily damaged, concrete septic tanks are even resistant to environmental changes. The two most common environmental changes that will affect your septic tank are tree roots and changing soil conditions. On top of that, they are also rustproof which is a great advantage. Concrete tanks have approval for use in all states in the United States so if this tank seems fit for you and your needs, this could be your best option.

How Does This Type of Tank Leak?

This type of tank, however, can leak waste and enable groundwater to flow in if the concrete is cracked, causing damage to the inside of the tank. When a backlog occurs in a concrete septic tank, the blockage may cause water to overflow. These tend to be costly, harder to install because of their weight and the heavy equipment that is needed to install it, and become hard to repair if and when it is damaged. 

Concrete Septic Tank

Steel Septic Tanks

Despite the fact that steel is a naturally durable type of material, septic tanks made of steel often only last 25 years before beginning to rust. As a result, homeowners are less likely to choose steel septic systems. They are known as the least popular nowadays because of their high cost and low durability. They tend to deteriorate quickly and easily compared to other materials that are out there these days for septic systems.

When a steel tank’s roof begins to corrode, the tank may become too weak to sustain the weight of the ground above it. A person or animal could potentially fall into the tank if this happens. It is also very difficult to remove corroded steel septic tanks from the ground but, if the rest of the unit is physically solid, the cover of a steel tank could be replaced to save money. There are only a few advantages to steel septic tanks and that includes that they have good resistance against buoyant forces as well as they won’t float when the water table is nearer to the tank. 

Steel Septic Tank

Aerobic Septic Tanks

If you have a septic tank on your property that has unexpectedly fails, aerobic septic tanks are often the tanks that you need to install for this type of situation. These tanks are electric-powered. Aerobic tanks are up to three times more expensive than other types of septic tanks. But they are more efficient and require fewer drain fields. This can save a lot of money in the long run. It can also be a huge benefit especially on smaller properties or a single-family home. These tanks require more frequent maintenance. But as long as you are paying attention to the maintenance it needs, they last for several years.

The aerobic septic system brings oxygen inside the processing tank. The extra oxygen does its job of increasing the natural bacteria activity in the system. It ensures that there will continue to be nutrient processing in the sewage. Some systems like aerobic systems can also have the opportunity to have a pre-treatment tank and a final treatment tank. The final treatment tank provides disinfection to the lower pathogen levels.

Fiberglass Septic Tanks 

Fiberglass tanks are made using fiber reinforced plastics. The reinforcement of glass fibers actually makes them stronger than plastic tanks. Fiberglass septic tanks will not crumble because they tend to be so strong and they don’t rust like concrete or steel septic tanks. Fiberglass tanks are also much lighter than tanks made of other materials, making them easier to install, but be cautious because fiberglass tanks are prone to damage during the installation process. It can also cause them to shift easily when the surrounding soil becomes saturated. 

While fiberglass septic tanks are cheaper than concrete or steel tanks, are water tight, and have high durability, the only disadvantage of this type of tank is that it can’t resist buoyant forces and will float when the water table is nearer to them. The average price for a fiberglass tank in the United States is somewhere in between the range of $1600-$2000, but with the right tools and construction method used, these tanks can last as long as twenty to thirty years.

Final Thoughts 

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all septic tank. For one case, the best type of septic tank for one household or situation may not be the best for another. It is important to make sure you are able to find the right information on septic tanks so you’re able to make the best decision for your and your home. The benefits and drawbacks stated should assist any homeowner in determining which type is best suited to the needs of their home.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need to purchase and install any of these septic tanks. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

A septic system is an underground treatment facility for managing wastewater in a household. It consists of a septic tank and a drain field or a soil absorption capability. It ensures that the plumbing system of the house will not be filled with organic matter or scum, or solids such as grease, oil, or soil. This system also helps to separate wastewater properly so that the groundwater will not be contaminated and cause a health and environmental problem in your property.  

Usually, a septic system is necessary if a house is on a raised area or far from the sewage pipes installed by the water supply company or the local government. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 95 per cent of homes in NSW rely on the local sewerage system for their wastewater disposal, while only 4 percent require a septic system.

However, you may still benefit from having a septic tank even if a sewage facility exists where you live. Below are some reasons why you may need a septic system for your house.

1. Your household wastewater management and water use become more efficient and economical.

A septic system serves only your property compared to a sewer system where many households are connected. If this sewer system breaks down, it won’t just affect one house. Instead, the whole block or city section could also be affected. That can be such a big problem and could have city-wide consequences.

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If you have a private dedicated waste and drainage facility, then you can independently manage your wastewater system instead of relying on the council or the water company. You also won’t need to pay any monthly maintenance fees for your sewer service which can get quite expensive and increase without warning.

When you own a septic system, you become more aware of your water usage. You’ll also realise that you have to cultivate good habits to reduce the burden and strain on your septic system.

• Doing laundry. Gallons of water are consumed within a laundry cycle. If you do a wash every day, imagine the amount of water that goes through your septic system each week. Thus, a weekly or bi-weekly laundry schedule would be better to prevent overloading the maximum amount of water the septic tank can hold.
• Washing dishes. In the same manner, dishwashers also consume gallons of water with each cycle. If you have a septic system, you’ll be more conscious about running the dishwasher when it is completely full instead of using it after every meal.
• Long showers and running water. People who are accustomed to a sewer system often don’t realise how wasteful this is. While it’s true that showers go full blast in pipes that connect to the city sewer, it can still take a toll in the long run. A 10-minute shower should suffice if you use a septic tank at home so you’re less wasteful and you won’t burden your plumbing and septic system.

2. Your use of a septic system is beneficial for the environment.

Groundwater can get contaminated when sewage lines leak or break, and this is how environmental pollution can start in a city or community. Septic systems can also leak, especially if they are not properly used or are poorly managed and maintained. Containing this damage is easier because it only affects a particular area in your property and you won’t likely cause a neighbourhood issue.

Septic tanks can also use drain fields or leach fields to act as natural filters that strain the wastewater before it reaches the soil. Hence, bacteria have essentially been removed by the time the water is on the ground. This natural filtering process, in turn, benefits flora and fauna around your home environment.

Moreover, the kind of water that comes from the septic system and goes to the ground can enrich the soil around your house and neighbouring areas.  As a result, this helps plants to grow abundantly and provide food for insects, birds, and other animals.  

You also reduce your carbon footprint when you have a septic system at home. Aside from becoming more conscious of the amount of water you use you also help replenish the water under the ground where your property stands with an efficient septic system at home. That is what sustainable living is all about.

3. You develop better habits to become a more responsible homeowner.

As with becoming aware of your water usage, having a septic system at home encourages you to become a more responsible homeowner. You will learn to take good care of what you use in the house, such as the toilet or sink. The truth is, you probably never paid attention to this until you became a homeowner and encountered problems with the sink or toilet’s plumbing.

• Toilet or Sink Care. You’ll realise that you cannot throw just about anything in the toilet or dump stuff down the sink because it could damage your septic system. Some of the worst items to dump or flush down into these facilities include the following:
  • Cat litter – Flushing cat litter down the toilet can easily cause a plumbing problem as the litter can cause a major blockage.
  • Chemicals – Thinners, paints, automotive chemicals, and other toxic agents are unacceptable to flush or dump. These things can easily degrade the plumbing system in your house.
  • Cigarette butts – Though they’re soft and small, cigarette butts aren’t supposed to pass through the toilet pipes or siphons.
  • Condoms – These are made of rubber and can’t dissolve in water; thus, they will remain in the septic tank for quite a long time and contribute to clogging.
  • Cotton balls, sanitary napkins, and tampons – Though these can naturally break down, they will likely clog your septic tank as they absorb liquid.
  • Diapers – These contain materials that can clog the septic system and they do not break down.
  • Grease or cooking oil – These fats can cause a build-up and collect gunk in the inlet or outlet of your septic tank.
  • Hair – Putting a filter on the bathtub or shower drain can prevent hair strands from going through the septic system.
  • Paper towels – These are thicker than toilet paper and consequently more damaging to the septic tanks.
  • Pharmaceuticals – Pills, tablets, and capsules washed down on the kitchen sink may also clog the drain pipes and sometimes might not even dissolve.
  • Vegetables – Though foods are biodegradable, these too are troublesome for the septic system as fibres can jam the pipes, especially for thicker veggies like celery.

The best way to dispose of these items is in the garbage. Be sure to properly seal your bins so as not to attract pests or violate any garbage ordinances in your community.

• Water Fixture Care and Maintenance. Beyond bad habits, however, your water fixture at home may also be contributing to the problems in your septic system. You should be sure that you are inspecting, and, when appropriate, replacing, some of the water fixtures in your house. For instance, if you live in a house built over 30 years ago, then you likely have a toilet that wastes five gallons of water per flush. Newer toilet models are more efficient and often use less than two gallons of per flush.

4. Different types of septic tanks can cater to your requirements.

State governments in Australia regulate the design and installation of the septic system based on the Australian Standards (1547 and 1546). A design accreditation must be secured with NSW Health before installation, and any design above 2,500 litres must comply with additional regulations, per WaterNSW.

Assuming you’re complying with the relevant standards, you have free rein in choosing the type of septic tank to install at home. The durability and strength of your septic system will depend on the materials you pick.

• Concrete septic tanks require less maintenance than those made from other materials. The disadvantage, however, is that concrete may crack and clog, and these problems can remain undetected for a long time. Regular manual inspections of a concrete septic system are necessary.
• Steel septic tanks will not last longer than concrete because this material is prone to rust and can lose its structural integrity in due time. It has an advantage when replacements are required, though, as this can be done part by part, so there’s no need to replace the whole tank. It’s also easier to spot rust because signs of corrosion on the baffles will not be hard to miss.
• Fiberglass septic tanks are probably the most durable of all materials. They won’t crack nor rust, unlike concrete or steel tanks. However, its effluent levels may not be as efficient as the first two options. Since fiberglass is light, then the septic tank could shift underground if the soil around it dampens.
• Aerobic septic tanks are most efficient, but they can be expensive to use and to repair, should they break down because they run on electric power.

The installation of a septic system costs significantly less in the long run than installing new pipes to connect your property to the sewer lines. You might pay within the range of $5,000 to $10,000 for a septic system of a four-bedroom house, but this is a one-time expense. City sewer connections, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $500 to $20,000 but this rate also depends on the regulations of your local government, which might not even include the maintenance fees.

5. A septic system is low maintenance  

Regardless of the material you pick, a well-built septic tank can last for many years. And you will only need to have it pumped and serviced every three to five years, depending on your water usage. You might also need to have this inspected every two years or so just to ensure that it is still functioning optimally.

Generally, there’s no need to replace a septic tank if you follow through on the regular inspections or draining. The most you might have to do is to have the tank repaired in case of clogging. That is likely won’t happen if you’re diligent about the inspections.

Before installing a septic system

An assessment from appropriate agencies may be necessary before the installation of the septic tank as your local government will likely require a permit for this. Even if an inspection is not mandated by law, it’s still be prudent to get your site checked. That way, you’ll know the status and condition of having a septic system in your property.

It would be better to know the nitty-gritty details now than to begin work on the septic system and then run into problems during the installation.

Cleaning and maintenance of septic tanks

Cleaning the septic tank will largely depend on your household’s water usage. Thus, there is no strict timeline to follow, and it may be different for every household. However, if the septic tank hasn’t been cleaned out for years, there’s a good chance that clogging has occurred. A lot of homeowners, unfortunately, don’t pay enough attention to septic tanks because they are underground. As such, they only remember to call for help when the problems start to surface.

Ideally, you should leave the cleaning to a professional plumbing and wastewater management company, such as Green Planet Plumbing. This way, you can be sure that the water treatment is done the proper way, and that there will be no unpleasant odours after the job completion.  

If you need help with septic tank installation, maintenance or inspection, contact Green Planet Plumbing to get top-notch service.

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