Poly Septic Tanks vs Concrete: What They Don't Tell You ...

09 Dec.,2024

 

Poly Septic Tanks vs Concrete: What They Don't Tell You ...

On-site septic systems are very important to your business and your residence. Whether you choose a poly septic tank or one made of concrete, a basic knowledge of each one, their advantages and disadvantages, will greatly benefit you in choosing the right one that complements your needs and saves you money.

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First off, as mentioned earlier there are two popular types of material used in building septic tanks. Concrete, which is strong and very heavy; and polyethylene, which is also strong, but is extremely light in comparison.

 

Septic Tank: Concrete vs Plastic 

Concrete Septic Tanks



Although concrete septic tanks are known to last a long time, they have a lot of weaknesses especially when maintenance over the years is poor. They can even crack early on if the quality is substandard. 


Concrete Septic Tank Advantages

  • Are said to be long-lasting with proper maintenance.

  • So, you&#;re not going to accidentally punch a hole into it when doing some work on your property.


Concrete Septic Tank Disadvantages

  • As mentioned earlier, concrete septic tanks are heavy. Because of their heavy weight, they require different types of heavy equipment during installation, leading to more expense.

  • These septic tanks will deteriorate over time and collapse without proper maintenance.

  • Easily cracks if the material is not mixed properly during casting.

  • More prone to leaking than plastic septic tanks.

  • Concrete is extremely porous. Therefore, it needs to be lined which extends the time of installation. The lining also needs to be replaced to prevent it from acquiring leaks.

  • Cracks can allow roots to grow in and compromise tank integrity.

  • Cracks in the tank may cause an environmental health issue.

  • This tank may require the lids and base to be sealed before use.

  • More expensive than poly.

  • Prone to rust and corrosion.

  • Complicated to repair/maintain. When damaged, foul-smelling waste could seep to your property.

  • Difficult and costly to repair.

  • Difficult and costly removal once past its lifetime when it needs to be replaced or disposed of.

 

Poly Septic Tanks

Poly septic tanks have benefits that outweigh their supposed downsides.


Poly Septic Tank Disadvantages

Possibly the one main thing that people make an issue out of plastic septic tanks is that they are lightweight and could &#;float&#; when water tables rise (e.g. during extremely heavy rainfall). However, there are remedies to prevent this from occurring. 

Coerco's 2,200-litre poly septic tank.


Poly Septic Tank Advantages


  • Poly septic tanks are watertight despite their lightweight quality.

  • Weight: around 200 kilograms.

  • Easy to install. The lightweight quality of poly septic tanks makes them easier to install than their concrete counterparts, requiring fewer employees, fewer equipment (only one piece of heavy equipment is needed) and less time. This translates to lower installation costs.

  • Easily transported by you, the consumer, or delivered by the manufacturer or distributor. Poly septic tanks are also more adaptable &#; meaning they can be placed in several different locations that may not be ideal for concrete.

  • Cheaper. The purchase price of poly septic tanks is much cheaper compared to the concrete alternative.

  • Poly septic tanks come ready to be set and connected.

  • More easily relocated compared to concrete.

  • Completely resistant to rust and corrosion.

  • Less prone to cracking.

  • More hygienic.


So what is the best septic tank system to use?

It&#;s clear that both concrete and poly septic tanks need maintenance. When it comes to deciding which type to pick, however, you might want to consider the future. What changes will be made on your property then? What about cost of maintenance, removal and relocation?

If you want to go with the easiest one to maintain, install and transfer while being reliable at the same time, poly septic tanks are clearly the right choice for you. 


4,000 litre poly septic tank from Coerco. 


If you found a professional, well-organized, and innovative company that can satisfy all of your business and residential needs, you would call them, wouldn't you? When considering a wastewater tank for your business or residence, your best bet is the market leader in septic systems.


How much does a septic tank weigh?  

And why is weight significant?
Poly septic tanks weigh approximately 200 kilograms while their concrete counterparts weigh about 1,500 kilograms.

The implications of heavy septic tanks

For many years, concrete has been the preferred material for septic tanks. However, concrete is a very heavy material. This creates higher costs when installing a septic system. The need for a bigger truck and a crane is only the beginning costs of working with concrete septic tanks. 

Septic tank removal
 

On the other hand, the average poly septic tank weighs less than the standard cover to a concrete tank. This makes poly tanks easier to work with and install.


Can a septic tank be moved?
      

Changes around your property or household may require you to transfer your septic tank to another location. Because some types of septic tanks &#; like concrete &#; are heavy and more difficult to move, some find it much easier to simply buy a new septic system rather than move an old one.

To answer the question, yes, a septic tank can be moved.

Note that concrete septic tanks present some danger due to their weight and are susceptible to falling apart. In contrast, poly septic tanks are much more lightweight and less complicated to move around.


Coerco's 4,000-litre poly septic tank. Lightweight and easy to install.

Want more information on plastic septic tank prices? Feel free to contact us.



Related article:  


Avoid a Septic Sob Story: 2 More Types of Septic Tanks [with Pros & Cons]


Editor's Note: This post was originally published on October 6, and has been revamped and updated for the purpose of accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Are Plastic Septic Tanks Good: A Comparative Analysis

Septic Tank Basics

A septic tank is a subterranean structure that works as an exclusive wastewater treatment system, by allowing liquids to be separated from solid materials for efficient disposal. The organic matter is then broken down through anaerobic processes while the liquid portion is filtered and eventually released back into the environment. Regular maintenance is crucial for a septic tank&#;s efficient operation, including periodic pumping to remove sludge buildup.

Concrete Tanks vs. Plastic Tanks

Source

Advantages

Concrete tanks have long been the traditional choice for septic systems due to their durability and strength.

Disadvantages

There are drawbacks associated with concrete tanks that must be considered:

  • They can be more expensive
  • They are challenging to install, given their weight and the need for heavy equipment
  • They have the propensity to crack over time, which can lead to costly repairs or even replacement
  • They are susceptible to corrosion from the chemicals present in wastewater, which further diminishes their lifespan.

In contrast, plastic septic tanks provide several advantages that make them an appealing alternative to concrete tanks. Let&#;s discuss the positives and negatives of plastic septic tanks in detail to understand why they are a viable, if not superior, option.

Advantages of Plastic Septic Tanks

Lightweight and Easy to Install

Plastic septic tanks are significantly lighter than their concrete counterparts, making them easier to transport and install. Because it is lightweight, this product can easily be installed in different locations across any property to give owners maximum flexibility when placing the tank. Furthermore, the installation process for plastic tanks tends to be less labor-intensive and less expensive.

Corrosion and Crack Resistance

Unlike concrete septic tanks, plastic tanks are highly resilient to water-based corrosion. The flexibility of plastic makes it resistant to cracking and breaking. The increased durability will lead to fewer costly repairs in the future to give you a longer-lasting system at an economical cost.

Cost-Effectiveness

In general, plastic septic tanks are less expensive than concrete alternatives, both in terms of initial costs and long-term maintenance. This affordability makes plastic tanks an attractive option for property owners on a budget.

Disadvantages of Plastic Septic Tanks

Lower Structural Strength

Although plastic tanks have numerous advantages, they tend to be less structurally strong than concrete tanks. As a result, plastic tanks may require additional support or reinforcement to ensure that they maintain their shape and integrity.

Susceptibility to Damage

While plastic tanks are resistant to damage from external forces, they may be more susceptible to punctures or damage from roots, rocks and heavy equipment than concrete tanks. It is crucial to take extra care and consideration when installing a plastic tank and monitor the surrounding area for potential hazards that could compromise the tank&#;s integrity.

High-End Plastic Septic Tanks from Tank Depot

Tank Depot has a broad selection of top-notch tanks in various sizes and capacities. Made with corrosion-resistant materials, their products are built to last; giving you an economical way to manage waste appropriately.

Standard-Sized Septic Tanks

The standard-sized septic tank for a home depends on the number of bedrooms and the number of people living in the residence. The most common sizes are 1,000 and 1,500-gallon septic tanks, though tanks as small as 300 gallons are available and larger tanks with capacities of 2,500 gallons or greater can also be purchased.

One-Compartment Tank or Two?

A one-compartment septic tank is a single, underground watertight chamber designed to filter raw domestic wastewater. As the heavier particles settle at the bottom of the tank, lighter materials such as grease will rise to its surface and stay there; meanwhile, the effluent travels onwards towards disposal, providing it with additional treatment before entering into drainage fields &#; an effective way for distribution!

On the other hand, a two-compartment septic tank consists of two separate chambers. The first chamber performs the same function as a one-compartment tank by allowing solids to settle and other matter such as oils and grease to float while partially treating the wastewater. The partially treated wastewater then flows into the second chamber, where it undergoes further treatment as additional solids settle, and greases and lighter solids continue to float.

The improved separation of solids in a two-compartment septic tank typically results in more effective wastewater treatment and a lower likelihood of solids clogging the drain field.

Soil Issues?

If your installation requires being able to use native soils for backfill without needing water during this process, the Bruiser series of septic holding tanks provide it. They can be utilized as:

Tank Depot Carries the Highest Quality Plastic Septic Tanks at the Lowest Price

At Tank Depot, we are committed to bringing you the highest quality products and services at an affordable price! Our water tanks are made by the leading plastic tank manufacturers throughout America &#; and our goal is to provide a superior product for your money every time. 

We want to make sure that you get the best possible value for your purchase, so we take advantage of the low costs associated with selling our goods online and pass those savings on to you.
Contact us today to place an order or to find the Tank Depot location nearest you.

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