Plastic vs Concrete Septic Tanks: What Are the Differences?
Concrete septic tanks are known for having a longer lifespan than plastic septic tanks. With septic tanks being the most important aspect of the home plumbing structure, selecting a wastewater tank is an important decision. Their job is to safely maintain and process all sewage waste from your plumbing setup.
Making sure your septic tank is functioning properly and up to date is essential. If it isn’t, your plumbing, property, and even your family can be at risk.
A damaged tank can leak wastewater into your backyard or your home. The smell is atrocious, and on top of that, it can contaminate both you and your property.
The average lifespan of a septic tank isn’t very long. You will have to replace yours at some point in the near future. Knowing how to choose the correct tank is essential to keeping your home and plumbing systems safe.
The two most popular kinds of septic tanks are plastic and concrete. Both come with multiple pros and cons. Knowing these will help you be able to make the best choice for your situation and prevent you from facing any unforeseen consequences.
Plastic Septic Tanks
Pros
Firstly, plastic tanks are mostly affordable with low purchasing prices. They are easier to install and require less equipment. You won’t need a large team to properly install them, so this will lower additional installation expenses.
They are also more lightweight and easier to transport or move. This allows them to be more easily placed and makes them more adaptable to various situations.
Plastic tanks are much more resistant to water corrosion and are also rust-resistant. They are also watertight.
Since they are plastic, the material is more flexible. This makes them less likely to crack, and on top of that, they are more hygienic.
Best of all, they typically come fully ready to be set up and connected.
Cons
As they are plastic, they are less sturdy than their concrete counterparts. If there is too much weight on them, they can warp and potentially break. Due to this, they also tend to have a lower lifespan.
Additionally, they are more sensitive to environmental changes. If the soil conditions change or if the soil experiences a lot of vibrations, the tanks can potentially rupture.
Plastic tanks also tend to float if the water level rises above normal levels. This can cause major damage to your plumbing system and the tank itself.
These factors mean that plastic tanks will need more maintenance than usual.
Lastly, not all states have approved the use of plastic tanks, so be sure to check the status of your state.
Concrete Septic Tanks
Pros
Concrete tanks are very durable and can last longer if they are properly maintained. A well-maintained concrete septic tank can last up to several decades without having to be replaced.
The maintenance required to make them last is also not needed as often as plastic tanks.
They are also very resistant to the various environmental changes they might experience. Protruding tree roots or changes in the soil conditions won’t cause these tanks to rupture.
Since concrete is such a strong material, it won’t flex from the weight of the soil on top of them. And since they are so heavy, they definitely won’t float if the water level changes.
When it comes to state approval, they are 100% approved in all states in the US.
Cons
Due to their weight, they will cost more to purchase and install. They are much more difficult to transport and require heavy equipment to install.
The install time is also much longer than that of a plastic septic tank.
Compared to plastic tanks, they are much more difficult to repair if broken.
And unlike plastic tanks, they are much more likely to corrode. As they age, they will crack and allow corrosion to spread. This is especially true if they are not maintained properly.
Making the Right Choice
There are a few factors you will want to consider when choosing the right tank for your situation.
You will want to consider:
- budget
- soil acidity levels
- & location of a property
Plastic tanks are obviously cheaper than concrete tanks. So if your budget is very tight, you may want to consider one.
You’ll also want to consider the acid levels in your soil. Soils with high acid concentrations will eat right through a concrete septic tank.
And, as concrete tanks are heavy, they are difficult and expensive to transport to remote areas.
In most cases, however, a concrete septic tank should be the default choice. They are strong, resistant to change, and can last a very long time.
Both types of tanks can excel if the conditions are right. The most important things to consider are your location and your specific needs. While concrete tanks are ideal, you might not be able to get one that is deep in remote territories. On the other hand, a plastic tank might not be able to stand up to the abuse it might face.
Be sure to take everything into consideration before you make a purchase. Choosing the right tank is a major decision and can majorly impact the future of your plumbing and property.
