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Which Is Better Concrete Or Plastic Septic Tank

Which Is Better Concrete Or Plastic Septic Tank

Your home’s entire plumbing system relies on the septic tank for managing and processing all the wastewater in the house. If your septic tank is damaged or worst, if it completely stops working, you have to get it fixed or replaced immediately. Septic issues could derange the entire plumbing system, cause damage to your property or yard, or even cause danger in the well being of those who live in your home. 

Since septic tanks don’t last a lifetime, periodic monitoring and maintenance are important to determine if it’s functionality and health. If you’re living in your home for so long and you haven’t checked or replaced your existing septic tank for ages, there’s a strong likelihood that you need to replace it sooner or later. 

Installing a new septic tank at home is a massive task. Your new septic tank will be going to execute an important plumbing function in your home for the years to come. That’s why one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make about purchasing a new septic tank is its material – what will it be made of?

You have two options: plastic or concrete. 

Septic tanks are produced using two popular materials – concrete and plastic. Each of them has several advantages, as well as disadvantages. Most of the time, choosing the type of septic tank is merely a matter of personal preference. 

So let’s dive deep into the pros and cons of both concrete and plastic septic tanks to determine which one matches your preference and needs. 

PLASTIC SEPTIC TANK

Advantages: 

There are several advantages of using a plastic septic tank over a concrete septic tank. These include, but are not limited to the following: 

  1. Crack-resistant – since plastic is more flexible than concrete, the plastic septic tank is less prone to cracking compared to the one made of concrete. 
  2. Rusting is not an issue – plastic materials are not prone to rust. 
  3. Easier to move or transport – because it weighs lighter than concrete, it is easier to carry a plastic septic tank into different locations for installation. 
  4. More cost-effective – Plastic septic tanks are more affordable than a concrete septic tank. 
  5. Easy to install – installing a plastic septic tank does not need heavy equipment, unlike its counterpart. Thus, it’s easier to install a plastic septic tank in different locations. 
  6. Corrosion immunity – plastic septic tanks are watertight and highly resistant to water-based corrosion. 

Disadvantages: 

The disadvantages of using a plastic septic tank over a concrete septic tank are as follows: 

  1. Sensitive to environmental elements – plastic tanks might break if there are any changes to nearby soil conditions or vibrations. 
  2. Prone to damages – Plastic septic tanks tend to break more often than its counterpart. This is because of its lightweight and softer nature than the concrete tank. It can easily be damaged upon installation. That’s why it requires a great deal of care. 
  3. Crushable – knowing the nature of plastics, they are not as strong and durable as concretes. That’s why they are prone to crashing beneath the weight of soil. They sometimes crush after cars drive over the spot where they are installed. 
  4. High- maintenance – a bit more high-maintenance than the concrete tank. 
  5. Shorter lifespan – compared to the concrete tank, the plastic tank’s lifespan is a little bit shorter. 
  6. A tendency to float – if this is not installed properly, the plastic tank tends to float to the surface of the ground. 
  7. Limited approval – some states do not approve the use of plastic septic tanks due to its less durable properties. 
  8. Low effluent levels – plastic septic tanks have a lower effluent level, which is not obvious initially. You can only find it out when the tank is open for pumping. 

CONCRETE SEPTIC TANK

Advantages: 

There are several advantages of using a plastic septic tank over a concrete septic tank. These include, but are not limited to the following: 

  1. Long-lasting – concrete tanks are known to last for a very long period. Backed up by proper care and maintenance, its lifespan could reach up to 40 years. 
  2. Low maintenance – the concrete septic tank is very strong and durable, that’s why damages seldom happen. It doesn’t need as much repair as the plastic septic tank does. 
  3. Extremely durable – concrete septic tanks rarely incurs any damages and only extreme circumstances can cause it to crack. 
  4. Environment-resistant- concrete septic tanks are known for being strong, heavy, and durable. It is not easily affected by environmental changes like changing soil conditions, tree roots, and other issues. Even if a vehicle drives over the soil where the concrete tank was buried, will not cause any damage to it. 
  5. Concrete septic tanks are approved in all states. 
  6. Concrete septic tanks have higher effluent levels. 
  7. Not prone to floating – because concrete septic tanks are heavy, it won’t float once it is buried. 

Disadvantages: 

The disadvantages of using a plastic septic tank over a concrete septic tank are as follows: 

  1. More expensive – concrete septic tanks cost more to install and buy due to its heavyweight and long-lasting life span. 
  2. Difficulty installing – the concrete septic tank is heavier than its plastic counterpart. Therefore, installation is more challenging and takes longer. It usually requires heavy materials to install properly. 
  3. Harder to repair – a concrete septic tank does not need much repair, but if it does, it can be complicated and harder to repair compared to the plastic tank. 
  4. Prone to corrosion – concrete septic tank is prone to corrode or crack as time passes by. Regular maintenance is important to prevent this incident or at least push it longer. 

Choosing a septic tank for your home is not an easy task, but you can go over the list of pros and cons above to help you decide which one will work best for your home.