4 Types Of Septic Tank Material

When it comes to installing a septic tank, you need to choose what material your tank is made from. The four primary materials that septic tanks tend to be made from include concrete, steel, plastic, and fiberglass. Each material offers different advantages and disadvantages.

1. Concrete Septic Tank

Concrete septic tanks are generally only made with larger capacity needs in mind, so if you want to install a small capacity septic tank, you may need to consider other materials.

When it comes to concrete septic tanks, however, you can purchase single structure tanks, where each part of the tank is pre-cast separately, or you can go with an all-in-one system. An all-in-one system simply means that all the parts of the system are pre-cast and contained within one tank.

Concrete tanks are heavy and will not float up over time. These tanks often last for many decades and are not easily damaged. The installation process is usually more complicated, but the tank will last for a long time. Ensure that high-quality concrete is used in the construction of your tank; low-quality concrete can develop cracks more easily.

2. Steel

Another option is a steel septic tank. Steel septic tanks are cumbersome and don't float up. The big downside to steel septic tanks is that they quickly corrode, making it rather tricky to remove the septic tank from the ground. Steel septic tanks are not commonly used anymore but may work well in certain soil types and situations.

3. Plastic

Another material choice is plastic. Plastic septic tanks are often called poly septic tanks. They are easier to install than concrete tanks because they are lightweight and don't require the same heavy equipment to move or install. They may be better than a septic tank because they don't rust or corrode over time. 

The biggest drawback to a plastic tank is that it may float if the water table is near the tank. As such, it isn't the best material if you have a high water table. It is usually a good idea to anchor the tank to keep it in place.

4. Fiberglass

Finally, there are fiberglass septic tanks. Fiberglass septic tanks have many of the same properties as plastic septic tanks; they are lightweight, easy to handle, and rustproof. Also, the fiberglass reinforcement makes the tank more durable than a plastic tank. However, you need to ensure that the tank is anchored in place to ensure the tank doesn't move. 

Contact a septic tank installation service for more information. 


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