There is no denying the importance of a septic tank as it helps store and treat the wastewater generated from everyday household activities. The septic tank, which is a part of the larger sewage system in a building, helps maintain its hygiene. So, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got a residential or business property; you should get a septic tank installed without fail.
But the problem is, which type of septic tank should you install for your property?
There are two main types of tanks available today – plastic and precast concrete. While both have their own advantages and disadvantages, we would suggest going with the concrete septic tank for both commercial and residential buildings. If you are wondering why that is, then keep reading below!
What Is A Precast Concrete Septic Tank?
For those of you that are not well-versed in septic tanks, allow us to give you a quick idea about what a precast concrete septic tank actually is. It is a form of septic tank that is made from precast concrete slabs.
A precast tank is slightly different from a traditional concrete septic tank because the concrete for the tank walls does not need to be poured separately at the installation site. The whole tank is assembled at a precast factory offsite. All that you need to do is install it in the designated underground area, and connect it to the sewer lines.
The dimension, weight, and shape of such a tank are pre-determined during the manufacturing process, and hence, cannot be changed later on. Thankfully, the tanks are made in a wide range of sizes, so you can choose the one that suits your needs the best. In this regard, it is similar to a plastic septic tank since that comes pre-made as well.
Benefits Of Using A Precast Concrete Tank
Compared to a plastic tank, a precast concrete tank has several advantages, as we have discussed below.
- Durability
The most obvious advantage of a precast concrete tank is its durability. Concrete is much stronger than plastic, due to which these tanks can withstand the most adverse conditions with ease. And if the tank contains structural steel components, such as rebars and mesh, its integrity improves even further, which automatically ensures better damage resistance.
That is why a well-made concrete tank lasts between 40 and 50 years, depending on its usage. This is much greater than the lifespan of a plastic tank, which typically lasts for 20 to 30 years on average.
- Low Maintenance
Thanks to the nature of the materials used, a precast concrete tank requires minimal maintenance, which is another major advantage of this tank type. That said, you could perform periodic maintenance of the tank if needed. Doing so will further prolong the lifespan of the concrete tank, which is always a good thing.
In contrast, the plastic tank needs to be maintained on a regular basis, or else the walls will become choked with sludge and scum residues. This, in turn, will corrode the plastic material, reducing its lifespan.
- High Efficiency
Due to the sturdier build of a precast concrete tank, it can better withstand heavy loads. In other words, it can process a large volume of wastewater on a daily basis without any issues, which ultimately increases its overall efficiency.
On the other hand, the materials used in a plastic tank are a lot less sturdy. So, if they are subjected to heavy loads for extended periods, they will start to show signs of wear. And if you are not careful, the pipes and walls may burst in extreme cases.
Drawbacks Of Precast Concrete Tank
While a precast concrete tank is obviously a better choice for its higher durability, efficiency, and low maintenance, it has some notable disadvantages compared to a plastic tank. It is important that you know about them to make the best possible choice.
- Considerably Heavy
When it comes to precast tanks, the most obvious drawback is the weight. The concrete slabs used to make these tanks are considerably heavy, which means that you won’t be able to move them around without heavy machinery. And the larger the tank is, the heavier it gets, which poses a significant challenge.
- Difficult To Install
Due to the higher weight of a precast concrete tank, it is difficult to install, requiring heavy machines and multiple personnel to get it into the ground. This aspect also makes it difficult to repair and troubleshoot. A plastic tank is much lighter by comparison, which makes it a lot easier to install and repair.
What Size Tank Should You Get For Your Property?
Before you install a precast concrete septic tank, you should first determine its size. Small homeowners can go with a small tank that has a capacity of around 1,000 gallons.
Likewise, a moderate or a large family will have a bigger home and generate more waste. In that case, it is better to go with a medium-sized tank with a capacity of around 1,250 gallons. And if you own a commercial building, then it is wise to install a large tank with a capacity of 1,500 gallons or more.
Final Words
While a precast concrete septic tank does have some disadvantages, they are far outweighed by its potential benefits. That is why both home and business owners should go for this tank, as it offers more utility than the plastic variant.
On that note, investing in a concrete septic tank might be a bit more expensive than a plastic tank. But believe us – with its low maintenance and durability, you will get better value for your money in the long run. Plus, it is a much more convenient option, which is always a desirable trait.
