You may not think of your septic tank very often as a homeowner. Most of the time, your tank is beneath the ground. However, when you learn that your septic tank needs replacement, you are forced to consider this unpleasant but necessary home waste disposal system.
This article includes the fundamentals of septic tank materials, installation and highlights the benefits of concrete septic tanks over other options.
Processing and sewage disposal requires an underground septic tank. It can be composed of plastic, concrete, fiberglass, or other material. This system gives business and residential regions a personalized wastewater treatment solution. Although you can do it yourself, the level of knowledge and specific equipment requires hiring a professional.
How Do I Get Ready for The Installation?
Get a few different quotes
Receive estimates from licensed septic tank installers and read reviews about each firm using trusted, third-party consumer reviews before beginning excavation or signing any paperwork. Ensure that the contractor you choose is properly insured and licensed and that their estimate covers necessary preparations such as excavation and drain field testing.
Obtain a Permit and Test the Soil
Septic systems rely on porous soil around the tank to collect and organically treat liquid waste, preventing it from contaminating runoff water or leaking into the water table. The drain or leach field is the name for this area.
A percolation test, often known as a “perc” test, is required by law before establishing a septic tank. This test verifies that the soil meets the city’s and health departments’ requirements. A sufficient amount of permeable materials, like sand or gravel, is usually required in the soil. You’ll be able to get a permit and begin the installation process once the land passes the percolation test.
A septic tank must pass the percolation test on a plot of land. Before purchasing the land you wish to utilize for residential purposes, we recommend ordering a test.
Excavation Strategy
The vast quantity of land required for a septic tank necessitates the use of heavy machinery. If you already live on the property, make sure to budget for landscaping fees to repair any damage caused by the excavation.
If you’re building a new home, plan your excavation for when it will have the least amount of impact on the construction process. This is often done after erecting the mainframe of the house, but before paving the roadways and walkways.
Concrete Septic Tanks Have Many Benefits.
Both types of septic tanks can be effective, but each has its own set of benefits and cons. Concrete tanks are commonly recommended by professionals for the following reasons.
1. ALL BUILDING REGULATIONS MUST BE COMPLIED WITH
A concrete tank can be installed in any structure in the United States compatible with a local septic system. In some regions, other tank materials are prohibited. A plastic tank, for example, may not be allowed at a certain distance from groundwater due to the possibility of floatation and contamination.
Because concrete tanks conform with all building codes, regardless of locale, obtaining a permit to install a new or replacement tank is frequently easier.
2. WATER TIGHTNESS IS INHERENT
Concrete is watertight by nature, whereas plastic and fiberglass require further processing to keep water out. During the tank’s lifespan, the natural water tightness of concrete decreases the possibility of leakage.
3. EFFLUENT CAPACITY THAT IS HIGHER
The effluent in a septic tank is supposed to degrade over time. Pumping the tank is important if it fills up too quickly. Concrete septic tanks are more likely to require pumping because they are larger.
4. EXPECTATION OF LONG LIFE
Concrete septic tanks have a long lifespan. Plastic tanks can endure long enough to be considered a temporary investment, but they will almost certainly need replacement soon.
5. INSTALLATION PROCESS WITH MINIMAL RISK
Because plastic septic tanks are less robust than concrete, the gear required to carry and install them may cause damage to the tanks. This damage may result in replacement, as well as future costs if the damage leads to leakage.
Concrete is nearly never harmed during installation and is only prone to cracking under extreme circumstances, such as when exposed to corrosive substances.
6. NO TANK COLLAPSE RISK DURING PUMPING
Plastic septic tanks, as previously said, are more likely to require pumping at some time. Plastic septic tanks, on the other hand, easily collapse during pumping. The tank may need replacement as a result of this collapse.Even if they have to be pumped several times, concrete tanks do not collapse.
Consider a concrete septic tank for replacement if you want to realize the benefits outlined above.
Sizes of Septic Tanks
Septic tank sizes are charted and recommended based on waste flow, house size, square footage, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, and even a few other factors. The standard size of the septic tank necessary in a particular area is determined by state and local legislation.
Septic tanks exist in a variety of sizes, and you can obtain tanks that are smaller than 1000 gallons, but we recommend sticking with a tank that is at least 1000 square feet. A minimum tank size of 1000 gallons is standard in several places.
Concrete Septic Tanks
Concrete septic tanks are the most common on the market right now. The popularity of the concrete septic tank is due to its strength, weight, and durability. Concrete septic tanks have a decreased chance of breaking, cracking, or floating if built appropriately.
Installation Essentials
Because of their size and weight, all-concrete septic tanks require professional installation.
These tanks consist of the most durable materials available, and while they are tough, they need massive, heavy machinery to install.
Because most concrete tanks are prefabricated, their sizes, weights, and dimensions vary. But keep in mind that all of these figures are estimates and are subject to state and local regulations.
Durability and Lifespan
The making of the concrete septic tank determines its long-term function. The installation of structural steel items like mesh and rebar. High-quality concrete and effective water sealing will add support, strength, and structural integrity. Most concrete septic tanks can survive up to 40 years if built properly and maintained regularly.
Baffles for the Inlet
On the inlet portion of the septic tank, closest to where the sewer tank links from the home structure, an inlet baffle is constructed. Because it prevents scum and oils from blocking the entrance pipe, the inlet baffle is critical to the overall health and effectiveness of the septic system.
The input baffle is a bottleneck designed to:
• Slow the effluent from entering the septic tank: a high rate of effluent inflow can disrupt the breakdown process by mixing settled solid waste with the oils, scum, and effluent.
• Avoid allowing sewer gases to enter the sewer line. These pollutants might seep back into a home or building, generating an unpleasant odor.
Baffles for the Outlet
An outlet baffle should be connected to the outlet pipe of every septic tank.
The outlet baffle, like the inlet baffle, serves as a bottleneck to keep scum, oils, and solid waste in the septic tank while also preventing waste products other than effluent from entering the exit pipe and drain field/leach field.
Solid waste must be removed from every septic tank effluent before it is discharged. Otherwise, sediments and oils will pollute the drain/leach field, resulting in backups and pollutants entering the environment. To guarantee that your baffles are installed properly, consult a licensed septic technician.
Conclusion
Please consult a licensed professional before purchasing or installing any equipment if you’re intending to install a new septic tank or septic system. Different product sizing and installation methodologies are governed by tight standards in every state and local municipality.Whatever option you choose, keep in mind that a home’s septic system should be cleaned, examined for leaks, and professionally maintained every 3-6 months to keep it healthy and running correctly.