On-site septic systems are very important to your business and your residence. Whether you choose a poly septic tank or one made of concrete, a basic knowledge of each one, their advantages and disadvantages, will greatly benefit you in choosing the right one that complements your needs and saves you money.
First off, as mentioned earlier there are two popular types of material used in building septic tanks. Concrete, which is strong and very heavy; and polyethylene, which is also strong, but is extremely light in comparison.
Although concrete septic tanks are known to last a long time, they have a lot of weaknesses especially when maintenance over the years is poor. They can even crack early on if the quality is substandard.
Concrete Septic Tank Advantages
Concrete Septic Tank Disadvantages
Poly septic tanks have benefits that outweigh their supposed downsides.
Poly Septic Tank Disadvantages
Possibly the one main thing that people make an issue out of plastic septic tanks is that they are lightweight and could “float” when water tables rise (e.g. during extremely heavy rainfall). However, there are remedies to prevent this from occurring.
Poly Septic Tank Advantages
It’s clear that both concrete and poly septic tanks need maintenance. When it comes to deciding which type to pick, however, you might want to consider the future. What changes will be made on your property then? What about cost of maintenance, removal and relocation?
If you want to go with the easiest one to maintain, install and transfer while being reliable at the same time, poly septic tanks are clearly the right choice for you.
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And why is weight significant?
Poly septic tanks weigh approximately 200 kilograms while their concrete counterparts weigh about 1,500 kilograms.
The implications of heavy septic tanks
For many years, concrete has been the preferred material for septic tanks. However, concrete is a very heavy material. This creates higher costs when installing a septic system. The need for a bigger truck and a crane is only the beginning costs of working with concrete septic tanks.
On the other hand, the average poly septic tank weighs less than the standard cover to a concrete tank. This makes poly tanks easier to work with and install.
Can a septic tank be moved?
Changes around your property or household may require you to transfer your septic tank to another location. Because some types of septic tanks – like concrete – are heavy and more difficult to move, some find it much easier to simply buy a new septic system rather than move an old one.
To answer the question, yes, a septic tank can be moved.
Note that concrete septic tanks present some danger due to their weight and are susceptible to falling apart. In contrast, poly septic tanks are much more lightweight and less complicated to move around.
Related article:
Avoid a Septic Sob Story: 2 More Types of Septic Tanks [with Pros & Cons]
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on October 6, 2017 and has been revamped and updated for the purpose of accuracy and comprehensiveness.