There’s no denying that septic tanks are crucial to the plumbing system of your home.
As such, septic tanks made of concrete, fiberglass, and plastic are becoming increasingly popular among New England homeowners. But out of these, precast concrete tanksstand the test of both cost-efficiency and durability.
So, if you’re planning to install a new septic tank, then we have the top reasons why precast concrete would be worth considering.
5 Reasons You Should Go For Precast Concrete Septic Tanks
-
Durable And Sustainable Construction
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest advantages of these septic tanks is their durability, as they are made with high-strength concrete. Manufacturers first make a concrete paste, coat it with aggregates, and then harden it through a chemical reaction called hydration.
This entire process is conducted in a controlled setting (like a factory), which keeps the concrete safe from the elements and allows manufacturers to closely monitor its quality at every step. Besides, they use reinforced steel bars for tensile strength, thereby adding to the durability of the material.
Precast concrete is also one of the most environmentally friendly materials as it’s recyclable, so you can do your bit to prevent landfill waste when it’s time to dispose of the tank.
-
Versatile Use
Whether it’s a residential or commercial property, you can install a precast concrete septic tank for both. These tanks are typically designed to have a rectangular or square shape, but they can be easily customized to meet specific shape and size requirements.
For instance, you can opt for a circular tank or a double arrangement unit based on the installation space. Not only that, but buyers can also customize the color of the tank to match the overall aesthetics of their property.
As far as the sizes are concerned, they generally range from 500 to 1,000 gallons, with the 1,000-gallon capacity being most commonly used for homes with up to 3 bedrooms. However, the right size for your property will depend on various factors, including:
- Size of the house measured in square footage
- Amount of waste flow
- Number of rooms and bathrooms
- Local or state septic tank regulations
-
Affordability
Preparing precast concrete isn’t particularly a labor-intensive job, which helps reduce the overall cost of manufacturing septic tanks. Manufacturers can very well use the same setup and molds to design multiple septic tanks, thereby cutting down on resource capital. Moreover, most of them prefer buying the materials in bulk to availing huge discounts on material costs.
All of these ultimately make precast concrete septic tanks more affordable, especially when compared with other traditional concrete options or those made of fiberglass or plastic.
-
Better Longevity With Low Maintenance Needs
It goes without saying that concrete, unlike metal, doesn’t rust, even when constantly exposed to moist ground. In fact, with regular cleaning and maintenance, the highest-quality tanks can last anywhere between 50 and 100 years. But this will also depend on other factors like the quality of the concrete and the inclusion of steel products to enhance its structural integrity.
Nevertheless, you don’t have to worry about burning a hole in your pocket to get the septic tank replaced every few years.
Talking about its maintenance, the smooth walls inside of the tank will aid the cleaning process. Besides, its annual maintenance generally costs $100 on average, which is approximately 10$ per month.
Another benefit is that high-quality precast concrete tanks employ superior water-tightening properties, which prevent them from contaminating the groundwater.
-
Quick Installation
Since a precast concrete septic tank is a ready-made unit, you don’t need to wait for it to dry or cure. Simply place your order, and the tank will be installed on your residential property, which shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours.
However, the upfront installation cost of a concrete tank can be anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on its size and weight as well as the location. This is mainly due to the use of heavy-duty machinery like cranes and excavators that require specialized operators.
What Are The Most Important Parts Of A Precast Concrete Tank?
For the unversed, the efficacy of a precast concrete tank largely depends on the number of compartments (one or two, with the latter being more efficient). However, the baffles also play an important role in this regard. Simply put, they aid the filtration of scum, oil, and, most importantly, solid waste from the wastewater.
You will find two baffles in a septic tank. The first is an inlet baffle, which prevents oil and debris from blocking the inlet pipe. It also reduces the speed at which the waste enters the tank, as a high-speed inflow can affect the breakdown process of the waste inside.
Apart from that, it stops the sewer gasses from getting into the main sewer pipe, and in turn, your home.
An outlet baffle, on the other hand, acts as a filter to prevent the exit of solid waste, oil, or scum from the tank. As you may already know, your septic tank should facilitate the discharge of only wastewater. Otherwise, the drain or leach field will be contaminated by solid waste, and it can also find its way into the environment.
New England Weather Demands Durable Septic Tanks
When it comes to buying and installing a precast concrete septic tank, you should only trust qualified professionals for the job.
Hence, we’d advise doing your research well in advance to know about the best-precast concrete septic tank manufacturers near you. And once you find them, talk to them about your requirements so that they can customize the unit accordingly.
Similarly, get in touch with a licensed professional for its installation who will comply with the related regulations. Above all, verify with your local or state authorities to ensure that your desired location qualifies for a precast concrete septic tank installation.
