Advantages And Disadvantages Of Plastic Septic Tanks

Plastic septic tanks are an alternative to traditional concrete tanks and fiberglass tanks. They are sometimes referred to as "poly septic tanks", which means they are made of polyethylene plastic. On this page we will look at some of the pros and cons of these tanks and hopefully you can decide if they are right for you.

Plastic septic tanks come in both single and double chamber designs. They can range in size from 300 gallons to 1000 gallons or larger for home use. Much larger septic storage tanks are also available for commercial uses.

Advantages Of Plastic Septic Tanks...

1. First of all they corrosion proof. They will not rust as metal tanks can and they are not affected by ordinary chemicals. So you can expect them to last for quite a few years.

2. They are fairly low in price to purchase.

3. They are light weight compared to concrete and are easier and cheaper to install because heavy equipment is not needed to lift them. Moving them to your location is much easier too than for concrete tanks.

4. They are very water tight and lids and connections fit very tightly so odor is less of a problem.

5. They are much less likely to crack from tree roots and cold temperatures than concrete tanks.

6. Easier to repair than concrete or metal tanks if they become damaged.

7. Manhole extensions and lid risers are easy to install.

8. Manufacturers now design the tanks with ribs to make them very strong and durable.

Some Disadvantages...

1. You will need to check to see if plastic septic tanks are allowed in your state or location. They may not be allowed in some areas.

2. They are light and can be punctured or otherwise damaged during transport to your home or while they are being installed if care is not exercised.

3. If they are not installed correctly they can rise in very wet weather in some types of soils. This can cause connections to break or become unattached from the tank.

If you are considering a new septic system installation or you want to replace an existing system, then plastic septic tanks may offer the benefits you need. Check with your local health department or other agency near you that regulates septic tanks to see if the plastic tanks are ok to use there. One company that sells them is Norwesco.