What You Should Know About Identifying and Fixing Common Concrete Septic Tank Problems

Concrete septic tanks are an effective and cost-efficient way of managing wastewater generated from faucets, showers, washrooms and toilets. They are popular in rural regions where more advanced sewage systems are not available. There are two types of concrete septic tanks – poured and precast tanks – with an average nationwide cost of $3000 to $5000, though this can run higher depending on local factors.

Despite their durability and efficiency, concrete septic tanks may still experience some issues. Installing a concrete septic tank is costly and requires a huge amount of equipment on the construction site such as cranes. And because of its heaviness, it is more difficult to transport than plastic tanks. In addition, concrete septic tanks are easily damaged when run over by heavy vehicles, as the concrete is prone to cracking. This can lead to sewer leaks, which can become a health risk when the soil around the tank is contaminated.

Another problem with concrete septic tanks is the potential for deterioration over time due to sewer gases, which corrodes the concrete. Tree roots may also dig into the tank, breaking the concrete apart and potentially leading to replacement. However, there are advantages to concrete septic tanks. The effluent level is higher compared to those made of plastic and they last much longer. Plus, they cannot float away due to their heaviness, making them a more viable option in areas where the water table is higher than expected.

In conclusion, concrete septic tanks are an efficient and cost-effective way of disposing home wastewater, despite the hefty costs to install and maintain the tank. However, they do come with some common problems like cracking, corrosion, and damage caused by tree roots that may lead to further costs and effort. Despite this, concrete septic tanks are still inspected and approved for use in several municipalities and their improved effluent level and long-term durability makes them the preferred choice for many.