Septic Tanks: What are they made of?
Septic tanks can be made of three different materials. The most common septic tanks are cement, steel, fiberglass, or plastic. The material used must be strong enough to stand up to the bacterial process of breaking down waste, the type of soil where the tank will be placed, the water table, and where the tank will be placed on the property.
Cement Septic Tanks are Durable
Cement tanks are not only durable for several decades but will most likely stay in place and not shift or move after placement. However, the weight of the cement tank can be a problem. Placing a cement tank requires heavy machinery and a skilled professional team like Long Hill Contracting.
Cement tanks made from poor-quality cement are susceptible to cracking, allowing wastewater or groundwater to seep into the tank and disrupting the bacterial process of breaking down waste.
Long Hill Contracting only uses high-quality materials when installing a new septic system. Cement tanks can withstand heavy weight on top of them due to their strong construction, so the topsoil is not a problem. Cement tanks due require regular inspections and maintenance.
Steel Septic Tanks are no Longer Viable
Steel tanks are not recommended today because of their cost and low durability. Steel tanks deteriorate quickly and easily and have a life span of 20 to 25 years maximum. If the top portion of the tank corrodes, it cannot withstand any weight on top and may collapse, causing the hazard of caving in.
This is when you would typically call an excavator like Long Hill Contracting to replace your faulty system.
Newer Alternative Wastewater Treatment Systems
Plastic or fiberglass tanks are much lighter than cement or steel tanks. The installation is more economical compared to cement. They are more water resistant, therefore, are more resilient to rust, corrosion, and cracking. Fiberglass tanks are more tolerant of chemicals, are stronger than plastic tanks, and are watertight.
Plastic and fiberglass tanks, however, are buoyant and are susceptible to rising or shifting if the water table is high, breaking pipes during the movement.
Skilled installation by an experienced installer, such as Long Hill Contracting, is required to avoid damage to the tank. The weight of the ground directly above the tank should also be considered, and never drive any vehicles or heavy equipment over the tank.
Long Hill Contracting, LLC prides itself in being one of the only contracting companies to provide advanced septic treatment options in Somerset County, New Jersey area. Long Hill Contracting, LLC, is certified in reviewing, installing, and managing advanced septic treatment systems by Norweco.