A Short Guide on Fiberglass Septic Tanks (Updated for )
A septic tank is an underground chamber through which wastewater flows for primary treatment.
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Typically, they are used to store effluent from domestic sources, but now these tanks are also used in industries and factories for storing wastewater having similar properties.
In septic tanks, the liquid flows through the tank, while the heavy particles sink to the bottom. The scum (mostly oil and grease) float on the top. Over time, the solid waste degrades anaerobically.
There are mainly four types of septic tanks available in the market &#;
&#; fiberglass septic tanks
&#; steel septic tanks
&#; aerobic septic tanks
&#; concrete septic tanks
In this blog, we&#;ve provided a short guide on fiberglass tanks. So, keep reading!
What is Fiberglass Septic Tank?
As the name suggests, fiberglass tanks are made up of fiber or a type of modified plastic. They weigh less compared to the other variants and are impervious to rusting and cracking.
The best part about these tanks is that they&#;re very easy to install. However, there are few things that you must look out while inspecting one &#;
1. Low Effluent Level &#; After you empty the tank, check if a plastic plug at the bottom of the tank is malfunctioning.
2. Damage during installation &#; There are high chances for the tank to get damaged during installation. The damage may not be visible until the tank is full. Look for abnormally low effluent levels and missing drain plugs.
Any septic tank must pass the &#;wet pit&#; test, and fiberglass tanks pass this with high grades.
The test involves burying the tank in gravel and pumping water into it for stimulating groundwater pressures. The manufacturer decides the depth of the tank and the duration of the test.
The more, the better!
Fiberglass Septic Tank Cost
The cost of a fiberglass septic tank primarily depends on the size of the tank and quality of the material used to build it. In the United States, the average price lies somewhere between $ &#; $.
Depending on the construction methods, the condition of the soil, and the materials used while manufacturing, a fiberglass tank can last as long as twenty to thirty years.
How Does a Fiberglass Septic Tank Work?
A septic tank is basically an underwater sedimentation tank used for wastewater treatment through the process of biological decomposition and drainage.
Fiberglass tanks have a simple design. It comprises of an underground watertight container (usually rectangle or round in shape) made up of fiberglass.
The tank is connected with two pipes &#; an inlet and an outlet. The inlet pipe is responsible for collecting wastewater in the septic tank, while the outlet pipe removes the pre-processed wastewater from the septic tank and distributes it uniformly in the soil and watercourses.
The wastewater is separated into three layers. The top layer mainly comprises of oil and grease that floats above the remaining waste. This is known as scum. The middle layer comprises of wastewater along with waste particles.
And, the bottom layer consists of heavy particles other than water that form a layer of sludge.
Inside the tank, bacteria from wastewater breaks down the solid waste. These bacteria also decompose the solid waste rapidly, ensuring easy passage of liquids to separate and drain away quickly.
Which is Better Concrete or Fiberglass Septic Tank?
Fiberglass tanks are watertight and are resistant to corrosion. Also, they&#;re lighter than concrete septic tanks. On the contrary, concrete tanks are heavy and are prone to corrosion.
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According to a study, lightweight septic tanks are more vulnerable to damage during installation when compared to concrete septic tanks. And in terms of costs, concrete septic tanks are much more expensive to install and maintain than fiberglass septic tanks.
Another study found out that concrete tanks have higher effluent levels than septic tanks. Also, fiberglass tanks often float on the ground&#;s surface if they&#;re improperly installed. Concrete septic tanks, on the contrary, don&#;t float on the surface due to their heavy weight.
The worst part about concrete septic tanks is that they often crack in extreme hot and cold weather conditions. Also, they&#;re prone to leaking and cracking when compared to plastic septic tanks.
To sum it up, if you&#;re looking for a budget-friendly option that&#;ll serve your purpose, fiberglass tanks are the best option.
Advantage and Disadvantage of Fiberglass Septic Tanks
If you&#;re planning to install a new septic tank or replace an existing one, then a fiberglass tank can be a great choice!
Here&#;s why you should choose it over the other variants &#;
1. They weigh less compared to steel and concrete tanks and can be easily installed anywhere. This can be a huge advantage in areas where big trucks or cranes find it difficult to reach.
2. They can be hauled even in a pickup truck.
3. They are very sturdy and durable. These tanks can last for years without getting affected due to sudden temperature changes or corrosion.
4. They can withstand corrosive materials better than concrete tanks.
5. Damage caused is easier to repair when compared to other variants of tanks.
6. Roots of trees find it difficult to penetrate into them, unlike as in concrete tanks.
Speaking of its disadvantages, it has only one. Let&#;s discuss!
Fiberglass septic tanks often float in areas where the groundwater level is high. Since these tanks weigh less when compared to concrete tanks, you need to implement appropriate measures to anchor them to the ground securely.
Availing the services of a reputable tank manufacturing company is always the best option to ensure that the tank has been installed correctly. A properly constructed and anchored fiberglass tank will last for years, without causing you much worry.
So, here was our short guide on fiberglass septic tanks. Don&#;t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let us know if we&#;ve missed out something important.
If you are looking to get an on-site septic system or one in your residence it is important to research the different types and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you pick a tank that suits your needs. Two of the most common septic tanks are fibreglass and concrete. Both serve individual purposes and have their own advantages and disadvantages. Find out which type of septic tank would suit you best. Fibreglass septic tanks.
Fibreglass septic tanks are made using fibre or sometimes modified plastic and often utilise a simple design. It usually is a rectangular or round-shaped fibreglass tank underground and is watertight. The tank includes an inlet and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe works to collect the wastewater whilst the outlet pipe does the opposite and removes pre-processed wastewater and distributes it to watercourses and soil. Wastewater from plastic septic tanks is separated into three layers. The first or top layer has the oil and grease which floats above the water, this is often referred to as the scum. The waste particles and wastewater are in the middle layer. The last layer has heavier particles which form a layer of sludge.
Fibreglass Septic Tanks
Advantages of fibreglass septic tanks
There are a number of advantages to choosing a fibreglass septic tank. They are comparatively less heavy and can be easily installed anywhere. This is a major advantage for projects where it is difficult for cranes or trucks to reach. Given their lightweight they can be hauled in a pickup truck, making transport easy. Fibreglass septic tanks are also described to be sturdy and durable. This allows them to last for years without getting affected by sudden temperature changes or corrosion. It is easy to repair if the damage is caused compared to other types of tanks and tree roots find it difficult to penetrate into them, unlike concrete tanks.
Disadvantages of fibreglass septic tanks
There is a possibility of local corrosion in parts of a septic tank that aren't rust-resistant. This is likely as a fibreglass tank is not made of one part, meaning they have seams that are vulnerable to corrosion. This type of tank is handcrafted meaning the production is labour extensive which means it is more susceptible to human error. Fibreglass septic tanks are vulnerable to damage with soil shifts due to traffic or heavy vehicles going over the septic tank. They are also often more expensive than poly tanks Additionally, because the tank is lightweight it means it will float on top of the water, unlike a concrete septic tank. This problem can be resolved by anchoring the tanks.
Lifespan
Properly maintained fibreglass tanks can last more than 40 years and are unaffected by the gases from the sewage, allowing them to have a greater lifespan. They are also much easier to repair than concrete tanks, however, it is unlikely you will need to repair them.
Average cost
There is a possibility of local corrosion in parts of a septic tank that aren't rust-resistant. This is likely as a fibreglass tank is not made of one part, meaning they have seams that are vulnerable to corrosion. This type of tank is handcrafted meaning the production is labour extensive which means it is more susceptible to human error. Fibreglass septic tanks are vulnerable to damage with soil shifts due to traffic or heavy vehicles going over the septic tank. They are also often more expensive than poly tanks Additionally, because the tank is lightweight it means it will float on top of the water, unlike a concrete septic tank. This problem can be resolved by anchoring the tanks.Properly maintained fibreglass tanks can last more than 40 years and are unaffected by the gases from the sewage, allowing them to have a greater lifespan. They are also much easier to repair than concrete tanks, however, it is unlikely you will need to repair them.
The cost of a fibreglass tank is determined by the size of the tank and the quality of the material used to make the tank. The average cost of a fibreglass tank in a home with three to four-bedroom is between $1, 500 to $2,000.
Concrete septic tanks
Concrete septic is a solid choice due to its material making it durable and is often preferred on construction sites. Investing in the right septic tank can make your life much easier as there will be fewer repair costs.
Advantages of concrete septic tanks
A major advantage of a concrete tank is its durability. Concrete is a sturdy material in comparison to plastic tanks or fibreglass septic tanks allowing it to be highly durable. This also means that it is highly unlikely that the tank will get incur any damage during installation. This type of tank is also rustproof, unlike a steel septic tank. A rustproof septic tank is important as it increases the durability of the tank consequently decreasing future costs. Another major advantage to concrete septic is that it won't float like a fibreglass or plastic tank. Nor will it collapse during pumping as the tank is sturdy. Concrete septic tanks are larger meaning they do not need to be Disadvantages of concrete septic tanks
One of the disadvantages of concrete is that if the tank is damaged it is more difficult to repair in comparison to a plastic septic tank or fibreglass tank. This is because a concrete tank is one big piece as opposed to fibreglass tanks which are made of multiple pieces. If concrete tanks are not maintained properly they can crack, this is more applicable to older tanks. As concrete septic tanks are prone to cracking it means it is at risk of contamination because the wastewater can slip out. Additionally, concrete septic tanks are more difficult to install as they are heavier and less wieldy in comparison to fibreglass or plastic. This means installation requires heavy materials which increases cost.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a concrete septic tank depends on the acidity of the surrounding soil and the quality of the material used to construct the tank. However, in general, this type of tank has a greater lifespan of nearly 40 years.
Average cost
A major advantage of a concrete tank is its durability. Concrete is a sturdy material in comparison to plastic tanks or fibreglass septic tanks allowing it to be highly durable. This also means that it is highly unlikely that the tank will get incur any damage during installation. This type of tank is also rustproof, unlike a steel septic tank. A rustproof septic tank is important as it increases the durability of the tank consequently decreasing future costs. Another major advantage to concrete septic is that it won't float like a fibreglass or plastic tank. Nor will it collapse during pumping as the tank is sturdy. Concrete septic tanks are larger meaning they do not need to be pumped as often as other tanks, therefore increasing their effluent capacity and saving you money.One of the disadvantages of concrete is that if the tank is damaged it is more difficult to repair in comparison to a plastic septic tank or fibreglass tank. This is because a concrete tank is one big piece as opposed to fibreglass tanks which are made of multiple pieces. If concrete tanks are not maintained properly they can crack, this is more applicable to older tanks. As concrete septic tanks are prone to cracking it means it is at risk of contamination because the wastewater can slip out. Additionally, concrete septic tanks are more difficult to install as they are heavier and less wieldy in comparison to fibreglass or plastic. This means installation requires heavy materials which increases cost.The lifespan of a concrete septic tank depends on the acidity of the surrounding soil and the quality of the material used to construct the tank. However, in general, this type of tank has a greater lifespan of nearly 40 years.
The cost of a concrete tank will depend on a number of factors including its size. Tanks range from 3,000 litres to 12,000 litres and prices range from $1,200 to $5,000.
Which type of septic tank is best?
A concrete septic tank is highly recommended as it is easier to obtain a license and also because they come in many different sizes meaning it is easier to find the right one for you. However, there is no one answer to this question as your choice of tank depends on your need.
Septic tank maintenance tips
There are a number of actions you can take to help upkeep the health of your septic tank. This includes using specific cleaners suitable for septic systems and being aware that the family are taking antibiotics that can impact the bacteria in the system. You should also divert stormwater away from the disposal area as heavy rainfall can stop the system from working. Ensuring you do an annual check of the tank and check the depth of the soil and scum often. Do not use toilet disinfectants as they can destroy system bacteria and do not dump fats or grease down the kitchen as they solidify and create blockages.
Talk to a professional
If you are still unsure of what septic tank is right for you then that's okay because we can find a supplier who can help you out. Contact our expert team at 691 912, or our projects team with your requirements. They will find you a septic tank expert who can help you decide which septic tank is best for you.
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