A septic tank is undoubtedly the ideal solution for households without a sewer connection. It usually comes in the form of a plastic or concrete sealed container buried in the ground. There is also growing interest in setting up a domestic sewage treatment plant, commonly referred to as an ecological septic tank. Already during the design and construction of the house, it is necessary to consider which septic tank to choose, which will be the best for us. What to look for when choosing a septic tank should already be taken into account. we wrote earlier. In this article I will try to show what the differences are between the different types of septic tank.
Plastic septic tank - advantages and disadvantages
This is a well-known and popular solution. The following are available on the market tanks with different capacities, in many shapes, and accessories for them. This solution has its pros and cons.
- This type of septic tank is made of durable plastic that is resistant to chemical corrosion. This makes the plastic septic tank faultless.
- The most important feature of this tank is its tightness. The collected sewage cannot leak into the ground.
- It is relatively lightweight, making its transport and installation quite easy. In addition, once the sewerage system is connected to the plot, we can easily dispose of the container, which is no longer needed, or use it to collect rainwater.
- The cost of setting up a septic tank is relatively low compared to other waste disposal systems.
- A plastic septic tank does not require the user to purchase special chemicals. It is easy to handle. However, it needs to be emptied frequently, which is quite expensive. In addition, it is difficult to predict when the waste tank will fill up.
Plastic septic tank - lightweight and easy to install
Concrete septic tank - pros and cons
A concrete septic tank works in the same way as a plastic one. It is a sealed tank, made of concrete. Is it worth choosing a concrete septic tank? Find out its advantages and disadvantages in order to decide!
- Concrete septic tanks work on a similar basis to plastic septic tanks. They are large, sealed tanks sold as prefabricated units ready for assembly. A concrete septic tank is more durable than a plastic one. This is important if you plan to put a garage or shed above the septic tank. The concrete version is definitely more resistant to high pressure.
- However, if you plan to transport them yourself, you must take into account the heavy weight and unwieldiness of the container. Before choosing a concrete septic tank, make sure that it is possible for a crane and excavator to access our plot.
- One of the biggest disadvantages of a concrete septic tank is the difficulty of disposing of the container once the sewerage system is connected to the plot.
- In the case of a concrete septic tank, there is a risk of the tank leaking and wastewater leaking into the soil, which can result in groundwater contamination.
Domestic biological treatment plant
Ecological septic tank, also known as a domestic wastewater treatment plant, is the ideal solution for those who are not indifferent to ecology. Is it better than the others? See for yourself 🙂 .
- The onsite treatment plant is definitely cheaper to operate than a plastic or concrete tank, as it is only emptied once a year.
- This type of treatment plant will work well for those who value ecology, as it offers the possibility to use the treated water for watering plants.
- One disadvantage of a domestic treatment plant is the location. This is because we cannot install it within 15 metres of a well. And in the case of a surface filter bed, even 70 metres.
- A biological treatment plant can only be installed in sandy or loamy-sandy soil, where the groundwater level does not exceed 1.5 m.
- The higher purchase and installation costs are offset over time by the significantly lower operating costs of a domestic wastewater treatment plant.
It pays to choose ecological solutions!
Installation instructions for plastic or concrete septic tank
- The first step is to dig a hole of sufficient depth in the ground. When choosing a location for the septic tank, we must take into account that it should be a place that is easily accessible for the septic tanker. Consideration should also be given to the distance from fences, windows and wells, which is regulated by the relevant regulations.
- The bottom should be filled with gravel or a layer of concrete, depending on the type of septic tank chosen. This allows the septic tank to be firmly set and level.
- The tank should then be set in the pit and a tight connection made between the sewer lines.
- The plastic container should be filled halfway with water before backfilling. In the case of a concrete container, the operation can be omitted.
- The final step is to backfill the tank with soil. If you plan to put a car park or shed above the septic tank, it is a good idea to lay concrete reinforcing plates.
The above instructions are general instructions. For specific information tailored to the septic tank model purchased and the type of soil in which the tank is installed, we recommend consulting the tank manufacturer's installation instructions.
I hope I have helped you decide which septic tank to choose for your allotment 🙂 If you already have a septic tank and are happy with it or not, please share your opinion! I look forward to your comments, which will certainly help others!
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