Plastic septic tanks have become widespread in recent years. Much of its popularity can be attributed to its ease of manufacture, low cost compared to alternative effluent tank types, and ease of installation.
You can even find plastic septic tank models that sit above ground. They are not pretty to look at but you can disguise them and if the soil where you live is not suitable for an effluent tank then an above ground arrangement may be your only option.
What follows is a quick list of pros and cons to be aware of.
Plastic Septic Tank Advantages
- Plastic is a strong material and is not as likely to crack as other materials you will find on the market.
- Plastic tanks that are suitable for a normal size home are light enough for a few people to move around the property; while a concrete tank requires a crane.
- These types of tanks are quite economical due to their ease of manufacture and installation.
- You don’t have to worry about these tanks rusting as there are no metal parts.
- These tanks will never corrode and will remain watertight as long as they are not abused.
Plastic Septic Tank Disadvantages
- Plastic is a very lightweight material and if not buried properly it will literally float to the surface of the ground.
- Plastic is structurally weaker than concrete or cement, so it won’t be able to hold as much septic effluent as similarly sized effluent tanks.
- At this time, plastic effluent tanks are not legal in all states or countries.
- Damage can easily occur during installation because the plastic is very light and falls off easily.
Plastic septic tanks are often plugged in when a cement effluent tank is not suitable for your property. For example, the ground may be too rocky or the area where the effluent tank should go is impossible to reach with a crane. There have been cases where plastic tanks have been approved in states that don’t normally allow them because there was no alternative.
