Inspecting The Four Common Septic Tanks

With years of septic tank services under our belt, we have seen various types of septic tanks. In general, there are four common materials used when making septic tanks. Those four materials are:

Concrete
Plastic
Steel
Fiberglass

Let's take a closer look at these four different types of septic tanks and what to expect when inspecting them. Need an inspection? Schedule a service today.

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Concrete Septic Tanks

A concrete septic tank will remain in good shape with regular pumping and maintenance for about 40 years. This means that it will probably need about 13 inspections during that period before its lifetime runs out. The cover of a concrete septic tank is typically rated thick enough to have a car driven over it. Pretty thick, huh? So, it takes a lot for the cover to break. There are four aspects to consider when inspecting, which include the septic tank body, the cover, the baffles, and if the tank is well settled into the soil.

Septic Tank Body: However, inspecting the concrete septic tanks focuses more on the tank’s body and seepage into the soil and water table than anything else. The tank’s body can crack if it is built using poorly mixed concrete. The sub-standard mix erodes quickly and badly, which may leave the tank vulnerable to cracks. When we inspect a concrete septic tank, we will check for any cracks along the body of the tanks.
Septic Tank Cover: Then there is the cover, which if it is not secure then surface runoff can cause the tank to flood and overflow during the rainy season. Groundwater can also seep into the tank. When this happens, it increases the volume and can cause an overflow. If there is flooding on the ground, then it can tip us off that there is a leaning problem.
Baffles: The baffles, which are the drains that prevent solids from flowing out of the tank, are also likely to get damaged over time. When this happens, soil seeps into the leach field.
Is the Septic Tank Settled Properly?: And the last aspect to check is if the concrete tank is well settled in the soil. Sometimes the concrete can settle poorly, which causes the tank to tip and results in leaks and poor operation.

Steel Septic Tanks

In general, a steel septic tank has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. After that time, it will succumb to rust, which causes it to collapse and spill the contents. Here is what to expect when it comes to inspecting steel septic tanks.

Its baffles will be long gone even before the tank deteriorates. So, a septic tank inspector will check the baffles and overall integrity of the steel. Once the baffles rust, they will release sludge and scum into the leach field. This means the inspection team needs to look for any signs of rust and deterioration on the cover. That is because rusted covers can collapse when one is standing on top of them, resulting in death. Children are especially vulnerable to this hazard since they like to play in the yard. During the inspection, we will also look at the leach field for any signs that solids have seeped into it, as well as check the soundness of the bottom of the septic tank. Avoid catastrophe by getting periodic septic tank inspection.

Plastic And Fiberglass Septic Tanks

Plastic and fiberglass septic tanks are inspected in a similar fashion, since their materials are similar in composition. Unlike steel and concrete, plastic and fiberglass are very resistant to corrosion and cracks. Fiberglass septic tanks can last for 30 to 40 years. A plastic tank can go for at least 30 years.

While inspecting, we will check whether the plastic or fiberglass plug at the bottom of the tank has been lost. If it is dislodged, then it could mean there has been seepage into the surrounding soil. We will also check for any damage during installation that may cause breakage on the tank. Unfortunately, such a crack may not be evident until the tank is pumped. However, the leak in surrounding areas will give the inspector an idea of what is happening. On top of that, shallow levels of effluent can signify a crack or leak, too.

Finally, our team will check for any underground water forcing the tank upward. Fiberglass and plastic are buoyant, especially when empty, like at the initial installation. If installed too close to the water table, then the water pushes the tank upwards, cracking connections like baffles and pipes. While inspecting, we will look for any loose connections and inquire about the last tank pumping records.