When designing a septic system, one of the most common questions asked is whether the septic tank should be concrete or plastic. Septic tanks, which store solid waste, are available in concrete, steel, fiberglass, and plastic.
The bestselling models are those made of concrete or plastic. Of all of these options, a plastic septic tank is typically the least expensive and the easiest to install. Despite the advantages offered by plastic designs, the use of plastic septic tanks is prohibited in some regions due to the potential for leakage and other complications if the tank is not installed and maintained properly.
Plastic is not chemically reactive, and a plastic septic tank will not have the problems with corrosion that are common with steel tanks. Unlike concrete, plastic is not a porous material. Plastic tanks are not prone to damage caused by infiltrating tree roots, a major problem associated with concrete tanks. When properly installed, a plastic septic tank is watertight and better able to withstand extremes in temperatures. A septic system with a plastic tank is less likely to exhibit odor problems in hot weather, and is less likely to crack when soil temperatures drop below freezing.
Whether you are building a new home or remodeling an older residence, the issue of having the right septic tank size is important. Not everyone is aware that these tanks are available in different sizes. However, choosing one that is too small for your needs can create a great deal of problems in a short period of time.
In order to determine what septic tank size you need, begin by taking a look at the average water usage in your home. This includes usage for all functions, from bathing to cooking to watering the lawn. A good rule of thumb is to choose a septic tank design that is capable of holding twice your average daily usage. Anything smaller will likely not work properly for very long, leading to a great deal of extra expense.
Another approach is to consider the size of the residence. The idea behind this approach is that a larger home is likely to house more people. Thus, a three bedroom home would require a larger septic tank than a home with one bedroom. However, it is often recommended to add one extra bedroom to the formula, just to allow for extenuating circumstances such as entertaining houseguests for an extended period of time.
The amount of space you have available for the septic tank installation is also an important factor. Most tanks are installed in the front or back yards. As long as there is ample room for both the tank and the drain field, you can go with any septic tank size that you desire.
In some cases, the local municipality may require that the septic tank size of any unit installed within its boundaries have a certain capacity. This means that even if twice your normal usage is less than this minimum requirement, you should still go for the tank size required by law. While it is true that your smaller tank may not come to light for many years, it could create problems when you attempt to sell the property.
Your local government may also have regulations that relate to the installation process of any septic tank size within its boundaries. For example, you may be prohibited from installing the tank within a certain distance from your property line. Before you begin the search for the ideal plastic septic tank, make sure you understand exactly what you must do in order to comply with local standards.
Source: WiseGeek
When choosing a plastic septic tank, always err on the larger size; their could be few things worse than a septic tank too small and that results in black water overflowing or pushing back through the plumbing. Estimate the maximum number of people that are likely to use the the building on a single day and then double that to be safe. JoJo Tanks have a general guideline for septic tank size. The 6000 litre heavy duty plastic septic tank is a popular choice and is also available in a 6000 litre underground water tank version too. Click on the links below to view the range of JoJo Tanks products available in South Africa.
JoJo Tanks South Africa offer a wide range of plastic water tanks and chemical tanks to suit every household, business or agricultural need, including silo tanks and silo tank stands. See JoJo Tanks VERTICAL TANKS, HORIZONTAL TANKS (transporter tanks), STEEL TANK STANDS and OTHER JOJO PRODUCTS. Also see JoJo Tanks’ NEW 6000 LITRE UNDERGROUND TANKS. Also see our FAQ and WATER TANK PRICES.
JoJo’s superior polyethylene plastic water tanks and steel water tank stands make JoJo Tanks the leaders in plastic water tank technology and the quality, affordability and guarantee on these water tanks make JoJo products the best choice in South Africa. JoJo’s water tanks and chemical tanks come standard with a number of features that are often lacking on cheaper/inferior plastic tanks made by other companies in South Africa.
We are authorised JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa and dispatch orders directly from JoJo Tank depots to save on transport costs. Full range of JoJo Tanks products and JoJo water tanks for sale. CONTACT US for a quote on the right JoJo water tank or other JoJo product for you. Special discounts are available on multiple orders of chemical tanks and water tanks and to our commercial and government customers.
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