Blog Post

6 ADVANTAGES OF CONCRETE SEPTIC TANKS

  • By Southport Concrete Corp.
  • 20 Jul, 2018
As a homeowner, you may not often think of your septic tank. Most of the time, your tank stays out of sight below ground. However, when you find out that you need a septic tank replacement, you suddenly have to think about this unpleasant but completely essential household waste disposal unit.
In this blog, we discuss the basics of septic tank materials and list six advantages of concrete septic tanks over other varieties.

COMMON SEPTIC TANK MATERIALS

Local septic systems have previously been created using brick or stone. However, these systems, called cesspools, were not watertight and could not contain both the wash water and the wastewater from a household.
Modern septic tanks are made out of either industrial plastic or precast concrete. Some tanks are also made of fiberglass, though this material is uncommon in the United States. Because plastic tanks have a lower initial cost, many homeowners choose this tank type without truly comparing it to concrete.
This impulse to spend less money right away can mean more repairs in the long run, especially if the plastic tank in question is of lower quality.

ADVANTAGES OF CONCRETE OVER OTHER MATERIALS

Both types of septic tank can work well, but each material has its own advantages and drawbacks. Septic system experts typically recommend concrete tanks due to the following six advantages.

1. COMPLIANCE WITH ALL BUILDING REGULATIONS

In the United States, all buildings that are compatible with a local septic system can have a concrete tank. Other tank materials are restricted in some areas. For example, a plastic tank may not be allowed within specific proximity of groundwater due to the risk of floatation and contamination.
Because concrete tanks comply with all building regulations, regardless of region, the permit application for placing a new or replacement tank is often simpler.

2. INHERENT WATERTIGHTNESS

Concrete is inherently watertight, whereas plastic and fiberglass must undergo extra processes in order to hold water. The natural watertightness of concrete reduces the risk of leaks during the life of the tank.

3. HIGHER EFFLUENT CAPACITY

The wastewater and sludge contained in a septic tank, known as effluent, is intended to decompose over time. If the tank fills up too quickly, the tank must be pumped. Because concrete septic tanks are larger, homeowners with these tanks are less likely to need pumping.

4. LONG LIFE EXPECTANCY

Concrete septic tanks can easily last for decades. Plastic tanks can last for long enough to be a temporary investment but will likely need to be replaced in the near future.

5. LOW-RISK INSTALLATION PROCESS

Because plastic septic tanks are less durable than concrete, these tanks can become damaged by the machinery used for transportation and installation. This damage could incur immediate costs, like the expense of replacement, as well as future costs if the damage encourages leaking.
Concrete, on the other hand, is almost never damaged during the installation process and may only become susceptible to cracking under extreme circumstances, such as exposure to heavy-duty corrosive chemicals.

6. NO RISK OF TANK COLLAPSE DURING PUMPING

As mentioned, plastic septic tanks are more likely to require pumping at some point. However, plastic septic tanks are also vulnerable to collapse during pumping. This collapse can require full replacement of the tank.
Concrete tanks do not collapse, even if they must be pumped multiple times.
When you need a replacement septic tank, consider a concrete model in order to reap the benefits listed above. If you still feel undecided, discuss your options with a reputable septic system expert to make the best decision for your property.

Need a new septic tank? Work with Southport Concrete Corp. We offer high-quality concrete septic tanks to both residential and commercial clients.
By Southport Concrete Corp. 20 Jul, 2018
When completing any construction project that involves a foundation, the use of concrete pilings is essential. These columns that have been pre-cast and cured before installation provide needed support and reinforcement to the foundations used by your home or business. They have many qualities that make them beneficial to a variety of projects:

  • Cost effective: When anything is manufactured on a massive scale, your costs decrease substantially from having something custom poured.
  • Superior quality: Being pre-cast, pilings are checked for every sort of defect before being installed, giving them an additional safety advantage.
  • Underwater usage: There are several instances in which the pouring of concrete in certain types of subsoil or other environments won’t set. The use of formed piles easily takes care of that issue.
  • Convenience: With a wide selection of piles all ready to go, you are able to select what you need and install them at your convenience.
  • Adaptability: Trying to pour the exact shape you need is a thing of the past with concrete pilings available in square, round, octagonal and other shapes.
  • Incredible strength: Because of the nature of the piles, the reinforcement used inside is more likely to stay put without getting disturbed or moving its place. They also have high bending and lateral resistance to hold their strength in adverse conditions.
  • Eco friendly: With no leftover materials to clean up at the installation site, piles are the most environmentally friendly option when supporting your foundation and in other applications, such as retaining walls, embankments and cofferdams.
By Southport Concrete Corp. 20 Jul, 2018
Southport Concrete Corp is a leading builder of seawalls  in the Southport area. A seawall is a barrier that prevents waves from inundating property and land. These concrete walls are ideal for areas that are susceptible to hurricanes and frequent flooding. During storms, the sea level, as well as lake and river levels, can rise dangerously high and threaten communities and natural areas. The wall stops the water in its tracks and keeps communities from sustaining millions of dollars' worth of damages. Despite their name, our walls can be built near any large body of water, and our company can construct the following types:

  • Curved
  • Vertical
  • Mound
By Southport Concrete Corp. 20 Jul, 2018
You have a lot of options when it comes to building materials in Southport, but there are some that are more high-quality than others. At Southport Concrete Corp., we offer ready-mix concrete. As a product that is made in a factory, it offers the highest quality possible, as it is regulated under specific conditions. Being carefully monitored while it is mixed, it allows maximum economy at every turn. It is a convenience for contractors because it can be delivered to most jobsites. If a truck can get there, the ready mix can get there. It can also be poured directly from the truck into handling equipment or formwork, minimizing loss and mistakes.
By Southport Concrete Corp. 20 Jul, 2018

Although the terms cement and concrete are often used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient in concrete.

Concrete is basically a mixture of paste and aggregates. The aggregates are crushed stone or sand and gravel; the paste is made of water and Portland cement. Concrete material happens to get stronger as it gets older. Portland cement is not the name of a particular brand of cement; it’s the generic term for the type of cement utilized in almost all concrete (ex: stainless is a type of steel and sterling is a type of silver).

Pervious concrete, also known as "green concrete," is a choice that helps combat building code issues with storm water run-off.

Cement is composed of 10 to 15 percent of the concrete mix, by volume. Then through a process called hydration, the cement and water harden and bring together the aggregates into a rocklike form. This developing and hardening process continues for years, again meaning that concrete gets stronger as it gets older.

By Southport Concrete Corp. 20 Jul, 2018
There are many residences that need to use a septic tank. If you find yourself in such an area, consider what Southport Concrete Corp. can do for you. We can cast septic systems  for you, and we have been operating in Southport for almost 20 years. We can inspect your location to design a septic system that is perfect for your expected needs, bringing you long-term plumbing solutions.
By Southport Concrete Corp. 20 Jul, 2018
Concrete driveways are durable and attractive, and they provide a solid, reliable parking surface for vehicles. However, maximizing the lifespan and appearance of your concrete driveway depends upon making the right choices both before the concrete is poured and for many years after that, too.

Below, we’ve listed some important things to keep in mind in order to prevent premature concrete driveway failure.
By Southport Concrete Corp. 20 Jul, 2018
Concrete is an ideal construction material for countless numbers of applications due to the substance’s strength, reasonable cost, and ease of installation. Paving surfaces is one of the many uses for this flexible medium. However, concrete is prone to crack, and it is normal for even the best-laid concrete surface to develop hairline crevices.

While these tiny cracks are often insignificant, they are unsightly and detract from the overall appearance of the paved surface. You can preventing these cracks by installing contraction joints; below is more information about these important features and their installation.
By Southport Concrete Corp. 20 Jul, 2018
If you're hoping to replace your tired old countertops with something more modern and durable, you've likely considered popular options like quartz, granite, marble, or solid surface. However, many homeowners do not realize that concrete makes an excellent countertop and has plenty of advantages.

Just like any other countertop surface, there are specific advantages that concrete offers. How do you know if concrete is the right choice for your new or remodeled kitchen?
By Southport Concrete Corp. 20 Jul, 2018
Concrete is one of the most versatile construction materials currently available. You'll find concrete used for everything from seawalls to countertops.

But not all concrete is exactly the same. When you choose concrete for a building project, you may have several options for the mixture contents and the laying process.

In this blog, we compare two common laying processes: precast concrete and onsite ready-mix pouring.
By Southport Concrete Corp. 20 Jul, 2018
Though concrete is incredibly strong and resilient, untreated concrete can be stained in some circumstances. This is primarily due to the internal crystalline structure of concrete at the microscopic level.

Concrete consists of tiny cement particles locked together with sand and other crushed materials. In between these particles lie tiny air gaps that can be filled with just about any liquid that comes their way. That includes water, paint, oil, and other fluids dropped on the surface of unsealed concrete.

As a consequence, you can’t merely wipe concrete stains away. Instead, you have to treat the stains with the right methods, chemicals, and tools.

Below is a brief guide to removing two common but tough stains that affect concrete.
Show More
Share by: