Instead of relying on the city's main sewage system, approximately one-fifth of Americans rely on independent septic systems to treat waste products. Septic systems cost little to run, require minimal maintenance, and are able to break down waste products in an efficient way. If you have sufficient space on your property to install a septic tank, you need to consider what type of tank and system that is best for your home. Here are 3 tips for choosing a system that will not only be durable but will also require minimal maintenance throughout the years.

Go with Plastic or Fiberglass Preferably

Although concrete septic tanks are highly recommended by most septic tank installation contractors due to the fact that the tanks can last for over 40 years at times, don't overlook the durability of plastic or fiberglass septic tanks. While plastic and fiberglass septic tanks don't look nearly as durable as they don't have a rigid and hard appearance, they can often outlast concrete tanks.

This is due to the fact that plastic tanks are not affected by moisture and vapors emitted from the sewer. High ground water and saturated soils will eventually erode concrete septic tanks. In addition, plastic septic tanks are not susceptible to being penetrated by roots growing from plants nearby.

Avoid Systems that Macerate the Sewage

There are plenty of different types of septic tank systems that are available on the market. Understanding how the sewage will be treated can help you determine what may be best for your property. In particular, you'll want to avoid systems that macerate the sewage if the septic tanks are installed for residential purposes. Septic tanks rely on bacteria to break down solid waste products. If the sewage is already macerated by the time that it reaches the septic tanks, they will be difficult to break down. At times, you might not be purposely macerating the sewage. The sewage might get macerated when it is pumped to the septic tanks. It's best to install the septic tanks downhill from the property.

Basically, the septic tanks will be largely inefficient. The macerated sewage products will stay suspended within the septic tanks for long periods of time without getting broken down. The suspended particles can eventually start to clog up the system. This will cause you to need to pump your septic tanks more frequently.

Always Get the Septic Fitted to Household Needs

Some homeowners are under the misconception that installing a larger septic tank will be more beneficial, as they will have more space to treat their waste products. Don't overshoot and go with the largest septic tank that you can find, as you'll likely have to spend a lot more money to maintain the tank than is necessary.

Larger septic tanks that are not always being used up are more likely to freeze over in the winter. This will disrupt overall operation and will cause the septic tanks to require more maintenance. In addition, the septic tanks will not be as efficient if it freezes over, as biological activity within the tank will be greatly reduced. Because of this reason, you might even want to consider insulating the septic tanks when installing them just to ease your mind for the future.

Conclusion

Knowing what to look for when getting a septic tank installed is crucial to ensuring that the system will be durable and long-lasting. Consider the type of features that work best for your home and your household needs when making a final decision. The right type of septic tank will require little to no maintenance. You'll barely remember it's there. For more information, talk to a professional, like those at Rob's Septic Tanks Inc.