- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 23 years, 9 months ago by
John Aldrich1.
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MasterPlumbers
do you have, or do you know any net sites that have plans for building a concrete septic tank. Thank you
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Buy one already constructed. It will save you money and will be to specs.
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E C Jackson, there must be some compelling reason for you to desire to construct a concrete septic tank. It is quite difficult, and expensive to pour your own, and end up with a tank that is water-tight, is serviceable, and has an extended service life.
A material called “water-stop” must be placed around the perimeter of the base, actually placed in the wet concrete of the base, so that water will not leak through the seam between the walls and the base. The concrete must be vibrated in the form to eliminate the inevitable voids which occur in the narrow wall forms. The concrete must be quite consistent in regard to the mix of sand, gravel, corrosion resistant cement, and water, and the form must be filled in a “monolithic pour” (no seams).
The cost of a 1000 gallon, 2 compartment, precast concrete tank in this area (Northern Colorado) is about $600 delivered. These are high quality tanks that are approved by the Health Department for use as septic tanks. I think the cost of materials to pour your own would be about the same, or more, if you include the value of your time and labor, and there is no way that you could match the quality of a precast concrete tank.
If the site for the septic tank is inaccessable for equipment to deliver a precast tank, then consider a rotationally molded polyethylene plastic septic tank. A typical 1000 gallon plastic tank weighs about 350 lbs., and can be transported to the site in the back of a pickup truck. It can be carried (with some difficulty) by 4 men to the hole and set by hand. These men must have size 46 coats, and size 6 hats-strong bodies, no brains. :>)
A great deal of care must be taken in the backfilling process so that the tank does not collapse, is not perforated by sharp rocks, or becomes distorted. In my view, plastic septic tanks should be backfilled with shovels using selected soil (no rocks).
The cost of a typical 1000 gallon plastic tank is $700 to $1,000 depending upon the brand of tank that you purchase.
If you are still bound and determined to pour your own, consult the local septic system regulatory agency to obtain the septic tank standards that are outlined in the on-site sewage system regulations for your specific jurisdiction. JWA
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