Septic tank risers are a critical component of septic systems. Allowing easier access to the tank for inspection and maintenance purposes is important. Septic tank risers will extend from the top of the septic tank itself to the surface of the ground. Septic tank risers may be made from various materials, yet the most common materials utilized are concrete and plastic. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. In this post from Wholesale Septic Supply, we’ll explore the difference between both concrete septic tank risers and plastic septic tank risers. We hope this post helps you as a homeowner make an informed decision based on your specific needs. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Advantages:
Durability: Concrete is one of the strongest materials out there. It’s durable, long-lasting, and can withstand harsh environmental conditions for many years. It can also withstand accidental load-bearing scenarios such as cars or trucks driving over the tank area.
Weight: The weight and structural stability of concrete means it’s less likely to shift over time, maintain a strong, stable, and secure connection to the septic tank for many years to come.
Disadvantages:
Cost: Concrete risers will be more expensive than their plastic counterparts. The extra expenses are felt both in material costs and installation costs, as concrete septic tank risers will often require heavy machinery and experienced professionals to properly install the risers.
Installation Difficulty: Due to the added weight of concrete septic tank risers, they will be more challenging to install. Professional assistance is often required, thus leading to increased costs.
Corrosion: While concrete is certainly durable, it may be susceptible to corrosion over the long-term due to the gases present in septic tanks, possibly leading to a degradation of the material over time.
Advantages:
Cost-Effectiveness: Plastic risers will often be less expensive than concrete septic tank risers. Plastic septic tank risers are lighter and will often come in kits which will include seals and lids; making them the more economical choice overall.
Ease of Installation: Being that plastic septic tank risers are lightweight, they’re easier to install. One or two people at most are required to properly install plastic septic tank risers. There’s usually no need for specialized equipment to complete the installation.
Corrosion Resistance: Plastic itself is non-corrosive, which makes it the ideal material for a septic environment. It will degrade much slower over time when exposed to gases and chemicals which are present in the septic tank.
Disadvantages:
Durability: Yes, modern plastics are quite durable, yet they’re still not quite as strong as concrete. With less of an ability to withstand heavy loads, plastic septic tank risers may not be able to handle the stressors involved as effectively as concrete. If surface pressure is a concern, plastic septic tank risers are not the ideal solution.
Security: Plastic septic tank risers are lighter and with this lightweight quality, they may be much more prone to shifting if not properly secured. There may be additional adjustments required to ensure a secure, tight fit over time.
When making a decision between concrete and plastic septic tank risers, you’ll want to consider the following factors:
Environmental Conditions: If you reside in an area with extreme weather conditions (high-highs and low-lows), or you have heavy ground traffic; concrete may be a much better choice for you.
Budget Constraints: If you’re on a budget and need a septic tank riser to complete your project, plastic septic tank risers will offer a much more budget-friendly option over concrete septic tank risers.
Access Needs: You should always consider how often you or a professional may need to access your septic tank. If frequent accessibility is required, the easier installation and lightweight nature of plastic septic tank risers may be beneficial.
Longevity & Maintenance: You should consider the expected lifespan and maintenance requirements of both concrete and plastic septic tank risers. Concrete septic tank risers may last longer than a plastic septic tank riser, yet they may require more maintenance.
Concrete and plastic septic tank risers each have their respective place in the septic system design. Choosing between concrete septic tank risers and plastic septic tank risers should be based on your household’s needs, environmental conditions, and overall budget. Now that you have an understanding of the positives and negatives of concrete and plastic septic tank risers, you can make a more informed decision when it comes to choosing the right septic tank riser for your home’s septic system. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We’ll be happy to help in any way we can. Browse through our wide range of septic supply products by clicking the button below. We look forward to working with you soon!
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