28 Jul 2025
Septic Tank Materials Compared: Concrete, Plastic, or Fiberglass?
Septic tanks play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy wastewater treatment system. Due to their crucial role, it is essential to select the right material for your septic tank to ensure its longevity and optimal efficiency. However, many homeowners are unsure which material to choose. In this article, we have compiled the three most common materials used in septic tanks and compared their pros and cons. If you want to learn more, call Rooter Septic Services today.
Concrete Septic Tanks
Concrete septic tanks are known for their durability and strength. These tanks are suitable for many homes, particularly those that generate high volumes of wastewater.
Pros of Concrete Tanks
- Durable: As we mentioned earlier, concrete tanks have been widely preferred over the years due to their durability and strength. Due to their weight, they can resist corrosion and handle the pressure of soil well.
- Large Capacity: Concrete septic tanks are often available in larger sizes compared to other types of septic tanks. This option makes it ideal for properties with high volumes of wastewater.
Cons of Concrete Tanks
- High Cost: Concrete septic tanks are costly to purchase and install. The need for a larger workforce and more experience increases the cost of installation.
- Cracking: Despite their durability and strength, concrete cracks over time, especially in areas with varying weather conditions or unstable soil. A little crack can lead to significant leaks in the septic system.
Plastic Septic Tanks
Plastic septic tanks are often preferred due to their lightweight nature and ease of installation.
Pros of Plastic Tanks
- Low Cost: As mentioned earlier, the lightweight nature of the material makes plastic septic tanks easy to transport and install, eliminating the need for additional workforce or heavy machinery. This ultimately leads to lower costs.
- Corrosion Resistant: Compared to concrete septic tanks, plastic ones do not corrode or suffer damage from any environmental factor.
Cons of Plastic Tanks
- Cracking: Although plastic tanks are much more durable and resistant to damage from environmental factors, they can still crack and be prone to damage from the pressure exerted by the surrounding soil.
- Floating: Due to the lightweight nature of plastic tanks, they can sometimes float or shift if the installation isn’t done properly. This increases the likelihood that the tank will crack or be prone to damage.
Fiberglass Septic Tanks
Fiberglass septic tanks are the middle ground between concrete and plastic tanks. Just like concrete, these tanks are corrosion-resistant and can last for years without requiring extensive maintenance, such as septic pumping.
Pros of Fiberglass Tanks
- Lightweight: Fiberglass is both lightweight and easy to install, yet very durable. Compared to plastic tanks, fiberglass tanks are highly durable and resistant to corrosion for decades.
- Less Floating Risks: Although fiberglass is very lightweight, it is designed to resist the typical floating that happens with plastic tanks, making it safer for properties with high water tables.
Cons of Fiberglass Tanks
- High cost: Fiberglass is more affordable than concrete, but less affordable than plastic tanks.
- Cracking: Although they are resistant, fiberglass tanks can crack easily if mishandled during the installation process. That is why it is essential to work with a professional septic company, such as Rooter Septic Services, to handle the installation process efficiently and effectively.
Rooter Septic Services
Are you looking to learn more about which septic tank material type is best for you? At Rooter Septic Services, we are your source for reliable septic cleaning, pumping, repair, and replacement services. Call us today to learn more about us and our services, or get an estimate for your next septic service right away.
