Holding tanks: what to know before you install

Home and business owners are always mixing up the terms holding tank and septic tank. And, although both provide sanitation solutions, there are numerous differences between the two systems.

Yes, they both collect wastewater - no one’s arguing with that! However, they handle said waste in separate ways, and require first class holding tank treatment to work at full capacity.

Let’s take a look at the difference between the two and what you need to know before you install:

1. They are different from their septic counterpart

The septic version is a massive vessel that accrues household wastewater through an inlet pipe. It then goes on to treat the effluent with a bio-action solution before expelling the treated water into a location where the water undergoes a period of underground percolation.

The other option, conversely, accrue the wastewater from a property through a portal. However, it does not expel the wastewater from the ground through a particular drainfield, instead temporarily maintaining the effluent for expulsion and transportation to a specific facility.

2. They require regular pumping

Professionals recommend pumping these containers frequently as they are temporary storage containers, so you may be required to pump it and undergo holding tank treatment every few weeks.

They typically come with a specific alarm that will tell you when it is time to pump the full container. The interval at which the alarm will go off largely depends on factors including how many people use the container and its size.

If you don’t pump the container frequently it might undergo a process of sewage overflow, which can create serious problems for your property or business. To ensure that the container has a long lifespan, you should avoid leaving the wrong products including grease and food particles in the drain. You might want to use paper made specifically for these containers just to avoid compromising their integrity.

3. They require professional installation

There is a lot of work that goes into creating a high quality solution such as this one. You have to evaluate your property’s conditions and pinpoint where the sewage lines are located. What’s more, the professionals have to pinpoint the right depth for installing the underground container and undergo specific piping tasks.

Therefore, this service should always be left to the professionals, just to ensure that it is done properly and without any headaches.

4. They require licensing to operate

You require a licence before you install such a storage container. This being said, having the right professional in your corner will ensure that licensing is not such a big deal and can be easily acquired.

5. They can be exception value for money

There may be a range of different costs when installing such a storage container, and this is dependent on factors like site conditions, permit fees and labour fees. The engineering phase of installing such a container is far less difficult than to install a septic system, making them cheaper to install than their counterpart.

They may require a higher maintenance cost as they require frequent holding waste tank treatment, but they don’t contain all those added components that can malfunction and require expensive repair processes.

So, with this in mind, many people view them as the better, more cost-efficient option, and one that can ensure you get the best value for your money in the long run. It’s for these reasons and more that many home and business owners opt for this solution!

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