Septic Tanks and Components

Septic tanks come in a wide variety of sizes and construction materials geared toward the specific site placement. Here are several tank options, along with forms, risers, lids and filters to give installers a myriad of choices.
Septic Tanks and Components
Bear Onsite

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Septic Tanks

Polyethylene septic tanks

Polyethylene septic tanks from Coon Manufacturing are produced using rotational molding technology to create seamless, one-piece units. They are resistant to chemicals and provide a long life expectancy. They are molded with ribs, and are available in 500-, 1,000- and 1,500-gallon sizes, with the two larger sizes available in one or two compartments. Optional manhole extensions and lid/riser combinations are available to accommodate different grades of landscape. 660/485-6299; www.coonmfginc.com.

Concrete tank with anti-floatation collar

Concrete septic tanks from Crest Precast have an anti-floatation collar cast into the tank base to prevent floatation of septic, pump and holding tanks in high-water areas. This collar eliminates the need for ballast block tie-down blocks. 800/658-9045; www.crestprecastconcrete.com.

Two-piece plastic tank

The two-piece design of the IM-1060 septic tank from Infiltrator Systems allows for easy shipping and reduces freight costs. It has an integral heavy-duty lid that connects with the TW Riser System, structurally reinforced access ports, reinforced structural ribbing and fiberglass support posts to provide additional strength. Inboard lifting lugs make delivery and handling easy, and no special installation, backfill or water-filling procedures are required. The tank can be installed with 6 to 48 inches of cover, and can be pumped dry. 800/221-4436; www.infiltratorsystems.com.

Large-capacity in-ground tank

Heavy-duty and lightweight, large-capacity rotomolded polyethylene in-ground tanks from Premier Tech Aqua were developed specifically for water storage and wastewater treatment use. The tanks are well-adapted to North American climates and are suitable for a large variety of commercial, community and municipal applications, including rainwater harvesting and fire water storage, septic tanks, equalization tanks, different types of bioreactors (MBBR, MBR, SBR) and complete process lines. Easy to handle and available in 4,000- to 12,000-gallon capacities, they are delivered ready to use. 800/632-6356; www.premiertechaqua.com.

Polyethylene water tank

Polyethylene water tanks from Romotech have gallon indicators and translucent walls for level viewing. Larger rounded tanks are equipped with molded-in legs for tank support. Tank sizes range from 8 to 525 gallons. They are made from natural, FDA-approved polyethylene material that is UV-stabilized for outdoor storage. All tanks have slots for tie-down straps (straps not included), and are equipped with a 3/4-inch bulkhead fitting. All 8- to 125-gallon tanks are equipped with a 5-inch lid, while 325- to 525-gallon tanks are equipped with a 12-inch lid. 574/831-6450; www.romotek.com.

Versatile tank

The MultiTank from Roth Global Plastics can be used for water cistern, pump, holding, rainwater or septic tank applications. This is possible due to its inner layer of FDA-approved virgin HDPE, two inside layers of polyethylene for improved stability, plus one outer layer of black and UV-stabilized polyethylene. Features include CSA, NSF and IAPMO certification, a COEX-4 multilayer co-extrusion process, a low-profile design that means less digging and avoidance of a high-water table, lightweight construction, a multi-port inlet/outlet convenient for field piping, the ability to enter and exit the tank on the ends or sides, two 24-inch manways to provide easy access for maintenance and service, a cylindrical shape that requires no water for backfill, a threaded riser system and watertight seamless construction. 866/943-7256; www.rothmultitank.com.

Low-profile septic tank

Low-profile Dominator septic tanks from Snyder Industries can be buried without water being used for ballast and strength, and can be backfilled with native soils as long as those soils are trash-free and free-flowing. They can also be used as holding tanks, and pump tank versions are also available. They are one piece, with no seams that might leak or structurally fail after installation. They are available in 750-, 1,000-, 1,250- and 1,500-gallon sizes, as one- or two-compartment tanks. Their monolithic structural design provides ideal top load strength, and a manway isolation design keeps manholes from distorting during backfill and pumpouts. They are available in 1,200- and 1,700-gallon water cisterns. 402/467-5221; www.snydernet.com.

Spherical concrete septic tank

The Turtle Tank spherical concrete septic tank offers a large surface-to-volume ratio, load capacity and high compressive strength. It has the minimum wall thickness accepted by government standards and utilizes a minimum amount of steel, as the arched shell design takes tensile forces and turns them into compressive forces. It can be fitted with a divider if a two-stage tank is required. It is constructed in two bell-shaped halves sealed together with butyl rope and mortar. Its self-supporting shape allows for relative ease of transport and installation, and to be installed regardless of the angles of existing piping and/or drainage field. Inlet/outlet fittings can be modified slightly as per provincial or state standards. They are also designed for the inclusion of an effluent filter. There is only one clean-out required, and both inlet and outlet are accessible from it. 250/863-8372; www.turtletanks.com.

Septic Tank Forms

Heavy-gauge tank mold

Hydra-Strip septic tank molds from Norwalk Precast Molds combine heavy-gauge material and the company’s Hydra-Strip technology. The hydraulic operation combined with parts being linked mechanically insures smooth, jam-free stripping of the mold. Molds are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, and can be built to meet state, local or provincial regulation. 800/251-8409; www.norwalkprecastmolds.com.

Concrete septic tank form

Air-release septic tank forms from The Shaddix Company produce concrete tanks with required capacity, sufficient strength to hold the weight of the concrete without bowing, slick internal skins free of pits, properly placed inlets and outlets, and clamps to hold firmly during the pouring operation. They are quick to set up and break down, as a quick squirt of air separates the inner core from the outer form. They can be safely handled. 256/338-4987; www.theshaddixcompany.com.

Risers

Riser access system

Access systems from Quanics provide easy access to septic tanks, dosing tanks and basin assemblies. They are available in polyethylene and PVC materials in 22-, 24-, 26-, 30- and 36-inch diameters. The interlocking design is available in 6-, 12-, 18- and 38-inch height increments. Risers and lids interlock with a neoprene gasket and twist lock design. The risers may be cast in the tank or retrofitted to an existing tank by using a retrofit tank adapter. The PVC access system can be custom cut for any height from 6 up to a maximum of 120 inches. Sections of riser may also be joined using a specially designed coupler and adhesive. Risers come equipped with UV-resistant tight-fitting lids and include stainless steel tamper-resistant fasteners. Optional insulation may be added. Watertight pipe penetrations can be achieved by utilizing rubber grommets available in sizes from 1/2 up to 4 inches. 877/782-6427; www.quanics.net.

Septic safety lid riser

Septic tank lid risers from Tuf-Tite feature internal supports or ledges to support internal plastic safety lids. The ledges will support the company’s plastic internal safety lids or a variety of internal safety devices made by others, such as concrete, fiberglass or rope netting. The riser lids come with all necessary mounting hardware including safety screws. 800/382-7009; www.tuf-tite.com.

Lids

Septic tank lid

Seal-r septic tank lids from BrenLin Company create a strong seal between the septic tank and the riser, eliminating water infiltration between the riser and the tank. They are made of durable materials, range from 12 to 42 inches, and can be personalized with a service provider’s company information. The 42-inch lid meets growing demand for bigger risers to accommodate new technology equipment. 888/606-1998; www.seal-r.com.

Polyethylene septic tank cover

Polyethylene septic tank covers from Hedstrom Plastics fit standard 18- and 24-inch double-wall corrugated pipe. Gaskets and safety hardware are included, and a safety net is available. Covers can be filled with sand on site for added weight. Foam-filled lids are available upon request. Covers can be customized with service provider company name and are available with a tank adapter. 888/434-5891; www.hedstromplastics.com.

Lightweight fiberglass riser lid

The 24-inch solid fiberglass DuraFiber riser lid from Orenco Systems has a flat-style lip for PVC and HDPE pipe. It weighs 10 pounds, but resists damage from lawn equipment and can withstand a 20,000-pound load. Its design allows flush-to-grade installation, and features a cored centering ring to align and fit the lid snugly to the riser, as well as a urethane gasket to help keep the lid-to-riser seal watertight. It has a nonskid surface with a molded-in caution statement and a customizable center insert for a logo or additional information. Lids are also available as Landscape Lids in three patterns designed to blend into their surroundings ­– grass, river rock and bark. 800/348-9843; www.orenco.com.

24-inch septic lid

The 24-inch septic lid from RotoSolutions Inc. is made of heavy-duty, rotomolded plastic and weight-rated for 3,500 pounds. 800/868-0973; www.rotosolutions.com.

Locking riser lid

Locking riser lids from Sim/Tech Filter are mainly for use on frequent-access systems. Screws are not used, but instead there is a six-point locking web that is engaged and disengaged with the use of a push release tool. The web locks and holds the lid in place in the same motion. The lid eliminates the problems of missing screws and worn-out screw holes. It is also fast and easy to access the tank, while young children cannot remove it. The lid is designed to fit 24-inch-diameter Sim/Tech Risers or double-wall corrugated pipe or ultra-rib pipe. 888/999-3290; www.simtechfilter.com.

Nonskid, fiberglass septic riser cover

The nonskid, kelp green fiberglass septic riser cover from Topp Industries is designed to fit most 24-inch-diameter risers and corrugated pipe. The cover is noncorrosive and can withstand a 2,500-pound wheel load. The built-in cover gasket provides a watertight and gas-tight seal. Bolt holes are predrilled for easy assembly. Stainless steel hardware is included. 800/354-4534; www.toppindustries.com.

Filters and Components

Multiple-level effluent filter

The ML2-416 effluent filter from Bear Onsite has multiple levels of filtration combined in a single cartridge, allowing it to clean up the discharging effluent from a septic tank, while providing adequate gas flow in and out of the tank. It includes an initial screen with 30 linear feet of vertical 1/7-inch openings and another 4 linear feet of 3/16-inch openings, then a fixed secondary screen utilizes polarization with 100 linear feet of 1/16-inch horizontal openings. The cartridge fills half of the UNI-Tee Baffle, allowing open area for the exchange of gases such as hydrogen sulfide and oxygen within the septic environment, and creates a large flow-path below the water level so that a high percentage of solids reach terminal velocity within the baffle and fall back into the tank. 877/653-4583; www.bearonsite.com.

Effluent screening device

SaniTee effluent screening filters from Bio-Microbics protect absorption areas and systems functions from premature clogging and failure due to the release of non-settleable solids and/or nondegradable flushed materials. Installed directly in the outlet tee of the tank, their keyhole weirs provide consistency of flow despite surges, and angled slots resist blinding and prevent clogs inside the filter housing better than bar and mesh-type screens. They can be sized to screen flows from 500 to more than 20,000 gpd, and prevent floatables, large amounts of FOG and/or solids from leaving the tank, and help to extend the life of the system, reduce clogging material and improve flow conditions. Their easy, slip-in installation design and swabbing for clean-in-place maintenance make it easy to maintain. 800/753-3278; www.biomicrobics.com.

Effluent filter

The WW1 Effluent Filter from Clarus Environmental is used in residential applications where the maximum flow is less than 1,500 gpd. It features a screen that remains in the outlet tee while the actual cartridge is removed for servicing. This bypass protection keeps solids in the tank and out of the drainfield. The filter’s pleated design provides 132 linear feet of 1/16-inch filtration and encourages top-down filtration that results in longer service intervals. A twist lock mechanism prevents the filter from floating out of the tee, and a locking tab keeps the bypass sleeve in place during servicing. A rubber gasket ensures all effluent passes through the filter, not around it, and fits in standard 4-inch outlet tees. Two or more filters may be connected with a manifold for higher flow applications. 800/928-7867; www.clarusenvironmental.com.

Vented pump enclosure

The High Vent Air Pump Enclosure from Polylok measures 24 inches long by 15 inches high, and utilizes an air vent (independently tested to 330 cfm) on a 24-inch flat cover with mesh air inlets to dissipate heat and extend the life of the air pumps. Its green-colored UV-protected weather-resistant enclosure blends with the environment and can be used above or below grade in new or retrofit applications. Accessories include risers to adjust height to fit most applications, and a full line of air pumps ranging from 1.41 to 5.29 cfm. 877/765-9565; www.polylok.com.

Submersible pump filter

The No-Vault Pump Filter from Septic Services fits a variety of submersible pumps to improve pump performance. It is made of stainless steel and PVC plastic so it will not corrode. It’s also lightweight to make pump placement or removal from the tank easy and quick. It has a self-adjusting seal to help keep debris out of the filter interior, as well as a 3-inch sludge shield at the bottom for added protection against clogs. It has an easy-to-clean surface, and the entire unit may be disassembled for thorough cleaning if required. 800/536-5564; www.septicserv.com/store.



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