Septic Concrete

Quality control testing for compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens must be performed and recorded on test cylinders for every 150 yards of concrete poured, according to ASTM C39. Leakage testing must be conducted by randomly selecting one out of every 20 septic tanks.

Currently, precast concrete septic tanks are being used for on-site water disposal for more than 40 million households in the United States. As a result, watertightness is now a critical characteristic of precast septic tanks and has heightened environmental awareness to the point that regulators, specifiers, and departments of health nationwide are demanding watertight structures.

All precasters should establish a thorough quality-control program for the production of septic tanks to inspect the work done after each manufacturing process to continually ensure tank watertightness.