Spotting Septic Tank Corrosion

Septic tank corrosion can only be spotted by looking inside the tank, which is usually done during routine septic tank cleaning or for septic system inspections — the lids of the thank have to be exposed and removed.

What causes corrosion?

There are several theories as to what causes septic tank corrosion.

Bacteria

Naturally occurring bacteria in septic tanks excrete hydrogen sulfide gas (causing the rotten egg smell in sewage). This gas naturally stays dormant in septic tanks until a form of turbulence is introduced. When the turbulence is introduced the gas is released and floats in the air space of the tank. Another bacteria—thiobacillus—converts the gas into hydrosulfuric acid, which eats concrete.

Airtight compartments

The dividing wall in the septic tank sometimes does not touch the top of the tank, which allows the gasses from the second compartment to vent back through the first compartment and back through the plumbing vents of the house. When this dividing wall extends to the top of the tank, it may prevent those gases in the second compartment from venting out.

Water softeners

Some believe water softeners have an effect on the tanks; however, we have seen corrosion on many tanks that doe not have water softeners connected to the system.

Other theories include poor concrete mixes and/or water chemistry.

What are the effects?

Septic tank corrosion can be very minor, or it can cause safety issues which may require the septic tank, or the entire system, to be replaced (your local authority may not allow tank replacement without entire system replacement).

The concrete can become so corroded and brittle that it can create holes through the top of the tank. Occasionally we have seen corrosion so severe that we’ve been able to stick a probe through the lid on the outlet side of the tank.

In our experience, corrosion happens around the outlet side of the tank, above the liquid level.

It’s not always old tanks

Oddly enough, Van Delden technicians mostly find corrosion on tanks that are less than 20 years old; they have been installed since the late 1980s when the TCEQ began requiring two-compartment tanks.

This lends some credibility to the theory mentioned above that a two-compartment tank with a shorter dividing wall may be more prone to corrosion because of gas venting.

Can I prevent corrosion?

Although studies are inconclusive, pumping the tank on a regular basis may be the best preventative measure a homeowner can take.

There are many reasons you should have your septic tank cleaned regularly. When your tank is pumped, your service company should check for problems such as corrosion.

Maintaining your system

Properly maintained septic systems last longer and work more effectively, saving you stress and money.

For 86+ years, Van Delden Wastewater Systems has withstood the test of time as the leading Wastewater System company, providing San Antonio, Boerne, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country with services you can count on now and in the future.

Call us for any of your wastewater systems needs and let our professionals help you with your septic installation and maintenance requirements