If you’re thinking of building or buying a rural home or cabin, you’ll need to address how you’ll deal with household sewage. There are several options. Two of the most popular are a septic tank with an accompanying septic system, and a sewage holding tank.
Choosing which makes sense for you begins with understanding how they differ. I’ve lived with a septic system for many years and know all its ins and outs. I also know folks who have gone the holding tank route. Keep reading to learn how each approach works, and their pros and cons.
What Is a Septic Tank?
Septic tanks are large underground containers that receive and distribute household sewage and wastewater. They’re usually made of plastic, concrete or fiberglass, and range in capacity from around 1,000 to more than 4,000 gallons. They’re most often installed on rural properties where municipal waste disposal isn’t an option.
A single, large-diameter sewage pipe connects the septic tank to the house or cabin. Once the wastewater reaches the tank, it passes from one internal compartment to another, then flows out of the tank through a series of pipes into the surrounding soil. During this process, microbes break down the waste material, purifying it naturally.
Along with wastewater, solid waste and oily sludge also collect in septic tanks. This needs to be pumped out every few years by a septic contractor with a special vacuum truck.
What Is a Holding Tank?
A holding tank is exactly what it sounds like — a large tank that receives and holds household sewage and/or wastewater. Like septic tanks, they’re made of plastic, fiberglass or concrete, with a similar size and capacity range. Also like septic tanks, they connect to household sewage systems through a large diameter pipe.
But unlike septic tanks, holding tanks don’t distribute waste anywhere and offer no means of sewage purification. When they reach capacity, they need to be emptied by a septic contractor with a vacuum truck.
Holding tanks are used where septic systems aren’t practical due to location or soil type. They also can be a temporary solution for homeowners who wish to occupy a new dwelling before the septic system is installed.
