Underground Water & Cesspool Tanks

 A cesspool, also known as a cesspit, is an underground tank that collects wastewater and sewage. There is no outlet to disperse the waste or facility to treat it — it simply stores wastewater and sewage until it is collected by a tanker and taken away for disposal. They typically have a manhole for access and the only piping is to release gasses which accumulate in the tank. The contents of your cesspool must be removed regularly. How often will depend on the size of your tank and how much wastewater you are producing, but typically you will want your cesspool emptied by a licensed waste handler every month.

 You may need a cesspool if your property is not connected to a public sewer network or for holiday homes, camp sites and places where the discharge of effluent into the ground is not possible due to unsuitable soil conditions. You do not need a permit to install a cesspool unless the Environment Agency tells you that you do and they do not have to comply with the general binding rules that apply to septic tanks. However, you will need planning permission and building regulations approval to install your cesspool.

 A septic tank is buried underground, just like a cesspool. Unlike a septic tank however, a cesspool does not process or treat wastewater and sewage — it simply stores it. Septic tank systems treat the wastewater, treating the liquid wastewater so that it can drain away into a stream or soakaway. The system is simple but effective — wastewater enters a chamber where solids can settle and decompose at the bottom. The liquid at the top flows into a second chamber where any finer remaining solids are removed from the liquid and through to the soakaway. Solid waste from septic tanks will occasionally need collecting by a licensed disposal specialist, in much the same way as a cesspool, but much less often. That’s why having a cesspool can become quite costly long-term as waste disposal services don’t come cheap. Cesspools are also a less eco-friendly choice as untreated effluent could overflow into the surrounding environment. Septic tanks are safer as the wastewater is treated. 

Cesspools are usually used as a last resort or for temporary drainage situations. You may need a cesspool if your property isn’t connected to the public sewer network and where discharging effluent into the ground is not possible, such as holiday homes and camp sites. Cesspools do not have to comply with general binding rules that apply to septic tanks and you won’t need a permit to install one unless the Environment Agency tells you otherwise. It is important, however, to obtain planning permission and building regulations approval to install your cesspool.

 For septic tanks, the recent changes in regulations state that they can no longer discharge into surface water, for example streams, rivers, ditches, drains etc. and if yours does you should replace it immediately with a full sewage treatment plant .

A GRP tank is a tank made with Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). They are renowned for their remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, achieved through construction process that weaves tiny glass fibres into a web-like structure, before being fused with a special resin and catalyst. This creates a rock-solid composite material that can handle serious pressure and bumps. GRP tanks are also great at resisting corrosion. Unlike old metal tanks that rust, GRP naturally resists most chemicals and weather elements. Unlike some plastics that degrade under constant sun exposure, GRP tanks boast exceptional UV resistance making them ideal for outdoor storage applications without worrying about cracks or weakening.

While GRP tanks excel at water storage, their applications extend far beyond that. They can be used for safe containment of various chemicals, fuels, and even food products due to their non-contaminating properties. At Tanks Direct, we only stock the highest quality GRP tanks that are built to stand the test of time. Unlike some plastic tanks that get brittle over time, our GRP tanks stay strong and reliable for years. Plus, their smooth, non-porous surface makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze.

We understand you want a tank that can withstand the elements and years of use without succumbing to wear and tear. That’s why we offer a wide range of GRP tanks, renowned for their exceptional lifespan. Their impressive durability stems from their unique construction. Unlike traditional metal tanks that can rust, GRP tanks have a durable composite structure. Glass fibres, woven into a strong internal network, are infused with a specially formulated resin and catalyst. This creates a remarkably resilient material that resists pressure, impact, and the detrimental effects of time.

While a precise lifespan can vary depending on specific usage and environmental factors, GRP tanks are generally estimated to last for a minimum of 25 years. Many GRP tanks, with proper care and maintenance, can even exceed that timeframe, providing dependable service for well over three decades. This extended lifespan makes GRP tanks a cost-effective choice in the long run, eliminating the need for frequent replacements.

At Tanks.ie, we source our GRP tanks from reputable manufacturers who prioritise exceptional craftsmanship. These tanks are designed and built to endure the demands of everyday use. The smooth, non-porous surface of GRP tanks simplifies cleaning and maintenance, further contributing to their extended lifespan.

GRP tanks are renowned for their unmatched strength-to-weight ratio. This advantageous characteristic is achieved through a unique construction process. Glass fibres are woven into a web-like structure, creating a framework that is then infused with a specially formulated resin and catalyst. This allows GRP tanks to withstand significant pressure and forceful impacts, ensuring the safe and secure containment of liquids. While they excel at water storage, GRP tanks boast non-contaminating properties making them ideal for the safe containment of various chemicals, fuels, and even food products.

Unlike conventional metal tanks that are susceptible to rust and deterioration over time, GRP tanks are resilient against a multitude of chemicals and the harsh effects of weather. This inherent resistance allows for the safe storage of a wide variety of substances, including rainwater for your garden to potent industrial liquids used in various manufacturing processes. You can rest assured that your GRP tank will maintain its structural integrity for years to come.

While plastic tanks tend to become brittle over time, GRP tanks retain their remarkable strength and structural integrity for decades – plus the smooth, non-porous surface simplifies the cleaning and maintenance process. This minimises downtime and ensures optimal functionality over an extended lifespan.

GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and MDPE (Medium-Density Polyethylene) tanks are both popular options, but they have key differences. GRP tanks are known for their impressive strength-to-weight ratio. This strength comes from its unique build. Glass fibres are woven into a web-like structure, then fused with a special resin for a rock-solid composite. This makes GRP tanks ideal for long-term use, lasting well over 25 years with proper care. MDPE tanks, on the other hand, are typically lighter than GRP. However, they might not be as strong, especially for larger sizes that need extra support to avoid bending. While MDPE tanks offer good chemical resistance, it might not be suitable for all substances compared to GRP's exceptional resistance. GRP tanks can be moulded into various shapes and sizes to fit your needs, and even coloured for aesthetics or safety regulations. MDPE tanks, however, are generally limited in shapes and colour options. Both GRP and MDPE tanks are easy to clean due to their smooth surfaces. However, GRP's longer lifespan makes it a more cost-effective option in the long run, even though it has a higher initial price tag compared to MDPE. MDPE tanks, while affordable upfront, might need replacement sooner due to their potential for UV degradation and shorter lifespan.