Can you repair a cracked or broken septic tank?

Some of this depends upon the county in which you live.  I have spoken to county environmental health employees throughout the State.  I asked them specifically about repairing concrete septic tanks and all of them have a different opinion.

Some of them flat out said "no".  And most others said they would consider it on a case-by-case basis.

I have a background in concrete fabrication and epoxy work and so I know many cracks and holes in septic tanks can be repaired.

It is also possible to repair cracks both above and below the waterline.  A proper repair will result in a watertight tank which holds water above the waterline for 24-hours; this is a standard test of tank integrity.

Holes in the bottom of a tank can be repaired.  You pour a new tank bottom.

If a tank's lid is broken, you buy a new lid.

If it is an old tank with slab type lids, I can fabricate a new lid for you at the site with rebar or metal wire mesh reinforcement.

A major factor which determines the viability of repairs to a tank is: Does the remaining concrete easily break apart?  You can determine this by probing (jabbing) the concrete in the surrounding area with a pointed piece of metal such as a screwdriver or a pointed piece of rebar.  If large areas of concrete easily flake away, a repair is probably a waste of your money.  

Basically, for a concrete repair, you examine the tank like a dentist.  You remove all the decaying, loose concrete and replace bad areas with new concrete and epoxy.

How much I am willing to argue with a county for a particular repair depends on how long it will last.  If I think that a repair will not last for at least five years I will tell you.  I am very reluctant to do repairs which will not last at least five years.

In North Carolina concrete septic tanks are fairly inexpensive.  You need to compare the cost of the repair: time + materials + excavation costs to $1500-$2000 for an installed brand new tank.

For anything but a tank lid replacement, you should also factor in the cost of leaving your home for a l-o-n-g weekend.  Septic tanks cannot be repaired when they are currently being used.

Sarratt Septic