Using an Above Ground Septic Tank For Your Trailer or Cabin
The Difference Between Holding Tanks and Septic Tanks
There is one primary difference between a holding tank and a septic tank. A holding tank is a single-compartment storage container for waste that needs to be manually emptied. They can be below ground, or above ground like the trailer septic holding tank we’re looking at in this article. A septic tank is a dual-compartment tank that processes and distributes waste into a leach field.
The dual-compartment septic tank system is what most people picture when they think about septic tank installations. You can explore the components of this type of septic system here. However, a single-compartment holding tank can be the perfect solution. Especially for trailers, cottages, and cabins with fewer facilities or limited use.
The Benefits of an Above Ground Trailer Septic Holding Tank
- No Excavation Needed: Choosing an above ground holding tank eliminates the need for excavation. Our 300 USG (US Gallon) single-compartment low profile holding tank is only 16” tall. The perfect size to slide under a trailer, mobile home, or cottage. It can fit in the space between the ground and the floor.
- No Leach Field: Because this is a holding tank, there is no leach field required to process waste.
- Reduced Plumbing: Plumbing into this holding tank is easy, simply slide the tank to the location you want, and run an outlet from your trailer (cabin, cottage etc.) into the top of the tank. You pick where the tank goes, and you pick where the inlet goes. This flexibility means you can install this tank with one outlet pipe and some PVC cement or a bulkhead inlet. The tank has a bulkhead outlet for a valve placement that can help with emptying. Meaning this entire installation can be completed with as few as three pieces of plumbing. By using bulkheads you can easily disconnect the tank from your trailer and move it in the back of your truck if needed.
- Drastically Reduced Cost: A dual-compartment septic system with a leach field averages between $18,000 and $35,000 in Ontario. Thanks to the ease of installation, eliminated excavation, reduced plumbing costs, and affordable tank price, a project using this 300 USG tank can be completed for under $2,000. This solution makes waste removal possible for many cabins and trailers in a way that traditional septic systems can’t.
Our Tank Recommendation
Our 300 USG single-compartment low profile holding tank is ideal for any building or residence where a septic solution is needed without excavation. Making it perfect for above-ground septic storage at a trailer, cottage, or area with high bedrock. This 300 USG tank is only 132 lbs. 95” long, 56” wide, and 16” tall. It’s also budget friendly at $1,199.00 with free delivery throughout Southern Ontario.
Trailer Septic Holding Tank
How Often Does 300 USG Need to be Emptied?
There are a huge range of factors that will skew this number, such as the number of facilities (showers, bathrooms, sinks) and the number of people using them. A small tank like this is most common in a trailer park, where a waste removal service is offered on a regular (weekly) basis. It’s also a great choice for hunting cabins with a small amount of indoor plumbing. For permanent use or larger requirements, the solution is likely a below ground holding tank with a larger capacity, or a dual-compartment septic system. You can find our most popular below ground tanks for cabins and cottages at the bottom of this article.
Generally speaking, the best bet is to be aware of how much wastewater is being produced, and plan accordingly. The average person will create between 40-90 gallons of wastewater daily with routine living. Conservation efforts and awareness can help reduce this amount.
Above Ground Trailer Septic Holding Tank Summary
This above ground tank is an affordable, mobile, easy to install tank that is perfect for trailers, cabins, or locations where digging isn’t possible. We’ve got everything you need for a fast and convenient waste storage solution. You can order online or talk to our team by phone or email for customized advice.
Popular Below Ground Tank Options
Poly Septic Tanks – 14-2350PF (500 IMP Gallon, 2273 L)
500 Imp Gallon Dual Compartment Poly Septic Tank. 109.1″ Length. 46.1″ Width. 52.4″ Height. 252lbs.
Poly Septic Tanks – Den Hartog AST-0750-1 (750 USG, 2839 L)
750 Gallon Single Compartment Poly Septic Tank. 70″ Length. 60″ Width. 60″ Height. 259 Pounds.
