You have just had your septic tank pumped and the pumper informs you that the concrete is corroding. He then tells you that your water softener may be causing the problem because salt is detrimental to concrete. The only thing he may be correct of is stating that salt (chlorides) can cause concrete degradation.
Concrete spalling due to chlorides is more complicated than I wish to share in this blog. In my archives you will find an explanation of the effect they have and some products which will reduce or eliminate this effect. What I do want to share is a response for 2009 regarding the affect water softeners have on concrete septic tanks. Here is the link to that article: http://www.onsiteinstaller.com/editorial/2009/12/softeners-and-concrete
For information on concrete corrosion due to bacteria, visit my other blog: concretecorrosion.blogspot.com. I explain this in detail and provide links for further study.
Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world. It has existed for thousands of years, and it will continue to provide centuries of service. Don't let hype and misinformation cause you to question such a fantastic, sustainable, and economical building material. Go concrete!
