Not all underground tanks for water or other liquids are manufactured to the same standard. Designing and building a tank for underground purposes is a difficult process, which means there are many opportunities for less-reputable brands to cut corners.

But that may not reflect in the price tag. Just because something costs a lot and looks good does not mean it is well-made. This is perhaps a small problem if you buy a product you only need for a day. But when something is meant to last for a long time, such as a septic tank, you want to ensure it will be around for years. You want to make sure the product will do what it promises.

If looks and price can’t tell you how well a product should perform, what will? Look no further than the SABS mark.

What is the SABS mark?

The SABS is the South African Bureau of Standards. This is a legally mandated state organisation that ensures the country’s standards are adhered to when it comes to products sold here. An SABS mark is a sign of quality: it indicates the product meets legal requirements and is fit for purpose – meaning it does what it claims to do.

Where do the standards come from?

The SABS applies the South African National Standards or SANS. It also determines these standards, but not in a vacuum. The SABS is part of the International Organisation of Standardization (ISO), so it applies the best standards from across the globe to its own specifications. It also helps develop standards across the southern african region alongside other national standards bodies. In turn the SABS is accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), which makes sure the SABS is doing its job.

How are products tested?

Products can be tested directly by the SABS. They can also be tested by a company or group that has been certified by the SABS to uphold the right standards. To gain the SABS mark, not just the product is tested. Attention is also given to the manufacturing site, the equipment, the ingredients used and the abilities of the people involved. An SABS mark means that everything behind the creation of a product has been found to meet quality expectations.

Why does this matter for a plastic tank?

Plastic items are so commonplace that we sometimes forget they are not simple to manufacture. The type of plastic you get depends on many factors, such as the resin used and the temperatures that bake or mold the plastic. A poorly-made plastic product can be too brittle, could melt or crack at the wrong time, or even seep chemicals into whatever it is supposed to be storing.

Tanks that store liquid need to meet many different standards. You want assurance that the right tank won’t contaminate your water supply or that an underground septic tank won’t suddenly crack. This is the promise of the SABS mark: the tank you purchase will do what it claims to – and if it doesn’t, the manufacturer can be held liable. It is a guarantee of customer satisfaction.

Calcamite underground septic and conservancy tanks have been SABS approved for more than ten years. It’s the  acknowledgement of quality and reliability that our reputation is built on.