Fiberglass vs. Concrete Basins: Which is Right for Your Lift Station?

Introduction

Lift stations are the backbone of wastewater and stormwater systems, and the choice of basin material has a direct impact on reliability, cost, and maintenance. For decades, concrete was the default. But over the last 30–40 years, fiberglass-reinforced polyester (FRP) has proven itself as a superior alternative, thanks to improvements in raw materials, resin technology, and manufacturing processes.

In this article, we’re going to highlight some of the key differences between fiberglass and concrete basins — covering durability, leak prevention, fittings, transportation, cost, environmental impact, warranties, and customization — to help you decide which is best for your lift station project.

Metropolitan Pump has been the Canadian distributor of AK Industries since 1982. Founded in 1981, AK Industries has grown into a leader in fiberglass lift station technology, building on decades of expertise and innovation.

The Evolution of Basin Materials

• Concrete: Concrete is the oldest and most traditional basin material. It has been relied upon for generations due to its availability and strength, but its drawbacks — especially in terms of durability and watertightness — have become increasingly evident.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass basins were introduced about 30–40 years ago, when advances in raw materials and fabrication equipment made them strong enough for burial applications. Since then, continuous improvements in resins and production methods have allowed fiberglass to prove itself as the most reliable and long-lasting option in the wastewater industry

1. Durability and Longevity

• Concrete: Concrete basins begin to degrade soon after installation. Susceptible to deterioration in soil and wastewater conditions. Sealants are required to make them watertight, but they often fail over time.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass basins are immune to corrosion and material breakdown. Manufactured from advanced glass and resins, they maintain structural integrity even in harsh environments. When installed properly, AK Industries fiberglass basins are warrantied for the lifetime of the unit, with virtually no end-of-life expectancy.

2. Leak Prevention

• Concrete: To keep concrete watertight, the exterior walls must be sealed. These coatings are applied inconsistently, wear down over time, and eventually allow infiltration or exfiltration
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass basins are leak-proof by design. Liquids cannot pass through the resin and glass construction. This ensures long-term protection for both the wastewater system and the surrounding environment. Special coatings are also offered for above ground installations, chemicals, and more.

3. Fittings and Penetrations

• Concrete: Penetrations must be made with hammer-and-chisel methods. This creates rough, non-uniform openings that increase the chance of leaks. Fitting options are also limited.
• Fiberglass: Openings can be cut quickly and precisely with a hole saw. Fittings can be bolted on or slipped through cleanly, either at the factory or in the field. This makes fiberglass far more versatile and adaptable.

4. Transportation and Handling

• Concrete: Heavy weight makes concrete difficult and expensive to move. Cranes, large crews, and specialized machinery are required for both transport and installation. This limits flexibility and adds cost.
• Fiberglass: Dramatically lighter, fiberglass basins can be transported more easily and installed with smaller crews and minimal equipment. This makes them especially suitable for projects with tight access or limited space.

5. Installation Costs

• Concrete: The weight and rigidity of concrete lead to higher labor costs, longer installation times, and increased equipment expenses. Any modifications on-site add even more time and cost.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass basins reduce installation costs significantly. Their light weight cuts down on labor and machinery, and prefabricated options arrive ready to install. The result is faster timelines and lower project budgets.

6. Environmental Impact

• Concrete: Concrete basins begin degrading underground almost immediately. Groundwater, sewage gases, and soil chemistry accelerate breakdown, leading to leachate that can alter soil and water pH. If reinforcing steel is present, it corrodes, further weakening the structure. On top of that, cement manufacturing accounts for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions, giving concrete one of the largest carbon footprints of any building material.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass basins are environmentally inert. Once buried, they remain stable indefinitely with no leaching, corrosion, or breakdown. This makes fiberglass a more sustainable choice, with lower long-term impact on the environment.

7. Warranty and Assurance

• Concrete: Because concrete is prone to deterioration, extended warranties are rare. Failures are expected over time, so long-term guarantees are uncommon.
• Fiberglass: Manufacturers of fiberglass basins often provide extended or lifetime warranties. AK Industries, for example, guarantees its fiberglass basins against bottom deflection or fracture when installed to specification.

8. Customization and Strength

• Concrete: Wall thicknesses and structural designs are fixed, with little flexibility for customization.
• Fiberglass: Wall thicknesses can be adjusted to suit soil conditions or burial depth, and AK basins are guaranteed to withstand ground loading with a safety factor of two. Extensions, anti-floatation features, and accessories can be added to meet specific site requirements

Conclusion

Concrete may be the traditional choice, but fiberglass has proven itself as the future of lift station basins. With unmatched durability, watertight construction, easier handling, lower installation costs, zero environmental impact, flexible customization, and lifetime warranties, fiberglass is the smarter investment for municipalities, engineers, and contractors who demand reliability and long-term value.

Since 1982, Metropolitan Pump has been Canada’s trusted source for AK Industries fiberglass basins and lift stations. If you’re planning a new installation or replacing outdated infrastructure, contact us today to learn how fiberglass can deliver lasting performance and savings for your project.