A septic tank for a summer residence with off-season living - which one is better to choose. Septic tanks for a summer residence - what is it and how to choose the right model Modern septic tank for a country house








If you try to decide which septic tank is better for a summer residence with a non-permanent residence, then you will quickly understand that there is no definite answer here. Family budget, "productivity", geological features of the site - this is an incomplete list of selection criteria, so in each case, the best solution will be something different. But in any case, the very nature of seasonal residence already imposes some fundamental restrictions on the choice of design.

There are universal solutions, but they also have certain limitations.

Classification of septic tanks

According to the principle of operation of a septic tank, there are the following types:

    Cumulative. If you approach strictly, then this is not a septic tank, but just a container for collecting waste, the prototype of which is a cesspool. Previously, there were no special requirements for the tightness of the walls and bottom of such an underground reservoir. Now it is required condition, non-observance of which is prosecuted as damage to the land. Therefore, instead of a "hole", a ready-made container is buried in the ground, or it is made of reinforced concrete (prefabricated or monolithic).

    Anaerobic. This is a classic example of an underground local treatment plant, where wastewater, in the process of flowing from chamber to chamber, is separated and processed by bacteria without oxygen access. The degree of purification reaches 60-70%, and the clarified wastewater undergoes additional treatment with aerobic bacteria in filtration fields, trenches or wells.

    Aerobic. The structure is built in such a way that inside the septic tank there is a full cycle of wastewater treatment with aerobic bacteria to a level of 95-98%. This is a volatile species, since a forced supply of air is required for the vital activity of microorganisms.

Comparison of the characteristics of the aerobic septic tank BARS-Aero and TOPAS

Advantages and disadvantages of septic tanks in a summer cottage

Each species has its own set of advantages:

    An accumulative septic tank for summer residence is still one of the most popular options. The advantages include: low price, simple device, the ability to accept all types of effluents, regardless of their "acid-base" balance. It is not subject to the regulations on the minimum distance from water sources, a residential building and the boundaries of the site - the drains are inside a sealed container for the entire period between pumping.

    The only drawback is the need to frequently call the sewer truck, the periods between the arrival of which depend on the volume of the septic tank and the intensity of operation. The load on it can be reduced, the duration of operation without pumping can be increased if the drains are divided into gray and black, and the drainage of water from the shower cabin, bathhouse and from the washbasin is brought into your filter or drainage well.

Drains from a storage septic tank without electricity have to be pumped out periodically

    An anaerobic septic tank consists of two or three chambers connected in one body or spaced apart in independent containers. By the correct selection of the volume of the chambers and their ratio to each other, they regulate the productivity and the degree of wastewater treatment to a "clarified" state, which allows them to be discharged into soil cleaning and filtration devices.

    Anaerobic septic tanks are non-volatile. All the liquid part of the effluent is eventually discharged into the ground. Containers are cleaned only of solid fractions that settle at the bottom of sealed chambers during separation and processing by bacteria. The frequency of pumping out can range from several months to several years - it depends on the volume of drains, the number of residents and visitors, and the length of residence. This is the best septic tank option for giving a non-permanent residence without electricity (even when there is one). But provided that the size of the site and its plan allow the installation to be carried out without violating the requirements of the standards.

    The main disadvantage is the rather strict requirements for the location in relation to the water intake, reservoirs, residential building and site boundaries. In addition, when arranging filter fields and wells, there are restrictions on the type of soil and the depth of groundwater.

In some cases, a pump is used to remove treated wastewater.

On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer the service of design and installation of sewerage and water supply. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the Low-Rise Country exhibition of houses.

    An aerobic septic tank, despite the almost complete treatment of effluents, is rarely used for giving a non-permanent residence. To create the conditions for the vital activity of microflora that process wastewater, a constant flow of air is required, which is provided by the operation of the compressor.

    When the electricity is turned off, aerobic bacteria die, and to start the septic tank, a rather large amount of work must be done to prepare the system.

    Another reason against interruptions in the functioning of an aerobic septic tank (even if the compressor is running) is the death of bacteria in the absence of "fresh" effluents containing organic matter, which serves as a food medium for them. But this is not the main drawback. According to the manufacturer of septic tanks "Topas", in order to reach the design level of treatment after launch, it takes 2-3 weeks. That is, if they live in the country in the summer, then it must be started in the spring, and turned off in the fall.

    For the same reason, such a septic tank is not suitable for work in winter with intermittent residence in the country, when people come here only on weekends.

For the vital activity of bacteria that live in an aerobic septic tank, a constant influx of wastewater is required - with long interruptions in work, the bacterial colony will have to be repopulated

    Combined septic tanks. A design of this type provides for at least two sealed chambers (in practice, at least three). In the first chamber, separation into fractions and clarification of effluents takes place with the help of anaerobic bacteria, in the second - purification with aerobic bacteria.

    The advantage of this configuration over the previous version is considered to be a higher productivity and a lower load on the biological phase of purification with aerobic microorganisms. But these are volatile models that have the same disadvantages as septic tanks for giving a non-permanent residence.

Septic tank materials

In both types of septic tanks for giving a non-permanent residence, there is always a container with a sealed bottom and walls.

Polymer septic tanks

If you choose among ready-made models, then septic tanks are made of durable polymers that do not corrode and can withstand prolonged exposure to an aggressive environment. These include low pressure polyethylene, polypropylene and fiberglass.

All factory containers are designed for a certain pressure both from the inside when filling with drains and from the outside as a result of soil pressure - the thickness of the walls and a set of stiffeners guarantee a constant shape.

Most often, factory septic tanks are made on the basis of plastic containers.

Each type of polymer has its own disadvantages, but they are not fundamental. The main common feature is the low weight of the container. Even being complete specific gravity a septic tank, taking into account the solid fractions of wastewater, does not exceed 1100 kg / m 3, and even the bulk density of the soil is not less than 1500 kg / m 3, not to mention the compacted state in its natural form. Therefore, the heaving forces will tend to push the septic tank up, especially if it is empty. When installing a plastic septic tank, it must be fixed to a solid base in the form concrete slab... And on highly heaving soils, it is recommended to backfill the excavation with excavated soil mixed with sand.

Note! In any case, during a long break, the container should not remain empty. The standard recommendation for the period of absence is 3/4 full, so that the walls can better hold the pressure of the soil, and the colony of anaerobic bacteria does not die out completely.

Video description

For biological sewage treatment plants for giving a non-permanent residence, its own conservation process is provided for winter period... Everything is clearly shown in the video:

Metal septic tanks

Polymer septic tanks have pushed aside metal containers, but they are still found. Among the proposals on the market for metal septic tanks, there are three types of containers:

    factory products with fixed characteristics;

    custom-made according to individual sizes;

    sale of used steel tanks and containers for technical fluids, which are modified for a storage septic tank.

Unlike polymeric ones, such containers have a large margin of safety: the minimum metal thickness is 4 mm, and for large-volume tanks - 8-12 mm. But the service life of metal septic tanks summer cottage, even under the condition of anti-corrosion treatment, lower than that of plastic.

Reinforced concrete rings

One of the most popular materials for a sewage system for giving a non-permanent residence is reinforced concrete rings of the KS series. They come in different diameters and heights, which allow you to make the structure of the optimal volume.

Advantages - high strength and stability in the ground. Concrete has a tendency to get wet upon prolonged contact with a humid environment, but this disadvantage is compensated for by waterproofing surface treatment.

High-quality waterproofing is a guarantee of long-term operation of a septic tank made of reinforced concrete rings

Installation of a septic tank is a little more complicated than installing a ready-made container. In fact, it is a prefabricated reinforced concrete structure of several tanks, each of which consists of several rings (including a filter well without a bottom with perforated walls). But in each region there are construction organizations specializing in such a "turnkey" service.

The choice of the volume of the septic tank

With the volume of the storage septic tank, everything is very clear - the more, the less often you will have to call the machine to clean it. And if we divide the drains into black and gray, then the tank of an average volume will be enough for giving a "weekend" for the whole season.

An example of dividing effluents into "black" and "gray"

The shape and dimensions of the storage septic tank are dictated not only by the required capacity, but also depend on the free space on the site, which would provide free access for the machine to the technological hatch. The standard location is somewhere in the middle between the wall of the dacha from the side of the bathroom and the border of the site adjacent to the road. There are usually no problems with the depth of the container - the power of the vacuum pump of the sewage machine guarantees the pumping of sewage from a depth of up to 4 m.

The volume of a septic tank without pumping is determined by a simple formula - the number of people is multiplied by the rate of water consumption of 200 l / day and a coefficient of 3 (so many days are spent on the cycle of disinfection of effluents with bacteria). Sometimes they add 20-25% for a "salvo" discharge upon arrival of guests. This total volume is distributed between the chambers. For a two-chamber septic tank (excluding the filtering well), at least 2/3 is given to the first container, for a three-chamber septic tank - at least ½.

Video description

For the pros and cons of septic tanks and biological stations, see the following video:

Conclusion

No matter how simple a septic tank may seem for giving a non-permanent residence, professionals should be engaged in its installation. Especially if it is an anaerobic septic tank. And the difficulty is not even in the installation itself, but in the choice of methods for soil treatment of effluents. Experts will fully take into account the geological features of the site and the filtering capacity of the soil.

Times when it was easy to use outdoor toilet in dachas and in country houses are long gone. Modern hygienic requirements have increased markedly, and now it is necessary to strictly monitor the safety when handling household waste. Help to solve the problem good septic tanks, but in order not to be mistaken with the choice, you need to carefully study their nuances.

Peculiarities

Connection to centralized sewerage systems is not possible everywhere. Removing sewage and household waste through a septic tank is much more practical and reliable than using a banal cesspool. Speaking about the advantages and disadvantages of septic tanks, it should be noted that only one circumstance can cause certain inconveniences. This is the need to pay a certain amount of money even in the case when the device is made by hand.

The principle of operation of a storage device is simple:

  • waste enters the container;
  • as they fill up, call a car with a pump and a sewage tank;
  • for some time, the emptied container is again ready to receive waste.

As for the apparatus of the second type, it works in a fundamentally different way. Simple accumulation of contaminants is replaced by their filtration, absorption and thorough neutralization. The complication of the design in this case is fully justified, since it allows the most effective solution to the problem. When choosing products, it is recommended to take into account how many residents are in the house or can visit it. Also of no small importance is such a circumstance as the type of plumbing equipment and the intensity of its work.

Regardless of the specific performance, you need to achieve a high level of purification. Wastewater so that they can be dumped into the ground without the threat of clogging. Usually, the sewage stream entering through the sewer is directed to the initial chamber, where it is divided into fractions. This leads to the fact that the largest solids settle to the bottom, and the relatively fine suspension gets to the next chamber. Specially selected anaerobic microorganisms deal with them there. As a result of biological influence, fermentation occurs, methane begins to be released.

The passages to the septic tank compartments are covered with special devices (water seals). Thanks to this solution, the nuisance characteristic of simple cesspools and sedimentation tanks is eliminated - the spread of a bad smell everywhere.

The third chamber also plays a role, in which, with the help of a special filter, contaminants that have overcome the first two stages are captured. The filter is assisted by aerobic bacteria that live freely in an oxygen environment. A similar device is typical for any septic tank, be it a Russian or imported product.

Completely finished specimens, after delivery to the site, are lowered into a pre-formed pit. Those effluents that managed to go through three stages of purification are completely safe in chemical and biological terms. You can safely redirect them into the filtration field and into the soil. Compliant with SNiP treatment plant works successfully even in the most severe climatic conditions. Severe frosts and snowstorms are not terrible for him, and some versions do not depend on power supply at all.

If factory products for some reason do not suit or there is a desire to save money, the landlords can make a septic tank themselves.

For this, completely ready-made tanks are supplied, but with the difference that their installation will be carried out not by a team of specialists, but by the owners themselves. It is recommended to choose the strongest materials that can successfully withstand the aggressive action of sewage waste. Front self-assembly septic tanks should prepare drawings to eliminate errors and flaws. Sometimes 3-6 concrete rings are enough to complete the task.

How to choose and do it yourself?

When working on an autonomous sewage system, there are no trifles, because even the slightest mistakes and flaws can lead to serious consequences. It is advisable to consider first the choice of the finished product, and then designing it with my own hands. In both cases, you need to take into account:

  • how much waste is accumulated per day;
  • do they live in the house all year round or only in the warm season;
  • the amount of plumbing used;
  • the presence of groundwater and their height, chemical properties;
  • the amount that the owners can allocate for the purchase of plumbing equipment;
  • characteristics of the soil on the site.

When evaluating the properties of any septic tank, be it home-made or industrial, it is better to start analyzing them with the performance of the device. This parameter is closely related to the number of working chambers and their dimensions. Minor wastewater streams can also be passed through single-chamber septic tanks with a preliminary purifying unit. Household waste in this case will be cleaned quite effectively. But if the total flow is over 1 cubic meter. m. in 24 hours, a more productive model is needed.

By its design, such a device is often a simple drive, systematically cleaned with your own hands or when you call a sewer truck. For permanently used houses, such solutions are unacceptable. The active accumulation of waste will provoke significant costs for the services of sewers. Increased efficiency work is typical for biological purification complexes.

Anaerobic wastewater treatment methods inevitably generate gases that are hazardous to humans. Therefore, you need to choose only kits with a fan riser. When choosing a suitable solution, you also need to find out:

  • what body material will be optimal;
  • whether it is necessary to place the tank horizontally or vertically in the soil;
  • how many cleaning chambers are required.

A simple installation of concrete sedimentation tanks from blocks of typical dimensions or by pouring concrete into the formwork is available to almost everyone. The use of ready-made elements allows you not to be afraid of problems with the quality of parts manufacturing, but it increases the cost of construction. For the transportation of concrete rings, powerful transport is needed, and their installation is carried out by special lifting machines. Self-priming is more economical, but it will take noticeably more time. It will be necessary to operate the sump only after the cement mixture has completely set.

Reinforced concrete rings are difficult to seal, their suitability for repair remains in question. Such parts are very cumbersome and heavy in design. But concrete products are more resistant than plastic ones to the pressure of soil and soil water.

You should not choose budget septic tanks with metal tanks, because the savings will turn out to be illusory. It will be necessary to constantly treat the surface of the septic tank with anti-corrosion mixtures.

Metal blocks are preferred where geometrically complex overflow pipe assemblies are required. For the installation of septic tanks made of metal, welding is used. Connections to plastic pipes are made using flange systems, complemented by rubber collars. The strength and considerable weight of the steel bodies helps to avoid being pushed out by the water circulating in the soil. In many cases, plastic septic tanks are used for a cottage or a simple private house.

Plastic elements can be assembled by hand, and the tightness of the joints created with the help of cuffs is quite guaranteed. There is no need for complex protection against various substances.

After installation, plastic tanks are filled with water, this will help equalize the pressure inside and outside.

For your information: the industry produces a number of products that are characterized by increased rigidity. This allows dry septic tanks to be buried.

When choosing a device, you should pay attention to how the stock will be organized. The direction of the liquid by gravity implies the need to lay pipes at a slope. The chambers of storage or filtration septic tanks are equipped with stable waterproofing or are made of materials impermeable to water. When constructing a cleaning system with your own hands, you need to add overflow pipes to the septic tanks, which transfer water to the filtering area. The pipes must be supplemented with vertical segments continuously immersed in water.

As with self-production, and when buying a ready-made kit, different methods of final soil cleaning can be used. Widely used:

  • filtration wells with a layer of drainage material at the bottom;
  • tunnel infiltration devices;
  • underground cleaning "fields" where perforated pipes are laid.

Choosing the right approach is not easy, because you will have to take into account the required depth of wastewater treatment, the category of soils, the height of the location of soil waters and their chemical aggressiveness. When one of the chambers is set aside for aerobic microscopic cleaning, it is supplemented with aerators, so you have to take care of a stable power supply. An air pipe is laid between the parts of the septic tanks to compensate for the uneven pressure in them.

Regardless of the design features, hatches for inspection and cleaning of containers will have to be made.

Views

A septic tank for a summer residence with 2-3 tenants can be made according to the cesspool option; it is the most economical type in terms of water consumption. The container must be very durable, and the higher its capacity (within reasonable limits), the more practical the device turns out to be.

For permanent residence with a small amount of effluent generated, it is preferable overflow systems... Such equipment performs partial cleaning of waste, and it will be necessary to empty the tank with the help of special equipment on average once every two or three years. In addition to such septic tanks, soil filtering fields are made of rocks that are permeable to water.

The advantages of this solution are:

  • ease of service manipulations;
  • long intervals from one cleaning to another;
  • increasing the efficiency of waste use.

But septic tanks, which have additional cleaning in the soil, cannot be used in clayey soil with insufficient liquid permeability. In addition, this design is incompatible with the high standing of the first horizon. For a private house, in many cases, more powerful and advanced sewage treatment plants are used. Overall performance is determined by the number of cameras; there is no need to make calculations when choosing a device, the number of serviced residents is written on the packages.

An autonomous storage (non-volatile) septic tank is always cheaper than a power-dependent one. It's not just about operating costs, but also about the necessary basic components. The lack of connection to the mains allows you not to equip the septic tank with pumps, compressor systems and fittings. But the valves and hoses will be used on a case-by-case basis.

It is worth considering that if it is necessary to process waste as deeply as possible (for use or as prescribed by the sanitary authorities), you will have to completely abandon non-volatile solutions.

The increased efficiency of devices connected to the electrical network turns into the need to constantly withstand strictly specified conditions.

Volatile devices are best mounted on a turnkey basis with the help of specialists. Sewerage for country houses may be common for several buildings. The discharge should be planned in such a way that it is above the soil water horizon. The hatch of the simplest accumulation system rises 10-15 cm above the soil. In order to call a pumping machine less often, it is worth choosing a product with a capacity for a month and with a reserve of at least 1/5.

Non-volatile complexes are selected in such a way that the full capacity allows to take in the volume of wastewater in 72 hours and there is still a spare volume of about 30-40%. Normal operation of overflow devices implies that the liquid fills at most ¾ of the entire tank cavity. Active devices are in any case equipped with ventilation systems... For the system to work odorlessly, the outlet must be located at a height of 300-500 cm. The tanks are cleaned from accumulated sludge every few months.

Local cleansing stations help to minimize the intensity of bad odors.

Compared to simple septic tanks, such devices are more expensive, since waste treatment is carried out not only by biological and mechanical methods. Be sure to use, in addition to infiltrators, also means of chemical treatment. For places that are not permanent, such devices cannot be used. On the other hand, the level of residual contamination is at most 5% of the initial value.

Clarified water can be used for:

  • irrigation of gardens, vegetable gardens and fields;
  • filling a landscape reservoir;
  • conducting construction and repair work.

When there is no need for such an application of treated effluents, they are allowed to be poured into natural reservoirs and various ditches. Sewerage facilities can withstand several hours during a power outage, but not more. Therefore, it will be necessary to supplement the treatment plant with backup power systems, even if the power networks in a particular area work quite reliably.

In any case, the fewer seams in a volatile or autonomous septic tank, the more efficient and stable it works.

Material

  • Polyethylene structures do not have seams at all, so cracking and leaks are excluded. Synthetic material does not rot and does not corrode. Multilayer polyethylene works stably even in frosts of 30 degrees. Fiberglass blocks are considered to be of no less quality. They are tougher than polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, but the overall cost is much higher. Plastic is used mainly for commercial properties or for several private houses at once. Many fiberglass structures are capable of meeting the needs of up to 200 residents at the same time.
  • Metal products (almost always steel) usually have two parts. The internal volume of the welded body contains an additional plastic tank. Even the best steel itself is rarely used, because it can easily lose its tightness, and if the outer layer is damaged, corrosion will quickly develop.
  • Combined devices (metal + plastic) can have up to four sectors for sequential cleaning of incoming effluents.

  • Depending on the solutions of the designers, the walls are made either continuous with special holes or with overflow protrusions. Brick blocks popular in many respects because waste material can be used in their construction. At the same time, ensuring the tightness of the walls is a serious problem. The building stone initially has many gaps and gaps. To cover these holes, special sealants or penetrating mastics are usually used. Brick septic tanks are beneficial for economic reasons; when working on them, complex machines or professional skills are not required. Laying in one brick is allowed. A more reliable solution is the choice of concrete structures, they are very durable. But there is also a weak point - the need for sophisticated equipment.

  • For the manufacture of a septic tank, it is allowed to use both monolithic and prefabricated concrete... Monolithic elements must be poured into the formwork after the preparation of the pit. As with the use of bricks, the tightness of the joints must be assessed as carefully as possible.

Metal structures are the least commonly used, because the negative qualities almost always outweigh the positive aspects.

Analyzing the properties of various solutions, most experts prefer plastic septic tanks.

Returning to fiberglass, we can also name such advantages as:

  • operational period up to 50 years;
  • resistance to severe cold and putrefactive processes;
  • immunity to rodent attacks;
  • the ability to pump out all waste in 60 minutes;
  • the ability to use salvo discharges of a significant amount of wastewater;
  • protection from the ingress of foreign objects;
  • suitability for storage for the winter without special preparation.

As for the use of other materials at hand, such steps are not approved by professionals. You can only use them on small dachas, which are visited only occasionally. Barrels, tires, old tanks and the like are used as storage devices of this kind. A surface septic tank should be installed where a lot of soil water is concentrated, and at the very surface of the soil. If these problems do not exist, it is recommended to use underground options.

Dimensions (edit)

It is important to consider not only properties selected materials, but also the size of the septic tanks. When calculating sizes, one must not forget that the volume is calculated as the total volume of all constituent parts; it is calculated from the bottom to the pipe entry. In the first compartment, counting is carried out from the lowest point to the overflow device, in the final compartment - to the place where the liquid is discharged into drainage or filtration structures. It should be borne in mind that in the initial chambers the average volume of solid accumulations reaches 1/5 of the height. Therefore, it is subtracted if they want to know only the space where the liquid is.

According to building codes, even for miniseptics, the daily volume of water per user is 200 liters or 0.2 m3. The smallest storage facility is expected to be operated without draining for 72 hours, which makes it possible to compensate for various incidents and problems. When designing or choosing a solution, it should be remembered that water can be discharged into the soil layers after at least 14 days. Only under this condition will anaerobic bacteria and a sump be able to completely neutralize liquid waste. Formally, it turns out that one person will have to put a tank with a capacity of 2.8 cubic meters. m.

In practice, the situation is different; rarely, when the standard consumption of the standard volume of water is reached, sometimes it is half as much. This is the case in rarely used houses or in the thrifty people. And the rise in the cost of water resources is forcing more and more to conserve them. The problem is that when small septic tanks are found, sanitary authorities can issue orders for the installation of more powerful systems. And they will be completely right even from a purely practical standpoint!

The reason is simple - the effluent contains many substances that are poorly processed or not assimilated by bacteria at all. Most often these are heavy fats, and therefore only the intake of a large amount of water makes it possible to achieve normal clarification. This is important not only for compliance with hygiene requirements, but also for keeping the equipment intact and safe. If the filter elements and layers are overfilled with substances that are difficult to decompose, they will lose throughput... You will immediately have to redo the entire storage and filtering infrastructure.

On the other hand, you need to choose the volume of the chamber, focusing on the capacity of the sewage transport tanks. Small cleaning tanks that come to the call can take no more than 3.75 cubic meters. m. liquid. It is worth thinking about the depth at which the sludge pump can operate, it does not exceed 3 m. These moments determine the linear parameters of the septic tank inlet chamber. For sedimentation and microbiological improvement to occur more efficiently, it is recommended to use at least two-chamber complexes whenever possible.

The standardized height of the rings is 90 cm, and with an inner diameter of 1000 mm, their volume is 0.7 m3. If the diameter grows 1.5 times, the volume of the rings already reaches 1.59 m3, and two-meter structures have a volume of 2.83 cubic meters. m. As for deepening drain pipes at the entrance to the septic tank, it can be quite different. Excessive lowering is undesirable, it is better to strengthen the insulation layer. But there are other considerations, such as the need to hold the pipes firmly enough.

Removing septic tanks from houses by more than 10 m is impractical, and the minimum slope of the pipeline is 3%. This indicator allows you not to encounter freezing of pipes and reduce the risk of filling them with solid particles. The average burial depth of the sewer pipeline reaches 50 cm (together with the insulating block). As a result, the depth of the overflow between the first and second compartments is 700 mm. The upper insulation is done with EPS boards at least 5 cm thick.

Taking two meter rings, it will be possible to achieve a typical volume of 2.7 m3 with a pair of compartments. If you take concrete products one and a half times larger in size, you can get by with a single-chamber design. But as already mentioned, one should not chase simplicity here. It should be borne in mind that each pipe introduced into the septic tank must end with downward-facing fittings. Tees open upwards are also used (this helps to reduce debris build-up).

Colors

The color of the septic tank can be very different, but in any case, flashy and annoying shades should be avoided. Concrete blocks look good on their own. It is recommended to use blue, white or black tones to ensure optimal appearance. Paint for any septic tank must be resistant to harmful wastewater, damage from moving soils. Any compound that is most durable and stable will do the trick.

Manufacturers and reviews

The production of septic tanks has been improving year after year. Modern technologies allow you to solve any task. Leading positions in various ratings are occupied by:

  • "Topaz";
  • "Mole";
  • "Tank";
  • "Triton";
  • "Cedar";
  • Ecoline.

Version "Tank" designed to combine mechanical and biological methods for clarifying domestic wastewater. The very first fragment of the septic tank is a sump, the initially purified liquid moves to the next chamber. There is an auxiliary settling and suspended particles are precipitated. The third block "Tank" contains beneficial microorganisms - this increases the efficiency, but also increases the volume of the device.

The Triton brand has such competitive advantages as:

  • low cost;
  • the ability (with the help of infiltrators) to leave only 2% of the dirt in the water;
  • purchase of models with a variety of practical properties;
  • complete elimination of unpleasant odors;
  • strict compliance with sanitary standards;
  • long period of operation in normal mode.

Problems may be associated with the lack of an infiltrator or aeration fields. If there are no such opportunities, the efficiency of the septic tank turns out to be insufficient, and with a significant increase in the flow of sewage, it will not cope. Design "Topaz" has excellent economy, it works through aeration and the use of microorganisms. In the normal mode, it is possible to purify the liquid by 98%. The developers have taken care of solid tightness and excellent anti-corrosion characteristics.

To install "Topaz", you will have to prepare the foundation pit carefully. In a good recess, there are necessarily special stiffeners, this allows you to guarantee zero risk of deformation. The first compartment is able to separate solid matter from the effluent, only then the mixture is purified using oxygen. Purified water can be widely used. But Topaz is highly dependent on electrical energy.

Firm "DSK" tried to make three-chamber products, where two segments become sedimentation tanks, and the third is equipped with a biological filter. The decomposed and clarified sewage is transferred to the soil filtering layer.

Company Unilos focused on increasing the mechanical strength of its products, creating stiffeners on them and using molecular welding. The device of this brand of devices allows you to do without moving parts. The carefully designed 20mm thick wall easily resists ground pressure. The effluent flows sequentially through the primary settling tank, the aerobic plant and the secondary settling tank. The release of water from pollutants by 95% allows it to be used when irrigating agricultural plants. The disadvantages of the system are dependence on the power grid and instability in the cold. Moreover, such blocks are very expensive.

Septic tanks Ecoline according to the manufacturer's statements are the best choice for seasonal dacha operation. At correct installation their regular use is allowed. There are only two chambers in the system with no electrical components. The entrance chamber is much larger than the exit chamber, which is responsible for gravitational clarification. Additional cleaning is done in the soil.

Ecoline's efficiency does not allow us to consider their septic tanks the optimal solution. The fact is that the amount of remaining pollution is as much as 40%. In addition, it will not be possible to use such systems in places with an increased level of soil water. Without enhanced cleaning by other means, there is a high probability of contamination of soil horizons with microorganisms. The equipment of the "Kedr" brand certainly requires cleaning with a special technique.

Primary filtration is carried out at the inlet, and the water purified from sediment passes into the second block, where it is clarified deeper. Further, the stream moves up and down, reaching the microflora fixed motionlessly. The final compartment is responsible for the accumulation of effluents.

Finnish manufacturers Uponor and Green Rock supply products of superior quality and outstanding reliability. The superior characteristics of genuine Scandinavian goods, as opposed to counterfeits, do not allow them to be sold cheaply.

There are three main sub-types in the Uponor selection.

  • Products "Sako" differ in partial upholding of impurities and autonomy. A filtration section in the soil must be performed without fail, otherwise the surrounding area will be a very unpleasant place.

  • For summer cottages, you can also put products of the series "Bio"(with enhanced chemical and microbiological water purification). Perfectionists will be pleased with Bio Clean products, which are very compact and easy to use.
  • "Green Rock" supplies only septic tanks with multi-stage purification. All equipment of this brand combines the efforts of special reagents and microflora. This technique allows both to deploy the local sewerage system from scratch and significantly improve the existing one.

The "Bio" device requires periodic disposal of used filter blocks and special reagents, replacing them with fresh portions. Products of the Sako group do not resist cold well enough. In the most northern regions, it will be necessary to either lay insulation or choose equipment that is more stable for winter.

Finnish goods are made using seamless technology. This is much more reliable than the Russian approach, which involves joining prefabricated parts.

Successful examples and options

In addition to choosing the right brands and models of septic tanks, you need to pay attention to the components that complement the purification system. The use of devices with a biofilter (colonies of anaerobic organisms) eliminates the need for an electrical connection. Microbes can get the energy they need through the decomposition of organic matter without the supply of oxygen. The carbohydrates and various amino acids contained in sewage are broken down into low molecular weight compounds that are safe for natural environment... An anaerobic biological filter is designed as a plastic container that is divided into pieces of a certain type.

A biological purifier necessarily contains an inert material with a large specific area, which makes it possible to combine the development of microbial colonies and additional mechanical filtration. Organic matter decomposes when passing through the biofilter into the simplest soluble substances and silt deposits. The sludge will have to be removed, but in many cases it is used as a fertilizer.

Typical fillers:

  • expanded clay;
  • plastic brushes or nets;
  • granular polymers of a strictly defined fraction.

Usually, the distribution of microbes in biological filters is made uniform over the surface, and if they are replenished in a timely manner, it will be possible to ensure stable operation throughout the year. Such filtering does not require any complex technical skills to operate. The systems operate for a long time and odors do not penetrate outside. Security is fully guaranteed.

In addition to organic filtration, septic tanks are often equipped with a grease trap. In a gravity drain, fatty deposits become a serious hazard, increasing the likelihood of blockages and traffic jams. Fat catchers are necessarily installed at production facilities and in places where many people live. Private homeowners do not have such prescriptions, but it is better to defend their system ahead of time before problems arise. The design and operating principle are quite simple.

When water enters the inlet pipes, filling of the first chamber begins. As it fills, the fat particles rise to the top, as they are lighter than water. Further, the fat reaches a special tray, where it gradually accumulates. The liquid freed from it moves to another compartment, which ensures the residual breakdown of fats. For this purpose, the most powerful and effective methods and when the equipment finishes working, water pours down the drain.

The first sector is saturated with water-insoluble particles. Therefore, you will need to remove, wash and clean the grease trap regularly. Industrial appliances are easier to clean; there are special drainage pumps or shut-off valves in the bottom for this purpose. The placement of a coarse filter in front of the catching mechanism helps to reduce the likelihood of early contamination of the catching mechanism. Traps are most effectively used, if the fat is heated more than water, then it will dissolve in it and float.

Waste separation is sometimes done by a physicochemical method. The bottom line is the use of special reagents capable of binding single particles into large collections. Such agglomerates can more easily be removed from the liquid by mechanical filters. But even with sedimentation treatment in special chambers or sedimentation tanks, chemical pre-treatment helps to improve the result. The flotation method involves the use of special compressors that supply air bubbles to the cleaning chambers.

Fats, in contact with air bubbles, form special films. Bubbles go upstairs. This technique works best with significant heating of waste streams in which the fat is practically dissolved. The mechanical technique consists in the use of special membranes with finely dispersed cells. The pace of work turns out to be too slow, the filter quickly becomes dirty with a powerful intake of fats.

But on the other hand, the overall efficiency of fat extraction will be very high. The solution is suitable for filtering waste water regardless of its temperature and degree of dissolution. The coalescing approach relies on the ability of fats to be pulled into certain structures and defended. The emulsified fat in the filter chamber, being subjected to gravity and surface tension, collects on the surface. At this point, mechanical devices (manual or automatic) can assemble it.

There is another approach - the use of centrifuges. Differences in the molecular weight of water and fats cause different moment of inertia. Therefore, when rotating in a centrifuge, the separation of various substances occurs. The body of any grease trap is made sealed, but it can always be disassembled. The inlet and outlet pipes are connected to the device.

The lid is made in a removable or opening version, this allows:

  • maintain the system;
  • remove fat;
  • evaluate the performance of the system.

The housings are divided into at least two segments, which allow them to receive drains, filter them and dispense clean liquid into the drain pipe. Regardless of the design solution, mechanical filtration, an intake apparatus and a liquid level indicator are used. Manual collection of accumulated dirt is practical for a private house where high performance is still not needed.

Plastic grease traps are used when it is necessary to neutralize not a large number of drains, and therefore they are ideal for domestic purposes. Perfect environmental safety and ease of maintenance allow you not to encounter problems.

Casting and molding of plastics gives a wide range of all kinds of shapes. Fastening is made to the pipe itself (in a compact design). Stand-alone devices work well for maximum efficiency and are easy and comfortable to use. In addition, the capacity of the dirt compartment is larger in self-contained units. Fiberglass products are similar to simple plastic products in their structural variety.

The susceptibility to all the main reagents found in everyday life and in drains is very low in fiberglass. The special composition does not affect the lightness, however, the rigidity to mechanical damage is very high. Grease traps made of stainless steel are considered to be the strongest and most stable, effectively resisting chemical and physical destructors. This technique is mainly in demand in the industrial sector, because it tolerates strong heat well. Disadvantage - it is impossible to make a steel grease trap with streamlined contours or with a non-standard configuration; Fees for metal appliances are higher than other options.

There is one more question - is it worth choosing a two-chamber or single-chamber septic tank. Not a single such device is capable of working on its own; additional cleaning in the ground is required. These are the instructions of the building codes and regulations adopted in the Russian Federation. Septic tanks perform mechanical cleaning of sediment, ferment the sediment itself, make it a mineral composition suitable for fertilizing farmland. The water will be accurately purified in the required way in one or several chambers.

But the handling of the sediment is a more delicate matter. In the only section, the sedimentation of suspended matter occurs inhomogeneously, closer to the inlet this process is more intense. When the septic tank is divided into several sectors, this allows you to collect the key mass of the substance in the very first compartment. Then the clogging of water in the subsequent parts will be excluded and the cleaning process will be simplified. Besides, environmental performance the final runoff will be the best.

The more sections, the more gentle the operating mode of the filter well, underground filtration fields and cleaning trenches will be.

It is almost impossible to clean the soil filtering complexes; a lot of money will have to be spent on their renewal. Therefore, the increase in the complexity of the septic tank has a positive effect on the convenience and comfort of consumers. It is important to consider that the equipment of a septic tank with microbiological cleaning forces the use of only those that are safe for microorganisms detergents... In addition, at temperatures of 4 degrees and below, the activity of microbes is zero, and therefore the cleaning efficiency drops sharply.

When choosing the point where the treatment plant will be delivered, a number of sanitary restrictions must be taken into account.

  • You cannot bring them 5 m closer to the foundations of a residential building. The gap to the foundations of non-residential buildings and their ground structures is at least 1 m.
  • The distance to the well or its replacement well, drilled in clay soil, is at least 20 m.If the earth is composed of sandy rocks, this gap increases to 50 m.
  • You can bring the septic tank closer to the road by at most 5 m, and at least 100 cm should remain to any type of fences.

It is very important to prepare the place so that a car with a pump can drive up there. Alternatively, it is practiced to equip the tank with a fecal pump. The sludge extracted outside can be used as a vegetable and garden fertilizer. A capacity of 150-200 liters for each tenant allows you to confidently use bathrooms and toilets, a washing machine, and wash dishes.

The gap from the cover to the wastewater mirror should be the same as the depth of soil freezing. The entire calculated volume must be placed below this mark. The higher the temperature, the better the sewage will be processed by the microbes. The geometric shape of the septic tank does not really matter; it is not reflected in the level of efficiency and the quality of wastewater treatment in it. But there is another consideration - round equipment saves construction materials.

When using bricks, a rounded structure will help you use 10-15% fewer blocks. The rounding makes it possible to better transfer the load arising from ground movements. It is advisable to make monolithic two-chamber systems in the form of a square or a rectangle. Such forms make it easier to obtain the formwork where concrete is to be poured. Filling elements can be made with your own hands, and this is only slightly more expensive than simple brick elements.

When plank boards are placed on both sides, the pits must be made 0.4 - 0.5 m wider than the size of the tank (together with the walls). If you plan to pour the solution into the gaps of the soil and formwork, digging the pit is carried out according to external dimensions septic tank. When calculating the cost of work, you need to take into account the payment for the removal of the extracted land. Plane amplification can be completely dispensed with. But the volumetric reinforcing frames will be completely redundant for a septic tank, they will only complicate the installation and make it more expensive.

How to make a septic tank in the country with your own hands, see below.

Installing a septic tank - practical way solving the problem of wastewater disposal when arranging a local sewerage system. But, you see, among the variety of ready-made designs, it is sometimes not easy to make a choice.

To simplify the task, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with an overview of the main types of treatment facilities and popular models from leading manufacturers. We will tell you which septic tank to choose based on the peculiarities of its operation, and we will outline the main parameters of the device that must be taken into account when buying.

For a better understanding of the issue, we supplemented the information with photographs of various models of utilizers, as well as diagrams for their installation.

A septic tank is a waterproof structure, consisting of one or more sections, or divided into two or three compartments, chambers. But any sewage treatment plant has its own characteristics.

And therefore, in order to correctly choose a utilizer, it is necessary to analyze the types of equipment on the market, to understand the principle of their operation and to determine for oneself the expediency of using one or another model.

Types of materials used

Septic tanks, which are the main element of local sewerage, are classified according to various criteria.

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The septic tank has long gained popularity among the owners of country houses. This is a much more practical and safe treatment plant than a cesspool, to which many summer residents are so accustomed. The design of septic tanks includes chambers where waste water is settled, purified and processed. Thus, the water becomes environmentally friendly. And the principle of operation of septic tanks is that they lay from the house sewer pipes and connect to the device.

A septic tank for a summer residence periodically requires cleaning. Depending on the type of construction, cleaning is carried out every one to five years. A septic tank will be a suitable option for sewerage in a suburban area. For detailed information on installing, conducting and connecting the sewage system in a private house, you can find the link http://marisrub.ru/uslugi/inzhenernye-sistemy/kanalizatsiya.

Today they release different kinds septic tanks for country house, which differ in performance and volume, material of manufacture and other parameters. Let's find out the selection rules and consider the rating of septic tanks for a country house.

Types of septic tanks

They produce volatile and autonomous septic tanks, horizontal and vertical models, devices that differ in the type of work. In the latter case, accumulative models, devices with soil filtration and deep cleaning are distinguished.

A storage septic tank is the most affordable option, representing an improved cesspool... Waste water enters the tank and is divided into the accumulators into fractions. The septic tank is cleaned as it fills.

This model is characterized by availability, easy installation and low cost. However, they are not very easy to use and require frequent cleaning. The storage structure is suitable for a summer residence, which is used for seasonal living and housing.

Septic tanks with soil filtration and post-treatment are suitable for those who constantly live outside the city. In such a device, wastewater is cleaned, and not only accumulates and is divided into fractions. Post-treatment facilities can be cleaned once every two to three years. By the way, to increase the time between cleanings, special bacteria additives are used for septic tanks.

The structure with soil post-treatment consists of two chambers. Such models are characterized by ease of use and maintenance, but they are not suitable for installation in areas with clay soil and elevated water table.

Septic tanks with deep cleaning purify and disinfect water by 90-100%, therefore, wastewater without the risk of contamination environment disposed of in the ground. The system is distinguished by its versatility and high level of wastewater treatment, odorlessness and easy installation.

The septic tank with deep biological cleaning does not require regular cleaning and constant monitoring of the device. Cleaning is carried out no more than once every five years. This is a suitable option for a country cottage where people live permanently. Among the minuses, we note the high cost of equipment and installation, however, there are practically no additional costs for subsequent operation.

In addition, septic tanks are also divided according to the type of material. The equipment is made from plastic, metal, brick and other raw materials. The most affordable and popular are plastic models, which are characterized by high strength and tightness, a light weight and installation, corrosion resistance. But when installing such a structure, there is a risk that the capacity will suffer when the soil moves.

Brick septic tanks will not give proper sealing, therefore, during installation, additional waterproofing is required. But reinforced concrete septic tanks will become a reliable device that will last a long time. Experts do not recommend installing metal models, as they are susceptible to corrosion, which reduces the service life.

How to choose the right septic tank for a summer residence

  • If a suburban area is located in warm regions or in central Russia, choose plastic products. For northern and cold regions, it is better to choose reinforced concrete structures that can withstand frost, temperature changes and humidity;
  • For year-round living in country house a septic tank with deep biological treatment is well suited; standard accumulative models are more often used for seasonal stay in the country;
  • Each model is characterized by a certain performance. You can easily calculate the required performance by multiplying 200 liters by the number of people who constantly live in the house. Where 200 liters is the approximate volume of water that one person uses per day;
  • If the house has two or more bathrooms, then the volume of the tank should be larger. Consider how many people constantly live in the room. So, for one-storey house with one bathroom and with 3-5 people living all year round, a septic tank with a volume of 2-3 m3 is suitable;
  • Explore the characteristics and opinions of the model. Next, we list the best septic tanks for a country house: a rating based on reviews from buyers and experts.

Top 10 septic tanks for summer cottages

Brand Description Volume (L) Productivity (l / day)
Tank Self-contained, durable and reliable septic tank made of plastic for any type of soil, easy installation and affordable price, will last more than 50 years. Requires cleaning only once every 4-5 years. Suitable for both seasonal and permanent residence 1200; 600;
Triton Self-contained plastic device with a service life of about 50 years, high tightness and affordable price, easy installation and compact size. The best option for a country house, requires cleaning once every 1-2 years 750; 250;
Tver Plastic septic tank, simple construction, easy installation, suitable for any soil, but depends on electricity, affordable price. Ideal for country cottages 3000; 750;
Poplar A durable plastic model that can withstand frost down to -30 degrees and will easily last 50 years, works without pumping out and smell, depends on electricity. Suitable for large cottages and industrial premises 2500; 650;
Topas Compact and unpretentious device works without pumping out, easy installation and service life of about 50 years, simple maintenance 2300; 800;
Ecopan Stable and reliable septic tank, suitable for problem soil, cleaning with a pump, works autonomously. Service life over 50 years, high corrosion resistance. Suitable for country houses and small cottages 4200; 500;
Aqua-bio Simple to set up and easy to maintain device for country houses and seasonal living, sealed and durable, low price, but not suitable for soil with high groundwater levels 2000; 700;
Unilos An efficient plastic septic tank without pumping out, operates on electricity, but the process of operation is provided for in case of power outages 1700; 1000;
Leader Stable and robust design, easily tolerates overloads due to contaminated drains, does not require the use of dietary supplements, works on electricity 3600; 500;
Yubas Monolithic body, requires frequent cleaning, easy operation and maximum purification of the most polluted wastewater, too expensive for small country houses 2400; 1000;

Experts call the Tank the best autonomous septic tank. Among the devices that depend on electricity, the largest number positive feedback collected Poplar. But remember that the choice is influenced by the amount of water consumed and the number of bathrooms, the type of residence in a country house and the characteristics of the soil.

Experienced masters will tell you "MariSrub" will tell you which septic tank to choose for your summer residence. We will select a solid and sealed model, perform the installation reliably and quickly, connect the sewage system and other engineering systems in a private house.

Already at the first stages of project creation wooden house we do necessary calculations for the installation of each engineering system, including water supply and sewerage, ventilation and electrical wiring, heating. As a result, you get a reliable system that will work for many years without problems!

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