What a septic tank. How to choose which septic tank is best suited for your dacha? Current rating of the best septic tanks for a country house

There are many types of autonomous sewers. But what is the best septic tank for a dacha or country house for a particular family to choose is often unclear. Each type of VOC has its own advantages. Plus, there are a huge number of factory models with their own distinctive advantages. However, it is necessary to install something on the plot. Without a treatment plant, there is no need to talk about comfortable living outside the city.

Description and principle of operation of septic tanks

A septic tank is designed for the accumulation and partial or complete processing of sewage from a house. Such structures are installed at dachas for temporary stays and near cottages where a family of several people lives all year round. Accordingly, the type and productivity of the treatment plant is selected based on the number of residents and the intensity of their use of the intra-house sewerage system.

When sewage enters the septic tank, these waters are settled (clarified), and then drained into the ground or pumped out by vacuum cleaners. This is how a regular cesspool with anaerobic bacteria works. If you are improving your dacha, then such a simple cesspool is ideal for it.

In more advanced biological stations with deep cleaning, aerobic microorganisms are used, which are supplied with an additional volume of air inside the septic tank using a compressor. This way they eat organic matter much faster.

Choosing the type of septic tank

All variations of septic tanks are divided into:

Cumulative;

Anaerobic;

Aerobic.

In the first case, the treatment plant is a sealed tank of the simplest design for accumulating wastewater. For their subsequent pumping, a sewage disposal machine is then used.

Storage tank "Rostok"

Two-chamber septic tank “Tank”

The third option is full-fledged stations that process sewage by 95–99%. The water coming out of them has a technical condition, which allows it to be used for watering the garden in the country or washing a car in the garage near the house.

Autonomous cleaning station "Topas"

Storage tanks and most anaerobic septic tanks are energy-independent structures. They do not have pumps or compressors; all water flows inside occur by gravity. They do not require electricity to operate. If the water supply for a country house is organized from a well or centrally, then this option is simply ideal for a cottage.

Aerobic septic tanks are stations that depend on uninterrupted power supply. They have better wastewater treatment rates. But aerators pumping air into the chamber with activated sludge require constant power from the electrical network.

For a summer residence, it is best to choose a septic tank of the first or second type. Such VOCs are cheaper to implement, easier to maintain and do not depend on power supply. But for full-fledged private houses outside the city, it is worth choosing an aerobic station. A large family of wastewater produces a lot; a cesspool or an anaerobic plant cannot cope with significant daily volumes.

For the manufacture of septic tanks the following is used:

2. Reinforced concrete.

The best septic tanks for dachas are considered to be factory-made anaerobic models with a polyethylene body. They clean drains quite effectively, take up little space and do not require electricity. Plus you can put them right next to the country house. Moreover, it does not matter whether a screw or pile-strip foundation was used for its construction.

Moisture from such VOCs will not have much impact on this base. Such a septic tank is sealed, and the infiltrator or drainage well can be moved away from the building. In such a situation, when building a house, it is even allowed to use gas silicate blocks, which really do not like high humidity.

Selection by performance and volume of septic tank

Septic tanks for dachas and cottages are selected based on calculations of water consumption by people living in the house. If you know how much waste is discharged into the sewer per day, then making a choice in favor of one or another structure will not be difficult. For all factory-made models, the passport indicates their total volume, salvo discharge and daily productivity.

When fully calculating the volume of wastewater discharged into the sewer according to all the rules, it is necessary to take into account all the plumbing fixtures in the residential building. Each of them has its own average rate of water drainage per day. For example, about 0.1 l/day is drained from the toilet into the septic tank, 0.15–0.2 from the kitchen sink or bathtub, and about 0.14 l/day from the shower stall. It is necessary to add up the consumption of all the plumbing installed in the home - this will be the total volume of waste water per person.

Model range "Termite" in various volumes

Such accurate calculations are often made only by designers. To simplify calculations, it is customary to provide a minimum of 150 and a maximum of 200 liters per day for each person. A septic tank for a summer residence is usually calculated according to the minimum level, and for a house with permanent residence - according to the maximum.

After determining the daily volume, it is multiplied by 3 (three days). It is within three days that the sewage in the septic tank is completely processed. Based on this obtained figure, it will be possible to choose which specific station in terms of volume is best installed on your site.

Choosing a manufacturer of septic tanks for a summer residence

It is impossible to say unequivocally which septic tanks for a dacha should be purchased here and now directly in the store. The range of ready-made stations from the factory is extensive. Some are cheaper in terms of VOC price, others are easier to install, and others are optimally suited in terms of volume for a specific situation.

Among domestic manufacturers, stations from:

GC “TOPOL-ECO” – various “Topas” models.

"Triton Plastic" - "Tank", "Microbe Mini" and "BioTank".

PC "Multplast" - "Termite" and "Ergobox".

"SBM-Group" - "Unilos" with modifications "Astra", "Kedr" and "Mega".

Septic tanks for dachas from these manufacturers occupy the lion's share of the Russian VOC market. Owners often describe their products as their top choice. The range of these factories includes both anaerobic non-volatile models and more productive aerobic models with pumps. Among them there are modifications not only for standard soils, but also for areas with high groundwater level.

Of the foreign manufacturers, only the Finnish “Uponor” is worth mentioning. If the dacha is located in the North-West of the Russian Federation and preference is given to imports, then it will be difficult to find a better septic tank. This company offers several solutions for different numbers of people living in a cottage. There is plenty to choose from. Here it is: there are domestic and imported products on the market. The choice is solely at the discretion of the buyer.

Which septic tank to choose for your cottage or home?

You can make a septic tank for your dacha yourself from brick, iron barrel or concrete rings. This is the cheapest option. But it is much easier to take a ready-made treatment facility from the factory, which only needs to be installed in a pre-dug pit. And if you have money and want European quality, then you can order a cleaning station made in Finland. The choice is extensive, it all depends only on the excellent preferences of the cottage owner.

Exterior view of a septic tank on a dacha site

It is the most popular brand today. The installation is made of high-strength plastic, 15-16 cm thick, the design is characterized by high strength and is designed to withstand increased loads, which is especially important when pressure is unstable in winter and summer. With proper operation, the equipment will work properly for over 50 years.

The mechanism of operation of a septic tank is the step-by-step cleaning of the sewage system by settling and subsequent decomposition of the components by a biological filter with high productivity. The infiltrator allows you to properly distribute purified water in the soil.

Has a number of advantages:

• autonomy, energy independence;
• a special shape reliably holds the septic tank at the desired level in the ground;
• ease of maintenance;
• high degree of purification;
• saving consumables;
• ease of installation - no concreting is required for the foundation pit, convenient design ensures less excavation work;
• low cost.

With proper use of the equipment, cleaning can be done every 4-5 years. If you live in the house permanently, the manufacturer recommends cleaning the system intensively once a year.

2. Septic tank "Triton". The three-chamber design ensures proper removal of various suspensions and residues from the decomposition of biological materials from the material used, after which purified water is supplied to the filtration surface. The septic tank is available in several models; depending on your personal needs, you can choose a device with a volume from 2 to 40 m3.

If the system is used regularly, it is necessary to remove solids twice a year. Proper operation of the equipment will allow it to be used for over 50 years. During installation, it is necessary to equip an “anchor” or a concrete tank, which will allow the septic tank to be securely anchored in the ground.

For small country houses and baths, you can use compact models - “Triton-mini”, which ensure the processing of wastewater of a small volume.

3. Septic tank “TOPAS” refers to energy-dependent septic tanks; its operation requires a constant supply of electricity. Sewage water treatment includes several stages:

• decomposition of organic matter;
• qualitative decrease in the level of mineralization;
• removal of mechanical components.

The use of a TOPAS septic tank allows you to purify wastewater by 98%; such water can be suitable for irrigation of land.

The initial stage of cleaning takes place in the receiving chamber, where mechanical particles are deposited. In the next chamber, under the influence of active aerobic bacteria, decomposition of organic substances occurs. The sludge masses that come along with the water flow settle in the next tank. From there, the water is either sent to exit the system or returned for further use.

"TOPAS" has important advantages:

• automated operating principle of the device;
• effective wastewater treatment;
• absence of noise and unpleasant odor during operation;
• low energy consumption;
• compact sizes.

Depending on the water consumption and the number of residents, you can purchase different models of septic tank.

4. Biological treatment station UNILOS “Astra”. Deep cleaning stations are manufactured by the SBM-Group company; they combine two types of cleaning - mechanical and biological, effectively destroying pollution from the sewerage system and maintaining the environmental safety of the territory. The stations have several cameras and are characterized by important advantages:

• Easy installation method. The stations are delivered to the site assembled; no construction equipment is required for installation.
• Durability and reliability. The station body is made of durable polypropylene, which provides resistance to mechanical and chemical influences. Service life exceeds 50 years.
• Automated operating principle.
• Economical use of electricity.
• The system is cleaned of sludge particles using a drainage pump, no more than once every six months.

UNILOS stations are represented by a large range of models, modifications vary depending on the length of the pipeline and the depth of location. Insulated models are also available that can be used in low temperature conditions.

5. BioDeka deep cleaning stations. The equipment provides a multi-level cleaning system - mechanical, biological and chemical. The station is suitable for use in cottages, private houses, country houses, and large industrial facilities. It should be installed for a number of reasons:

• provides a high degree of purification;
• no unpleasant odors during operation;
• suitable for use in any type of soil and any climatic zones;
• Effectively cleans large volumes of wastewater of any consistency.

All presented brands have proven themselves in the market, have a well-thought-out design and a fairly high degree of sewage cleaning. Therefore, the choice remains only with the buyer.

If connecting to a centralized one is impossible, they choose to build an autonomous one. It is important to choose the right wastewater treatment method. There may be several options. Let's look at each of them and determine which septic tank is better.

All about choosing a septic tank

Types of waste disposal devices

A septic tank is a waterproof container in which wastewater is stored or treated. Equipment is classified according to the following criteria.

All units utilize wastewater, but do so in different ways. The degree of purification also varies. Based on this, several types are distinguished.

Septic tanks

Tanks of various capacities, completely sealed. They most often consist of one chamber, less often of two communicating compartments. Their function is to collect sewage, which is periodically removed by a sewer truck.

Advantages

• Can be placed anywhere on . The main thing is to leave a free entrance for the car.
• There is no need to equip a post-treatment system, for example, filtration fields that occupy a significant area. Moreover, they are difficult to install.
• High resistance to salvo discharges.
• Safe for the environment, provided that the seal is not broken.
• Energy independence and complete autonomy.

Flaws

There is, perhaps, only one drawback - the need for pumping.

Septic tanks

Consist of three or two chambers. Each one undergoes liquid purification. Depending on the design features and the type of “working” microorganisms, the water is clarified by 40-75%. Thus, anaerobic microorganisms are able to purify waste liquid by 40-60%.

Advantages

• Quite a high degree of wastewater treatment.
• Reliable, durable design.
• No power supply required.

Flaws

• Restrictions on installation in various types of soil.
• Permission for installation and operation is required.
• The need to regularly clean the first compartment from accumulated sludge. True, this happens much less frequently than pumping out the drive.
• Large area of ​​the underground part of the structure, taking into account infiltrators and drainage wells.

In addition, you will have to periodically purchase bacteria and biofilters necessary for normal functioning.

Deep biotreatment systems

A multi-chamber system where waste is decomposed by chemical, biological and mechanical methods.

At the end of the cycle, 96-97% purified water comes out. It is considered technical and is dumped into the ground or reservoir. No additional purification required. Good quality of purification is ensured by the vital activity of aerobic bacteria and forced aeration. Possibility of installation in any type of soil.

Advantages

• Compactness.
• They take up little space, given that installation of additional devices for post-treatment is not required.
• No regular pumping or cleaning necessary

Flaws

• The need to connect to the electrical network for the operation of aerators.
• Difficult maintenance. It is good that it is carried out regularly by specialists. Independent intervention will lead to incorrect operation of the equipment.
• Restrictions on the use of household chemicals. Some of them provoke the death of aerobes.
• The price is higher than that of other types of equipment.

Differences in the type of devices determine which septic tank to choose for a private home. For example, for a septic tank, a septic tank is suitable.

Criteria for choosing a septic tank for a country house

A competent choice of a recycling device is impossible without taking into account several defining criteria.

Materials

• Concrete monolith. Long lasting, very durable option. It is erected independently; formwork is used for installation. Quite difficult to manufacture.
• Reinforced concrete rings. Like the previous option, they are durable and last a long time. They need reliable sealing. They can only be installed using special equipment.
• or brick structures. They are erected from the bottom of the pit. Effective sealing is required, otherwise the material will collapse under the influence of moisture. Installation is difficult.
• Plastic tanks. Lightweight, relatively durable, and low in price. Insensitive to corrosion. Can be damaged by rodents and crack at low temperatures.
• Metal containers. Most often made of steel alloys. Durable, strong, sealed. Without effective protection, they are destroyed by corrosion.
• Fiberglass containers. Airtight, lightweight, durable. Chemically inert, do not crack at low temperatures. They last a long time.

Dimensions

Calculated based on the average daily flow rate. On average, 200 liters of waste liquid per person per day. According to the standards, the tank must have a minimum capacity of three days for each resident. A plus is a reserve of 25-30% in case guests come often. The technical documentation of factory models always indicates how many people they are designed for.

The estimated volume of waste liquid determines the number of sections. So, if it is less than 1 cubic meter. m, then choose a single-chamber waste disposal unit, less than 10 cubic meters. m - two-chamber, more than 10 cubic meters. m - three-chamber. The dimensions of homemade devices are chosen arbitrarily.

Soil type and groundwater level

The geological situation of the area influences the choice. A settling tank with or infiltration is installed only on sandy, pebble and gravel soils, on plastic and sandy loams. Groundwater should not reach at least 1 m to the structure. Clays, hard sandy loams, and loams are not able to pass or absorb liquid. Therefore, it is impossible to install post-treatment systems on them.

Here it is only possible to discharge it through sealed pipes into a centralized sewer system or into drainage ditches.

The best choice for clay soils would be sealed storage tanks or bioremediation stations. Highly rising groundwater also does not allow the installation of settling tanks complete with post-treatment. Only storage tanks or biological stations are possible.

Homemade or factory made

Sometimes owners refuse to purchase factory equipment. They make a choice in favor of homemade ones. Sometimes this is justified.

It is built from concrete rings, monolithic concrete, brick. Provided that the installation is carried out correctly, the result is a reliable, durable design. Sometimes old tires are used or just a pit is used. Such structures have a detrimental effect on the environment, polluting the soil around them. Factory-made containers made of plastic, and even more so fiberglass, will do the job better. Putting them in place is very simple. Septic tanks can also be made independently, but only the simplest models. After this, the liquid needs to be further purified and equipment installed for this purpose. If you need a completely safe, reliable design with a high degree of purification, you will have to buy it.

We conclude that a small storage device is sufficient for a temporary home. The advantage of this solution is that the mini-reservoir can be installed independently. Residential homes should be equipped with bio-treatment stations. Settlement devices equipped with post-treatment equipment can also be installed, but only if the terrain conditions allow it.

Rating of the best septic tanks for a country house

• "Topol", company "Eco-Grand". Purifies waste liquid by 99%. Maintenance is simplified due to the non-standard design of the first compartment. It is possible to clean the device yourself.
• "Eurobion" from "Yubas". The rhythm aeration tank allows the system to operate even if the sewer is not in constant use.
• "Triton" and "Tank" from "Triton-plastic". A wide range of septic tanks and storage tanks of different capacities. From mini and micro models to 10,000 liter tanks.
• "Astra" from Unilos." Performs effective multi-stage cleaning.

So, how to choose a septic tank for? It is necessary to accurately determine the volume of sewage, find out the type of soil, and the level of groundwater rise. All this will help you choose the type of device. All that remains is to select the material and volumes. The range of recycling systems is very wide, making a rational choice will not be difficult.

The times when you could simply use an outdoor toilet in dachas and country houses are long gone. Modern hygienic requirements have increased significantly, and now it is necessary to strictly monitor safety when handling household waste. Good septic tanks help solve the problem, but in order not to make a mistake with your choice, you need to carefully study their nuances.

Peculiarities

Connection to centralized sewer systems is not possible everywhere. Disposing of sewage and household waste using 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 inconvenience. This is the need to pay a certain amount of money even if the device is made by hand.

The operating principle of a storage type device is simple:

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

As for the second type of device, it works fundamentally differently. The simple accumulation of contaminants is replaced by their filtration, absorption and thorough neutralization. Complicating the design in this case is completely justified, since it allows the problem to be solved most effectively. 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 the type of plumbing equipment and the intensity of its work.

Regardless of the specific design, it is necessary to achieve a high level of wastewater purification so that it can be discharged into the ground without the threat of clogging. Typically, the flow of sewage entering through the sewer is directed to the source chamber, where it is divided into fractions. This leads to the fact that the largest solid particles settle to the bottom, and the relatively fine suspension reaches the next chamber. Specially selected anaerobic microorganisms deal with them there. As a result of biological influence, fermentation occurs and 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 odor everywhere.

The third chamber also plays a role, in which, using a filter of a special design, contaminants that have overcome the first two stages are captured. The filter is also 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.

After delivery to the site, fully finished specimens are lowered into a pre-formed pit. Those wastewater that managed to go through three stages of purification are completely safe in chemical and biological terms. You can safely redirect them to the filtration field and into the soil. The treatment plant, which complies with SNiP standards, successfully operates even in the harshest climatic conditions. It is not afraid of severe frosts and snowstorms, and some versions do not depend on power supply at all.

If for some reason you are not satisfied with factory products or there is a desire to save money, land owners can make a septic tank themselves.

For this purpose, completely finished 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 effects of sewage waste. Before installing septic tanks yourself, you should prepare drawings to eliminate errors and omissions. Sometimes 3-6 concrete rings are enough to complete the task.

How to choose and make it yourself?

When working on an autonomous sewer system, there are no trifles, because even the slightest mistakes and shortcomings can lead to serious consequences. It is advisable to consider first choosing a finished product, and then constructing it with your own hands. In both cases, you need to take into account:

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

When assessing the properties of any septic tank, whether homemade 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 flows of wastewater can also be passed through single-chamber septic tanks with a preliminary cleaning unit. In this case, household waste will be cleaned quite effectively. But if the total flow is more than 1 cubic meter. m. in 24 hours, we need a more productive model.

In its design, such a device often looks like a simple storage tank, which is systematically cleaned with your own hands or by calling a sewage disposal truck. For permanently used houses such solutions are unacceptable. Active accumulation of waste will provoke significant costs for the services of vacuum cleaners. Increased operating efficiency is typical for biological purification complexes.

Anaerobic wastewater treatment methods inevitably generate gases that are dangerous to people. 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 the tank should be placed horizontally or vertically in the soil;
• How many cleaning chambers are required?

Simple installation of concrete settling tanks from blocks of standard dimensions or by pouring concrete into formwork is accessible to almost everyone. The use of ready-made elements allows you not to worry about problems with the quality of manufacturing parts, but it increases the cost of construction. To transport concrete rings, you need powerful transport, and they are installed using special lifting machines. Self-filling is more economical, but it will take significantly more time. The settling tank will need to be operated only after the cement mixture has completely set.

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

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

Metal blocks are preferred where it is necessary to create geometrically complex overflow pipe complexes. Welding is used to install metal septic tanks. Connections to plastic pipes are made using flange systems, complemented by rubber cuffs. The strength and significant heaviness of steel bodies helps to avoid being pushed out by 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 manually, and the tightness of the connections created using the cuffs is completely 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.

Please note: the industry produces a number of products that are characterized by increased rigidity. This allows you to bury septic tanks in dry mode.

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

Both when making it yourself and when purchasing a ready-made kit, different methods of final soil cleaning can be used. Widespread:

• 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, soil category, height of soil water and their chemical aggressiveness. When one of the chambers is reserved for aerobic microscopic cleaning, it is supplemented with aerators, so you will have to take care of a stable power supply. An air pipe is laid between the parts of the septic tanks, compensating for the uneven pressure in them.

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

Kinds

A septic tank for a dacha with 2-3 residents can be made according to the cesspool option; This 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 is.

For permanent residence with a small amount of waste generated, it is preferable overflow systems. Such equipment produces partial waste treatment, and the tank will have to be emptied using special equipment on average once every two or three years. The soil filter fields that complement such septic tanks are made from 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 purification in the soil, cannot be used in clay soil with insufficient permeability to liquid. In addition, such a design is incompatible with the high position of the first horizon. For a private home, in many cases, more powerful and advanced 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 residents served is written on the packaging.

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

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

The increased efficiency of devices connected to the electrical network results in the need to constantly maintain strictly specified conditions.

Volatile devices are best installed on a turnkey basis with the help of specialists. Sewerage for country houses can be common to several buildings. The discharge should be planned so that it is above the soil water horizon. The hatch of the simplest storage system rises 10-15 cm above the soil. To less often call the machine for pumping, you should choose a product with a capacity for a month and a reserve of at least 1/5.

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

Local purification stations help reduce the intensity of bad odors as much as possible.

Compared to simple septic tanks, such devices are more expensive, since waste treatment is carried out not only by biological and mechanical methods. In addition to infiltrators, chemical treatment agents are also necessarily used. Such devices cannot be used for non-permanent areas. But the level of remaining contaminants is a maximum of 5% of the original 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 use of treated wastewater, it is allowed to pour it into natural reservoirs and various ditches. Sewage facilities can withstand several hours during a power outage, but no more. Therefore, it will be necessary to supplement the treatment plant with backup power systems, even if the energy networks in a particular area operate quite reliably.

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

Material

• Polyethylene structures do not have seams at all, so cracking and leaks are excluded. Synthetic material does not rot and is not prone to corrosion. Multilayer polyethylene works stably even in frosts of 30 degrees. Fiberglass blocks are considered no less high quality. They are stronger than polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, but the overall cost is much higher. Plastic is used mainly for commercial properties or for several private homes at once. Many fiberglass structures can meet the needs of up to 200 residents at a 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 is rarely used on its own because it can easily lose its seal, 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 wastewater.

• Depending on the designers’ decisions, the walls are made either continuous with special holes or with overflow projections. Brick blocks They are popular largely because waste material can be used in their construction. In this case, ensuring the tightness of the walls poses a serious problem. Building stone initially has many cracks and gaps. To cover these holes, special sealants or penetrating mastics are usually used. Brick septic tanks are beneficial for economic reasons; complex machines or professional skills are not required when working on them. Single brick masonry is allowed. A more reliable solution is to choose a structure made of concrete; they are very durable. But there is also a weak point - the need for complex 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 preparing the pit. As with the use of bricks, the tightness of the joints must be assessed as carefully as possible.

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

Analyzing the properties of various solutions, most experts give preference to plastic septic tanks.

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

• service life up to 50 years;
• resistance to extreme 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 foreign objects;
• Suitable for winter preservation without special preparation.

As for the use of other available materials, such steps are not approved by professionals. They can only be used in small dachas that 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 near the very surface of the soil. If these problems do not exist, it is recommended to use underground options.

Dimensions

It is important to take into account not only the properties of individual materials, but also the size of septic tanks. When calculating dimensions, we must not forget that the volume is calculated as the total volume of all component parts; it is calculated from the bottom to the pipe entry. In the first compartment, the counting is carried out from the lowest point to the overflow device, in the final one - to the place where liquid is discharged into drainage or filtration structures. It is worth considering that in the initial chambers the average volume of solid accumulation reaches 1/5 of the height. Therefore, it is subtracted if they want to know only the space where the liquid is located.

According to building codes and regulations, even for miniseptic tanks, the daily volume of water per user is 200 liters or 0.2 m3. The smallest storage facility is designed to operate without draining for 72 hours, this allows you 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 settling tank be able to completely neutralize liquid waste. Formally, it turns out that for one person you will have to install a tank with a capacity of 2.8 cubic meters. m.

In practice the situation is different; The standard consumption of the standard volume of water is rarely achieved; sometimes it is half as much. This happens in rarely used houses or among frugal people. And the rising cost of water resources forces us to conserve them more and more. The problem is that when small-volume septic tanks are discovered, sanitary authorities may issue orders for the installation of more powerful systems. And they will be completely right even from a purely practical position!

The reason is simple - wastewater contains many substances that are poorly processed or not absorbed by bacteria at all. Most often these are heavy fats, and therefore only the intake of a large amount of water can achieve normal lightening. This is important not only for compliance with hygiene requirements, but also for keeping the equipment safe and sound. If the filter elements and layers are overfilled with substances that are difficult to decompose, they will lose their throughput. We 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 arriving on call can take no more than 3.75 cubic meters. m. liquid. It is also 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. In order for settling and microbiological improvement to occur more effectively, it is recommended to use at least two-chamber complexes whenever possible.

The standardized height of the rings is 90 cm, and with an internal diameter of 1000 mm their volume is 0.7 m3. If the diameter increases by 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 the depth of the 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 more than 10 m is impractical, and the minimum pipeline slope is 3%. This indicator allows you to avoid freezing of pipes and reduce the risk of them filling with solid particles. The average depth of the waste 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 top insulation is made with EPS boards at least 5 cm thick.

Taking two meter rings, you can 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 pursue simplicity here. It should be taken into account that each pipe introduced into the septic tank must end with fittings pointing downwards. Tees that are open to the top are also used (this helps reduce debris buildup).

Colors

The color of the septic tank can be very different, but in any case you should avoid flashy and irritating shades. Concrete blocks look good on their own. It is recommended to use blue, white or black tones for optimal appearance. The paint for any septic tank must be resistant to harmful wastewater and damage from moving soils. Any most durable and stable composition will be suitable for solving this problem.

Manufacturers and reviews

The production of septic tanks is being improved year after year. Modern technologies allow us to solve any given problem. The leading positions in various ratings are occupied by:

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

Version "Tank" designed to combine mechanical and biological methods for clarification of domestic wastewater. The very first fragment of the septic tank is a settling tank; the initially purified liquid moves to the next chamber. There, auxiliary settling occurs and suspended particles precipitate. The third block of the “Tank” contains beneficial microorganisms - this increases 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% dirt in the water;
• acquisition of models with a variety of practical properties;
• complete exclusion 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 possibilities, the efficiency of the septic tank turns out to be insufficient, and it will not cope with a significant increase in the flow of sewage. Design "Topaz" It is excellently economical and works through aeration and the use of microorganisms. In normal mode, it is possible to purify the liquid by 98%. The developers took care of solid tightness and excellent anti-corrosion characteristics.

To install Topaz, you will have to prepare the pit carefully. A good recess must have special stiffening ribs, this ensures zero risk of deformation. The first compartment is capable of separating solid matter from the wastewater, only then the mixture is purified using oxygen. Purified water can be used in a wide variety of ways. But Topaz is highly dependent on electrical energy.

Firm "DSK" tried to make a three-chamber product, where two segments become settling tanks, and the third is equipped with a biological filter. Decomposed and clarified sewage moves into the soil filter layer.

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

Septic tanks "Ecoline" According to the manufacturer, they are the best choice for summer seasonal use. If installed correctly, they can be used regularly. The system has only two cameras, which have no electrical components. The entrance chamber is much larger than the exit chamber, which is responsible for gravitational brightening. Additional purification is carried out in the soil.

The cost-effectiveness of Ecoline does not allow us to consider their septic tanks as the optimal solution. The fact is that the amount of remaining contaminants is as much as 40%. In addition, it will not be possible to use such systems in places with high soil water levels. Without enhanced cleaning by other means, there is a high probability of contamination of soil horizons with microorganisms. Equipment of the Kedr brand certainly requires cleaning with special equipment.

At the inlet, primary filtration is carried out, and the water cleared of sediment passes into the second block, where it is clarified deeper. Then the flow moves up and down, reaching the fixed microflora. The final compartment is responsible for the accumulation of waste.

Finnish manufacturers Uponor and Green Rock deliver products of excellent quality and excellent reliability. The highest characteristics of genuine Scandinavian goods, unlike fakes, do not allow them to be sold cheaply.

Uponor's selection has three main subtypes.

• Products "Sako" They are distinguished by partial sedimentation of sewage and autonomy. A filtration section in the soil must be completed, otherwise the surrounding area will be a very unpleasant place.

• For dachas you can also place products from 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 treatment. All equipment of this brand combines the efforts of special reagents and microflora. This technique allows you to develop a local sewer system from scratch and significantly improve the existing one.

The Bio device requires periodic disposal of used filter blocks and special reagents and replacing them with fresh portions. Products from the Sako group do not resist cold well enough. In the most northern regions you will need to either install 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 connecting prefabricated parts.

Successful examples and options

In addition to choosing the appropriate brands and models of septic tanks, you need to pay attention to the components that complement the cleaning system. The use of devices with a biofilter (colonies of anaerobic organisms) allows you to do without connecting to the electrical network. Microbes can get the energy they need by breaking down organic matter without oxygen. Carbohydrates and various amino acids contained in sewage are broken down into low-molecular compounds that are safe for the natural environment. An anaerobic biological filter is made as a plastic container, divided into fragments 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 breaks down when passing through the biofilter into simple soluble substances and sludge deposits. The sludge will have to be removed, but in many cases it is used as fertilizer.

Typical fillers:

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

Typically, the distribution of microbes in biological filters is made uniform over the surface, and if their supply is 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. Safety is completely guaranteed.

In addition to organic filtration means, septic tanks are often equipped with a grease trap. In gravity drains, fatty deposits become a serious hazard and increase the likelihood of blockages and blockages. Grease traps must be installed at production facilities and in places where many people live. Private homeowners do not have such regulations, but it is better to protect your system in advance before problems arise. The design and operating principle are quite simple.

When water penetrates the inlet pipes, the first chamber begins to fill. As this filling occurs, the fat particles rise to the top because they are lighter than water. Next, the fat reaches a special tray, where it gradually accumulates. The liquid released from it moves to another compartment, which ensures the residual breakdown of fats. For this purpose, the most powerful and effective methods are used, and when the equipment finishes its work, the water flows into the drain.

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

Waste separation is sometimes carried out using a physical-chemical method. The essence is the use of special reagents capable of binding single particles into large collections. Such agglomerates can be more easily removed from the liquid by mechanical filters. But even with precipitation cleaning in special chambers or settling tanks, chemical pre-treatment helps 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. The bubbles go to the top. This technique works best with significant heating of wastewater, in which the fat is practically dissolved. The mechanical technique consists of using special membranes with finely dispersed cells. The pace of work turns out to be too slow, the filter quickly becomes dirty due to the strong influx of fats.

But the overall efficiency of fat extraction will be very high. The solution is suitable for filtering wastewater regardless of its temperature and degree of dissolution. The coalescent approach relies on the ability of fats to be drawn into specific structures and settle. The emulsified fat in the filter chamber, subject 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 moments of inertia. Therefore, during rotation in the centrifuge, separation of various substances occurs. The body of any grease trap is sealed, but it can always be disassembled. Inlet and outlet pipes are connected to the device.

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

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

The housings are divided into at least two segments, which allow you to receive wastewater, filter it and discharge clean liquid into the waste pipe. Regardless of the design solution, mechanical filtration, an intake apparatus and a liquid level indicator are used. Manual collection of accumulated contaminants is practical for a private home, where high productivity is not needed anyway.

Plastic grease traps are used when it is necessary to neutralize a small amount of wastewater, and therefore they are ideal for domestic purposes. Perfect environmental safety and ease of maintenance allow you to avoid any problems.

Molding and molding of plastics produces a wide range of different shapes. The attachment is made to the pipe itself (in a compact version). For maximum efficiency, free-standing devices are well suited; they are easy and comfortable to use. In addition, in stand-alone devices the capacity of the dirt compartment is larger. Fiberglass products are similar to simple plastic ones in their structural diversity.

The susceptibility to all the main reagents found in everyday life and in waste water is very low for fiberglass. The special composition does not affect the lightness, but the rigidity to mechanical damage is very high. Stainless steel grease traps are considered the most durable and stable, effectively resisting chemical and physical destroyers. 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; the fees for metal appliances are higher than for 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 precisely the instructions of the building codes and regulations adopted in the Russian Federation. Septic tanks perform mechanical cleaning of sludge, ferment the sludge itself, and turn it into a mineral composition suitable for fertilizing farmland. The water will be precisely purified in the necessary way, either in one or in several chambers.

But handling sludge is a more delicate matter. In a single section, sedimentation of suspension occurs non-uniformly; closer to the entrance, 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. This will prevent water clogging in subsequent parts and simplify the cleaning process. In addition, the environmental characteristics of the final flow will be the best.

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

It is almost impossible to clean soil filter systems; you will have to spend a lot of money to update them. 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 take into account that septic tank equipment with microbiological cleaning forces you to use only detergents that are safe for microorganisms. In addition, at temperatures of 4 degrees and below, microbial activity is zero, and therefore the cleaning efficiency drops sharply.

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

• They should not be brought closer than 5 m 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 a well or a replacement well drilled in clay soil is at least 20 m. If the ground is composed of sandy rocks, this gap increases to 50 m.
• You can bring the septic tank closer to the road at most 5 m, and there should be at least 100 cm to any type of fence.

It is very important to prepare the place in such a way that a car with a pump can drive there. As an option, it is practiced to equip the container with a fecal pump. The sludge extracted from the outside can be used as vegetable and garden fertilizer. A capacity of 150-200 liters for each resident allows you to confidently use bathrooms and toilets, a washing machine, and wash dishes.

The gap from the cover to the wastewater surface 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 microbes. The geometric shape of the septic tank is not particularly important; it is not reflected in the level of operating efficiency and quality of wastewater treatment. But there is another consideration - round equipment allows you to save construction materials.

When using brick, a rounded structure will help to use 10-15% fewer blocks. Rounding allows you to better tolerate the load that occurs when the soil moves. It is advisable to make monolithic two-chamber systems in the form of a square or rectangle. Such forms make it easier to obtain formwork where concrete needs to be poured. Filled elements can be made with your own hands, and it is only slightly more expensive than simple brick elements.

When board panels are placed on both sides, the pits must be made 0.4 - 0.5 m wider than the size of the tank (including the walls). If you plan to pour the solution into the gaps between the soil and formwork, digging a pit is carried out according to the external dimensions of the septic tank. When calculating the cost of work, you need to take into account the fee for removing the extracted soil. It is quite possible to get by with planar reinforcement. But bulk reinforcing frames will be completely redundant for a septic tank; they will only complicate installation and increase its cost.

To learn how to make a septic tank at your dacha with your own hands, see below.