How to choose the right septic tank for a summer residence

Varieties

As practice shows, an autonomous sewage project should be drawn up at the design stage.

Not only the factors mentioned above are taken into account

It is important to be aware of the future load and to choose the right utilizer. Today there are several varieties

Drives

This is one of the best types of country septic tank for home (especially for those who live in warm weather).

The accumulative type of devices is usually represented by a sealed design that prevents sewage from entering the ground. Tanks of different capacities are usually based on one chamber (sometimes two communicating compartments). Their task is to collect, accumulate sewage.

pros

1. They are installed anywhere on the site (with access roads for cars left).
2. There is no need to equip a post-treatment system (for example, filtration fields).
3. They have a high degree of resistance to volley discharges.
4. Environmentally friendly with integral tightness.
5. Completely autonomous and non-volatile.

Minuses

The main disadvantage is the extra expenses due to calling a sewage truck.

By the way: professionals do not recommend saving on volume. So, units with a volume of 1 cubic meter or less do not perform their functions with increasing loads. The storage tank must be the right size.

Settling tanks

Full-fledged two- or three-chamber chambers providing multi-stage cleaning.

The design and type of "working" microorganisms affect water clarification (by 40-75%). Anaerobic microorganisms clean up drains 40-60%.

Represented by units of a closed type. Ideal for country houses where the family lives on a permanent basis.

pros

1. High level of wastewater treatment.
2. Reliability and durability.
3. Complete energy independence.

Minuses

1. Not all soils are installed.
2. It is necessary to issue a permit for installation and operation.
3. Regular cleaning of the first compartment from silt.
4. You often have to buy bacteria and biofilters.
5. A large volume of the underground part of the unit, taking into account infiltrators and drainage wells.

Deep biological treatment station

This is a separate type of device that operates without pumping (performed once every 5-8 years). Due to several degrees of effective cleaning, it provides a full-fledged local sewage system.

It is represented by a multi-chamber design, where waste is decomposed in several ways (chemical, mechanical and biological).

pros

1. Small sizes.
2. Takes up little space.
3. Does not require regular pumping and installation of additional devices for post-treatment.
4. Purified water is discharged directly into the soil.

Minuses

1. Aerators require an electrical connection to operate.
2. A complex service that only a specialist can handle.
3. The choice of household chemicals is limited.
4. High price.

The best septic tanks for home and garden

Rostok Countryside 49 800 This two-chamber septic tank has a capacity of 2400 liters, so that in a private house it will not bother you with an unnecessarily frequent need for pumping. Interestingly, the design of the septic tank allows you to improve it by installing an external biofilter from the same manufacturer. In this case, the septic tank itself will serve as a sump, and the pump installed in its second chamber will begin to drive partially filtered effluents for biological treatment. However, the price of such a design will be comparable to "ready-made" bioseptic tanks, inferior to them in efficiency due to the lack of recycling in the proposed scheme. Therefore, it is more reasonable to purchase a septic tank of this model as an independent design. Incoming wastewater passes through two stages of purification - through a strainer and sorption.The manufacturer indicates that they need to be cleaned regularly: this is perhaps the most unpleasant procedure that you will have to face after purchase. The seamless container itself is made of polyethylene: this reduces the price, while the developed stiffening ribs and the barrel shape provide sufficient strength. Main advantages: Capacity sufficient for private houses "with a margin" Strength and durability Possibility of installation inside the drainage pump Minuses: The need for periodic cleaning of filters

9.7 / 10 Rating Reviews Good quality, and the volume of the septic tank for a country house is sufficient. You don't have to pump very often.

What to choose?

When choosing which septic tank to install for a summer residence, you first need to decide on the budget. If the sewer is planned to be installed for a small country house with infrequent visits, then it is rational to make it yourself to save money.

If you need a drainage device in a country house of a large area by several people, with regular use, then a more complex cleaning system is needed. Factory options are faster and easier to install, but are much more expensive. The model must be selected in accordance with:

• with natural conditions;
• time of stay;
• the presence of electricity.

When choosing a septic tank, it is worth critically evaluating the power supply system. If there are periodic outages that can lead to a failure in the sewer system, it is worth considering non-volatile models or installing a backup power source. Even if it is financially possible to purchase and install a complex sewer system, it will not be possible to install it if there is no place.When weighing the parameters, you must immediately determine the place and calculate the required area, taking into account the rise of the soil. In addition, sewerage for a summer residence is significantly different from the drain system in a residential country house. Features to consider:

• use in the warm season and suspension of operation in the autumn-winter period;
• suitability for powerful and irregular discharge of wastewater.

On average, the capacity of a simple septic tank for a summer cottage will cost an amount approximately equal to 25,000 rubles. Bio-treatment systems for a large private house, consisting of several chambers, will cost about 100,000 rubles and more. Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of models of various price ranges, so before purchasing it is advisable to study the most popular models and their technical characteristics.

Types of waste disposal devices

A septic tank is a watertight container in which sewage accumulates or is processed. Classify the equipment according to such criteria.

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

Septic tanks

Tanks of various capacities, completely sealed. Most often they consist of one chamber, less often of two communicating compartments. Their function is to collect sewage, which is periodically taken out by a sewage machine.

Advantages

• Can be placed anywhere on the property. 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. Plus, they are hard to install.
• High resistance to volley discharges.
• Safe for the environment, provided that the tightness is not compromised.
• Energy independence and complete autonomy.

Flaws

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

Septic tanks

Consist of three or two chambers. In each, the liquid is purified. Depending on the design features and the type of "working" microorganisms, water is clarified by 40-75%. Thus, anaerobic microorganisms are able to purify the waste liquid by 40-60%.

Instagram profstroimontag

An additional chamber, in which a biofilter with aerobic bacteria is installed, improves the result by up to 70-80%. In any case, installation of post-treatment systems is required: filtration fields, etc.

Advantages

• Sufficiently high degree of wastewater treatment.
• Reliable durable construction.
• Electricity supply is not required.

Flaws

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

In addition, you will have to periodically buy bacteria and biofilters necessary for the normal functioning of the septic tank.

Deep biotreatment systems

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

Instagram septiknara2019

At the end of the cycle, 96-97% purified water comes out. It is considered technical, it is dumped into the ground or a reservoir. Post-cleaning is not required. A good quality of purification is ensured by the vital activity of aerobic bacteria and forced aeration.Possibility of installation in soils of any type.

Advantages

• Compactness.
• They take up little space, given that the installation of additional devices for post-treatment is not required.
• Regular pumping or cleaning is not necessary

Flaws

• The need to connect to the mains for the operation of aerators.
• Difficult service. It is good that it is regularly carried out 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 other types of equipment.

Instagram volgarseptik

The ideal solution for country mansions is a bio-cleaning station. A septic tank can be installed in both cases. This is a universal solution.

How to bring the sewer to the septic tank

Judging by the standards, the sewer pipe to the septic tank will have to be at least 7-8 meters. So the trench will be long. It should go with a bias:

• pipe diameter 100-110 mm, slope 20 mm per linear meter;
• 50 mm in diameter - slope 30 mm/m.

Please note that it is undesirable to change the level of inclination in either direction. In the direction of increase can be a maximum of 5-6 mm

Why not more? With a large slope, the water will run off very quickly, and heavy inclusions will move much less. As a result, the water will leave, and the solid particles will remain in the pipe. You can imagine the consequences.

The second important condition is that the pipe should not freeze through. Solutions two

The first is to dig below the freezing depth, which, taking into account the slope, gives a solid depth. The second is to bury about 60-80 cm, and insulate from above.

Scheme of country sewerage with a septic tank

How deep to dig the tuba

In reality, the depth to which you will bury the sewer pipe coming from the house depends on the location of the septic tank, or rather, its inlet. The septic tank itself must be arranged so that there is only a lid on the surface of the soil, and the entire “body”, including the neck, is in the ground. Having buried a septic tank (or having decided on its type and model), you will know where to bring the pipe, the required slope is also known. Based on these data, you can calculate at what depth you need to make an exit from the house.

This area of ​​work also has its own nuances. So it is better to dig a trench immediately to the desired depth. If you have to add soil, it must be very well tamped - not just throw in the earth, walk with a rammer to a high density. This is necessary, because just the laid soil will settle, and the pipe will sag with it. In the place of subsidence, a traffic jam forms over time. Even if it manages to break through, periodically it will appear there again.

Install pipes correctly

Warming

One more thing: the laid and hermetically connected pipe is covered with a layer of sand about 15 cm thick (so much should be above the pipe), the sand is shed, lightly rammed. EPPS with a thickness of at least 5 cm is laid on the sand, on both sides of the pipe it must go to a distance of at least 30 cm. The second option sewer pipe insulation - the same EPPS, but in the form of a shell of a suitable size.

Special insulation for pipes - shell

Other heaters are not recommended. Mineral wool, when wet, loses its properties - it simply stops working. Styrofoam collapses under pressure. If you build a full-fledged sewer trench with walls and a lid, then you can do it.But if the sewer pipe is laid in the ground, the foam may crumple. The second point is that mice like to gnaw on it (EPPS - they don’t like it).

The choice of a septic tank depending on operating conditions and soil type

Installing a septic tank is not the cheapest pleasure, therefore, before deciding on the choice of a particular design, it is necessary to take into account their operational characteristics, seasonal demand and the characteristics of the soil in which they will be installed.

What septic tanks are better to use for summer cottages for year-round living

If the financial issue is not the main one, then for a house with permanent residence, the best option would be a deep biological treatment plant. Despite the high initial price, it has a rather short payback period - this is the best septic tank for giving without pumping out waste. Of course, there will be waste when using any cleaning system, but in this case they can be removed on their own and used as fertilizer.

The main advantage of this system is the possibility of using it in any conditions, as the result of the work is clean water and environmentally friendly sludge. The disadvantages include the possibility of bacteria dying if you do not use the sewer for about two weeks, and the intolerance of chlorine and similar active chemical compounds by microorganisms.

All other cleaning systems will be more expensive to operate, which over time will cover the original price, or harm the environment, because they cannot provide an adequate level of cleaning.

Which septic tank is better for giving with non-permanent residence

In this case, it all depends on the period of time during which the sewer is not actively used in the country. If the owners come for the whole summer, then you can consider the option with a biological treatment system or with a biofilter, but you will have to spend about $ 15 before arrival. to buy a new batch of bacteria.

In any other case, you can use other types of septic tanks, focusing more on the nature of the soil in which it will be installed. It is also worth considering that the design of a septic tank with an infiltrator and an intermediate well allows it to withstand significant salvo discharges of wastewater.

Which septic tanks are suitable for use on clay soils

In addition to universal biological treatment systems, on soils with poor water absorption, the best solution would be to use a septic tank with an infiltrator and an intermediate well. This choice is due to the ability of the septic tank to prevent the reverse flow of water if it has not had time to soak into the ground. When installing such a system, one must remember about its volatility - the pump needs electricity to operate.

In case of emergency, on clay soils, you can use a septic tank with a filtration well, but at the same time it will have to be cleaned more often than the estimated time. The use of a septic tank with a filtration field is not recommended, as there is a possibility of a backflow in the sump tanks.

Which septic tanks should be used with a high level of groundwater

A high groundwater level often leads to the same problems as soils with low liquid absorption - when the filtration elements are filled, the water from them will go back to the septic tanks.This makes it impossible to use structures in which drains pass from section to section by gravity.

In this case, there are only two options that are most suitable:

• a septic tank with an infiltrator with an intermediate well, in which there is a check valve, and an electric pump supplies water to the infiltrator;
• any of the biological treatment systems - they are all powered by electricity, and their containers are sealed, and do not allow groundwater to enter the system.

Materials for septic tanks

For the manufacture of sewerage for individual use, various materials can be used. Due to the fact that the conditions of the landscape and soil in different areas can differ significantly both in the type of soil and in climatic conditions, then what is ideally suited for another may not be suitable for installing one. In small areas or places of infrequent visits, septic tanks can be built from improvised means, for example, from old tires or iron barrels. But in permanent residences, the most commonly used are:

• plastic;
• brick;
• concrete;
• metal.

For clay soils and loams, the use of concrete and bricks may be at risk of cracking during the off-season. And for areas with a high level of groundwater, metal may not be suitable due to the high risk of corrosion.

Plastic

Plastic septic tanks are made by extrusion under high pressure and have a particularly strong frame. Sand is added to the raw material, which gives additional density to the material. On some types of structures, stiffeners are additionally installed, which gives them maximum strength. Distinctive features of individual plastic sewers:

• the possibility of using for a long time;
• tolerates environmental influences well;
• low weight of the structure;
• the density of the material ensures complete tightness, which ensures the safety of the environment.

The low weight is a significant advantage for the installation process. But during use in heaving soils, it can be pushed out due to the movement of the earth layers. Therefore, to make the structure static, the pit is prepared in advance with a concrete foundation. The second option may be the use of special weighting agents.

Brick

Brick sewers in the country have long become commonplace. The material for such septic tanks can be used secondary, which in the end is much cheaper than buying a new one. The order of work is simple and clear. The technology does not involve complex or too hard physical labor, therefore, brick containers have long been made, often on their own. Design advantages:

• the possibility of independent work;
• no need to hire expensive construction equipment;
• you can mount the walls of the old brick, the main thing then is to ensure isolation from the environment;
• inexpensive.

The installation of a drainage system involves the complete sealing of joints and seams that may occur when connecting bricks. In order to isolate the soil from the ingress of untreated sewage, it is necessary to carefully cover the gaps that appeared during laying with building sealant or special mastic.

Concrete

A concrete septic tank is particularly durable, which only gets stronger over time. Such structures, built according to all the rules, can serve for a very long time. There are two mounting options:

• prefabricated, from reinforced concrete rings;
• poured.

In the first case, the assembly passes according to the principle of digging a well. The earth is dug up, removed from the resulting hole and the ring is loaded. The process is then repeated until the required depth is reached. The seams between the rings must be smeared with sealant or mastic. For such structures, rings with a locking type of connection are preferred.

For the installation of a solid-flow septic tank, it is necessary to dig a pit. You can do this yourself, but the process will be faster and easier with the help of special construction equipment. After the end of the digging, reinforcement is knitted, formwork is arranged and then concrete is poured.

Metal

Metal containers are used to create septic tanks in suburban areas least of all. The reason for this was the material itself. Reasons for the risk:

• the possibility of deformation due to the circulation of soils;
• appearance of rust.
• Relatively short period of use.

Most often, metal containers are buried as septic tanks in the case when it is not possible to use other materials. Also, a metal septic tank can be considered if the house is used irregularly. Otherwise, it is advisable to choose another option.

Tips for choosing a septic tank

After you have dealt with the main parameters for choosing a septic structure, you should listen to the advice given by experts.

It is better to purchase a septic tank that requires minimal maintenance. A simply arranged structure requires practically no control.

If possible, choose equipment that is independent of electricity. Save yourself the extra hassle of finding, transporting and installing a generator, plus its maintenance.

It is necessary to organize the discharge of treated water into the ground, and not onto the relief. Otherwise, an ecological disaster may happen on your site.

So, what to choose a suitable septic tank for a summer residence, you need to take into account the water consumption, the type of soil of the site and your financial capabilities. There is nothing difficult in choosing a septic design, if you take the matter seriously.

Popular models of septic tanks

All models from a wide range of septic tanks are conventionally divided into three groups.

Accumulative septic tanks, in other words, containers for storing sewage. Ground cleaning is not provided for them. In fact, these septic tanks are a sealed cesspool, so you will have to prepare for frequent meetings with a sewage truck. But the plus is that storage plants are simple in terms of device, installation and maintenance, as well as are of low cost.

Storage septic tank

Septic tank with soil aftertreatment. Such treatment facilities are usually sold together with an infiltrator, a piping system for arranging a filtration field, a drainage tunnel or a filtration well.

Scheme: septic tank device with soil post-treatment

Deep treatment stations are compact structures in which the process of biological processing and wastewater treatment is not less than 95%, but they also need a soil post-treatment system. The cost of such septic tanks is an order of magnitude higher than the rest.

Scheme: deep cleaning station device

Storage tank material

The design of any septic tank involves the use of one or more tanks located underground. They can be made independently or purchased ready-made, the main requirement is that a sufficient level of tightness is observed, and the surface is resistant to aggressive chemical elements.

Container made of reinforced concrete rings

This is one of the most durable and resistant to various impact materials. After installing such a container, you can not be afraid that within a few years the structure will be washed away by groundwater, and it will collapse. True, it must be borne in mind that in addition to the purchase and delivery, most likely, you will also have to pay for the installation of rings in the pit. Also, in addition to the rings themselves, it will be necessary to purchase reinforced concrete circles for the bottom of the tank and the top, into which the ventilation hatch is mounted.

Plastic storage containers

One of the most reliable materials in terms of tightness and resistance to acids, alkalis and other aggressive components of groundwater and sewage. Of all the materials suitable for building septic tanks, plastic is the lightest and allows manual installation with a minimum number of assistants.

With caution, it should only be used in areas with moving loose soils.

Monolithic reinforced concrete structure

It is made according to the foundation principle: it is poured directly at the installation site using a removable formwork, in which the cement-sand mixture solidifies. For greater strength, reinforcement is mandatory, and for resistance to groundwater, a waterproofing layer is applied to the outer walls after the formwork is removed.

metal containers

Metal containers for septic tanks are also being produced at the present time. The advantage of these septic tanks can be called their strength. The most pronounced disadvantage is corrosion, which in aggressive environments leads to the rapid destruction of such containers. First of all, the joints are destroyed. Before use, all metal containers are treated with anti-corrosion agents, but it must be understood that all these agents will protect the container only for a while, after which active corrosion of the metal will begin.

Features of a septic tank from barrels with their own hands

The barrel cleaning system is carried out according to the same principle as other septic tank options. It may consist of two or three chambers. The process of moving wastewater in the tank is carried out by gravity. To achieve this effect, installation should be performed below the level of the sewer pipes.

This type of structure can be operated for several years. To increase the terms of effective use, it is recommended to check the first container for the formation of blockage or siltation in it. The volume of the septic tank is increased by installing an additional barrel.

Septic tank made of concrete rings and a metal barrel

The cleaning system is made on the basis of plastic or metal barrels. The main condition for quality is tightness. Metal tanks require special anti-corrosion treatment with protective agents. Therefore, many owners of suburban areas prefer structures made of plastic barrels.

Advantages of plastic elements:

• an extensive range;
• simple installation system (no additional material preparation is required before installation);
• high degree of resistance to the aggressive effects of effluents;
• long service life;
• high rate of tightness (good protection of the system from seepage of waste or penetration of groundwater into the interior);
• light weight (simplifies the installation process, eliminates the need for heavy special equipment).

Septic tank from plastic barrels easy to install and durable

Features of installing a septic tank from plastic barrels

It is not difficult to equip a sewerage system from plastic barrels. If black drains are not allowed, this type of cleaning structure will not require much maintenance. For drains from the toilet, you will need to call the sewers.

An example of a septic tank made of plastic barrels

Installation step by step:

1. Making holes on two containers (holes are placed in the upper part, their size corresponds to the diameter of the flange).
2. Making a hole in one container to accommodate a fan pipe.
3. Works on waterproofing joints (it is recommended to use mastic).
4. Fastening pipes for drainage into holes previously prepared on the side.
5. Organizations at the bottom of the excavation of a concrete base 25 cm thick (for the first chamber, which will be placed higher than the second).
6. Connecting containers to each other.
7. Installation of a drainage pipe system (rubble is used as a drainage filter).
8. Checking the angle of inclination of pipes with a building level (permissible slope angle is 2 cm per meter of length).
9. Falling asleep structure.
10. Check for leaks and fill the system with water.

Preparing a pit for a septic tank