If there is no possibility of connecting to a centralized sewerage main, owners country houses we have to take care of arranging local wastewater treatment systems. Septic tanks can help with this without affecting the environment. There are many types of such devices. Therefore, those who decided to install local sewerage in your area, the question arises of which one to choose.
The main classification of systems for recycling wastewater from a private home is based on the principle of operation.
- Storage containers are the simplest option. They are sealed containers. Sewage enters these containers and accumulates there, which needs to be pumped out, periodically calling the sewer truck.
- A septic tank with post-treatment carried out in the soil is a fairly simple option for wastewater treatment. Such stations are formed by 1 or 2 reservoirs in which sedimentation of large particles and oxygen-free decomposition of pollutants occurs. The degree of purification in anaerobic devices is not very high; water cannot be discharged into the environment. For this reason, it is necessary to equip a soil post-treatment stage, where the remaining contaminants will be retained in the filter media layer.
- A special feature of biological aerobic treatment stations is the additional stage of wastewater treatment by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen. To do this, a compressor is built into the septic tank, pumping air.
Note! Choosing a location on the site for placing septic tanks that carry out aerobic or anaerobic wastewater treatment must take into account sanitary rules.
Ready-made options are available on the market various companies, but with certain skills you can make them yourself, for example, from concrete rings. Material, along with design and other important parameters, is one of the factors that is taken into account when choosing a septic tank.
Online calculator for the required volume of a septic tank based on the number of residents and water use patterns
If you try to decide which septic tank is better for a dacha with 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 individual case the best solution will be something different. But in any case, the character itself seasonal residence already imposes some fundamental restrictions on the choice of design.
Exist 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 we take a strict approach, then this is not a septic tank, but simply a container for collecting wastewater, 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 tank. Now it's required condition, non-compliance with which is punishable as damage to the land. Therefore, instead of a “pit,” a finished container is buried in the ground or made from reinforced concrete (prefabricated or monolithic).
Anaerobic. This is a classic example of an underground local treatment station, where wastewater, in the process of flowing from chamber to chamber, is separated and processed by bacteria without access to oxygen. The degree of purification reaches 60-70%, and 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 full cycle wastewater treatment with aerobic bacteria to a level of 95-98%. This is an energy-dependent species, since for the life of microorganisms it is necessary forced submission air.
Comparison of the characteristics of the aerobic septic tank BARS-Aero and TOPAS
Advantages and disadvantages of septic tanks in dacha conditions
Each type has its own set of advantages:
A storage septic tank for summer living is still one of the most popular options. The advantages include: low price, simple device, ability to accept all types of wastewater, regardless of their “acid-base” balance. It is not subject to the regulations on minimum distance from water sources, residential buildings and site boundaries - the wastewater is kept inside a sealed container for the entire period between pumping.
The only drawback is the need to frequently call a 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 wastewater is divided into gray and black, and the water drained from the shower stall, bathhouse and washbasin is drained into its own filter or drainage well.
Effluent from a storage septic tank without electricity must be pumped out periodically
An anaerobic septic tank consists of two or three chambers connected in one housing or separated into separate containers. By correctly selecting the volume of chambers and their relationship to each other, the productivity and degree of wastewater treatment are regulated to a “clarified” state, which allows them to be discharged into soil treatment and filtration devices.
Anaerobic septic tanks are energy-independent. The entire liquid part of the wastewater is ultimately discharged into the ground. Containers are cleaned only of solid fractions that settle at the bottom of sealed chambers during the process of separation and processing by bacteria. The frequency of pumping can range from several months to several years - it depends on the volume of wastewater, the number of residents and visitors, and the length of stay. This the best option septic tank for a summer residence without electricity (even when it is available). But provided that the size of the site and its plan allow the installation to be carried out without violating the requirements of the regulations.
The main disadvantage is the rather strict requirements for location relative to water intake, reservoirs, residential buildings and site boundaries. In addition, when constructing 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 construction companies who offer design and installation services for sewerage and water supply. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.
An aerobic septic tank, despite almost complete wastewater treatment, is rarely used for non-permanent residences. To create living conditions for microflora that process wastewater, a constant flow of air is required, which is ensured by the operation of the compressor.
When the electricity is turned off, aerobic bacteria die, and to start a septic tank, a fairly 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” wastewater 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, after startup it takes 2-3 weeks to reach the design level of cleaning. That is, if they live at the dacha in the summer, then it should be turned on in the spring and turned off in the fall.
For the same reason, such a septic tank is not suitable for operation in winter when there is no permanent residence at the dacha, when people come here only on weekends.
For the life of bacteria that live in an aerobic septic tank, a constant influx of wastewater is necessary - during long interruptions in work, the colony of bacteria 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, the wastewater is divided into fractions and clarified with the help of anaerobic bacteria; in the second, purification with aerobic bacteria occurs.
The advantage of this configuration over the previous option is considered to be higher productivity and less load on the biological phase of purification by aerobic microorganisms. But these are energy-dependent models that have the same disadvantages as septic tanks for non-permanent residences.
Septic tank materials
In both types of septic tanks for non-permanent residences, there must be a container with a sealed bottom and walls.
Septic tanks made of polymers
If you choose among ready-made models, septic tanks are made from durable polymers that are not subject to corrosion and can withstand prolonged exposure aggressive environment. These include polyethylene low pressure, polypropylene and fiberglass.
All factory containers are designed for a certain pressure both from the inside when filled with wastewater, and from the outside as a result of soil pressure - the thickness of the walls and a set of stiffening ribs guarantee a constant shape.
Most often, factory septic tanks are made using plastic containers.
Each type of polymer has its own disadvantages, but they are not fundamental. home general feature- low weight of the container. Even when full specific gravity the septic tank, taking into account the solid fractions of wastewater, does not exceed 1100 kg/m 3, and even near the ground bulk density not less than 1500 kg/m 3, not to mention the compacted state in natural form. Therefore, heaving forces will tend to push the septic tank upward, especially if it is empty. When installing plastic septic tank, it must be secured to a solid base in the form concrete slab. And on very heaving soils it is recommended to do backfill pit with excavated soil mixed with sand.
Note! In any case, during a long break the container should not remain empty. The standard recommendation for a period of absence is to fill it to 3/4 of the volume so that the walls can better withstand soil pressure and the colony of anaerobic bacteria does not die out completely.
Video description
Biological sewage treatment stations for non-permanent residences have their own conservation process for winter period. Everything is clearly shown in the video:
Metal septic tanks
Polymer septic tanks have replaced metal containers, but they are still found. Among the offers on the metal septic tank market there are three types of containers:
factory products with fixed characteristics;
production to order custom sizes;
sale of used steel tanks and containers for technical liquids, which are modified for storage septic tanks.
Unlike polymer ones, such containers have a large margin of safety: the minimum metal thickness is 4 mm, and for large-volume containers - 8-12 mm. But the service life of metal septic tanks summer cottage, even with anti-corrosion treatment, is lower than that of plastic ones.
Reinforced concrete rings
One of the most popular materials when installing sewer systems for non-permanent residences is reinforced concrete rings of the KS series. They come in different diameters and heights, which allow you to create a structure of optimal volume.
Advantages: high strength and stability in the ground. Concrete has a tendency to get wet during prolonged contact with a humid environment, but this disadvantage is compensated for by waterproofing the surface.
High-quality waterproofing is the key to long-term operation of a septic tank made of reinforced concrete rings
Installing a septic tank is a little more complicated than installing a finished tank. Essentially it's a team reinforced concrete structure from several containers, each of which consists of several rings (including a filter well without a bottom with perforated walls). But in every region there is construction organizations, specializing in such a turnkey service.
Selecting the volume of the septic tank
With the volume of the storage septic tank, everything is very clear - the larger it is, the less often you will have to call a machine to clean it. And if we divide the wastewater into black and gray, then a medium-sized tank will be enough for a “weekend” cottage for the entire season.
An example of dividing wastewater 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 vehicle to the technological hatch. The standard location is somewhere in the middle between the wall of the dacha on 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 - power vacuum pump The sewer truck guarantees 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 water consumption rate of 200 l/day and a factor of 3 (the number of days it takes to disinfect wastewater with bacteria). Sometimes they add 20-25% for the “volley” reset when guests arrive. This overall volume distributed between chambers. For a two-chamber septic tank (excluding the filter well), at least 2/3 is given to the first tank, for a three-chamber septic tank - at least ½.
Video description
See the following video for the pros and cons of septic tanks and biological stations:
Conclusion
No matter how simple a septic tank for a non-permanent residence may seem, its installation should be done by professionals. Especially if it is an anaerobic septic tank. And the complexity is not even in the installation itself, but in the choice of methods for soil wastewater treatment. Specialists will take into account as fully as possible the geological features of the site and the filtering abilities of the soil.
During construction country house or dachas, first of all, design a water supply and sewerage system. Especially if there are no centralized communications nearby. And in this project, an important role is played by the wastewater disposal and treatment system, for which it is necessary to select the best septic tank for the dacha from all the types offered on the modern market.
The reservoir is a reservoir in which all wastewater from all plumbing points of the house is collected and undergoes biological treatment, followed by drainage of the liquid into the soil or pumping it out using sewage disposal equipment.
In order to understand which tank to install at a particular summer cottage, it is worth conducting a thorough analysis of all types of equipment, understanding the principle of their operation and assessing the feasibility of installing one or another type of treatment system for a private sewerage system.
We analyze the types of septic tanks in our material and find out which tank is the best.
The modern plumbing industry offers consumers septic tanks, which can be classified according to several criteria. First, we will analyze the treatment systems according to the method and principle of operation, conducting a thorough analysis. There are these types of septic tanks:
- Storage tanks;
- Septic tanks operating on the principle of soil filtration;
- Tanks with a deep biopurification system.
More details about each type of equipment below.
Storage septic tank
This type of private sewer equipment provides a durable, sealed tank for storing all domestic wastewater from the site. In principle, such a container resembles a standard one cesspool, with the only difference that the storage septic tank does not have walls in the form of soil. In this case, when installing a treatment system, the tank is simply buried in the ground to the required depth.
The principle of operation of such a treatment system is that wastewater is collected in containers where natural decay of the wastewater occurs. That is, their larger and heavier particles settle to the bottom of the tank, and lighter water and fatty films rise upward.
Such a structure requires periodic cleaning using a vacuum cleaner.
Important: when analyzing, selecting and installing a storage septic tank, you should carefully select the container according to its volume and material of manufacture. In the first case, the volume should allow the unhindered accumulation of a certain amount of wastewater over a specific period so that it is not necessary to frequently call special equipment to remove them from the tank. As for the material, it must be strong enough so that it is not crushed by the soil during operation. A thorough analysis is also recommended for this purpose.
Most often, the device of such a septic tank is used in dachas or country houses, in which people live not permanently, but for seasons.
Septic tank with soil filtration
These types of septic tanks are used in those houses where households are expected to live permanently and where the amount of wastewater will be the same constant. This type of equipment requires less frequent cleaning using special equipment.
The principle of operation and design of such treatment plant are quite simple and are as follows:
- Sewage from the entire house flows through a pipeline into the first chamber of the tank, where it is separated into light water and solid heavy inclusions. The first goes through a special drainage hole into the second chamber of the septic tank, and the remaining heavy debris settles to the bottom of the first storage tank. In the second chamber, the water undergoes bacteriological purification and is then sent through a connector to the filtration fields of the third chamber, from where it freely seeps into the soil.
Important: in order for the bacteriological decomposition of wastewater in such a treatment facility to proceed faster, it is better to use special aerobic bacteria, which will not only process the wastewater, but also eliminate its unpleasant odors from the septic tank.
After analyzing septic tanks, we were able to identify the following advantages of this type of equipment:
- High speed and quality of processing of domestic waste water;
- Fairly simple tank maintenance;
- No need for frequent use of sewage disposal equipment.
Important: these types of septic tanks are prohibited from being built and operated in areas with clay soil or in areas where groundwater is located high. In this case, instead of draining into the soil, all the runoff will simply begin to wash away the area.
Septic tanks with deep biotreatment of wastewater
These types of septic tanks were found wide application in almost all areas and at any objects. The main feature of such a device is high-quality wastewater treatment to the state of water that is safe for environment. Residual organic matter can be discharged from such a treatment plant directly into the ground or even water bodies. This is evidenced by a qualitative analysis of water sampled from a septic tank of this type.
Settling tanks with a biotreatment system use complex wastewater treatment:
- Simple settling of water;
- Its bacteriological purification;
- And chemical treatment.
The operating principle and design of such a treatment plant are as follows:
- First, all household waste flows into the first chamber of the tank, where it is divided into water and larger fecal inclusions. After this, the clarified water is transported to a second chamber where aerobic or anaerobic bacteria are used.
Important: in order for aerobic bacteria to work more efficiently, a special compressor is installed in the second chamber of the septic tank, pumping oxygen.
After the organic masses acquire a structure that is simple in composition, they are transported to the third chamber, in which chemical purification of the water is carried out. Now the wastewater is ready to be discharged into the ground or reservoir.
According to the analysis of all three types of containers, this one has the following advantages:
- High quality wastewater treatment and purification;
- Possibility of using such treatment facilities on soils of any type;
- No sharp unpleasant odors from the waste tank;
- Simplicity of equipment installation and operation (the septic tank operates independently without the need for constant monitoring);
- The presence of a small amount of final sediment, which allows you to clean the tank quite rarely (once every 5-8 years).
Important: a septic tank with a deep purification system requires connection to the electricity network, which entails additional costs for utility bills. But, after comparing all three types of septic tanks, we can safely say that such expenses will more than pay off in the absence of the need to use sewage disposal equipment with enviable regularity.
Septic tanks by type of material
All treatment tanks can also be divided into categories and according to the type of material used for their manufacture. Since the use of certain types of containers is relevant for one type of soil and may be completely unsuitable for another. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze all the containers offered by the market.
So, we compare septic tanks by type of material. The reservoirs are as follows:
- Brick treatment systems;
- Concrete tanks;
- Metal tanks;
- Plastic containers.
Brick septic tank
Most standard type cleaning tank at the dacha or suburban area. The popularity of such containers is due to the ability to use waste building materials, which allows saving the family budget.
When building a septic tank from brick, it is necessary to ensure the tightness of its walls, since building stone can create cracks and gaps during installation. To avoid this, you can use a sealant or penetrating mastic.
Important: in addition to saving money from the family budget, such a treatment plant is quite profitable from the point of view of its construction. There is no need to use complex equipment or professional skill. You can lay one brick with your own hands.
Concrete tanks
A feature of the construction of concrete tanks is the need to dig a pit. If the septic tank is very large, you will have to use complex equipment.
Two types of treatment facilities can be built from concrete:
- Monolithic;
- Made.
In the first case, a pit is dug and filled reinforced concrete V installed formwork. In the second case, the septic tank is assembled from concrete rings. They are mounted one on one.
Important: for containers made of reinforced concrete rings, it is necessary to ensure the tightness of the joints.
Metal septic tanks
Most rare view tanks for wastewater treatment. Analysis shows that such containers have more negative features than positive ones. And the most important of them is metal corrosion, which will one day lead to depressurization of the cleaning system.
PVC septic tanks
A comparison of septic tanks made of different materials clearly speaks in favor of plastic. Such containers are made from sand-reinforced polymers using the hot extrusion method (extrusion under high pressure). The result is a strong container that can withstand large mechanical loads of compression and tension. Especially if the tanks have special stiffening ribs.
The features of such tanks are entirely positive:
- Strength and durability;
- Resistance to aggressive environments;
- Environmental friendliness of materials;
- Featuring 100% tightness of the treatment system;
- Light weight.
The last advantage can also play the role of a disadvantage. Thus, plastic containers for a septic tank run the risk of being thrown out of the ground under the influence of temperature changes and groundwater. To prevent this from happening, they (PVC tanks) are installed in special pits, followed by concreting. You can also use a special anchor system to install them.
There are also septic tanks made from any available materials. But this type of equipment is not professional and is used most often in small dachas, where the owners come periodically to harvest crops or prepare for the winter. In this case they can be used simple barrels, car tires etc.
Septic tank design
Based on the type of construction, septic tanks are divided into one-, two- and three-chamber ones. The latter are carried out if it is planned to install a treatment plant with a biological treatment system.
Two-chamber tanks are tanks for a wastewater treatment plant with a ground cleaning system. Single-chamber septic tanks are storage tanks.
By installation method
All septic tanks can be divided into vertical and horizontal according to the method of installing the cameras. So, in the first case, the containers are installed with their bottom in the ground and look like a simple barrel with hatches in the upper part. With this installation method, the treatment system goes deeper and takes up less space on the site.
If the septic tank is installed vertically like a tank, then, on the contrary, the depth will be less than the occupied area.
Important: vertical treatment structures are used where the groundwater level is high enough.
In addition, it is worth noting that septic tanks can be surface or underground. The former are also used on those soils that are washed by a large amount of groundwater located close to the surface of the earth.
Underground - installed in all other cases.
Which types of septic tanks to choose for a dacha or country house, and which options are suitable for your site, must be decided depending on the following parameters:
- The amount and volume of wastewater on the site;
- Frequency of residence or stay there;
- Features of the soil of your site.
Remember, a correctly selected and installed septic tank will effective means for cleaning and draining all domestic wastewater.
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;
- simplicity Maintenance;
- high degree of purification;
- saving Supplies;
- ease of installation - no concreting is required for the foundation pit, convenient design ensures less volume earthworks;
- 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. Correct operation equipment will allow its use 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 ones country houses, baths can be used compact models– “Triton-mini”, which ensures the processing of wastewater of small volumes.
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 organic matter;
- qualitative decrease in the level of mineralization;
- removal of mechanical components.
Using 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 cleansing Wastewater;
- absence of noise and unpleasant odor during operation;
- low energy consumption;
- compact sizes.
Depending on water consumption and the number of residents, you can purchase different models 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 drain pump, no more than once every six months.
UNILOS stations are represented by a large model range, modifications vary depending on the pipeline length and burial depth. 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 dachas, 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 trade marks have proven themselves well 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.
