Which septic tank is best for a private home: selection criteria

22.10.2021

Septic tank

Editorial staff of the “New Place” website

Share

From this article you will learn

:

1. 5 main criteria for choosing a septic tank for a private home
2. Choosing a septic tank for a private house based on its operating principle
3. Which septic tank is better for a private home: storage or biostation
4. Choosing the material for making a septic tank for a private home
5. Choosing a septic tank for a private house depending on the characteristics of the site
6. Top 3 septic tanks for a private home
7. The best modern septic tank for a private home König

Which septic tank is best for a private home is a question that every owner of a country home asks if there is no possibility of connecting a central sewer to the site. Gone are the days when it was enough to dig a hole, install a wooden “birdhouse” on top and call it a bathroom. This option may be suitable for a summer cottage, but not for a full-fledged home with permanent or temporary residence.

There are quite a lot of criteria by which the best choice of a septic tank is determined. It is necessary to take into account the type of soil, terrain, number of residents, maintenance requirements, power supply capabilities, etc. From our material you will learn what you should pay attention to when choosing a septic tank, and get acquainted with a small rating of the best, in our opinion, solutions.

Septic tank sewerage, what is it?

Translated from English, the word “septic tank” literally means “a structure for mechanical wastewater treatment.”
And speaking in engineering language, this is the settling and fermentation of sewage sludge with the subsequent removal of this sludge by a sewage disposal machine. There is another, more expensive way to dispose of wastewater, and it involves decomposing the wastewater with the help of oxygen and organic bacteria. Both methods are based on the arrangement in the ground of one or more (depending on the characteristics of the soil and the level of groundwater) polyethylene or plastic tank into which wastewater will flow.

The first method (in professional language it is called anaerobic or oxygen-free) involves the decomposition of waste naturally, without the use of an electric air compressor.

The second method (aerobic) is deep biological treatment, as a result of which waste is converted into harmless components. But this will no longer be, in fact, a septic tank, but an entire treatment station, the operation of which requires an air compressor.

In addition, the degree of purification in septic tanks and stations is different: in the first case, up to 70% of wastewater is purified, in the second – up to 95%.

However, the price will be completely different.

Product Features

Summer resident septic tanks are a horizontally located rectangular container made of sheets of low-pressure, high-density polypropylene. The welds are made using extrusion welding. The manufacturer claims that at the junction of sheets, high structural strength is achieved due to double welding of each seam.

For reference. Extrusion welding is a method of joining polypropylene parts by feeding molten filler material into the gap between surfaces using a special extruder gun. The hot additive heats and melts the edges of the parts, connecting them together.

Before going on sale, ready-made welded containers undergo a 48-hour leak test by filling them with water.

The walls of the structure are reinforced from the outside with stiffening ribs. Partitions are installed inside the unit, dividing the internal space into separate chambers.

On the top of the container there are 1 or 2 (depending on modification) necks for servicing the unit. On the side walls there are pipes for connecting incoming and outgoing pipelines.

The manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty on its products.

How to choose a septic tank for a private house and cottage

Price order

If on average in the Moscow region you can buy a septic tank from the manufacturer at a price of 20 to 80 thousand rubles and more, depending on the number of people living in the house, then for deep cleaning systems the prices are much higher and reach 400 thousand rubles.

Additionally, the price of a particular septic tank or station is also influenced by the “promotion” of the manufacturer, the material from which they are made, the model and technical capabilities.

So what type of autonomous sewer system should you choose?

Of course, you need to choose taking into account your financial capabilities, general level of comfort, the distance of your country house or cottage from sewage services and the total volume of water consumption.

In this article we will try to understand the variety of septic tanks. Their advantages and disadvantages. Price categories of individual models. We will try to choose the best offer on the market.

How to avoid problems with Topas VOCs?

Local sewerage requires more attention than centralized sewer networks. Therefore, you should not treat the selection and installation of Topas irresponsibly. There are several nuances that need to be taken into account.

1. Correctly calculate productivity, taking into account not only the number of people living in the house, but also the installation of sanitary equipment such as bathtubs, washing machines and dishwashers, as well as the possible arrival of guests.
2. Buy all equipment from official representatives or from the manufacturer itself. Order installation and maintenance from them if you have the slightest doubt about your own abilities.
3. When installing yourself, take into account the groundwater level and the zero temperature point.
4. If you do not use the septic tank constantly, then preserve it during your long absence. Otherwise, the bacteria will die and the drains will not be cleaned.
5. Do not dispose of illegal substances down the drain.

The most important condition for effective cleaning and uninterrupted operation of equipment is timely maintenance, which includes:

• removal of sediment from the activated sludge stabilizer;
• cleaning airlifts, filters;
• removal from tanks using a net of waste that cannot be processed by bacteria.

All these procedures can be performed independently, or you can hire specialists for these purposes.

Septic tank Topas, models

Prices for septic tank Topas

septic tank Topas

Autonomous sewage system "TOPAS"

Septic tank Topas - diagram

Septic tank Topas - design

Autonomous sewage system for the house TOPAS 8

When choosing a specific Topas model, you need to pay attention to how many plumbing fixtures it can serve

The septic tank does not take up much space on the site

Topas can be serviced independently

Septic tank Topas at work

There is no smell from the septic tank

Large model range

Maintenance of TOPAS will have to be carried out Poor quality installation of Topas

Muddy water

Septic tank overflow

Float for Topas

Septic tank Topas alarm connection diagram, models

Selection parameters and calculation of septic tank volume

Our selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Number of family members: 2-3 people. Only sometimes do guests come to you.
• Or you visit your dacha (country house) only on weekends in the summer, and live permanently only during your vacation.

Let's take the average wastewater consumption per person as a basis. This is 200 liters per day. Consequently, the volume of household wastewater per family will be 400-600 liters, and at peak load times 1000-1200 liters.

This means that the volume of the septic tank must be appropriate - from 2 cubic meters / day. "Why?" - you ask. Yes, because the number of tanks where it ends up depends on how much wastewater there is.

In the settling chamber, the wastewater is divided into different fractions: the heavy ones sink to the bottom, and the lighter ones remain at the top, then entering the next tank, where it is cleared of other organic impurities, and only then enters the soil.

Therefore, we advise you to choose a two-chamber septic tank with an overflow or a septic tank with one horizontal or vertical tank, divided into 2 parts.

Installation

At the first stage, the location for installing the device is carefully selected. When purchasing, you must correctly determine the volume of the septic tank, given that one person receives approximately 200 liters of wastewater per day.

After a pit has been dug for an autonomous sewer system, a sand cushion (10-20 cm) is poured onto its bottom to level the walls. The distance between the septic tank installed in the center and the walls of the pit should be about 20-30 cm. The next step: fill the septic tank with a sand-cement mixture, simultaneously filling it with water.

Do not forget to insulate the upper part of the septic tank with foil polystyrene foam 3 cm thick. At the end, soil is backfilled to the level of the ground surface.

Material of manufacture

The next question is the material from which the septic tank is made. Fiberglass or polyethylene?

Fiberglass is usually fiberglass impregnated with resin, and due to this it has a fairly durable structure. Fiberglass products are comparable in strength to metal. Septic tanks made of fiberglass are absolutely not subject to corrosion and can be used when working with high-temperature wastewater or aggressive liquids.

A polyethylene septic tank is not inferior to fiberglass in its strength, but its advantage is that it is less susceptible to fractures as a result of loads or soil shifts in the pit itself. In terms of price they are not too different.

We now move on to choosing a septic tank model.

Reviews

Reviews from satisfied customers indicate that “Dachnik” septic tanks are truly one of the best on the market. Owners of private households and summer residents note the affordable price, high quality, compactness, reliability and durability of the structure. There are practically no mentions of shortcomings.

In the next video you will find more information about autonomous sewage systems.

Septic tanks Dachanik are produced by a domestic company, part of the StroyVodTrest holding. The company specializes in the manufacture of inexpensive installations for collecting and treating wastewater from country houses and country cottages.

Septic tank: price and negative reviews

The most advertised brand in Russia on the autonomous sewerage market is the Septic Tank model range. The price with turnkey installation is from 15 to 60 thousand rubles, depending on the chosen model.

Septic tanks Tank are indeed very popular and relatively inexpensive.

From the outside, the septic tank looks like a sealed plastic container, divided into several sections. According to the manufacturer, this septic tank Tank purifies wastewater from impurities up to 98%, but whether this is true has not been confirmed by any independent laboratory tests.

Despite the large number of positive reviews, these septic tanks are still criticized by buyers. Basically, the criticism comes down to the fact that there are cases:

• When the buyer has not calculated the volume of wastewater, and the wastewater flows either into the “return” or onto the surface;
• When the walls or bottom of the septic tank cannot withstand the pressure and cracks form in the body.
• Also, the design of the septic tank itself requires its installation by a specialized company, otherwise the manufacturer does not bear a warranty. And this is additional financial costs.
• Another drawback is the small thickness of the tank walls compared to the thickness of other septic tanks.

Negative reviews about the Tank septic tank on one of the sites

Another important detail is regular cleaning of the tank itself. Tank septic tanks must be constantly monitored.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of the Summer Resident septic tank consists of step-by-step settling in separate chambers (mechanical treatment) and clarification of wastewater with anaerobic bacteria (biological treatment).

Domestic wastewater treatment consists of the following stages:

1. Water flows from the house through sewer pipes by gravity through the inlet pipe into the first compartment of the tank. In the first compartment, stratification of the wastewater occurs: solid particles settle to the bottom, and liquid components end up in the upper part of the chamber. Simultaneously with settling, biological treatment begins. Anaerobic bacteria entering wastewater along with human waste products trigger the oxidation process and begin to decompose solid biological waste, turning it into sludge.
2. From the first compartment, only the liquid part of the waste flows into the second. This happens due to the fact that the overflow pipe between the chambers is at such a height that neither solid particles (settled below) nor greasy film (collected on the surface) enter the second compartment. In the second compartment, the process of settling and the active work of microorganisms continues. Smaller suspended particles settle to the bottom of this chamber, and the liquid becomes even cleaner as a result of the work of bacteria.
3. Only purified water enters the third compartment, as well as the second. From this reservoir it flows into a special device called a sprinkler.
4. Final wastewater treatment occurs through soil filtration.

The manufacturer claims that as a result of the processes described above, household wastewater is purified by 95%. Moreover, 80% of the cleaning work is performed by anaerobic bacteria, and the remaining 15% is achieved as a result of soil purification.

The appearance of the Summer Resident sprinkler can be seen in the image below.

Note! Summer resident septic tanks are energy-independent installations. The process of recycling waste does not involve devices or mechanisms powered by electricity. The exception is modifications of units with forced pumping of water. They are equipped with drainage pumps powered by electricity.

Septic tank Topaz

The Topaz septic tank competes with Tank in popularity. But here a different cleaning technology is used - the so-called aerobic cleaning process (we already talked about it above), and it is designed for permanent or seasonal residence.

It is necessary to install an additional pump for Topaz septic tanks, which will forcibly remove purified water.

If manufacturers recommend installing the Tank on sandy or sandy loam soils with low groundwater levels, then Topaz is installed in any type of soil.

But the price will be different: if a Tank 2.5 septic tank will cost you on average about 36,000 rubles, then to buy a Topas 5PR septic tank you will have to pay 80,000 rubles. High cost is the only drawback of the Topas septic tank.

Negative reviews about the Topaz septic tank on one of the sites

Also, septic tanks from other manufacturers under the trademarks “Rostok”, “Tver”, “Dochista”, “Microbe” and “Termite” are in demand.

Useful tips and nuances when purchasing

Once you understand how to choose the right septic system, you should listen to useful advice from professionals. First, it is best to choose equipment that requires minimal maintenance.

Many septic stations with biological treatment require maintenance by the owners themselves.

The simpler the system is and the less it needs control and intervention, the easier the life of its owners will be. The ideal option is when the owner of the dacha himself can perform all the necessary manipulations with the cleaning installation.

Secondly, you should try to choose energy independence. Many owners of permanent residences, having settled on dependent models, immediately take care of generators and spare batteries.

After all, such foresight will be needed not only for the functioning of the sewer system, but also for other consumers of electricity - microwaves, televisions, computers and other equipment.

Unfortunately, some summer residents do not think about groundwater pollution, installing a absorption well on their summer cottage instead of a local sewerage system

A filtration (also known as absorption or absorption) well is designed for ground-based post-treatment of wastewater treated in a septic tank.

As an independent structure, it can serve to receive and filter gray sewage - water contaminated during hygiene procedures, during cleaning, working in the kitchen, coming from dishwashers and washing machines.

Thirdly, you should try to organize the discharge of treated wastewater into the ground, and not onto the terrain. Otherwise, the exiting liquid must be purified by 98% so as not to create an environmental disaster at the site.

After all, untreated pollution can not only contaminate groundwater - it will create an unbearable stench throughout the entire area.

To organize filtering fields, there are certain rules and recommendations that you should follow

Fourthly, the service life of the selected septic tank must be equal to the service life of the house itself. This is at least 50-80 years. Accordingly, it is better to immediately discard a metal container as a storage device.

You can focus on other materials - they can last 50 years or more without corroding.

No matter how high-quality the anti-corrosion coating is, it will not last 50 years. This is fraught with big problems for the owner of a metal septic tank

Fifthly, you should take seriously the choice of installation location for the future cleaning system. Here it would be useful to focus on the standards and sanitary requirements for sewerage equipment.

Also, each septic tank has its own recommendations, set out in the corresponding instructions. It is on them that you should rely during installation.

Sixth, you need to read reviews about the septic tank you like on independent resources, for example, on construction forums. When studying all the information about it, you should rely on serious regulatory literature, and not on advertising.

Seventh, having settled on the option of purchasing a station, it is more advisable to immediately order installation. After all, its trouble-free functioning depends on proper installation.

It is worth remembering that the purchased septic equipment can perform its functions efficiently for at least 50 years. It is better not to skimp on its installation in order to avoid negative consequences from mistakes.

A properly installed septic tank will not only not interfere with everyday life, but will also save its owner from sudden breakdowns and failure of the sewer system

Septic tank Rostock

The range of Rostok septic tanks is presented in three versions: “Mini”, “Dachny” and “Cottage”.

It differs from the septic tanks already discussed in that it is made of polypropylene using seamless technology and has an original design, which is equipped with a damper for the incoming wastewater flow to avoid “stirring up” the sediment.

The disadvantages include the high cost of installation, which is almost the same as the product itself (40-45 thousand rubles) plus dependence on groundwater.

Service

The manufacturer recommends periodically (once every 3-5 years) pumping out the contents of the septic tank. This process is necessary to remove solid non-degradable particles (sand, pieces of glass, etc.). Pumping can be done using a sewer truck or a conventional drainage pump.

Note! Immediately after pumping, the container should be refilled with water to avoid possible compression of the tank walls as a result of external soil pressure.

If a septic tank is installed at the dacha and there is a need to preserve it for the winter, then only 15-20% of the liquid from the total volume is pumped out of it. In addition, safety measures should be taken in case the water freezes inside the container. To do this, simply throw ordinary plastic bottles through the neck into each compartment. They will act as pressure stabilizers when an ice crust appears on the surface of the liquid. In this case, the walls of the container are not deformed. Neck covers should be insulated for the winter.

To extend the service life of filtration fields (up to 20 years or more), the manufacturer recommends periodically pouring a preparation containing anaerobic bacteria into the septic tank during operation. This is not a necessary condition, since the bacteria that enter the container with human waste products are quite sufficient for its functioning.

Septic tank Tver: negative reviews and disadvantages

Let us now consider a septic tank under the trade name “Tver”. The price of this septic tank will range from 65 to 80 thousand rubles.

The price increase occurs due to four-stage wastewater treatment, so this septic tank does not require aeration fields.

This Tver septic tank needs to be cleaned once a year.

The disadvantages of septic tanks in Tver include, perhaps, the only one, but a very serious one: it is a septic tank chamber where fermentation and putrefactive processes occur, and from this an unpleasant odor appears (or may appear).

An example of a negative review about a septic tank Tver

Operating rules

• Avoid exposure to large amounts of chemicals, acids, construction waste, machine oils, medications and other biologically active substances.
• To speed up cleaning, it is recommended to add special bacteria for septic tanks, which can be purchased at gardening stores.
• Once every 3-5 years, pump out the contents.
• If you are not going to spend the winter at the dacha, it is strictly forbidden to pump out the septic tank before leaving in order to avoid it rising from the ground due to the influence of melt water. To preserve the septic tank, it is necessary to pump it out only 10-20% and insulate the lid.

Other brands

Often, the inflated price for a particular septic tank depends on the advertising budget and the marketing “packaging” used by sewer system manufacturers.

Septic tanks Dochista (price from 30 to 40 thousand rubles), septic tank Microbe (mini-septic tank, the price of which varies from 10 to 17 thousand rubles) and septic tank Termite (price from 24 to 60 thousand rubles) are less known, less, so to speak, “ promoted."

But their work is based on the principle of wastewater treatment common to all septic tanks: sedimentation of wastewater and subsequent biological purification.

conclusions

The choice depends not only on how many users of the septic tank there will be and not only on the amount of money for the purchase, but also on a number of other factors:

1. Do you want to install a septic tank yourself or invite specialists.
2. Does the territory of your site allow you to create an aerobic zone or not?
3. Do you have enough patience, strength and time to control the operation of the septic tank or do you need to “set it and forget it?”
4. Are you ready to put up with the occasional unpleasant odor or not?
5. Is there a sewage disposal service nearby, prices for services in the Moscow region average from 800 rubles per cubic meter? m.

Nobody wants to bother themselves with various technical problems. Nobody wants to tighten screws and nuts, doesn’t want to check the level of wastewater in the sewer, doesn’t want to sit and wait for a sewer truck.

We come to a country house to relax, listen to birdsong, go to the forest to pick berries and mushrooms, barbecue and enjoy nature. Instead of thinking about the consequences when opening a water tap or flushing the toilet. Therefore, our choice: a complete cleaning septic tank, as they say, from “a” to “z”. And the choice of a specific model is yours!