In many summer cottages, in order to save money, they resort to building cesspools using ready-made factory containers made of various materials. This approach to the installation of a drain pit can significantly reduce the time required for the installation of a waste receiver.
A cesspool from a barrel can have a sealed or non-sealed design, the choice of which is determined by the amount of incoming sewage.
A cesspool without a bottom is enough to meet the needs of a family of 2 people. Such a structure works on the principle of a drainage well; in this case, wastewater treatment occurs for a set of filtering properties of the soil. At the same time, the processing of sewage is carried out by microorganisms present in the soil.
There is a limitation on the performance of such a structure.
An unsealed cesspool can be used only if the flow of wastewater does not exceed 1 cubic meter per day.
It is impossible to ensure the treatment of more wastewater by soil filtration; the risk of environmental pollution increases significantly.
In this case, it is necessary to install a sealed container of significant volume, which acts as a storage device. When filling such a cesspool, the drains must be pumped out and taken out for disposal with sewage equipment. A sealed design is used in case of high groundwater levels, which prevent the filtration of wastewater entering the pit.
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In addition to single-chamber sewage pits, overflow-type structures are quite successfully operated, which can consist of 2-3 sequentially connected compartments. The first sealed container plays the role of a settling tank, in which the effluent is separated into various fractions.
In this case, the processing of the solid part of the effluent is carried out by microorganisms of the aerobic and anaerobic type, the cultures of which are added to the container. Subsequent compartments function as drainage wells; in some cases, the effluent after primary treatment is directed to filtration fields, which ensure greater efficiency and productivity.
Which barrel to choose for the drain pit device?
More recently, the only material available was metal drums. They were used in most suburban areas, where a significant amount of sewage processing was not required. In many cases, a cesspool made from a metal barrel had a leaky design, for which a number of drainage holes were cut along its surface.
The main function of the metal was to prevent the pit walls from shattering.
But it is worth considering the fact that these designs have a number of significant disadvantages:
- The metal is unstable to corrosion, therefore, literally after 3-4 years, the barrel simply decays.
- A container of significant volume has a significant weight, therefore, for its installation, it is often necessary to involve lifting equipment.
- Steel containers cannot be classified as cheap materials; a barrel with a volume of more than 1 cubic meter costs a considerable amount.
If, nevertheless, the choice is made on a metal container, before its installation, it is necessary to perform a number of works on its waterproofing, this will help to somewhat increase its service life. In this case, it is advisable to carefully process both the inner and outer surfaces of the barrel.
Recently, containers made of polymer materials have become more and more in demand. On sale you can find barrels made of PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene and even fiberglass.
Experts attribute the following characteristics to the advantages of such devices:
- A cesspool made of a plastic barrel has an almost unlimited period of operation, it can last 30-40 years or more.
- The low weight of the material greatly simplifies the installation of the structure, even a large barrel can be easily installed into the pit manually.
- All types of polymeric materials are resistant to aggressive chemical compounds that are part of drains and groundwater.
- The mechanical strength of such containers allows them to withstand significant pressure loads created by the surrounding soil.
- The sealed design of the plastic barrel provides reliable protection against environmental pollution.
- Plastic containers are widely used for the installation of overflow systems for the processing and treatment of effluents.
In order for the structure of the pit to be durable and to ensure effective collection and treatment of sewage, it is necessary to adhere to certain installation rules.
How to mount a cesspool from a barrel?
The pit for the pit device should slightly exceed the dimensions of the container. If it is planned to build a leaky drainage type pit, then a layer of material that increases filtration must be laid at the bottom of the pit. For this purpose, crushed stone is used, preferably granite, since it is less prone to erosion.
The main feature of the installation is that with a large volume of the barrel, it has a relatively low weight. Therefore, in the case of a pit installation on soils prone to frost heaving, there is a high probability of squeezing the barrel to the surface. To avoid this, the container must be reliably strengthened, for which in some cases it will be necessary to arrange the simplest foundation.
The device of a drain pit with the use of containers made of metal or plastic can significantly reduce the installation time.
That is why it is worth considering this option for collecting and disposing of wastewater with a small estimated volume.
Living in a private house requires an autonomous sewerage system. It consists of internal wiring, external piping and storage (or VOC). For residents of suburban settlements or houses of temporary (seasonal) residence, a cesspool remains relevant as the best way to collect and partially recycle waste.
For independent home craftsmen, we will tell you how a cesspool is constructed from a barrel. This is an extremely simple option that requires a minimum of funds in construction. Taking into account our recommendations, you can easily arrange an autonomous sewage system with a cesspool.
Previously, the word "septic tank" was unknown, and the role of the only possible place for waste collection was played by a cesspool.
Structurally, all the cesspools were similar, the difference concerned the presence or absence of any capacity. Often an ordinary hole was dug in the ground, and a wooden "birdhouse" house was erected above it. Such outdoor toilets can still be found in old suburban settlements.
The modern version of the toilet located "in the yard" is a beautiful house, neatly painted and decorated with flowers. Under it is buried a sewer tank with a throat for pumping out
A pit without an airtight container is an environmental threat to the garden. If the owners of the house are interested in the purity of the soil and water, they must place a reservoir in the cesspool.
Previously, it was made from boards or bricks, now - from concrete rings or monolithic concrete. Often used are barrels, metal or plastic, specially designed for the arrangement of sewage systems.
Even a large sealed reservoir made from modified plastic is just a reservoir that fills up quickly and needs to be pumped out regularly. It is for this reason that cesspools are absolutely not suitable for family cottages.
Image gallery
The device of a cesspool from a barrel. Advantages and disadvantages of storage devices made of plastic and metal containers. The technology of constructing a sump from tanks.
Features of the design of a cesspool from a barrel
Living in a country house or in a private house in a rural area involves the use of an autonomous sewage system for the disposal of household waste. To collect sewage, a construction of barrels and sewer pipes is often used.
There are several types of these drives. Their differences are shown in the table:
| Sewage pit | Advantages | Flaws | Application |
| Sealed | Does not pollute the soil | Requires periodic cleaning | Any place |
| No bottom | The period between cleaning increases | Contaminates the site | Areas with low groundwater levels |
| From multiple tanks | Improved wastewater treatment | It is inconvenient to pump out the contents | Loose soils |
Sealed tank has advantages over a pit without a bottom - impurities do not pollute the garden area. For such purposes, one-piece factory-made plastic or metal tanks are often used, which are designed to collect waste. They have the qualities characteristic of sedimentation tanks - strength and tightness.
Drain pit from a barrel without a bottom cannot be called an accumulator, because part of the liquid seeps through the soil. Usually it is made of metal products, for which holes are drilled in the walls.
Over time, the drain pit from the barrel fills up, and you have to call a sewer truck to clean it. It has a tank and a vacuum pump, with which the contents are freed from dirt.
Such small sedimentation tanks are used in summer cottages or country houses, where the owners occasionally come. Drain pits from barrels are suitable for a family of 1-2 people.
The volume of the tank is calculated depending on the number of people living in the house and water consumption points. Water consumption for each person is very individual. Without a washing machine, a washing unit and a bath, it can reach 0.5 m 3 per month.
Before making a cesspool from a barrel, calculate its volume. Suppose 1 person has 100 liters of water per day. A family of 3 people will spend 9000 liters per month. If you plan to call the sewer truck once a month, the volume of the tank must be more than 9 m 3.
To create a drain pit, it is allowed to use several small barrels, but it is convenient to pump out sewage from one, but large one. The barrel can be of any shape - round, square, rectangular.
If you have a choice, buy plastic products that are designed for sewer systems. They are made from polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC.
The use of metal barrels for the construction of a cesspool is not welcome and is forced. Usually they are used if there are no ready-made plastic containers on sale.
For the drain pit, metal tanks that were used for storing or transporting fuels and lubricants are suitable. These are containers with a volume of 200 liters for the transportation of chemical liquids by rail. Their wall thickness is 16 mm.
Cesspools made of metal barrels are inferior in many respects to structures made of plastic barrels:
- They corrode and last only 4-5 years.
- These tanks are expensive.
- Products are heavier than plastic ones, which can complicate the process of their installation. A crane is required for installation.
Advantages and disadvantages of a cesspool from a plastic barrel
Sewage pits made from plastic drums have several advantages over storage tanks made from other materials.
Due to the properties of this material, sedimentation tanks acquire the following advantages:
- The product is hermetically sealed, which will not allow sewage to get to the site.
- Plastic structures do not have welded seams, therefore they do not leak, which ensures high environmental safety at the site. Untreated sewage is dangerous due to the presence of microorganisms in them, which penetrate into the soil undecomposed. They are able to pollute not only the site, but also water and plants.
- A do-it-yourself drain pit from a barrel saves money for other work.
- The structure is built quickly due to the low weight of the tank.
- Factory-made products are equipped with a hatch for pumping out the contents and inspecting the drive and devices for connecting to the sewerage system, which reduces the time for their arrangement.
- The container does not need to be sealed, so you do not need to buy bitumen or other waterproofing agents.
- The cesspool has a long service life - up to 50 years.
- The walls of the drive do not rot and are not affected by fungus. The material is not destroyed by the action of acids and alkalis, which are contained in groundwater.
- There is a huge number of barrels of various shapes and sizes, which allows you to choose a product for each specific case.
- Tanks are suitable for any type of soil, because the contents are not poured onto the site.
- They are easy to maintain during operation.
How to make a drain pit from a barrel?
Work on the construction of a cesspool from a barrel takes place in several stages. First, you need to choose a location for the drive. According to SNiPs, the pit should be located at a distance of at least 5 m from the house and at least 2 m from the fence.
The most time-consuming and difficult is considered to be digging a foundation pit of the required size and geometry. Its depth should not exceed 3 m, so that it is convenient to pump out the contents with a sewage machine. On the other hand, the dimensions of the pit should be such that the neck of the container protrudes 250-300 mm above the ground. Make the width 0.3 m larger than the tank for easy filling of the finished product.
In sandy soil, after removing the soil, you will have to strengthen the walls with wooden shields. Do not take the earth out of the pit far, it will be needed to fill the cracks and to fill the structure on top. It is easier to dig a large pit with a mini excavator, but in this case there is a danger of damage to summer cottages. Make the pit the same shape as the barrel.
After digging the pit, perform the following work:
- Modify the walls and corners of the pit by hand.
- Align the bottom and check that it is horizontal.
- If the soil is sandy, place a concrete slab on the bottom or fill it with concrete.
- The base of the drain pit from the barrel can not be poured with a screed, but covered with a mixture of sand and gravel. Create a thick cushion of coarse sand on top.
- Install the drive in the prepared pit manually or with any lifting mechanism and place it in the middle of the pit.
- Check that the neck protrudes from the ground.
- Mark on the ground the location of the receiving flange to which the sewer pipe from the house will be connected. Make sure that the hatch in the barrel is opposite the road for the suction truck.
- Check the tightness of the closing of the neck with the hatch. If there are no gaps, it is necessary to create ventilation of the tank. To do this, you need a pipe with a diameter of 100 mm. To install it, make a hole in the tank. Install a pipe in the opening and secure in any way. It should protrude 1.5 m above the ground. This precaution will allow you to get rid of the methane that is released during the decomposition of organic matter. If the drum is sealed, the container may explode.
- Remove the tank from the pit.
- Dig a trench from the house to the mark near the hole. Its depth should be at least 0.5 mm so that the drains do not freeze in winter. It is recommended to dig a hole 20-30 cm below the level of soil freezing in the area.
- If you are making a drain pit for a bath from a barrel, connect the pipes from the steam room and shower with a tee, to which you fix the cut leading to the sump. To inspect the sewer system, a viewing well should be provided in the dressing room.
- Place sewer pipes in the pit. Provide their slope towards the pit 1.5-2 cm per meter.
- If the barrel is metal, waterproof it. Coat the outside of the container with polymer grease. It is well applied to any surface shape. Treat the inside with liquid waterproofing - nitro paint. Injection materials such as three-component polyurethane resin formulations can also be used. They have good adhesion and adhere to any surface. The negative side of such a substance is its toxicity.
- Install a barrel in the pit and turn it around in such a way that it is convenient to connect it to the sewer pipe.
- Using the special pipe supplied with the product, connect the sewer pipe to the storage tank. If there are no special flanges on the body, cut a hole of the appropriate size in the wall.
- If the groundwater is shallow, the barrel must be anchored so that it does not float during floods or heavy rains. To do this, use polymer cables that are tied to the product and to hooks driven deep into the ground or concrete slab.
- Fill any gaps between the container and the pit walls with sand. Add dry cement to stabilize the soil pressure on the walls. Fill the slots in layers to make it easier to compact the mixture. After drying, a strong ring forms around the barrel, which will protect the drive from seasonal ground movements.
- Fill the trench above the sewer pipes with soil. Do not compact the ground above them.
- Cover the tank with earth on top and decorate the area. The easiest option is to plant a flower bed above the tank.
- Prepare the road to the waste disposal truck barrel.
After the completion of the construction of a cesspool for giving from a barrel, it is recommended to add special substances to the container, which accelerate the processing of organic matter in wastewater. Sewage streams entering the tank are separated into liquid and solid fractions. Insoluble fragments (toilet paper, cleaning, household waste) fall to the bottom, soon a solid sediment forms on it, which quickly fills the tank. It must be removed mechanically. If you do not pay attention to the drain hole for a long time, an unpleasant smell appears next to it and in the house. In addition, dense sludge forms at the bottom, which is difficult to remove with a suction truck. To prevent the garbage from becoming compacted, microorganisms that feed on organic matter are periodically added to the barrel. They quickly recycle and degrade paper, grease, fruit and vegetable particles, etc. As a result, a gas and a semi-liquid mass is formed, which can be easily pumped out by a pump.
Preparations for waste pits are a complex of enzymes and bacteria. They are sold in dry or liquid state. To activate bacteria, they must be filled with water in the proportion indicated in the instructions for the product.
How to make a cesspool from a barrel - watch the video:
To make your visit to your bathhouse bring you only pleasure, make sure that the drainage pit for the bathhouse is arranged correctly. It will carry out, first of all, the functions of sewerage, that is, drain wastewater from the structure. Plumbing in a bath is not difficult: it is enough to lay pipes made of metal-plastic from an electric water heater to the hot water supply point, and this does not require specific skills. As for drainage, it is important to comply with all building codes. More details about everything - in the article.
How to lay a drain pipe
According to the rules, the drain pipe must be laid even during the construction of the foundation. It is located in its lower part under the drain pit.
A drain hole in the bathhouse is dug 3 meters from the foundation. Features of the drain pipe laying:
- The pit edges are protected from collapse by formwork and concreting either.
- The bottom of the drain pit is left free to ensure unhindered water absorption into the ground, and the top is provided with a secure overlap with a hole for the drain pipe.
- Joints and bends during the pipe are not allowed, otherwise blockages may occur.
- After installing the drain pipe and water supply, the floor in the bath is filled with concrete. In this case, it is necessary to withstand the slope of the floor towards the pipe.
- The drain hole is closed with a special mesh, which will create additional protection against pipe blockages.
- After the cement has completely dried, it is ennobled with tiles, on top of which removable wood gratings are laid out. They will prevent discomfort and possible burns from contact with hot tiles. In addition, if necessary, the grilles can be easily removed for drying and antiseptic treatment, and in case of wear - to replace them.
Insulation of such a floor is not required - a concrete floor filled in according to all the rules and a solid tile laid out on it quickly heats up when the sauna is fired and does not let cold air from outside.
Pro tip: If the slope during the drain pipe in the bath in the direction of the cesspool is sufficient, the pipe insulation is also not required.
Options for the device drain pit for a bath
Drain pit from a metal barrel
The design of such a drain pit is similar to the structure. A metal barrel with a capacity of 200 liters can be used as a container for draining. The process of creating a structure is quite simple:
- Drainage holes are cut on the side surface of the container using a grinder. The holes are staggered using a 15-20 cm pitch.
- A branch pipe is installed in the bottom of the barrel, which is connected by a coupling to the sewer pipe. The joint is carefully sealed with silicone sealant. The sealing should be both external and internal.
- The entire surface of the barrel is wrapped in geotextile - a non-woven material consisting of polyester fibers and possessing protective properties. It will drain the drains without allowing large elements to enter the drain barrel.
- The geotextile is firmly attached to the barrel by means of twine or adhesive tape. The sides and bottom of the container are wrapped around them so that there is an opening for the branch pipe. The top of the barrel is covered with a separate piece of geotextile, which is tightly fixed.
- Digging a drain hole is carried out in the immediate vicinity of the places where the water will drain (shower, washbasin, bidet, etc.). Its depth and width should be slightly larger than the dimensions of the barrel.
- The bottom of the pit is covered with a layer of crushed stone or gravel 20-30 cm thick. A barrel is placed on the formed cushion so that the branch pipe is at the top.
- The voids in the pit are filled with gravel.
- A sewer pipe is connected to the branch pipe.
The cesspool from the barrel is ready!
Two-chamber septic tank from polyethylene barrels
Polyethylene drums can also be used as cesspool tanks. The design of a two-chamber septic tank is a system of two barrels:
- the first reception room for settling solid particles from wastewater;
- the second additionally filters the water settled in the first barrel.
Water flows from the first barrel into the second through a specially equipped gap between the soil and the barrels, filled with a mixture of gravel and sand. This gap is a biological filter, passing through which purified water enters the ground. The upper part of the septic tank is closed with a lid, three times impregnated with a bioprotective compound.
A two-chamber septic tank involves holding a bath in the basement from a steam room and a shower room, united by a tee with a collector, which, in turn, is supplied to the septic tank. In the dressing room, a hatch is installed to access the pipes for the purpose of repair and inspection. If all of the above conditions are met, the sewerage system will work flawlessly and properly.
Pro tip:
The advantage of using polymer barrels in the construction of a two-chamber septic tank is their resistance to decay, destruction by corrosion and fungus. Therefore, using them, you ensure a long service life of the treatment plant without replacement and repair.
Underground filtration fields
To drain waste water from a bath, underground filtration fields can be used. With their help, wastewater is cleaned and distributed in the soil through a system of irrigation pipelines over the entire area of the summer cottage. The structure consists of a septic tank equipped with a dosing device, a drainage pipe and a distribution well.
Water through a pipe enters a network of irrigation canals - into drainage pipes buried in the ground. The depth of pipe laying is from 0.8 to 1.5 meters, but they should not be located at a distance of less than 1 meter from the groundwater level. The disadvantages of underground filtration fields include the complexity and laboriousness of installation, as well as high cost.
Now, having familiarized yourself with the three options for organizing the sewage drainage from the bath, you can opt for the most suitable one in your specific situation, based on material capabilities, as well as the frequency of use of the room.
Can be a problem if you don't use your savvy. Modern technologies provide the owner of a private house with a wide selection of options from different materials.
Since an average of one to three cubic meters of water is used per day, a sump from a barrel is one of the most profitable options.
Sealed pit device
All such a system looks simple and easy to install. The sewerage wiring around the house is brought out into a barrel dug in at least 5-6 m.All drains are collected in the pit, it is very convenient to pump out with a sewage machine, especially if the distance from the fence is no more than 2 m.
You need to dig in the barrel no deeper than 7 m. Otherwise, the pumping hose will not be able to pick up all the slurry and will only collect the liquid from the surface. When calculating the location of the tank, it is necessary to take into account the features of the terrain. If the house is located in a lowland, there is a high probability that after heavy rainfall, water will accumulate in large quantities. Larger barrels are recommended as light containers can be pushed to the surface by heaving soil and water from the pit.
If the family has more than two people, it is worth considering the organization of an overflow type drain pit. The structure consists of two sequentially located barrels. The containers are located one slightly higher than the other. The connection is ensured by means of a built-in additional pipe. The liquid is pumped out individually from each barrel.
In both cases, the barrel must be installed, allowing easy access for the suction truck. When the barrel opening is hermetically sealed, it is necessary to leave a Ø100 mm ventilation hole for the drain pipe. During the decomposition of organic waste (fecal matter) of wastewater, a large amount of methane is formed. To remove it effectively, the pipe must rise half a meter from the soil level. If there is no gas outlet, the barrel will explode.
A controversial issue remains the blind area around the barrel lid. Some sources do not recommend pouring concrete around the hole. Since when the soil subsides, the concrete circle can begin to press on the top of the container and thereby damage its tightness.
Cesspool options
The buyer can choose from two types of barrels - iron and polymer.
Pros and cons of an iron barrel
Metal barrels have high strength, impressive weight. It should be borne in mind that the metal does not tolerate constant moisture. Without sufficient treatment, corrosion eats up a steel sump tank in 3-4 years. For its installation, it is necessary to involve lifting equipment.
To avoid metal rotting (corrosion), before installing an iron barrel for the sewage system, it is worth performing a number of waterproofing works:
- For external use, you can use a polymer coating waterproofing. It is good because, due to its plasticity, it can be applied to any surface shape.
- The inner surface should be treated with liquid application materials. In some versions, summer residents use nitro paint, but this method is inferior to processing with factory materials.
Among other waterproofing methods, domestic manufacturers offer injection materials. These are two or three-component formulations based on polyurethane resin. Their advantages include good adhesion (adhesion) of materials to the surface of the barrel, good water-repellent characteristics and strength of the material itself. The disadvantages are the high toxicity of the components.
In order to treat the barrel with an elastic injection material, additional protection must be provided.
For a more competent handling of resins, it is advisable to have special skills in handling such insulation.
The advantages of a polymer barrel
Plastic barrels for drain pits are easy to operate. They are already equipped with a ventilation hole, a convenient manhole cover, holes for installing PVC sewer pipes and much more. In addition, unlike iron, they are lightweight and do not require additional equipment during installation.
The material of the barrel is not exposed to the external influence of acids and alkalis of the soil water, which solves the problem of its replacement. A huge number of forms and volumes in terms of displacement allows you to choose the PVC sewer tank you need for your needs. Its inner surface is resistant to aggressive environments.
When laying a project for a sealed drain pit, it is worth considering that a closed system is more profitable, since wastewater does not enter the ground and does not cause environmental pollution.
The accumulating wastewater can create underground mudflow cushions and erode the foundations of nearby buildings. In this case, the only drawback of a closed sewer pit will be the constant pumping out of the slurry. But considering all the advantages, this fact is easy to come to terms with.
