The dream of the owner of a country house is a sewerage system that works without interruptions and consumes a large amount of electricity. It is these qualities that a septic tank has, which provides a high rate of sewage treatment. It is not always possible to purchase these mechanisms, because the cost of such structures from well-known manufacturers is quite high. But you can solve this problem by building a structure with your own hands.
Peculiarities
Several years ago, wastewater treatment facilities were understood as cesspools, in which wastewater was accumulated with subsequent pumping out. The modern construction market offers an improved mechanism used to collect and pump out wastewater. In a private or country house intended for permanent residence, a sewage purification system is simply necessary.
Before you start making a septic tank with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with the device diagram.
- The structure consists of 2 or 3 tanks, which are interconnected by a pipe.
- Each container has ventilation holes.
- The containers are equipped with tight sealed lids.
- Filtration field in which additional wastewater treatment is carried out. Traditional filters are: drainage well, infiltrator.
The most effective mechanisms are those consisting of 3 chambers, in this case, a more thorough cleaning of the effluents occurs. When preparing to perform even a homemade mini-septic tank, one must remember that the structure of the future cleaning mechanism will include 2 chambers.
The principle of operation of the treatment plant:
- the drains enter the receiving chamber of the mechanism (sump);
- large waste is screened out by settling;
- all waste elements are fermented by bacteria living in the treatment system;
- impurities decompose and give off gases that come out through the ventilation openings;
- within a certain time, the contaminating components dissolve in the liquid;
- at the outlet of the septic tank, a 95% purified liquid flows out, such water can be used for domestic and household needs.
A budget septic tank without pumping, due to its performance, surpasses a cesspool in most parameters, because it has many advantages:
- high level of wastewater treatment;
- lack of unpleasant odors;
- a sealed system does not allow waste elements to enter the soil layers and does not harm the ecosystem;
- pumping out of liquid is carried out once a year.
The disadvantages of such a device include several features.
- Complicated design.
- Strict rules for the use of detergents.
- The activity of bacteria decreases at low temperature conditions and a lack of oxygen, which leads to a decrease in the level of purification. For additional ventilation, you can purchase a special aerator.
Design and preparatory work
When placing the sewerage system, it is necessary to take into account the remoteness of the structure from residential buildings, open reservoirs, sources of drinking water.
The main sanitary and technical requirements are indicated in the SNIP:
- treatment facilities are allowed to be installed at a distance of 5 m from residential premises, 1 m from agricultural buildings;
- distance from sources of drinking water (well, well), depending on the type of soil, can vary from 20 to 50 meters.
But it must also be borne in mind that to pump out the sludge, you will need the help of a sewage machine, which must freely travel to the cleaning mechanism.
For the device of the chambers of the treatment plant, both ready-made tanks and self-made tanks are used: metal and plastic barrels, monolithic concrete structures, still tanks.
The correct calculation of the amount of required building material depends on the volume of the treatment plant. Therefore, the calculation will require the amount of discharged wastewater per day. It is not necessary to accurately determine such a value, it is enough to take the water absorption of 150-200 liters per 1 family member. To determine the volume of the receiving compartment of the septic tank, the resulting value is multiplied by 3. If 6 people permanently live in the house, then a container with a volume of 6x200x3 = 3600 liters will be required.
The second compartment of the septic tank is calculated based on the parameters of the receiving chamber. If its volume takes 2/3 of the liquid of the entire size of the treatment plant, then the parameters of the additional purification chamber are 1/3 of the volume of the mechanism.
For the design of a septic tank, you can use ready-made working drawings and device diagrams.
In most regions of Russia, the sewage treatment plant will not freeze in winter thanks to the warm wastewater coming from the house. And also bacteria that actively behave in the septic tank are an obstacle to freezing. But the design will still have to be deepened. The distance between the cover and the upper level of wastewater should be equal to the amount of soil freezing in winter. A drainage pipe runs at this level. Therefore, it must be borne in mind that the structure must be located below this level.
If the high level of groundwater does not allow the deepening of the system below the level of freezing of the soil, it is necessary to make insulation. The following are used as insulating materials:
- expanded polystyrene;
- Styrofoam;
- expanded clay.
How to do it yourself?
There are two variations of making a septic tank with your own hands.
Variation number 1
In this case, the sewage treatment plant consists of two chambers. Pits can be of various shapes. The depth of the pit must be at least 2.5 m.
When digging a hole, it is recommended to reach a drying layer consisting of a mixture of sand and gravel. After both pits are ready, it is necessary to align and seal the walls. Next, an internal shape is set for each pit (board). Both chambers are connected by means of a pipe. The inner area of the formwork is covered with plastic wrap. The gap between the boards and the walls of the pit is filled with a cement-sand mixture in a ratio of 1 to 3. When the concrete dries up (3-5 days), the inner mold of the boards is dismantled.
The incoming sewer pipe must be insulated with insulating materials (polystyrene, glass wool).
Variation number 2
The principle of the cleaning mechanism is similar to the previous variation. But in this case, the construction of a septic tank will be simplified: it is necessary to dig only 1 pit and divide it into 2 chambers using a concrete partition.
When making a septic tank with their own hands, they mainly use improvised materials, but not all such variations are sealed and durable structures. Mainly used building materials:
- a system of plastic containers (from a eurocube);
- concrete rings with a bottom and a filter layer;
- cleaning mechanism from car tires;
- monolithic blocks;
- brick;
- iron barrels.
When choosing certain materials for making a septic tank with your own hands, you need to take into account some points.
- Features of the use of the sewer system (the amount of incoming wastewater).
- The depth of the groundwater table.
- The quality and performance of the building material.
- Construction skills and financial capabilities. Not all homeowners know how to do independent masonry, and the help of specialized equipment will be required to install a structure made of concrete rings.
To determine the strengths and weaknesses of the listed building materials, consider in detail some of the variations.
From scrap materials
There are many tools at hand that can be used to make a septic tank.
Car tires
Often, car tires from wheels are used to make a purification plant for a summer residence without electricity. The system is designed for a small volume of waste water. 2 trenches are dug under the tires. The tires are connected to each other by means of clamps, and the joints are treated with a sealant. The bottom of the first chamber is lined with plastic wrap; concrete is used for high-quality installation.
The advantages of such a structure are:
- availability of building materials;
- simple installation of the structure.
Cons of this design:
- freezing in the winter;
- loss of shape and integrity in a fairly short period of time.
Construction from eurocubes
To make a septic tank, you will need 2 or 3 tanks. One of them has the bottom cut out to create filtration. Plastic tanks are installed in a metal frame. This will protect the structure from the negative effects of the soil. Before installation, inlet and outlet tubes are inserted into the tanks, holes are made for ventilation. The joints are treated with silicone.
The recess for the tanks is dug at a slope so that the second tank is 20 cm lower than the first. To fix the eurocubes, concrete is poured onto the bottom of the pit, to which the tanks are attached.
Advantages:
- tightness of tanks;
- easy installation;
- long service life.
The disadvantages include the fact that the unit must be secured to prevent the system from rising to the surface.
Concrete ring cleaning system
The pit depth should be no more than 4 meters. The structure must be installed at a sufficient depth, this is especially important for an area with a high level of groundwater.
The device will require 4-5 concrete rings of standardized parameters. The height of the rings is just over 1 meter. The diameter of the rings can vary from 70 to 200 centimeters. When calculating the future system, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the rings. The mass of one ring is 600 kg (sometimes more).
A crane is required for installation. The first ring is laid with its end in the area where the cleaning mechanism will be located, then you can start digging a pit. After the top end is level with the ground, the second ring is installed. Digging the hole continues. So that the rings do not disperse, they are connected by means of reinforcement. And you can also use specialized spacers to prevent the rings from displacing.
After the hole is dug, the joints of the rings and the seams are sealed with a special cement mortar. The bottom is filled with cement and closed with waterproofing building material. Waterproofing is carried out along the walls of the tank. It is possible to mount one well, which will perform an accumulative function. Periodically, it will be necessary to pump out wastewater.
Block device
Manufacturing technology of a two-chamber septic tank from blocks:
- excavation of a pit is carried out to fit the dimensions of an autonomous sewage system with an indent on the sides (25-30 cm);
- at the bottom of the pit, a sand and gravel cushion is laid, the thickness of which is 15-20 centimeters;
- the base is laid from a concrete mixture;
- blocks are laid along the perimeter of the walls, which also needs to be built in the middle of the structure for the partition;
- the inner and outer walls of the blocks are covered with bitumen mastic;
- a cover made of a monolithic plate with hatches is installed on top;
- ventilation and thermal insulation of the system is made of foam;
- the septic tank is backfilled with earth.
When laying blocks in the bulkhead, an overflow is installed, on one side of the wall an entrance is made for a sewer pipe coming from the living quarters. On the other hand, an exit is made into a drainage well or infiltrator. If the second chamber is to be equipped with a drainage part, then it is necessary to replace the monolithic slab with a concrete foundation, and in the middle of the tank to make a drainage of gravel and sand.
Overflow between reservoirs is carried out at a depth of 50-60 centimeters from the cover of the cleaning mechanism. The inlet must be located lower than the outlet.
Sewer pipes are installed with a slope of 2-3 degrees from a residential building so that wastewater flows into the septic tank by gravity.
Making a septic tank from metal or plastic barrels
Consider the option of self-executing a septic tank from 3 barrels, but the principle of equipment remains the same when performing a septic tank from 2 containers.
- Making technological holes. The first barrel has an inlet for sewer pipes and an outlet for overflow into the second tank. In the second barrel there is an inlet for overflowing liquid from the first chamber and an outlet for draining into the next barrel.
- In the third barrel, one hole is made for the flow of wastewater from the second chamber, and when equipping the filtration field, two are made in the lower part for pipes.
- For each barrel, micro-holes are made in the upper part of the structures to create ventilation.
To fill the foundation layer, the installation of stepped formwork is performed. When the drums are located with a subsequent lowering of the level, the volume of containers will be fully used. This is important if a small septic tank of this type prevails.
After the foundation is poured during the period of solidification of the solution, rings or hooks are mounted in it to fix the containers. And also at this stage, a trench is prepared for laying pipes, through which wastewater will be removed from the septic tank to the filtration field.
When the foundation is completely solidified, you can proceed with the installation of containers and their fastening. Filter field trenches are covered with geotextiles. The assembled cleaning mechanism is covered with earth from the barrels. It is recommended to fill plastic barrels with water immediately to avoid deformation of the product.
Barrels made of metal must be treated with a rustproofing agent.
Brick
If you decide to build a brick cleaning mechanism, then it is better to use clinker products for this purpose. They are resistant to moisture and aggressive environments. The containers can be made both rectangular and round. It is important to properly waterproof the structure. It is recommended to coat the outer walls of the tanks with specialized mastic. Backfill (the distance between the outer walls of the mechanism and the pit) is done using clay. The minimum layer thickness should be 20 cm.
A cement mixture is used to seal the inside of the septic tank. The bottom of the structure should be filled with concrete so that drains do not seep into the soil layers.
Manufacturing technology:
- a cushion of sand and crushed stone is made, the bottom of the chambers is filled with concrete;
- along the perimeter of the inner part of the pit, a brick is laid out, which is connected with cement;
- in the second chamber, the bottom of the pit is not concreted, and brick products are laid on a minimum amount of cement mortar, this will allow wastewater to penetrate into the soil layers.
During the construction of the cleaning mechanism, technical errors should be taken into account, which can lead to incorrect functioning of the system.
To avoid them, you must follow simple rules.
- Provide a certain slope of the sewer pipe towards the septic tank. This is necessary so that the wastewater flows by gravity.
- Avoid sharp turns of the sewer pipes, thereby preventing clogging of the system.
- The inlet pipe should be located higher than the outlet so that waste materials do not escape from the system.
- It is forbidden to build filter wells with high levels of groundwater. This can lead to pollution of the ecosystem.
When using a treatment plant, it is prohibited:
- throw construction waste into the sewer system - this can lead to clogging of the first chamber of the septic tank;
- use a structure for the disposal of polymer waste (cellophane, cigarette butts, bag, condom);
- use detergents that contain solvents, acids, alkalis, which can lead to the death of anaerobic microorganisms;
- pour oil products into the sewer - machine oil, gasoline, diesel fuel.
The problem of hygiene and comfort is always faced by a person who has decided to move to a permanent place of residence in the private sector, where there are often problems with the shower and toilet familiar to the inhabitants of the "stone jungle". Indeed, in such cases, it is often not possible to connect your home to centralized communication systems, including the wastewater disposal system. And that is why, before the construction of the house itself, most of the land owners are planning the arrangement. How to do, what is needed for this and how difficult is it?
Septic tank - what is it
Table. The main types of septic tanks.
| View | Description |
|---|---|
| This septic tank has a bottom and needs to be pumped out periodically. In design, it is similar to a cesspool - in other words, it is an ordinary tank for the accumulation of wastewater. A design that forces you to regularly spend money on cleaning with the help of sewers. |
| Water processed in such devices needs additional purification. The most effective, but also the most expensive septic tank. |
| This septic tank is equipped with several settling chambers, in which the water is partially purified, and then enters the well, filtering it, from which it passes already purified into the environment. It rarely needs cleaning. |
Cesspool or septic tank - which is better?
For decades and even centuries, people have built ordinary cesspools near their homes and on personal plots to equip the sewage system (if you can call it that).
These pits have the following disadvantages:
- fragility of use;
- an ordinary cesspool is not able to cope with large volumes of drains, which have increased significantly over the past decades, because private houses have appeared bathrooms, washing machines and dishwashers, swimming pools;
- complexity of maintenance - too large volumes of wastewater will require pumping waste several times a week, which can hit your pocket hard;
- there is a high risk of sewage entering groundwater and environmental pollution - cesspools often do not have a sealed bottom and walls at all:
- an unpleasant smell hovering next to the pit;
- problems with neighbors and sanitary inspection services.
All of the above disadvantages of a cesspool are absent in any properly equipped septic tank. It is more effective, durable, economical, less often needs cleaning and processing, and there is a special one for this. Although it looks very much like an ordinary cesspool, the filtration system in it is much more complicated. Rather, in the cesspool, it can be said to be absent altogether.
However, the arrangement of a septic tank must also be carried out in accordance with certain sanitary standards - you cannot equip it anywhere and anyway. The septic tank can now be purchased in a specialized store or ordered by the craftsmen. But it is much cheaper to equip it with your own hands. Before you start building a septic tank, you need to create its scheme, determine the size and location.
Summer cottages and country houses have long ceased to be housing with amenities “in the yard”. New technologies and materials make it possible in a short time to build a full-fledged sewerage system, which will ensure the drainage of drains from the kitchen, toilet, bathroom or bath. Most often, it is not possible to connect the drain line to the centralized network, therefore, the problem of removing sewage from the site has to be solved independently, using the services of a sewer or dumping wastewater into the ground. Of course, in the latter case, you can build a simple drainage pit from scrap materials and thereby avoid financial costs, if not for one caveat: direct discharge of sewage into the ground can lead to groundwater pollution in your and neighboring areas.
In order for “both the wolves to be fed and the sheep to be safe,” it is worth spending a small amount and building a septic tank that will clean the drains and make them safe. And so that the costs of its manufacture and operation do not lead to the depletion of the family budget, we recommend that you start building yourself.
Septic tank - a device, how it works
A neatly made septic tank will absolutely not interfere with the site, even if installed in a conspicuous place
The issue of utilization of domestic wastewater in suburban areas can be solved in two ways. The first consists in the accumulation and subsequent removal of sewage using sewage machines, and the second covers a whole range of processes for their filtration, absorption and disinfection.
The storage type septic tank requires regular pumping
The use of a sealed container for collecting wastewater is a good option in the case when they appear in a country house or in a country house on weekends and the amount of water used is small. If you plan to regularly operate the bathroom, toilet and household appliances, then the volume of water increases so much that you will have to pump out the drain pit weekly. To avoid this inconvenience, cesspools of a filtration type are built, in which the liquid from the sewage system is absorbed into the ground. There, with the help of bacteria, it is processed into water and safe organic substances. In fact, a septic tank is just such a structure, however, its improved design allows you to disinfect wastewater even before it is discharged into the ground.
Depending on the design, septic tanks can be divided into several types:
- Single-chamber septic tank of small volume. It is a container with an overflow pipe and is used in small households with a water consumption of no more than 1 cubic meter. m per day. Despite the simple design, the efficiency of sewage treatment leaves much to be desired.
- Small two-chamber septic tank. Consists of two containers connected by an overflow system. The simplicity and efficiency of such a design makes it the most popular for do-it-yourself manufacturing.
- Multi-chamber structures. Due to the presence of several chambers, wastewater treatment takes place over a long period of time. This allows you to get water at the outlet, which can be safely discharged into natural reservoirs or used for household needs. Despite the high degree of purification, multi-chamber systems are few in number in private backyards due to their complexity and high cost.
In order to understand how a septic tank works, consider the most popular two-chamber design.
The device and principle of operation of a two-chamber septic tank
After the sewage enters the first chamber of the treatment plant from the sewage system, it is gravitationally separated into liquid and solids. At the same time, the processing of organic waste begins by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, which develop in the absence or excess of oxygen. At the same time, not only liquid waste, but also fecal matter is processed into water and harmless organic matter. By the way, the work of microorganisms makes it possible to significantly reduce the volume of the solid fraction, leaving only a small sediment in the form of sludge.
An overflow channel is located in the upper part of the first chamber, through which the purified liquid enters the second chamber, where it is further purified. Below the level of the inlet channel in the second tank there is an outlet pipe, from which the purified liquid is taken for watering the garden or diverting into the ground. In the latter case, filtration fields or wells are equipped to increase the area of contact of the treated water with the ground.
Advantages and disadvantages of septic tanks
The question of which is better - a cesspool or septic tank, is best considered in terms of efficiency, as well as the cost of manufacturing and maintenance. At the same time, it is important to remember about the safety of the structure.
Note that according to most parameters, it is the septic tank that wins, which stands out with such advantages:
- high degree of purification of domestic wastewater - the water at the outlet of the device can be used for economic purposes;
- lack of an unpleasant odor on the site;
- hermetically sealed design reduces the risk of sewage entering the groundwater and makes the structure safe for the environment;
- there is no need for regular pumping - the removal of sludge residue can be carried out once every several years.
The disadvantages of septic tanks include:
- more complex design;
- increase in construction costs;
- strict requirements for the use of household detergents. Conventional chemistry is detrimental to microorganisms, so you have to use special formulations;
- a decrease in the activity of bacteria with a decrease in temperature - at 4 ° C and below, the process of processing sewage stops.
Despite some nuances, the use of a septic tank allows you to preserve the nature and health of others, and this is a plus that cannot be canceled out by any difficulties and financial costs.
Design and preparatory activities
The apparent simplicity of the design of the septic tank is very deceiving - in order for the constructed structure to be safe and productive, it is necessary to make small calculations and carefully approach the choice of location.
The choice of location on the site. Sanitary standards
Scheme indicating the requirements for the location of the septic tank on the site
When choosing a place for installing a septic tank, they are guided by the norms of sanitary and epidemiological legislation and acts of SNiP:
- local sewerage facilities are allowed to be installed at a distance of at least 5 m from the foundation of a residential building and 1 m from buildings for economic and domestic purposes located on the site;
- the distance from wells and boreholes is determined depending on the composition of the soil and can range from 20 m for clayey soils to 50 m for sandy soil;
- the installation of a septic tank directly near the roads and boundaries of the site is prohibited. It is required to maintain a distance of at least 1 m from the fence and 5 m from the road;
In addition, do not forget that from time to time you still have to use a sludge pump, so it is imperative to think about how the sewer truck will drive up to the sewage facilities.
A household fecal pump with a chopper will allow you to do without the services of a sewer
You can do without the services of a sewer if the sludge is pumped out with a fecal pump purchased for these purposes, and the sludge from the septic tank is used as fertilizer for the garden.
Selection and calculation of material. Required volume
For the device of septic tank chambers, you can use both ready-made tanks and containers built by your own hands:
The calculation of the amount of material required depends on the volume of the septic tank, therefore the main calculated value is the daily amount of discharged wastewater. It is not required to accurately determine this parameter; it is enough to take water consumption of 150-200 liters for each family member who permanently resides in the house. This will be enough for using the bathroom, toilet, washing machine and dishwasher. To determine the volume of the septic tank receiving chamber, the resulting value is multiplied by three. For example, if five people constantly live in a house equipped with all the amenities, then a tank designed for 3 cubic meters will be required. m of liquid waste (5 people × 200 liters × 3 = 3000 liters).
The second chamber is calculated based on the size of the receiving tank. If its volume is taken equal to 2/3 of the total size of the septic tank, then the dimensions of the post-treatment chamber provide the remaining third of the volume of the structure. If we take the example discussed above, then the working volume of the structure will be 4.5 cubic meters. m, of which 1.5 cubic meters. m is taken under the second tank.
Photo gallery: drawings of future structures
When designing a septic tank, you can use drawings and diagrams of working structures.
Diagram of a two-chamber septic tank 
Drawing of a two-chamber septic tank 
Drawing of a two-chamber septic tank
Calculations of external dimensions are carried out using well-known geometric formulas for determining the volume of a cylindrical structure and a rectangular container.
It should be understood that in most regions the septic tank will not freeze in winter due to warm drains coming from the house, soil temperature and the work of microorganisms. Nevertheless, you still have to deepen the structure. The gap between the cover and the upper level of wastewater is taken equal to the amount of soil freezing in winter. It is at this depth that the drain pipe enters the septic tank. Therefore, it is necessary to rely on the fact that the calculated working volume will be below this point. In addition, at a higher temperature, bacteria will more actively process sewage, contributing to an increase in the performance of the septic tank.
Diagram explaining the need to deepen the septic tank chambers
Which shape is better
The question of which septic tank is better - round or rectangular can be considered incorrect, since the shape does not at all affect the performance and degree of purification. However, the configuration of the structure is of great importance in the choice of materials. Everyone knows that round structures are the most optimal in terms of spending the necessary funds. The septic tank was no exception. If it is made of brick, then the choice of a cylindrical shape will reduce consumption by 10-15%. In addition, the round walls perfectly resist mechanical loads from the ground. If you choose a monolithic two-chamber structure, then it is better to make it square or rectangular. Firstly, the reinforced walls will withstand bending forces, and secondly, this is necessary for purely practical reasons associated with the manufacture of formwork for pouring concrete.
The cost of septic tanks from various materials. To eliminate the impact of devaluation, prices are given in USD. e
By the way, we recommend making a concrete structure with your own hands. If we consider the cost of a septic tank, then it will not be much higher than inexpensive brick counterparts (see table). As for the durability and strength of the structure, there can be no question of any comparison, therefore even more labor-intensive technology will justify itself many times over. We will tell you in detail how to build a rectangular two-chamber septic tank made of reinforced concrete.
Required tools and materials
To build a concrete treatment plant you will need:
- crushed stone, sand and cement for the manufacture of concrete;
- steel rods or reinforcement with a diameter of at least 10 mm;
- metal corners, pipes or channels for the construction of floors;
- boards, beams and slats for formwork;
- waterproofing film;
- concrete mixer;
- containers for bulk materials and concrete;
- Bulgarian;
- manual ramming;
- saw on wood;
- a welding machine or wire for the manufacture of an armored belt;
- a hammer;
- building level;
- roulette.
If it is necessary to insulate a septic tank, this list should be supplemented with a heat insulator used, for example, expanded clay crumbs.
DIY construction and installation of a suburban septic tank made of monolithic concrete
It is better to dig a pit for a septic tank by asking for help from relatives and friends
- After determining the size of the structure and choosing a place, they begin to dig a pit. The size of the pit is chosen depending on which formwork will be used. If boards made of boards are planned to be installed on both sides, then the pit is made 40-50 cm wider than the size of the tank, taking into account the thickness of its walls. In the case when concrete will be poured between the formwork and the ground, the pit is dug according to the external dimensions of the septic tank. If hired people will be used for this, calculate the cost of their work. Be sure to keep in mind that the soil will have to be removed from the site, and this will entail additional costs for its loading. Perhaps the total cost of all earthworks will approach the cost of operating an excavator. At the same time, he will cope with the work dozens of times faster.
It is not worth taking out all the soil from the site. Be sure to leave part of it for backfilling the septic tank.
- Tamp the bottom of the hole and cover it with a layer of sand 10-15 cm thick. After that, the sand is spilled with water to compact it.
- Install the formwork around the perimeter of the structure. If a one-sided board fence is used, then the walls of the pit are covered with plastic wrap. This will prevent them from shedding while pouring the walls and base of the septic tank.
Waterproofing pit walls
- Lay pieces of wooden slats at least 5 cm thick on the bottom. They will be needed as spacers for the reinforcement belt, which will be located inside the concrete base.
- Build an armopoyas from a metal bar or reinforcement. To do this, longitudinal elements are laid on the slats, and the transverse ones are attached to them by welding or tying with wire. The mesh size of the resulting lattice should be no more than 20 - 25 cm.
A volumetric reinforcing frame is not required in the manufacture of a septic tank: a simple plane reinforcement is enough.
- Fill the base of the septic tank with concrete and seal it with a bayonet or ram. The thickness of the bottom should be at least 15 cm. To prepare a mortar from grade 400 cement, you can use the following proportion: 1 part of cement is mixed with 2 parts of sand and 3 parts of crushed stone. When using M-500 cement, the amount of bulk materials is increased by 15 - 20%.
Pouring the base of the septic tank with concrete
- After the concrete base has finally set, they proceed to the construction of the formwork for the walls and partitions of the septic tank. Reinforcement is also installed inside the formwork to strengthen the structure of the structure.
If there are not enough boards for the construction of the formwork to the full height, then a low sliding structure can be used, which is poured with concrete, and after it has set, it is moved up.
- At the level of overflow channels and entry-exit points of sewer pipes, windows are made, installing large-diameter pipe sections into the formwork or constructing plank frames.
Formwork for walls and internal partitions
- After the chambers of the septic tank have reached the required height, they begin to construct the floor. For this, support elements made of steel corners or shaped pipes are laid on top of the walls. However, it is important to ensure sufficient strength, since concrete has a significant weight.
- When installing formwork and reinforcement, take care of the openings for the hatches.
Setting floor support members
- Fill the lid of the septic tank with concrete and cover the structure with plastic wrap.
Before pouring the floor, be sure to install a ventilation pipe
- After the overlap has dried, a sewer main is brought into the receiving window of the first chamber, and the outlet of the structure is connected to drainage structures.
- They fill the septic tank with soil, constantly tamping and leveling it. It is important that the ground level above the septic tank is slightly higher than the level of the entire site. This will prevent the wastewater treatment plant from flooding during heavy rains or floods.
Arrangement of filtration structures
In order to drain the treated water into the ground, various types of drainage systems are used. The most common structures are filtration fields and drainage wells.
Filtration field device
The first is a system of pipelines placed in the ground and connected to the outlet of a septic tank. Thanks to the installation at an inclination, the movement of treated wastewater through the pipes is ensured, and their absorption becomes possible thanks to the system of holes and the drainage layer into which the entire structure is placed.
The latter are a special case of a cesspool without a bottom and can be constructed from perforated concrete rings, staggered bricks, or old car tires. To ensure the absorption capacity, the bottom of the filtration well is covered with a thick layer of rubble. I must say that, unlike a cesspool, the performance of a structure connected to a septic tank practically does not decrease over time. This is due to the absence of solid particles and suspensions that can clog drainage holes and pores.
Using a septic tank, it is necessary to radically reconsider the approach to the use of sewage. From the day the system is put into operation, it is forbidden to use chemical detergents and to pour any aggressive substances into the toilet or sink. It must be remembered that from now on, living things - bacteria and other microorganisms - are engaged in wastewater treatment. Of course, this does not mean that you will now have to use ash and simple laundry soap for washing and cleaning, like our ancestors. When using household detergents marked "Bio" or "Eco", the fragile ecosystem of the septic tank will not be threatened, and you will get good results when cleaning and washing.
The use of detergents free from aggressive chemicals will allow the septic tank to work at full strength
You should not pour into the sewer and inorganic waste and garbage - there is a trash can for this. Getting into the storage tank of the sewage structure, they will collect at the bottom and interfere with its normal operation, and when pumping out sludge, they can clog the hoses of the fecal pump.
To improve the performance of the septic tank, special bioactivators are periodically added to the receiving chamber, which include several types of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. When choosing biological products, it is imperative to pay attention to their purpose, since such compositions are produced both for normal operating conditions and for cleaning heavily contaminated walls of septic tanks, drains with an increased fat content, etc. the manufacturer on the packaging, otherwise the bacteria may die.
The use of bioactivators improves the performance of the septic tank
From time to time you will have to check the sediment level. The fact is that their accumulation leads to a decrease in the useful volume and a decrease in the performance of the septic tank, therefore, periodically, the sludge will need to be pumped out or removed using a sludge pump, fecal pump or a long pole with a scoop device. Of course, mechanized pumping methods will be preferable.
Thanks to my versatile hobbies, I write on various topics, but my favorites are engineering, technology and construction. Perhaps because I know a lot of nuances in these areas, not only theoretically, as a result of studying at a technical university and graduate school, but also from the practical side, since I try to do everything with my own hands.
Alexei 02.11.2014 Septic tanks
Very often, the owners of country houses or summer cottages have to solve the problem of the lack of a central sewerage system. Many people dig a cesspool in the old fashioned way, where all the waste of human activity is dumped.
This method of dealing with impurities is quite simple, but ineffective. In our time, there are many other methods, more progressive.
One of them is the arrangement of a septic tank in the local area. The use of such a design allows you to save on calls to sewage equipment, since in this case the need for cleaning may be needed once every 2-3 years. Before you make a septic tank on your own, you should find out what types of it are and what is required for this. It is also important to choose the right location for its location, taking into account the features of the site's relief and the presence of groundwater.
The easiest septic tank for a country house
It's easy to build. First, you should dig a pit of a certain size. In this case, complex calculations are not required, the pit in terms of dimensions can be minimal, for example, 2x2x2 meters. You can dig a pit using special equipment for this, and the most economical ones do it manually. Everyone decides for himself, to the best of his ability, how to make a septic tank on his site.
We watch a video of what a septic tank is:
After the excavation is completed, formwork is made, for which it is necessary to prepare in advance a beam, OSB sheets and plastic pipes. To make the suction area of the treated wastewater from the device into the ground larger, pipe cuttings can also be used. They are inserted into the holes made in the osb sheets after about 25-30 centimeters.
Since the formwork made of this material has poor strength, it must certainly be strengthened. For this purpose, a bar is stuffed along the perimeter of the structure. For strength, stiffeners are also added, installed every 50 cm.
Having decided to create a correct and inexpensive septic tank with your own hands, you need to keep in mind that the formwork must be strengthened to prevent its destruction in the future. For this, a bar is also used.
After collecting and installing the shields, install plastic sleeves from the pipes. They are driven into the ground to a depth of at least 5 centimeters.
Pouring concrete
After completing all the necessary ground work, they begin pouring concrete. It is also not difficult. In all the manuals on how to make a septic tank correctly, it is noted that, since a lot of concrete is required, you will have to use a concrete mixer during the work. Preparing a solution requires knowledge of all proportions. Crushed stone and sand are mixed with cement in a two-to-one ratio. Water is added to the resulting mixture and stirred.
Those who know how to make a septic tank correctly are aware that reinforcement is used to strengthen the strength of concrete. After pouring the first part of the solution, it is allowed to harden. After that, the formwork is dismantled and installed on the opposite part of the pit. Then the filling process is repeated again.
At the next stage, the pit is divided in half. The first will serve to collect solids, and the second will contain drains that will gradually be absorbed into the soil. The partition between them can also be made of concrete or made of bricks. It is very important to choose the correct height. The overflow opening is usually installed at a height of 30 cm lower than the downpipe.
We watch the video, do it yourself:
Correct location
This question is not at all secondary, since a lot depends on its correct solution. Where to equip the cleaning complex is influenced by many factors, and primarily its type. According to regulatory requirements, the correct septic tank must be at least 15 meters to a drinking water well. It is not recommended to place it close to the building.
And the point here is not only unpleasant odors emanating from the cleaning system, but also the possible high humidity in its area. There must be at least two meters between the septic tank and the border of the site or the road.
Experts who give recommendations on how to make a good septic tank with your own hands advise placing it in the part of the site that will be used the least. In hilly terrain, the aeration system should be located at the lowest point so that groundwater carries waste waste.
If there is a garden on the territory of the site or there are ornamental shrubs, then you need to take care of how to properly install a septic tank on it so as not to harm the vegetation. There should be a distance of 4 m from it to the nearest tree, this will enable the plant to develop normally.
We watch the video on how to arrange it correctly:
Do not allow the foundation of the house and outbuildings to be washed away by sewage. Treatment facilities should be located at least five meters from buildings.
Diagram of a plastic model in a private house
It has already been noted above that today you can buy a ready-made cleaning device from anywhere. How to make and install such a septic tank correctly depends on its internal structure. To do this, it is important to first familiarize yourself with its scheme.
Installation standards
The main part of the septic tank is a large fiberglass container. Inside, it is divided into several compartments by special perforating partitions. These bridges retain various types of sediment and prevent it from moving through the compartments.
Before you make such a septic tank with your own hands, it should be borne in mind that the sewage in it is purified using special chemicals or bacteria. The latter is much better as it significantly improves the cleaning performance. Subsequently, falling on the filtration fields, the liquid that has undergone additional refinement is gradually absorbed into the soil.
Calculation of a septic tank for a country cottage
Calculate the volume of the treatment plant based on the number of people who will use it. The calculation formula is pretty simple. The number of family members should be multiplied by 200 liters, the result obtained is again multiplied by three and divided by a thousand. As a result of calculations, there will be a number in cubic meters, showing how much the system should be.
We watch the video, we make the correct calculation:
After the calculations, it is necessary to find out not only how to make a septic tank correctly, but also how much it will cost financially.
The cost of a treatment plant
The price for a septic tank, arranged in the local area, may be different. It depends on the type of treatment plant and the material from which it is made. Sometimes the work performed is much more expensive than the container itself. Those who are interested in how to make a septic tank with their own hands should know that, in general, its cost can range from 20,000 rubles to one hundred thousand.
Much depends on the type of structure and work performed, including earthwork and concreting. If you decide to seek help from specialists, you will have to spend another 25% of the total cost of the equipment. But you can do all the work yourself. For those who know how to make a septic tank competently, its price will be much lower.
Thus, there are several main factors affecting installation costs:
- Soil type and amount of excavation
- The number of additional operations during installation
- Installation time and time of year when it is carried out
With accurate calculation and correct arrangement, the correct septic tank, no matter how much it costs, will pay off very quickly.
A cesspool is the simplest, but not very successful option for an autonomous sewage system in a private house. Modern technologies offer more convenient solutions, for example, local cleaning stations for industrial production.
A skilled builder is quite capable of making a septic tank with his own hands without pumping out. What options for odorless septic tanks are popular among owners of private houses and what will be required for their construction - we will consider all this in our article.
We will also give an example of assembling a septic tank from concrete rings and compare the ready-made solutions offered by the market with homemade products.
Sewerage facilities are called septic tanks, which practically completely process wastewater, decomposing them into safe components.
All work on the transformation of human waste is assigned to microorganisms. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria gradually process the low-appetizing sewage masses into water and activated sludge.
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If the device is insulated and properly mothballed, it is not afraid of either winter frosts or spring floods. It will not float or crack, even if some of its contents freeze.
It is, of course, important to correctly install the device. In the process of wastewater treatment, bacteria effectively eliminate the odor characteristic of the sewage system.
The resulting water is, of course, not suitable for drinking, cooking, doing laundry or other household needs. With a high degree of purification, it can be used to water plants on the site.
Often, water is removed through a filtration well or filtration field. Water gradually enters the ground, passing through a treatment system, a layer of sand and gravel.
Sludge that settles at the bottom of the sealed container, of course, does not go anywhere. It accumulates, as a result of which the total volume of the septic tank decreases slightly. When the amount of deposits becomes critical, the device should be cleaned using a special pump.
Cleaning the septic tank is performed much less frequently than pumping out the cesspool, and this process is usually not accompanied by a stench, since the sludge has a completely neutral odor.
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Outside, the septic tank is covered with a layer of waterproofing. Some masters recommend to coat not only the joints, but the entire capacity of the device.
The trench for the sewer pipe leading from the house to the septic tank without pumping out and smelling is laid with a slight slope. At the junction of the septic tank and the pipe, a hole of suitable dimensions is made in the thickness of the concrete.
In the same way, overflow pipes are installed, which connect the individual parts of the septic tank. All joints of the septic tank with pipes must be sealed and covered with a layer of waterproofing.
At the bottom of the last section of the septic tank, instead of cement mortar, a gravel-sand filter is laid. First, sand is poured and leveled, and then a layer of gravel.
It is also allowed to use crushed stone of a suitable fraction for these purposes. The thickness of the filtration layer should be approximately 30-40 cm.
As the upper ceiling of a septic tank made of concrete rings, a special round plate of a suitable size with a sealed lid is used.
After all the compartments of the septic tank are ready, you need to cover them with round concrete slabs, which can be purchased from precast concrete manufacturers, complete with concrete rings.
These covers have holes with sealed concrete covers. It remains to backfill the pits, and the septic tank can be considered ready for operation.
Other options for homemade septic tanks
In addition to concrete rings, you can use other materials to create a septic tank. Consider the most popular materials and options for making septic tanks.
Option # 1 - septic tank from eurocube
The eurocube has already been mentioned - a sealed plastic container.
It is relatively easy to install such a septic tank, but the low physical weight of the plastic should be taken into account. During a spring flood, groundwater can simply push a light container to the surface.
To make such a septic tank heavier, a concrete slab with metal hinges should be laid at the bottom of the pit. The container is fixed to these loops with a metal cable. Sometimes such a septic tank is weighted down with the help of some heavy object, which is fixed at the top of the device.
Option # 2 - monolithic concrete structure
A concrete septic tank can be made by pouring. In this case, it is not necessary to make several pits, you can get by with one large-sized structure and a rectangular configuration.
First, the bottom is concreted, then the formwork is installed and the walls of the septic tank are poured. To divide a large capacity into several sections, concrete walls are made inside.
To pour a concrete septic tank with a solution, you will need to build a wooden formwork, in which holes are immediately made for overflow pipes
A septic tank can be made with your own hands from concrete blocks or bricks, but the masonry should be as tight as possible.
Another option is to make. However, such a material cannot provide sufficient tightness to protect the soil from non-recycled effluent.
With the help of tires, you can only make a version of a permeable cesspool. The life of such a device is significantly limited, in contrast to a capital septic tank, which, with proper maintenance, can serve for decades.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
This video presents in detail the option of creating a two-chamber septic tank:
Of course, a homemade septic tank does not always provide the same high degree of purification as modern VOCs. Nevertheless, these structures function very successfully with relatively low costs for their installation and maintenance.
When building a septic tank, it is important to adhere to technical standards in order to prevent contamination of groundwater.
Do you use a homemade septic tank without pumping out? Tell us, what type of building did you prefer and does your family have enough volume? How often do you clean up and what steps do you take to prepare your septic tank for winter?
Leave your comments under our article - your experience in the construction and operation of a homemade septic tank will be useful to many owners of private houses and summer cottages.