What is better for a country house – a septic tank or a VOC? What is the difference between a septic tank and an autonomous sewer? Disadvantages of septic treatment.

The level of comfort at home largely depends on the efficient operation of the drainage system, or sewerage system. Construction technologies can offer only three options for sewerage installations. Cesspool, septic tank or independent sewerage system. What is better, what type of drainage system is most suitable for a particular home, is determined strictly individually.

This type of sewage system is a settling tank system, with further partial recycling Wastewater. A septic tank consists of three or four containers connected by a common line through which used domestic water flows sequentially.

From the main house sewer pipe, wastewater enters the first chamber of the septic tank, where primary sedimentation occurs. Solid and heavy organic compounds precipitate. A process of fermentation and partial disintegration occurs. Flowing into the second chamber of the septic tank, the process is repeated, filtration occurs due to sediment. After the third (sometimes fourth) treatment, wastewater is discharged through the main line into the filtration field system.

The filtration field is a system of perforated pipes laid in a certain way on a bed of sand and crushed stone for the final purification of wastewater before entering the ground. Waste water seeps through the entire septic tank system and goes into the soil. The field has a size of about 30–40 square meters. m. The pipe system needs to be replaced every 6–7 years. It is also necessary to replace the layer of sand and crushed stone, since the field silts up and the autonomous process of wastewater disposal ceases.

System advantages

The main difference between a septic tank and autonomous sewerage consists in the independence of the first system from electricity or other power sources. Stock, collection and disposal domestic water occurs due to the mechanical movement of water along sewer lines. The following advantages of the system:

• cheapness;
• ease of installation, the ability to make the system yourself;
• independence from the amount of wastewater.

The septic tank chambers are made of durable plastic with elements metal fastenings which are not subject to corrosion. The septic unit works well at low temperatures.

This sewer system is installed into homes during construction or over time. During installation it is necessary to carry out excavation for installing a septic tank (dug into the ground), and for installing a filtration field. The pipes are laid in the soil on a prepared cushion.

In addition to the sludge system, in the solid layers of sediment, the process of fermentation of microorganisms in the water occurs without access to oxygen. Biological components disintegrate, so natural sediment in the chambers is minimal.

Disadvantages of Septic Treatment

Dependence on sewerage works. Removal of solid and semi-liquid human waste products occurs through pumping with a sewage disposal machine. Removal occurs depending on the accumulation of septic tank chambers. With intensive use, the number of cleanings can reach up to twice a year. When purchasing a system, both the cubic capacity of the storage chambers and the length of the filtration field lines are taken into account. Choosing a large-volume septic tank will allow you to limit yourself to calling a sewer truck once every two years.

Replace the cleaning field every 6–7 years.

This sewer system is not installed if the house is located on clay soils. With such soil parameters, the process of natural water recycling is impossible. Installation difficulties are possible in the following cases:

• soil heterogeneity;
• horizon changes;
• close location groundwater.

Possible unpleasant odor. If preventive measures are not carried out cleaning work in a septic system, for 2–3 years a persistent smell of sewage appears on the site; in such cases, the septic tank must be replaced.

Possible consequences

An important point when choosing a septic tank or autonomous sewer system. If the residence in the house is not permanent, then it is recommended to choose a septic tank. With such a load of wastewater, this system functions well and does not require additional control. Sewage works can be carried out once every two years.

Waters that have undergone the purification procedure with this system according to technical parameters(purification 92–95%), can be used for irrigation garden crops. When installing a septic tank autonomously without additional filtration fields, water purification will be 75%. This parameter is considered environmentally hazardous; such water cannot be discharged into the ground or used for irrigation or technical needs.

When installing a septic tank, the chambers are often populated with bacteria to quickly process biological components. At self-installation design and its assembly, bacteria can be populated separately; when purchasing a production unit, the system is fully provided with the necessary microorganisms in sufficient volume.

This is the full name of the autonomous sewer system. The system works by quickly recycling human waste products and wastewater. The speed of the process is achieved by working anaerobic bacteria. In the camera system, which is divided internal partitions, via main sewer pipe fall domestic wastewater. The compressor (in some stations this is a system of compressors) continuously supplies air, rapid decomposition and disposal of waste occurs. Through the secondary pipeline, the treated wastewater is discharged outside.

The level of filtration of household wastewater by this method reaches 98–99.8%. Purified water is absolutely safe

for direct release into the ground or for reuse V technical purposes. Hard sediment, which accumulates in the sewer chamber over time, is often used as fertilizer in the garden, since after deep processing by microorganisms, natural organic matter is obtained.

Heavy fractions can be pumped out independently, without calling a sewer truck, using a conventional pump. When the system is fully loaded during a year of operation, the amount of processed material reaches 20–30 kg.

System advantages

The main difference between a septic tank and an autonomous sewer system is the size of the installations and their dependence on adjacent power units. A septic tank requires a significant area of ​​land near the house; the autonomous sewage system is compact in size, can also be installed outdoors, and does not require additional filtration units other than the laying of the main pipes.

System performance. High processing speed ensures rapid waste disposal.

High water processing parameters. There is no need for additional wastewater treatment, installation or purchase of additional equipment.

Complete independence from soil composition, landscape, horizon level. The station can be installed on any soil, near sources drinking water in environmentally friendly areas, or protected areas.

Disadvantages of the bioremediation system

The first disadvantage of this sewer system is completely dependent on the power supply. The compressor system is designed in such a way that the air supply must be continuous. When the power is turned off, the station has a small reserve of autonomous operation (no more than 8–10 hours), then malfunctions begin to occur:

• Death of anaerobic bacteria. The process of biological decay of waste stops.
• Possible breakdowns in the compressor system, burnout of motors, etc.

Autonomous sewerage can be equipped with an additional, backup power source. It is possible to switch the operation of compressors to diesel or gasoline engines.

The price of the station is quite high compared to a septic tank, and it also requires pumping out decomposition products every 3-4 years and constant monitoring of the operation of air pumps. IN modern models control sensors are installed that monitor the operation of the station and signal a problem to a special monitor.

conclusions

For a house where a family lives permanently, with a high level of water use, it is recommended to choose a bio-treatment station. What better than a septic tank or an autonomous sewer system for a dacha or temporary housing is difficult to say. If the water consumption is high, you can select a station; if necessary, it can be reinstalled in another location. It is not advisable to move septic tanks.

Comparing a septic tank and an autonomous sewer system

Let's start with the fact that these are incomparable concepts. It is important to understand that an autonomous sewage system is a system that consists of various structures, for example, septic tanks or biological treatment stations. Therefore, you cannot compare a septic tank and an autonomous sewer system. Septic tank is unfinished treatment plant and cannot replace an autonomous sewer system, and an autonomous sewer system may contain a septic tank. A septic tank can only be part of a treatment plant or part of an autonomous sewer system. After the septic tank, a filtration structure (for example, underground or soil filtration) should always be organized.

Let's look at the definitions of these two terms themselves: autonomous sewerage system, septic tank.

A septic tank is a structure for the mechanical treatment of wastewater by settling with anaerobic digestion of sludge.

(GOST 25150-82, paragraph 44)

Septic tank- facility for pre-treatment of domestic wastewater entering the facilities underground filtration, which includes:
- mechanical cleaning wastewater due to settling processes with the formation of sediment and floating fractions,
- partial biological treatment of wastewater due to the anaerobic process of decomposition of organic pollutants contained in wastewater,
- flotation treatment of wastewater due to gases released during the anaerobic mineralization of sediment deposited in the septic tank.(STO NOSTROY 2.17.176 -2015)

Autonomous sewerage systems are sewerage systems that provide collection, disposal, purification and soil absorption (disposal) of household wastewater from sanitary fixtures of one or more single-family residential buildings, auxiliary or public buildings, or estates with outbuildings and not connected with the sewerage systems of other objects.

(STO NOSTROY 2.17.176 -2015)

From these definitions it can be understood that septic tanks can be part of an autonomous sewer system only as its element. In addition to the septic tank, an autonomous sewer system may include: a sewer pipeline and inspection wells with cleaning, and the construction of underground wastewater filtration. If justified and/or necessary, autonomous sewerage can be supplemented with other products and structures.

Options for autonomous sewerage for a country house

Below we have given you examples of organizing autonomous sewage systems for country house based on septic tank concrete rings, plastic septic tank, aeration unit and various filter structures.

The first option of an autonomous sewer system based on a septic tank made of rings and a filter well is the most popular due to its low cost and high reliability. This is the option most often ordered by our clients.

This system consists of the following main elements:

• Exhaust ventilation part. Fan boner
• External sewer line
• Two-chamber septic tank made of reinforced concrete rings
• Filter well
• Supply ventilation riser

The second option for autonomous sewerage is based on the use of a plastic septic tank, for example LAD, and drainage tunnels - perfect for areas where there is high level groundwater, because plastic septic tank sealed.

Please note that a plastic septic tank has several chambers. The presence of cameras is primarily necessary to impart rigidity to the structure of the septic tank body. This septic tank also has a chamber for a pump, which supplies wastewater to a filtration structure located above the groundwater level.

Unlike the previous scheme, here the supply riser is placed on the septic tank. To ventilate the soil filtration structure, a separate exhaust riser and supply riser should be installed (not shown in the figure).

An autonomous sewage system for a dacha can also be built using other products, for example, aeration plants, biological treatment plants, bioreactors and other hybrid wastewater treatment plants. Let's look at how these devices can be incorporated into a sewer system.

Below is a diagram of the sewage system of a country house, based on an aeration installation. After preliminary cleaning, the wastewater is fed into a filter well. Unfortunately, as practice shows, after aeration installations, filter structures (filter wells, filtration fields) do not last long. Usually no more than 3-5 years. For comparison, a filter structure of a similar autonomous sewage system with a septic tank and a filter well will last at least 20 years.

Elements of autonomous sewerage are selected for each case individually. For example, it is possible to use a filtration field instead of a filter well.

And finally, it is necessary to mention one more autonomous sewage system that unscrupulous manufacturers are trying to impose. They claim that after their installation it is possible to discharge the runoff onto the terrain or into a ditch. Thus, these manufacturers exclude the most important element, the filtration structure, from the autonomous sewage system.

Such a scheme leads to environmental pollution. The owner of such an autonomous sewage system will very likely have problems with neighbors, local authorities and sanitary authorities. You can read more about this in our article.

The parameters and design of the sewage system of a country house are selected based on the conditions on your site. Therefore, before offering you any solution, a conscientious and competent specialist should ask you many questions, but if the “specialist” only asked you “the number of residents,” it is better not to contact this organization.

Is a septic tank for an autonomous sewer system good or bad?

We have already figured out that a septic tank and an autonomous sewer system cannot be compared, and we have considered various options autonomous sewage system, in the end it is logical to ask the following question: is a septic tank for an autonomous sewer system good or bad?

A septic tank for autonomous sewerage is the most economical and reliable option. According to experts, systems based on septic tanks operate most stably. Below we have given the main advantages of a septic tank as an element of the sewage system of a country house.

Energy independence.

For obvious reasons, energy independence increases the reliability or “survivability” of the sewerage system, increases its capitalization (service life), and reduces the cost and expense of autonomous sewerage.

Simplicity of design.

A septic tank is simply a container with a tight casing. A filtration structure is the simplest structure that includes the soil (soil) adjacent to it. The simplicity of such a system ensures its stable operation for decades. Wherein various studies have proven that the degree of purification of such systems is very high, which is why it is recommended in various standards.

The use of natural methods and methods of wastewater treatment and disposal based on natural processes, which do not require reagents or electricity consumption.

Similar processes take place both in the septic tank itself and at the filtration facilities, which ensures a high degree of purification.

Minimal maintenance. Pumping out sewage sludge from a septic tank is usually done no more than once a year. Moreover, it is the sludge that is pumped out, and not the wastewater itself. The process of pumping out/removing sludge is a simple and cheap activity, accessible to the homeowner himself without the involvement of a sludge pump (sewage truck). Filtration structures do not require maintenance at all.

1. Big practical experience in the use of such systems.

Septic tanks have been used in wastewater treatment plants in Europe and the USA for more than a hundred years. Treatment facilities using septic tanks and the impact of these facilities on environment have been studied by many generations of scientists and engineers. There are national standards and recommendations for construction of such structures in almost all civilized countries of the world.

Compliance with national Russian standards and regulations.

On autonomous systems sewerage systems with septic tanks have national standards.

Minimal burden on the environment, hygienic cleanliness and environmental integrity.

1. Most long term services.

The service life of even plastic and steel septic tanks is unlikely to be more than 50 years. Life time reinforced concrete septic tanks, including septic tanks made of concrete rings, exceeds 80 years.

The service life of underground or soil filtration structures is at least 20 years when used after a septic tank.

Interesting fact. A large number of Biological treatment plants, bioreactors and other devices very often include in their design an element similar to a septic tank. Designers call it a “settlement tank” or “primary settling tank.” However, it must be noted that due to the concept of the installation, this sump is aerated in some way, unlike a real septic tank, in which anaerobic processes take place.

However, such a combined use of a septic tank in the design of installations causes skepticism among specialists. Most often, it is more effective to use classic septic tank designs recommended by regulations.

A prudent owner who decides to do everything in a civilized manner has two options - VOC and septic tank. Each of them attracts with its characteristics and has significant differences. First you need to decide, “what is better, a septic tank or a VOC?” as a treatment facility for country house construction.

Characteristics of a septic tank

The design of the septic tank is quite simple. It may consist of one or several containers connected to each other using pipes. They are designed for gradual cleaning of sewage waste. How more capacities in a septic tank, the better the process. In a three-tank design, the first one does the primary cleaning. Thanks to natural processes heavy and light fractions are separated. In the second tank, chemical compounds decompose and organic matter. The third container provides clarification of wastewater. As a result, sediment in the form of sludge remains at the bottom of the tanks. It is removed during the septic tank cleaning process. The clarified liquid with undissolved substances is discharged to drainage fields. There is another option for a similar system - a bioseptic. It is characterized by a higher level of wastewater treatment and less sludge produced. All this is thanks to bacterial preparations, which are periodically added to treatment tanks. Thus, it is carried out biological treatment wastewater entering the tanks. Sewage equipment is used to remove undissolved sediment. The regularity of cleaning the septic tank from sludge depends on the frequency of its use and the number of people living in the house. .

Advantages:

• the septic tank is not afraid of overflows;
• the design can be used even after a long period of inactivity;
• the septic tank does not require power supply, so it will work even in its absence;
• relatively low cost of construction.

Flaws:

• for arranging a septic tank and drainage system a relatively large area is required;
• installation of the treatment structure is labor-intensive and expensive;
• To service the septic tank, it is necessary to provide access for equipment;
• Regular cleaning of the structure's containers and drainage system is required.

VOC characteristics

The biological treatment station is automated system, which provides aerobic wastewater treatment. A special compressor is built into its design. Its task is to pump air into the tank. This ensures pumping of wastewater between the tanks of the structure. Regular air circulation is necessary for the life of anaerobic organisms. They speed up the process of wastewater purification.

The dimensions of cleaning stations, designed for use by no more than 15 people, are quite small. They are similar in size to three-compartment refrigerators. As for the energy consumed, it is comparable to the energy consumed by a conventional chandelier. Since the compressor works as needed, no special waste is expected for the energy consumed.

After treating wastewater with biological station, the output is 2 useful product. The first is an odorless sediment that can be used as organic fertilizer. The second is process water for watering plants. This ensures waste-free operation of the system.

Advantages:

• no need to use biological agents for cleaning;
• occupies a small area;
• does not require cleaning using sewage disposal equipment;
• biological treatment station does not distribute unpleasant odors;
• the system does not pollute the environment;
• The degree of sewage treatment is quite high.

Flaws:

• an uninterrupted power supply to the system is required;
• in case of irregular use, it needs conservation;
• installing a VOC is more expensive than installing a septic tank.

If we compare “which is better, a septic tank or a VOC?”, focusing on the quality of the liquid obtained after purification, then the output from the VOC is water, which can be used for technical needs. It is suitable for watering garden crops and garden plants. After cleaning at the station, the liquid can be discharged into the ground. What not to do after a septic tank. The clarified water leaving its reservoirs needs additional purification.

Summarize

By studying the characteristics of these cleaning options, you can answer the question “which is better, a septic tank or a waste tank?” However, the answer will not be clear. It all depends on the specific use of the treatment plant.

1. If suburban housing construction is visited irregularly and it is located near the city, it is preferable to use a septic tank. The nearby location of the dacha relative to the city allows you to use the services of vacuum cleaners.

2. In places with irregular power supply, the use of VOCs is impractical. Therefore, preference is given to a septic tank.

3. If suburban housing construction is located on the territory of an environmental zone, then a biological treatment station is required. The use of a septic tank in in this case illegal.

4. Use of suburban housing construction as permanent place stay involves the arrangement of a biological treatment station. Its high cost compared to a septic tank will pay off over time. Since VOCs do not need to be regularly cleaned and you do not need to pay for the services of vacuum cleaners.

So making the decision “which is better septic tank or VOC?” necessary, focusing on the characteristics of the site. Be that as it may, any of these two devices is much more effective than the Birdhouse and the dry closet.They will help you choose a treatment facility that is suitable for you in all respects.

Recently, dry toilets have been installed in dachas; their comfort is no different from the bathrooms in apartments familiar to city dwellers. They can also be placed inside the house in any suitable room, but their operation requires special drugs, and also poisonous. In addition, there is a problem with waste disposal - filling containers require constant cleaning.

The most widespread currently are multi-chamber septic tanks, for the manufacture of which concrete rings and chambers are used, special storage tanks and even just car tires large diameter from heavy vehicles. The good thing about these systems is that they are organic. sewage coming from home and outbuildings, undergo multi-level cleaning, the efficiency of which reaches 75%. But even when using bacteria specially added to the settling chamber, septic tanks also require additional cleaning, which, depending on the load, should be done every 3-5 years. Septic tanks are installed as summer cottages which are used all year round, and in private homes.

New technologies that make it possible to completely dispense with the services of vacuum cleaners are implemented in modern deep biological treatment systems. They, depending on the estimated number of people living in the house permanently, have different productivity and a high degree of cleaning - up to 98%. Needless to say, such systems have many advantages over others? Firstly, it saves water for irrigation - you can use purified water that has passed through the system deep cleaning, which is absolutely environmentally friendly. The solid fractions resulting from the operation of the system are also used as fertilizers. The system operates silently and does not emit any unpleasant odors; all processes are fully automated and do not require additional control or human intervention. It can be used on any type of soil and at any time of the year at temperatures from -50 to +40°C. Solid fractions are removed using drain pump, this needs to be done once every six months.

Which sewerage system to choose

The disadvantages include the fact that a lot of space is required to install a full-fledged three-chamber system, as well as the need to use special equipment and mechanisms during the transportation and installation of concrete rings. In addition, the effectiveness of treatment depends on the groundwater level, an increase in which can significantly reduce its quality.

There are installation standards for septic tanks - they should not be located closer than 30 meters from the nearest well and they should be separated from the river by a 10-minute walk.

At the same time, deep biological treatment stations, for all their advantages, are very expensive and their use for seasonal living is not economically justified. Their cost is directly dependent on the number of people living in the house.

Biological treatment stations are designed to serve from 3 to 20 people, the cost of these installations is from 60 to 200 thousand rubles.

Therefore, you must decide which system is better, taking into account the conditions of use, since there is no clear answer. But now that you know all the advantages and disadvantages of autonomous sewage systems, your choice will be competent and thoughtful.

To ensure normal living conditions in country house it is necessary to install autonomous systems for supplying not only water, but also its discharge. In most cases, a septic tank or autonomous sewage system is installed as a waste water outlet.

What is a septic tank?

The concept of “septic tank” includes different settings. This could be a simple structure, representing a tank or barrel, buried on the site of a country house, or modern systems, which combine several combined cleaning methods.

A septic tank is a system in which the accumulation and biological treatment of wastewater coming from a country house occurs. A septic tank is a so-called underground sump, which consists of one or more chambers. In a septic tank, wastewater is purified by settling and with the help of special bacteria, both with air access (aerobic method) and without it (anaerobic method). As a result of cleaning, sediment remains in the septic tank, which must be removed using a sewage disposal machine.

Types of septic tanks for a country house or cottage

Exist different kinds septic tanks, which differ in performance, material of manufacture, cleaning method, etc. It is worth paying attention to the selection of the model Special attention. Every owner of a country house or dacha will be able to choose the septic tank that will suit him according to all the characteristics.

So, according to the material of manufacture, all septic tanks are divided into:
- reinforced concrete
- metal
- plastic
- brick

According to the method of work, they are distinguished:
- storage septic tanks
- septic tanks with soil purification
- septic tanks with deep biotreatment

Depending on the shape and location, septic tanks are divided into:
- horizontal
- vertical

In addition, according to the location of the cameras, the following are distinguished:
- underground
- superficial

Methods of operation of septic tanks

The storage septic tank is an improved type cesspool. This is a container in which wastewater is accumulated. Once in the storage tank, the wastewater is separated - heavy substances sink to the bottom, light substances float to the top. The advantage of such a septic tank is its ease of use. The disadvantage is that it needs to be cleaned regularly.

A septic tank with soil post-treatment works on the principle of treating wastewater with the help of special bacteria by pouring it from one chamber to another and subsequent purification in filtration fields. The advantages of such a septic tank are that there is no need for frequent cleaning of the septic tank and ease of use. The disadvantage is that it cannot be used in areas with clay soil.

The principle of operation of a septic tank with deep biological treatment similar to the principle of operation of a septic tank with soil treatment. However, the first one lacks filter fields. Effluent passing through chambers with bacteria and chemicals, are purified almost 100%, as a result of which they can be discharged into the ground or reservoir. The advantages of this type of septic tank include a high level of wastewater treatment, absence of odor, ease of use, since it does not require the intervention of the owners of a country house, and very rare cleaning of the septic tank. The disadvantages of this septic tank are its relatively high price and energy dependence, which is not always convenient.

Materials for making a septic tank

Plastic septic tanks are easy to install without special equipment due to their light weight. In addition, they are 100% sealed and corrosion resistant. However, their low weight may cause soil shifts to crush the container.

Brick septic tanks are a pit lined with brick. Its advantages lie in the availability of materials and simple installation. The disadvantage is insufficient tightness, which requires additional waterproofing.

Septic tank from metal containers not very reliable, since metal containers are susceptible to corrosion, which is why they will not last very long.

Differences between an autonomous sewer system and a septic tank

Despite the fact that septic tanks and autonomous sewers are used for wastewater treatment, the principles of their operation are noticeably different.

The first and most significant advantage of an autonomous sewer system is that its operation does not depend on the level of groundwater. While a septic tank can only be installed in relatively “dry soil,” autonomous sewers can be used even in quicksand.

The second, no less important difference is the degree of wastewater treatment. If in a septic tank this parameter does not exceed 65%, then at the outlet of the autonomous sewer the water is 98% purified and suitable for reuse in everyday life (for example, for watering a garden near a country house or cottage).

Other advantages of autonomous sewers over septic tanks:
- no unpleasant odor
- there is no need to pump out waste using a sewer truck
- longer service life
- greater environmental friendliness
- low operating costs.