Septic tanks for high groundwater, methods for fixing groundwater and tips for selecting an autonomous sewer system

Many residential premises located in suburban areas do not have sewerage. This may cause some difficulties. A proper drainage and wastewater treatment system will allow you to enjoy the required comfort.

Many country houses and cottages are located in areas where water layers are close to the surface. In this case, the best option would be to install a septic tank for high groundwater. The recycler must be selected based on the geological state of the earth and the intensity of operation of the treatment device.

Top 10. Eurobion 5R APT Midi

Rating (2020): 3.92

95 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Ozon, Septic.ru, IRecommend

  • Nomination

    The best choice for non-permanent residence The Eurobion Yubas septic tank will be an excellent solution for a summer cottage with periodic residence. The model can withstand periods of inactivity for up to 3 months.

  • Characteristics
      Average price: 95,000 rub.
  • Country Russia
  • Number of users: 6 people
  • Capacity: 900 l/day.
  • Salvo discharge: 390 l
  • Energy consumption: 1.2 kW
  • Purification degree: up to 90%

The Eurobion 5R APT Midi septic tank is recommended for summer cottages with a high groundwater level. Its main advantage is that it is suitable for periodic use and survives periods of inactivity for up to 3 months without consequences. At the same time, the initial launch takes quite a long time; the microflora reaches full capacity within 6 months. The septic tank is made of high-strength materials and equipped with ground hooks that prevent floating. According to user reviews, Eurobion is easy to install, but requires maintenance every six months, which many found inconvenient. Otherwise, the model is certainly worthy of attention.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • The container is reinforced with stiffening ribs
  • Ground hooks (prevent the container from floating up)
  • Easy installation
  • Durable materials (service life up to 50 years)
  • Long period of microflora reaching full capacity
  • Needs maintenance every 6 months

Where to install a septic tank

When choosing a location for treatment facilities, pay attention to the installation rules:

  • You must retreat at least 15 m from the water well. Moreover, this condition must also be met for the neighboring water intake structure.
  • According to the standards, the safe distance to the foundation of the house is 5 m. The maximum gap is not regulated. The main thing is that when connecting the pipe, there remains sufficient usable volume in the septic tank. For the same reason, it is not recommended to bury the pipe leaving the house by more than 0.5 m.
  • The septic tank should be located near “wet” rooms, such as the kitchen, bath, toilet, so that the wastewater passes through the shortest possible path.
  • It is necessary to leave access to septic tanks and sedimentation tanks for the sewer truck. The length of its hose, as a rule, does not exceed 5 m, but there are models with a hose 15-25 m long. If sediment is removed from the storage chamber with a drainage pump, regular cleaning can be done with your own hands.
  • Perhaps in the future there will be additional buildings that require sewerage - a guest house, a bathhouse. Provide a convenient connection option.
  • If the septic tank is located next to the entrance or recreation area, the visual component is important. It is advisable to install equipment where it will not spoil the appearance of the site or choose models with a decorative overhead part.

If groundwater is high, it is not recommended to install a septic tank at the lowest point of the terrain, where there is a high risk that the structure will be constantly flooded.

Top 9. Triton-T 3

Rating (2020): 3.97

101 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Septic.ru

  • Characteristics
      Average price: 57,000 rub.
  • Country Russia
  • Number of users: 6 people
  • Capacity: 3500 l/day.
  • Salvo discharge: 250 l
  • Energy consumption: non-volatile sewerage
  • Purification degree: 70%

The Triton-T 3 septic tank is suitable for year-round use in any conditions. For areas with high groundwater levels, an installation type with an intermediate well and a check valve is used. This allows you to avoid sewer flooding and subsequent unpleasant phenomena. User reviews note the durability of the models. In addition, the manufacturer offers customers a wide range with different performance levels and designed for different numbers of residents. Self-installation is possible. But it should be taken into account that in an area with a high groundwater level, additional fixation will be required using bandage cables to avoid extrusion and damage to the seal of the pipes.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Suitable for year-round use
  • High-strength material withstands lateral soil pressure
  • Monolithic sealed design avoids partial flooding
  • Wide range of models
  • Complete energy independence (autonomous sewerage)
  • Requires rigid attachment to the concrete slab using bandage cables

How does a high water level affect the operation of a septic tank?

Ignoring the fact of high groundwater causes the following:

  • partial flooding of the septic tank, which leads to frequent calls to the sewer truck and results in additional costs;
  • complete flooding, which is fraught with the release of contaminated wastewater into the environment;
  • waterlogging of the soil around the storage tank, the appearance of a persistent unpleasant odor, the danger of the spread of infections;
  • the rise of the septic tank when the water supply system rises, accompanied by damage to sewer pipes, depressurization of the system and leaks.

A flooded or floating septic tank requires complete reconstruction or replacement with a more efficient and reliable design. Alterations involve considerable material and labor costs, so when there is close water, you need to be especially careful when designing and installing treatment facilities.

Top 8. Tank 2.5

Rating (2020): 4.00

78 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Septic.ru

  • Nomination

    Best price Septic tank “Tank 2.5” can be purchased at a price of 39,000 rubles. This is the most affordable offer among competitors.

  • Characteristics
      Average price: 39,000 rub.
  • Country Russia
  • Number of users: 4-5 people
  • Capacity: 1000 l/day.
  • Salvo discharge: 250 l
  • Energy consumption: non-volatile system
  • Purification degree: up to 75%

Septic tank “Tank 2.5” is one of the most popular and recommended. It combines all the qualities necessary for installation in an area with a high groundwater level. First of all, this is the strength and solidity of the structure; in the event of a flood, the sewer system will be reliably protected. High-strength plastic with stiffening ribs can withstand increased pressure from moving soil. However, during installation, additional measures are required to prevent extrusion (drainage, reinforced concrete foundation). The septic tank purifies wastewater by 75%; for its further use for technical purposes or discharge into the ground, a post-treatment system is required.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Robust monolithic body with stiffening ribs
  • High-quality plastic avoids corrosion
  • Durable (minimum 50 years of continuous use)
  • Self-installation possible
  • Requires a post-treatment system
  • It is necessary to install additional drainage

Sand and gravel filters

This septic tank element consists of the following components:

  1. irrigation network;
  2. loading for filtering;
  3. drainage network.

Sand and gravel filter diagram
1 - supply pipeline; 2 - distribution pipeline; 3 - irrigation pipes; 4 - ventilation riser; 5 — drainage pipes; 6 - collection pipeline; 7 - outlet pipeline; 8 — irrigation zone (crushed stone); 9 - drainage zone (crushed stone); 10 - crushed stone base; 11 — ventilation riser; 12 — ventilation riser of the drainage system; 13 — waterproofing (roofing felt); 14 - clay castle; 15 — insulating coating

This type of supplement can be used for 2 or more farms at once.

How to create a filter:

  • Dig a pit and lay a layer of gravel or crushed stone on the bottom (you can use medium-sized slag), 10 cm high;
  • Lay a network of drainage pipes, which includes a large central pipe and branches made of plastic or asbestos with cement;
  • Plastic pipes must be pierced at 1 cm intervals and at a distance of 1 meter, and the second type of pipes must be sawed at 2 cm intervals also every meter;
  • It is necessary to alternate as in chess;
  • Fill in a 10cm layer of crushed stone or gravel of the same size;
  • The next layer, 100 mm high, should be made of a material with a finer fraction;
  • Another layer with the same height, but the fraction of materials is very small;
  • The filtration layer should consist of coarse sand, 1-1.5 meters high;
  • Again, a medium-sized layer of crushed stone or gravel of 10 cm is laid and an irrigation network is laid. It completely replicates the network of drainage pipes and is designed similarly;
  • Finally, cover everything with roofing felt or waterproofing material and add a layer of soil.

It is mandatory to make risers for ventilation 10 centimeters high and 70 cm high above the ground at the end of the collector part of the irrigation network and at the beginning of the collector part of the drainage network.

Remember that the minimum distance between the drainage pipe and groundwater should be one meter. According to sanitary standards, such a filter must be placed at a distance of 8 meters from residential buildings.

Top 7. Ecopan T-5 D

Rating (2020): 4.02

89 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Ozon, Septic.ru, IRecommend

  • Nomination

    The optimal choice for harsh climates The septic tank has an air gap between the double walls of the body, which provides additional thermal insulation. This allows you to maintain efficiency even at low temperatures.

  • Characteristics
      Average price: 144,000 rub.
  • Country Russia
  • Number of users: 4-5 people
  • Capacity: 1000 l/day.
  • Salvo discharge: 250 l
  • Energy consumption: 0.96 kW
  • Purification degree: up to 98%

The Ecopan T-5 D septic tank is chosen by residents of regions with harsher winters. This model is designed for operation in low temperatures and has additional air thermal insulation, which allows you to maintain cleaning efficiency even in cold weather. The wall thickness is 19 mm, and the body itself is a HDPE pipe twisted into a spiral, which together allows it to withstand heavy loads characteristic of soils with high groundwater level. According to user reviews, Ecopan T-5 D performs well in clay soils. Among the shortcomings, the owners noted the need for power supply, high cost and frequent washing of the brush load to maintain the quality of cleaning.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Withstands heavy loads without deformation
  • An excellent solution for clay soils and “quicksands” at high groundwater levels
  • Simple installation and easy maintenance
  • Additional thermal insulation (double wall housing)
  • Requires stable power supply
  • Periodically you need to wash the brush load
  • High price

Filtration facilities at high groundwater level

Recessed filter fields and trenches, when water is located close to each other, serve more as a receiver of seasonal precipitation than for soil purification. In order for the septic tank to function fully, special raised structures are used to prevent untreated wastewater from coming into contact with the ground and contaminating the soil.

Prefabricated filter well

If the level rise is not observed often and for a period of time from 4 to 7 weeks, a completely workable option is to install a filter well from reinforced concrete rings. It should be located no closer than 2 m from the septic tank, and pump liquid from the last chamber using a drainage pump.

Prefabricated filter well

At high groundwater levels, the drainage well is installed at ground level. A cushion of gravel and crushed stone materials 20-40 cm high is placed under the structure, depending on the type of soil: thinner for sandy soil, thicker for clayey soil. Holes are made in the side surfaces through which liquid will penetrate into the filter layer.

The well is sprinkled with crushed stone, geotextiles are laid, and a layer of soil is placed on top. It is imperative to install a supply ventilation riser.

Infiltrators or drainage tunnels

Outwardly, they resemble inverted trays made of thick plastic, inside of which drainage materials are placed - crushed stone, gravel, sand.

Infiltrator

Wastewater is supplied from the septic tank through the inlet pipe by a drainage pump. After passing through the filter layer, they seep into the ground.

For tunnel construction:

  1. Prepare a pit with a crushed stone-gravel cushion 30 cm high.
  2. Install plastic drainage infiltrators with horizontal slots.
  3. Lay geotextiles to avoid rapid siltation of the drainage material
  4. Sprinkle the top with soil 0.5-0.8 m thick.

The design of infiltrators requires mandatory ventilation. With access to oxygen, the breakdown of organic matter occurs much faster.

Filter structures should not be located next to wells or boreholes. To calculate the number of infiltrators, soil permeability is taken into account. The lower it is, the more products need to be installed.

The links are connected to each other by overflow pipes. At very high groundwater levels, infiltrators are placed on the ground surface. The structure can be insulated with expanded polystyrene or other material that is resistant to moisture and rot, and then covered with soil on top.

Filter embankments

The close occurrence of groundwater is a big problem when installing septic tanks. It happens that they come to the surface, and the soil in the area becomes swampy.

But even in critical conditions it is possible to construct a full-fledged filter structure. For this purpose, the method of laying a dissipating pipe on an embankment 1 m high is used. The thickness of the crushed stone cushion is 30 cm. The filter is covered with geotextile on top and covered with earth to avoid freezing. For ventilation, the top of the pipe must be raised above the surface of the sprinkler.

Top 6. Topas 5 long Pr

Rating (2020): 4.22

76 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Septic.ru

  • Characteristics
      Average price: 98,000 rub.
  • Country Russia
  • Number of users: 5 people
  • Capacity: 1100 l/day.
  • Salvo discharge: 220 l
  • Energy consumption: 1.6 kW
  • Purification degree: up to 98%

For a country house with permanent residence of 4-5 people, the Topas 5 long PR septic tank is perfect. The model is suitable for installation in any type of soil, including clayey and high groundwater levels. The body is made of high-strength polypropylene, guaranteeing long-term operation. The drainage pump ensures the forced release of treated wastewater, so there is no need to equip a well. At the same time, energy consumption is quite small, only 1.6 kW per day. Sludge is pumped out using the same drainage pump; there is no need to call a sewer truck. Among the disadvantages, owners note only the relatively high cost and the need to monitor the energy supply.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Reliability, high quality materials
  • High degree of purification (biochemical scheme)
  • Low operating costs
  • Sludge can be used as soil fertilizer, everything is environmentally friendly
  • Completely sealed, closed system, completely odorless
  • Avoid prolonged power outages
  • High price

Additional filtering field

Such an element consists of a series of pipes for irrigation, which is located in the depth of the soil from 0.5 to 1.2 meters (this level is measured by the degree of soil freezing). Fields would be a great replacement for a filtration well or a great addition.

Fields should be placed at a distance of 15 meters from the house, according to sanitation rules.

Filtering fields scheme
1 - single-chamber septic tank; 2 - distribution well; 3 - irrigation pipes; 4 - ventilation pipes; 5 - two-chamber septic tank; 6.8 - ventilation risers; 7 - main pipeline

The pipeline can be installed from various pipes, which are made of plastic, steel or asbestos with cement.

In the design of filtration fields, you can do without distribution pipes, and lay out the irrigation pipes in the form of a fan from the filtration well. In this form, the pipes will also perform a distribution function.

To ensure a constant flow of oxygen at the end points of the irrigation pipes, it is necessary to have risers 10 cm in diameter and 2 meters higher than the plan marks. Such a riser can be decorated with decor and used in the garden.

Top 5. Eurolos Grunt 4+

Rating (2020): 4.24

135 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Ozon, Septic.ru

  • Nomination

    The best quality of treatment The septic tank “Eurolos Grunt 4+” ensures wastewater treatment by 99%. This is the best result in comparison with its closest competitors.

  • Characteristics
      Average price: 113,000 rub.
  • Country Russia
  • Number of users: 5 people
  • Capacity: 800 l/day.
  • Salvo discharge: 180 l
  • Energy consumption: 1.2 kW
  • Purification degree: up to 99%

The Eurolos Grunt 4+ septic tank is perfect for those who are especially concerned about the environment. This model provides the maximum degree of wastewater purification; the output liquid is 99% free of impurities and contaminants and is suitable for discharge into rivers or lakes. The septic tank has a durable body that can withstand the pressure of moving soil. Easy to maintain, large hatches provide access to all technological compartments. The process is perfectly optimized; forced draining is started only when necessary. There is a separate chamber for UV disinfection. The manufacturer also offers a wide selection of additional equipment. The only disadvantage that can be noted is the high cost of the septic tank.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Durable body (minimal number of external seams, 7 chambers)
  • Large hatches provide access to all chambers
  • Excellent process optimization saves energy consumption
  • Multi-stage cleaning technology
  • Full-fledged UV disinfection unit
  • High price

Purpose

A septic tank, in fact, is a combination of a cesspool and a treatment plant, which receives wastewater generated during the life of residents of private housing construction. As a result of using toilets, bathtubs, washing machines and dishwashers, a large amount of waste is generated that must be disposed of without harming the environment.

septic tank with high water level

Modern septic tanks provide accumulation, biological treatment, and disposal of wastewater in two stages:

  1. Contaminated wastewater enters the first chamber of the tank, where it settles and undergoes primary purification. Solid heavy particles quickly sink to the bottom, and the water purified from them flows into the next chamber.
  2. In the second chamber, the organic compounds that make up the sewage are decomposed with the help of anaerobic microorganisms. The water becomes even cleaner and enters a third tank or a system of special filters for final purification.

Understanding the operating principle of a septic tank will greatly facilitate the selection and installation of a septic tank for the owner of a suburban area.

GWV and septic tank

Top 4. Topol 6 PR

Rating (2020): 4.35

142 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Ozon, Septic.ru, IRecommend

  • Nomination

    The most popular Septic tank is very popular among users. We found the largest number of reviews (142) on independent recommendation and trading platforms.

  • Characteristics
      Average price: 99,800 rub.
  • Country Russia
  • Number of users: 5-6 people
  • Productivity: 1150 l/day.
  • Salvo discharge: 270 l
  • Energy consumption: 0.96 kW
  • Purification degree: up to 98%

The Topol 6 PR septic tank guarantees high quality wastewater treatment and its complete environmental safety during further use. Users note the complete absence of unpleasant odors, ease of installation and maintenance. The body is made of high-strength and high-quality polypropylene, which significantly increases the service life of the septic tank. For summer cottages with a high groundwater level, you should purchase a version with forced discharge, which entails the need for uninterrupted power supply. The septic tank provides a high degree of wastewater treatment and the ability to reuse water for technical purposes. Copes well with increased load.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Operates over a wide temperature range
  • Resistant to external influences
  • Easy to maintain
  • It is possible to add volatile blocks
  • Resistant to short-term increases in discharge volumes
  • Requires stable power supply
  • For full operation, a startup is required (the first few weeks to activate the bacteria)

Top 3. Unilos Astra 5

Rating (2020): 4.38

107 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Ozon, Septic.ru

  • Nomination

    Excellent value for money According to both users and engineers, Unilos Astra 5 offers the best combination of characteristics for its price. It is productive, uses energy sparingly and purifies wastewater very well.

  • Characteristics
      Average price: 110,000 rub.
  • Country Russia
  • Number of users: 5 people
  • Capacity: 1000 l/day.
  • Salvo discharge: 250 l
  • Energy consumption: 0.98 kW
  • Purification degree: up to 98%

According to user reviews, the Unilos Astra 5 septic tank is one of the best solutions for a country house located on an area with a high groundwater level. It has a durable sealed structure that can withstand the pressure of shifting soil layers. However, it should be taken into account that you will still have to secure the septic tank additionally. “Unilos Astra 5” is distinguished by an expanded package; the owner receives a pump, a filling filter, and a disinfectant. In addition, the manufacturer allows you to assemble your own set required by a specific user. The septic tank is expensive, and this applies to maintenance too. It is equipped with an alarm system and, accordingly, requires a stable power supply.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Wide range of models to suit individual needs
  • Good equipment (pumping station, filling filter, disinfectant)
  • Alarm in case of emergencies (GSM system + xenon lamps)
  • Quiet operation
  • Flexible delivery system and individual set of components
  • High price
  • Expensive to maintain

See also:

  • 15 best septic tanks

Top 2. Bars-Aero

Rating (2020): 4.53

74 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Ozon, Septic.ru

  • Nomination

    Reacts painlessly to the discharge of household chemicals. Thanks to the artificial microflora carrier, a multiple increase in the colony of microorganisms is ensured. This in turn minimizes the impact of detergent drainage.

  • Characteristics
      Average price: 91,900 rub.
  • Country Russia
  • Number of users: 3-5 people
  • Capacity: 1000 l/day.
  • Salvo discharge: 500 l
  • Energy consumption: 1.33 kW
  • Purification degree: 98%

Septic tank "Bars-Aero" deservedly took its position in the ranking of the best. This solution not only allows you to install a sewer system in difficult soil conditions, but also has many other advantages. Firstly, it is suitable for seasonal use and does not require conservation during periods of inactivity: simply turn off the power. Secondly, it is resistant to household chemicals, has no connection to salvo discharge, is easy to maintain and is maximally protected from floating. The operating temperature range is also quite wide: from -40 to +60 degrees. As a disadvantage, users noted the need to install the compressor outside the septic tank (although this extends its service life) and a constant power supply.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Very easy maintenance (can be used as fertilizer)
  • Complete emptying of the system can be done every 5-7 years
  • Quick start-up period (no more than 3 days)
  • Well tolerates the release of household chemicals
  • Powerful housing (255 mm wall thickness)
  • The need to install the compressor outside the septic tank
  • Requires uninterrupted power (after 4 hours processes begin to slow down)

See also:

  • 10 best septic tanks without pumping

Top 1. Tver 1P

Rating (2020): 4.67

112 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Ozon, Septic.ru

  • Nomination

    The most economical energy consumption A septic tank consumes no more than 0.96 kW per day. This is the smallest figure among energy-dependent competitors.

  • Characteristics
      Average price: 112,000 rub.
  • Country Russia
  • Number of users: 5 people
  • Capacity: 1000 l/day.
  • Salvo discharge: 330 l
  • Energy consumption: 0.96 kW
  • Purification degree: up to 98%

The Tver 1P septic tank is most often recommended by both ordinary people and professional builders for arranging summer cottages with a high groundwater level. The station has a horizontal layout, which allows it not to be buried. The internal structure ensures the proper level of cleaning and minimizes maintenance work. offers users options with different performance, while the 1P model has become the most popular and optimal solution for a family of 4-5 people. But it is important to take into account that the septic tank is energy-dependent, so it is suitable for country houses with an established power supply. Users also note the cost and sensitivity to low temperatures.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • High degree of reliability (up to 50 years of service)
  • Ease of installation in quicksand
  • Water can be used for technical purposes (watering plants, cleaning the area)
  • Copes well with short-term increases in salvo discharge levels
  • Self-installation possible
  • High system cost
  • Sensitivity to harmful chemicals
  • Inhibition of cleaning processes at low temperatures

See also:

  • 5 best compressors for septic tanks

Filtration trenches

Filtration trenches are constructed according to the same principle as sand and gravel filters. But the irrigation pipe is placed linearly and has a length of up to 30 meters.

The trench for loading the irrigation system is about 80 cm and 50 cm wide, capable of withstanding a load of 70 liters per day per meter. According to sanitary standards, a distance of 8 meters is required from the trench to the dwelling.

The filtration trench differs only in shape from the septic tank filter. The filter is made in the form of a square, and the trench is a rectangle.

Filter trench diagram
1 - coarse sand; 2 - irrigation pipe; 3 - backfill; 4 - ventilation risers; 5 - intermediate layer of sand; 6 - distribution layer of sand; 7 - lower drain; 8 - gravel backfill

Rating
( 2 ratings, average 4.5 out of 5 )
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