In this article we will try to cover as objectively and as fully as possible the experience of using and operating Rostok brand septic tanks. This The review is based on numerous reviews from our clients, our installation teams
and IVSoil engineers, as well as the experience of participants in construction forums on the Internet.
Every day, faced with real situations in the problems of installation and operation of septic tanks, we identify several factors that one way or another end up in positive or negative reviews.
- The first indicator is the strength of the housing and the reliability of the design.
- The second indicator is the durability of the structure
- The third indicator is the tightness of the structure
- The fourth indicator is the smell from the septic tank
- The fifth indicator is the quality of cleaning
- The sixth indicator is problems that have arisen for an unknown reason.
Let's briefly describe the autonomous sewage system Rostock from the point of view of the experience and opinions of users and owners.
Firstly, it must be said that the manufacturer of septic tanks Rostock, to its credit, monitors the level of negative reviews of its products. This is why a number of notable changes have been made to septic systems over the past few years. And what users complained about, say, two years ago today, in 2018, has lost its relevance. So, with regard to the strength of the body, our team does not know of a single similar septic tank made from polyethylene using the principle of rotational molding, which would be stronger than the Rostock septic tank. This refers to Russian analogues. Among the imported brands, one can give an example of a truly unrealistically durable septic tank – Uponor Sako. But in most cases and in our experience, the rigidity of the body and the thickness of the walls of the Rostok are quite enough to mount it in domestic soil. Also, as with all gravity-flow septic tanks, the design of the Rostok system is quite simple, which allows you to avoid many “childish” mistakes during the operation stage. It's quite difficult to break something here. Well, if theoretically you succeed, you yourself, on your own, will be able to fix it, the repair will not be expensive at all. Most reviews related to deformation of the internal structure of the septic tank are associated with improper maintenance. And here are two important tips for the owner of a Rostock septic tank
: 1. Follow the clear instructions for pumping according to the passport 2. Do not leave the septic tank empty after pumping. If you listen to these simple tips, we are sure that problems with deformations and breakages will be eliminated. Regarding the wall thickness and structural rigidity, indeed, until 2021 there was a problem with one model - the Rostock Cottage septic tank. In very heavy and waterlogged soils and if the soil conditions were not taken into account by the design and installation organization, the septic tank could be crushed. Since 2021, this model has been radically changed, the problem has gone away.
The durability of the Rostock septic tank can be equated to the durability of polyethylene. And this is at least a hundred years old. An important positive advantage of these products is the seamless production method. Therefore, aging, corrosion or deformation along the seam (which is typical for other underground products) is excluded. All this is confirmed by real experience, but with one obligatory condition - installation must be carried out in strict accordance with the passport
manufacturer. This manual has been developed over several years and is now a truly competent, professional document in all respects. You can download the passport for the Rostock septic tank using the link.
As for the tightness of the case, in 2017 the manufacturer also fundamentally changed the approach to waterproofing the only seam in the product - between the neck and the main body. If previously a prerequisite for proper installation was gluing polymer tape to the seam, now the manufacturer himself seals it at the factory by welding. This method copes much better with the issue of septic tank tightness. As we said, the manufacturer is vigilantly monitoring the level of negative reviews and tries to quickly respond to market demands.
As for the smell, it is an almost unpredictable factor, but solvable. The fact is that in order to effectively remove odors from gravity-fed autonomous sewer systems, ventilation of the drain riser must be provided. The possibility of odor occurring in the area depends on its proper installation. The smell that appears in the septic tank itself can also be affected by the wastewater that you flush into the toilet. As you know, private sewerage does not tolerate large amounts of chemicals and foreign substances. Ideally, this should only be natural waste and environmentally friendly household products.
We can say with full responsibility that the degree of cleaning after the Rostock septic tank is an order of magnitude higher
many Russian analogues of gravity septic tanks. It is in this settling tank that modern engineering solutions have been implemented that make it possible to effectively settle suspended matter, fats and organic matter without the use of electricity. And this is the most important indicator for any gravity systems. And of course, we should not forget about the post-treatment system (filtration field) after the septic tank. It is a thoughtful decision that will lead you to environmental safety and a healthy environment in your suburban area.
For unknown reasons: persistent odor, dirt and grease in the last chamber of the septic tank, limited filtration of water through biofilters. All these reasons need to be studied from the point of view of the correct design, installation and operation of the system. It is very difficult to understand the reason from a couple of phrases from the owner who discovered the problem. But very often the cause is precisely determined and it is related to one of the listed factors. Now let’s share our operating experience and customer opinions about specific models.
Septic tank "Rostok" - a simple solution to a difficult problem
In a short time, septic tanks have become popular devices and therefore have many different implementation options - from simple homemade ones, to industrial ones and... also simple ones.
This is the popular industrial septic tank “Rostock”. This is a two-chamber installation, in which the first chamber is intended for primary sedimentation and anaerobic processing, and the second serves as an additional filter that purifies water up to 80%. As a result of the action of anaerobic bacteria at the first stage of purification, solid components form a sludge-like sediment , which settles to the bottom. The clarified liquid rises upward from the wastewater entering the lower tank and passes through the filter layer of the sorption filter, 20 cm thick. Structurally, each chamber of the septic tank is a cylinder made of seamless plastic , which ensures high reliability and tightness.
The sorption filter of the septic tank consists of zeolite, which must be washed once a year with a solution of table salt. Water from the second chamber is either further purified in biofilters or discharged into a drainage well—in fact, a soil purification device. The efficiency of anaerobic processing can be increased by using a bioadditive. The solid sludge formed at the bottom of the first tank is removed once a year using a sewer truck.
Septic tank sizes
The Rostock country septic tank U series is available in three sizes:
U1250 | U2000 | U3000 | |
MINI | DACHANY | COTTAGE | |
Volume (l) | 1250 | 2000 | 3000 |
Height (mm) | 1840 | 1995 | 2000 |
Length (mm) | 1700 | 2220 | 2360 |
Width (mm) | 1120 | 1305 | 1440 |
Neck diameter (mm) | 560 | 560 | 2560 |
Productivity (l/day) | 250 | 400 | 1000 |
Strengths and weaknesses of the Rostock septic tank
Like any good system, the Rostock septic tank has a line of devices of a single conceptual series. There are three known models of the Rostock line:
- “ Mini ” with a capacity of 250 l/day and a total volume of 1000 l, for 1-2 people;
- “ Dachny ”, 1500 l, for 3-4 people;
- “ Cottage ”, 3000 l, for 5-6 people.
From the most general characteristics it is clear that there is plenty to choose from for any need.
Accordingly, the price for any wallet is 25, 30 and 45 thousand rubles. The concept of building this septic tank was well developed at industrial treatment plants and, when implemented in household devices, has justified itself 100%. Positive qualities of the Rostock septic tank, which users note:
- The device’s one-piece design with stiffening ribs ensures tightness and strength - the service life of such a tank is at least 10 years;
- the special design of the overflow retains oil ;
- energy independence is especially important where there is no electricity in suburban conditions;
- the safety of the structure is confirmed by the results of operation and compliance with SanPIN requirements for water treatment;
- high degree of purification, especially when adding bioenzyme additives . Using a post-treatment system based on a drainage well, it is possible to obtain water purification up to 90−95%;
- the originality of the design lies in the presence of an incoming flow damper and protection against impact discharge of wastewater with a volume of more than 200 liters;
- energy independence , as complete freedom from the greatest benefit of civilization - electricity.
There are not that many disadvantages, but still:
- the need to use a sewer truck , which means additional costs;
- dependence on groundwater is annoying, you never know when it will work;
- installation price is at the same level as the price for a septic tank.
Models, modifications and their characteristics
To make living in a country house or dacha convenient and comfortable, when choosing a septic tank model, you need to take into account its performance, the volume of cleaning chambers and the number of users of the system. The Rostock septic tank model line includes four modifications of treatment stations with different technical characteristics: the Rostock Mini septic tank, with the smallest capacity, up to 250 l/day, the Dachny one, with a volume of 1500 l, the Zagorodny one, and the most powerful septic tank. "Rostok Cottage", passing more than 1000 liters of wastewater per day. The characteristics and prices of popular models are presented in the following table:
Model | Number of users | Volume, l | Capacity, m3 | Dimensions, m | Price, rub |
Mini | From 1 to 2 | 1000 | 0,3 | 1.7 x 1.1 x1.28 | 26680 |
Dachny | From 2 to 3 | 1500 | 0,45 | 1.84 x 1.12 x1.7 | 32940 |
Country | From 4 to 5 | 2400 | 0,88 | 1.99 x 1.30 x 2.22 | 47312 |
Cottage | From 5 to 6 | 3000 | 1,15 | 2.0 x 1.44 x 2.36 | 56020 |
The “Mini” modification is suitable for country houses with permanent and periodic residence. Only in the first case is it enough to serve a family of 2 people, and in the second - for 3-4 people. Thus, in a house with a permanent residence of a family of 2-3 people, it is more rational to use a Rostok Dachny septic tank, with a capacity of 0.45 m3 and a volume of 1500 liters. As the number of users increases, it is worth choosing models with higher volume and throughput performance.
Do-it-yourself installation of a Rostock septic tank
To install a Rostock septic tank on your site, you need to purchase a kit, deliver it to the site and study the instructions. Of course, you can order the installation to some craftsmen and they will do everything in the best possible way, but doing it yourself is cheaper and more interesting. So, let's build it step by step:
- Let's determine the installation location: SNiP requires that the distances from the drinking well be maintained - at least 30 m, from the road - 5 m, from trees - 5 m.
- The pit is dug with a margin of at least 0.3 m on each side - bedding will be poured here later.
- Trenches for the pipeline are dug with a slope of 2 cm and 1 linear meter.
- A bedding of crushed stone and sand is poured into the bottom of the pit , a concrete screed is made and the septic tank is secured with belts, ropes or reinforcement. Don’t hope that you don’t have groundwater right now—tomorrow something will be built at the other end of the village, and you’ll have more than enough to eat.
- After installing the route and all connections to the septic tank, the voids in the pit are filled with sand or sand-cement mixture . After backfilling is complete, we hide the traces of the septic tank under a layer of regular soil, sow flowers, and only remember about unloading the septic tank once a year.
- For post-treatment, it is best to install a drainage well - inexpensively, cheerfully and forever. In such a well, purified water is discharged into the ground through a drainage layer of sand and gravel.
The best characteristic of any technical device is the reviews of those who have already seen it in action. Only a few reviews from users of the Rostok septic tank convince us that a delicate problem at the dacha can be solved with its help in the best possible way.
Consumer Reviews
Most reviews say that the system has an improved appearance and design differences from old-type septic tanks. In this connection, many have some concerns about the effectiveness of the cleaning system. But during further operation, almost everyone declares the incredibly efficient operation of the system in accordance with the criteria stated by the manufacturer.
Advice. Some consumers who have purchased a Rostock septic tank are often afraid that the filter located in the second chamber of the system will become clogged over time, and access to it is very limited. In fact, this filter is not mechanical, so it will not become clogged. This filter is of the sorption type.
This concludes our consideration of the features and operating principles of the Rostock septic tank, as well as its advantages. We wish you a successful purchase!
Customer reviews about the Rostock septic tank
When I needed to install a sewer system at my dacha, I racked my brain for a long time - how? Friends advised us to install a Rostok dacha septic tank. I didn’t hesitate for long - the deadlines were running out. I installed it myself with friends - it’s not that difficult. Along the way, I had to figure out a lot, but what is the result - five years in operation there are no problems , I remember once a year and then not always. If you don’t have a treatment plant yet, then this is for you.
Alexander, 30 years old, Novosibirsk
In our dacha, electricity can’t even be called bad - you never know whether it will be there or not. But there should be a sewerage system, period. Who's stopping? Choose a septic tank “Rostock” - and you’ll win. It works, even if it’s pitch dark, and what you always need will work like clockwork. We installed this septic tank 6 years ago and have never regretted it . Very durable - there is not a single seam, we buried it - and there are no problems. But for me the main thing is non-volatile.
Sergey, 44 years old, Stavropol
We bought a dacha where a Rostock septic tank had been standing for 5 years. At first we were skeptical - nothing serious was visible anywhere, the sewage system was working - what else was needed. True, at first I was afraid of what was going on there, what it could threaten. The time has come, as the former owners instructed, they called a sewer man, they fiddled around and in half a day all the problems were solved. We've been using it for 2 years now - there's nothing to say about the septic tank. It serves unnoticed, but properly. Only a plus. Oleg Viktorovich, 62 years old, Moscow
I have a large family - in the summer there are always 3-4 people at the dacha, and even grandchildren. Installed on the advice of the ROSTOK-Cottage seller. Expensive, but not a penny wasted. With such a huge team, we don’t have any problems with sewerage. At first they were very wary and the polyethylene did not inspire confidence, and the design somehow didn’t quite fit into the understanding, but everything worked out, and then no one remembered anything.
I remember that all sorts of things of unknown purpose raised questions, but little by little everything fell into place. Although, in the end, they agreed with the advice of the specialists and finalized it - they completed the construction of a drainage well made of concrete rings. Now, it seems, it’s a complete set and no problems. Nikolai Antonovich, 55 years old, Belgorod
Operating principle of a septic tank
Two-chamber septic tanks work according to the following principle. Through sewer pipes coming from the house, wastewater enters the first chamber of the septic tank, located underground. The receiving chamber collects and mechanically sediments the incoming waste, while it contains a special damper that ensures that the waste does not become resuspended. The settling substances accumulate in the compartment of the first chamber intended for this purpose, and the resulting gases are removed through the sewer ventilation of the system. The second is a filtration chamber. The mesh and sorption filters located in it purify incoming waste in two stages, finally removing contaminants. From this chamber, purified water flows through pipes for further purification. The water obtained after such purification meets the requirements of sanitary standards.
At the same time, if the Rostok cottage septic tank is equipped with a special after-treatment filter (drainage well), then the quality of cleaning will be about 95%. If such a filter is not used, the wastewater will be purified by 80%.
Installation
The process of installing a septic tank begins with choosing a suitable location on the site. According to SNiP and other legislative acts of the Russian Federation, an autonomous sewerage system should be located no closer to:
- 5 meters from the house, the edge of roads, possible parking places;
- 3 meters from trees;
- 50 meters from a source of drinking water (well, borehole, natural reservoir).
The sewerage system must necessarily have a drainage (ventilation) riser. It is usually displayed on the roof of the house. Serves to remove unpleasant odors from the drainage system. Its height must be at least 3 meters from ground level.
Typical scheme for installing and placing a septic tank on the site. Source - official website https://septik-rostok.ru
Installation work for installing a septic tank is carried out in the following sequence:
- The exterior of the device body is inspected to ensure there are no cracks, dents or other mechanical damage. A one-sided polymer-bitumen tape (usually supplied with the unit) is used to glue the joint between the body and the neck.
- The foundation pit is being prepared. Its size and depth depend on the modification of the septic tank, the depth of the supply pipeline, as well as the climatic conditions of the area. The bottom of the pit is covered with a sand cushion 100 mm thick. In areas with unstable soil or high groundwater levels, the base of the pit is equipped with a concrete slab or a cement-sand mixture instead of a sand cushion. Along the perimeter, the pit must be such that there is at least 30 centimeters of free space on all sides of the unit body to the ground walls. This is necessary for backfilling.
- Inlet and outlet pipelines are installed and, if necessary, insulated.
- Backfilling is carried out with a cement-sand mixture. The work is carried out manually, in stages, with the product body gradually filled with clean water. During operation, the difference between the liquid level in the housing and the height of the backfill should not be more than 15 cm. Each subsequent layer of backfill must be compacted and spilled with water.
Advantages of a country septic tank
The advantages are reliability, ease of operation, cleaning efficiency and ease of use, as well as their relatively small dimensions. Of course, you will need sewerage services every year, but at a relatively low cost (depending on the region, they can be more expensive or cheaper, but on average such a service costs from 500 to 1,500 rubles per cubic meter and is calculated based on the complexity of the work required, the distance septic tank and other factors that need to be clarified when ordering a team). But these are relatively small costs compared to the convenience received. By purchasing a Rostock septic tank, you will solve the sewage problem in your suburban area once and for all.