Many summer cottages and country houses do not have the ability to connect to a central sewer system. Those who are tired of “running into the yard” in the rain and slush, sooner or later think about alternative solutions in terms of sewerage arrangement.
We will talk about how to choose an autonomous sewer system, and how the main market leaders differ from each other. If you are tired of biased ratings and reviews, when companies try to pass off what they sell as the best coin, then read the article comparing Unilos Astra, Topas, Eurobion, Biodeka and other biological treatment stations from our experts. We install all the most common types of sewer systems, which means we don’t try to sell just one thing.
Treatment buildings Topol and Topas
The Topol septic tank has a body made of monolithic polypropylene. It has a cylindrical shape, takes pressure evenly over the entire area and is more resistant to compression. Poplar also has stiffening ribs in the form of a frame. This is additional reinforcement of the body and protection against deformation.
Exterior view of the Poplar septic tank
The Topas body is made of integrally foamed polypropylene. The middle layer is porous and retains heat. The body shape is rectangular. Topas are produced using a special technology: two sheets of polypropylene are bent and welded at the joints. Welds are made on the walls of the body, and not on the ribs. The function of stiffeners is performed by rigging strips.
Appearance of the treatment plant Topas
Conclusion.
The Poplar body is cylindrical, with lugs. It is not subject to deformation. Topas has a rectangular body. Stress is concentrated at the corners; such a body is less resistant to compression. To increase strength, Topas is made from thicker plastic, which increases the weight and price of the cleaning material.
Type and characteristics
In order to more clearly understand the differences between the Topas and Topol septic tanks, let us present in the table the main characteristics of a budget model for equipping a local cleaning system for a house in which a family of 3-5 people lives.
| Parameter | ""Topas" 5" | ""TOPLAR" (Eco-Grand) 5" |
| Type | A device with an operating principle based on deep biological purification and oxidation of organic substances with oxygen | A device with an operating principle based on deep biological purification and oxidation of organic substances with oxygen |
| Housing material | Foamed polypropylene | Sheet polypropylene |
| Case shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
| Processing volume | 1 m3 per day. | 1.1 m3 per day. |
| Salvo release | 220 l | 250 l |
| Weight | 230 kg | 230 kg |
| Availability of alarm system | No. Can be installed as an additional option | No. Can be installed as an additional option |
| Electronics | 2 ARIMAC compressors made in Taiwan | 2 Japanese-made HIBLOW compressors |
| Anti-clog protection | Airlift washing | Airlift washing |
As can be seen from the table, these two models are similar in both shape and volume, and electronics. The main difference between Topas septic tanks is the body material. Foamed polypropylene outperforms other types in quality and reliability. It is dense and difficult to damage. Sheet is more fragile and can crack under load.
One of the main differences between “Topas” and the “TOPOL” Eco-Grand septic tank is the material from which the body is made. According to this parameter, the product definitely wins!
Lugs
Topol Plus models with an extended body have lugs. These are bottom protrusions welded to the body. Essentially, these are anchors. The soil presses on them from above and soil waters cannot push the septic tank out. The upper overlap between the neck and the body also takes on the weight of the soil. The poplar is reliably protected from floating.
Poplar with lugs and stiffeners
Topas has no lugs. This is not a critical drawback, but it is important not to leave the septic tank empty after pumping so that it does not float up.
Conclusion.
Poplar has lugs and is more suitable for high groundwater levels (GWL). Topas without lugs can also be installed at high groundwater levels, but you need to make sure that there is water in it at all times. When servicing, do not pump out completely and after pumping out you must immediately fill with water.
conclusions
The most important criterion in choosing a treatment facility for your site will be the composition of the soil and groundwater level. If you have sandy soil and the groundwater runs deep, then the decision is yours, since any type of septic tank will work effectively.
But if the soil consists of waterproof materials (such as clay) and the groundwater level is high enough, then the only solution is to purchase a Topas biological treatment plant, which is produced by the plant and has a guarantee. The main thing is to comply with all operating conditions and the result will please you for many years; the presence of a smell can only signal a problem in the system. In other cases there is no smell. Do not forget that you cannot drain everything into such a system, as this will lead to malfunctions and failure of the entire unit. Can be used constantly.
If you decide to install a septic tank made of reinforced concrete rings or a “Tank”, then be attentive to the work of the contractor. Because if during the installation process mistakes are made in creating a filtration structure after the septic tank or waste pipe itself, then this can play a cruel joke. The constant presence of odor is inevitable. On the other hand, these types of cleaning devices are more sensitive to the composition of wastewater. Best used for occasional use.
Working volume
This is the volume from the bottom of the septic tank to the lower edge of the inlet pipe (working level). Why is it important to consider displacement? The quality of cleaning, productivity, and salvo discharge directly depend on it.
For a cylindrical septic tank, the volume can be calculated using the formula V=πr2h, where h is the height from the bottom to the working level. For the Poplar 6 model h=3.14x0.55x0.55x1.8=1.7 cubic meters. Since the water level in the receiving chamber is lower, ¼ of the volume (25%) must be subtracted from this value. We get V=1.3 cubic meters.
For a Topas 6 septic tank, the working volume is V=hхlхb, where h is the height from the bottom to the lower edge of the supply pipe, l is the length, b is the width. We get V=1.15x1.17x1.8=2.42. Subtract ¼ of the volume (0.6 cubic meters). We get V approximately 1.8 cubic meters.
Conclusion.
The working volume of Topas is almost 1.5 times larger. At the same time, the salvo discharge is greater at Topol. This may be due to the higher productivity of the main airlift (pumps wastewater from the first chamber to the aeration tank). But with increasing airlift productivity, the quality of cleaning decreases.
Choosing a septic tank for a summer residence
The best septic tank for a home is the one that best meets the requirements of the homeowners. In principle, you can buy ready-made equipment, or you can make a cleaning system yourself. The main thing is to correctly calculate the volume of the device . To do this, all the needs of the people living in the house and the area of the room are taken into account. Need to know:
- number of residents in the house;
- average amount of water consumption by each family member;
- the number of plumbing units in the house, including washing and dishwashing appliances;
- soil features, water level.
Which septic tank is best for you will have to be decided based on the obtained indicators.
A single-chamber septic tank is designed for daily water consumption of one cubic meter, and for a family of two this is quite enough. But for 3-5 people permanently living in the house, you will need a two-chamber septic tank, designed for a water consumption of up to 10 cubic meters per day. Consumption over 10 cubic meters will require a three-chamber installation.
Naturally, individual water consumption in each family may differ from the average statistical data, therefore, a reserve volume of water consumption should always be added to the obtained indicators.
Having made such calculations, you will get closer to the answer to your question “So which septic tank is better?”
Volley discharge of septic tanks Topol and Topas
The Topas 6 model for 6 people has a salvo discharge of 250 liters. A toilet (10 l), a sink (10 l), a washing machine (50 l), a dishwasher (20 l), a shower (90 l), a total of 210 l, are connected to this sewer system. You can use a 200 liter bath, but be careful not to flood the treatment plant.
The Topol 6 model has a salvo release of 270 liters. This is 50 liters more than Topas. You can install another toilet (10 l), sink (10 l), sink (30 l) in the house. A 200 liter bathtub can be installed without any worries.
Conclusion.
Topol has an advantage in salvo release. This makes it possible to install more plumbing without the risk of overflowing the treatment plant.
Septic tank "Triton"
This is a local treatment system, suitable for country houses with a small volume of sewage waste or for temporary sewerage during the construction of cottages. Some models are a fairly simple cleaning device made of plastic, where wastewater accumulates and is then discharged in a clarified form.
A three-section septic tank gradually processes waste with decomposition of organic substances, settling, purification in an infiltrator and supply to a special site.
It does not have a large set of functions, but it works autonomously and does not require connection to the mains. To clean you have to use a special machine.
The cost of a septic tank is low, which also pleases homeowners and is often the main advantage of Triton compared to other devices.
Weight
Topas 5 weighs 280 kg. All companies install this model without special equipment, but for models from Topas 8 (280 kg) and above they already use an excavator and a manipulator. These are additional costs. The Zagorod company can also install a Topas 8 septic tank without special equipment. That is, we manually install almost all models that are intended for country houses.
Septic tank Topol 6 weighs a little less - 230 kg. With such a weight, installation can definitely be done without special equipment. The weight of the next model Topol 9 is 290 kg. Our company can also install this septic tank manually.
Conclusion.
Poplar is lighter than Topas. Models up to Topas 8 and Topol 9 are installed by Zagorod manually, the landscape of the site is not disturbed. Loading, unloading and lowering from the pit is performed by a team of 5-6 people.
Price comparison
The most popular models are biological treatment stations for 5 people, as they allow comfortable accommodation for a small family, taking into account the periodic arrival of guests. We will also consider a station with a forced method of water drainage, since it is suitable for any site, even with high groundwater. Let's consider the cost of biological treatment stations from various manufacturers:
| Unilos Astra 5 84,000 rubles | Topas 5 92565 rubles | Eurobion 5 78200 rubles |
| Biodeck 5 76,000 rubles | Alta Bio 5 84150 rubles | Biopurit 5 84410 rubles |
So, the cheapest liquid household waste treatment station among others turns out to be Biodeka 5, which is 8,000 rubles cheaper than Unilos Astra 5 and 16,565 rubles cheaper than Topas 5 sewage system. Whether this point will become a key point when buying a sewer system is up to the buyer to decide.
Factory equipment VOC Topol and Topas
Cleaning Topol and Topas are supplied to the customer in the following configuration:
Septic tank Topas:
Septic tank Poplar:
To protect electrics from flooding, an alarm is needed.
This is a lamp on the lid and a float sensor in the receiving chamber. If the water in the first chamber rises to a critical level, the sensor will trigger and the warning light will light up. The hazard warning system is not included in the basic package. It can be purchased additionally, but this is not necessary at Zagorod. From us you will receive an emergency alarm as a gift. Installation is paid separately, according to the estimate. Conclusions.
Topol and Topas are supplied in the same configuration. Each septic tank comes with compressors, a supply pipe, and a welding rod from the factory. Forced modifications also come with a drain pump and everything needed to connect it. You don't need to buy anything.
How does Unilos differ from Tver?
The Tver septic tank has four-stage cleaning, but the degree of purification does not exceed 78%. It has low productivity and has to be serviced regularly by calling special equipment.
Two-stage cleaning in Unilos reaches 98%. High-performance septic tank. Pumping is carried out with a drainage pump once a year.
Operating principle and cleaning quality
Both septic tanks undergo deep cleaning with suspended activated sludge (aerobic microorganisms). Organics, nitrates, and nitrogen are removed. In both Topol and Topas, the wastewater is purified up to 98%, odorless, and can be discharged to the ground without soil filtration. The quality of cleaning in both stations is the same.
Poplar with gravity drainage, top view
Poplar with forced drainage, top view
Topas, diagram, top view
Topas and Topol have two operating modes:
1. The water level in the receiving chamber is higher than the float. Direct phase is on. Aeration is in progress in the aeration tank. Aerobic bacteria oxidize and decompose organic matter and ammonium (nitrification process). Effluent from the aeration tank enters the secondary settling tank and is discharged from the septic tank.
2. The water level in the first chamber is below the float. Reverse phase enabled. Coarse-bubble aeration and mixing of wastewater in the receiving chamber takes place. There is no aeration in the aeration tank. Here the process of denitrification occurs - the reduction of nitrates to nitrogen. From the aeration tank, wastewater is pumped into the sludge stabilizer and from there into the receiving chamber. As soon as the first chamber is filled, the float is activated and the direct phase is switched on.
In dual-mode septic tanks, aerobic and anaerobic conditions are alternately created in the aeration tank.
In an oxygen environment, organic matter is removed, and in an anaerobic environment, nitrates and nitrogen are removed. As a result, Topol and Topas septic tanks produce clear process water. Clarified wastewater does not smell, it does not need to be further purified, and it is harmless to the environment. Conclusion.
Poplar and Topas clean wastewater equally well. If the priority is odorlessness and environmental friendliness, then any of the septic tanks will do.
Rules and restrictions for waste disposal
The service life of a septic tank, as well as the efficiency of wastewater treatment, are largely determined by strict adherence to the operating rules of the equipment.
First of all, this concerns restrictions related to preventing various inorganic materials and substances from entering the sewer system, the most common of which are polyethylene and plastic.
This limitation is due to the fact that these materials cannot be recycled and, accordingly, at best, will settle in the chambers of the septic tank, and at worst, they can cause the cleaning equipment to fail.
In addition, restrictions apply to many medicinal compounds and, above all, antibiotics, which can cause the death of beneficial bacteria.
It is also forbidden to pour alcohol-containing compounds, both food and technical, into the sewer; it is recommended to limit the entry into the system of household chemicals, alkalis, acids, wool, food products, especially moldy ones, vegetable peelings and others.
If the septic tank is used in a country house or cottage with seasonal residence, it is definitely recommended to carry out its winter conservation. As a rule, work begins with the cleaning of the septic tank, after which it is recommended to fill the container with a small volume of waste and be sure to fill it with water at the end.
Such measures will preserve beneficial microflora in the septic tank, which, after the facility is re-opened, will be completely viable, but only if the septic tank has been insulated.
In addition, it is necessary to dismantle the attachments and store them in a dry, ventilated room.
Electrical equipment in Topas and Topol stations
Poplar is equipped with one Hailea compressor. In the forward phase, the compressor supplies air to the aerator in the aeration tank, in the reverse phase - to the aerator in the receiving chamber. The phases change through the solenoid valve according to a signal from the float sensor.
Advantages:
.
Flaws:
With forced Topol models, a DAB float pump is included.
Compressor at the Topol station
Topas is equipped with two AirMac or Thomas compressors. One compressor operates in the forward phase, and the other in the reverse phase. Switching phases based on a signal from a float in the receiving chamber.
Advantages:
Flaws:
Topas modifications with forced pumping are also equipped with DAB pumps. Previously the Wilo brand pump was supplied.
Compressors in Topas septic tank
The Topas manufacturer also offers the Topas-S treatment station. It, like the Topol, has one compressor, with phase switching through an electromagnetic valve. Due to this, Topas-S is cheaper than Topas and slightly more expensive than Topol. Compressor and pump (in forced stations) as in standard Topas.
Electrics in the Topas-S septic tank
Conclusion.
Poplar with one compressor is cheaper, but the solenoid valve is sensitive to voltage changes; it is advisable to use a stabilizer. Topas with two compressors is more reliable, but more expensive. We recommend comparing Topol and Topas-S. The electrical part in them is arranged in the same way, while the price of Topas-S is not much higher.
Septic tank "Tver"
This installation has a combined treatment method: a septic tank without filters, the wastewater is settled, decomposed by anaerobic bacteria and removed in a purified form, suitable for watering plants. Removes toxic compounds.
The septic tank has a long service life, is easy to install on your own, and does not require the construction of filtration fields. It is enough to pump out sediment once a year. This is convenient for summer residents who live outside the city on a temporary basis.
“Tver” operates from the electrical network, and, along with the high cost of the septic tank, this is regarded by consumers as a disadvantage.
Installation of septic tanks Topol and Topas
There are no fundamental differences in installation technology. Main installation steps:
The pit is dug according to the dimensions specified in the technical passport. A sand cushion is poured at the bottom.
The waste is lowered onto a sandy base and leveled.
Sprinkling and filling are done simultaneously, at the same level, to balance the pressure from inside and outside.
The hole is cut out with a crown. Sealed with polypropylene rod. The Topas and Topas septic tanks already come with a 110 mm pipe and a rod.
A cable is laid from the house to the septic tank. To protect the cable, a 20 mm technical HDPE pipe is used. In the house it is connected to a circuit breaker, in a septic tank in an electrical box in the compressor compartment. Compressors are placed in the instrument compartment and plugged into sockets. Forced models have an additional socket for the pump.
They turn on the cleaning equipment and check how compressors, airlifts and aerators work.
The housing with a lid is left 20 cm above the ground level. They are not buried flush with the ground so that surface water does not enter the septic tank.
Conclusion.
Installation of septic tanks is performed in the same way. The technology has been proven, experienced installers of the Zagorod company install the Topol and Topas treatment plants in 1 working day.
Septic tanks for a summer residence: which one is better
Modern septic tanks change the usual understanding of sewerage treatment systems and often amaze with technological innovations. Well, who would have thought that equipment would appear that functions quietly and smoothly for years, doing the most thankless work, and even purifying wastewater for reuse.
However, people often wonder: how to choose the right cleaning system? The best septic tank - what is it? The answer can only be obtained by understanding a number of points, starting with a general idea of how these systems work, and ending with an analysis of ratings and consumer opinions.
Maintenance of treatment plants Topol and Topas
The Poplar manufacturer recommends cleaning airlifts and the compressor filter once every six months. Once every two years it is recommended to pump out with a fecal pump.
Topas must be pumped out independently once every 3-4 months using a service airlift. Once every 6 months, you should call a service engineer to check the equipment, flush the airlifts, and pump out sludge.
Septic tank maintenance by a service engineer
Conclusion.
Both septic tanks can be serviced without a sewer truck. You can pump out the sewage with your own hands, using a fecal pump, or call a service specialist from the Zagorod company.
The principle of operation of septic tanks
The functioning of septic tanks is based on the principles of gravitational settling and subsequent biological treatment with the help of bacteria. Filtration processes occur in stages in the chambers of the device, of which there can be from one to three. The scheme by which all septic tanks operate is approximately the same:
- In the first chamber, the wastewater decomposes under the influence of bacteria, heavy sediment settles at the bottom, and fats float to the top.
- In the second chamber, the waste is settled and cleaned, gases are removed through ventilation slits.
- In the third chamber, the cleaning process is completed, then the water passes through the drainage layer and is discharged outside.
Preservation of SBO Poplar and Topas for the winter
When living year-round in a private house, conservation is not required. If wastewater flows constantly, then septic tanks do not freeze. When leaving for the winter, Poplar and Topas are preserved. The work procedure is the same for both treatment plants. They turn off the power, disconnect and remove the compressors and pump (in forced modifications), wash the airlifts with a Karcher, pump out water from the septic tank and fill it with fresh water to the level of the inlet pipe. It is also recommended to insulate the lid with penoplex.
Conservation stage: insulating the lid with penoplex
Conclusion.
Both septic tanks must be preserved during long-term departures. There are two options: mothball the septic tank with your own hands or call a service technician from the Zagorod company. The second option is more expensive, but an experienced master will definitely do everything right.
The best septic tank for a summer residence
Which septic tanks are suitable for a dacha, which is better, and in general, what should you pay attention to when choosing equipment? The manufacturer's brand in this case may not play a fundamental role. It is worth being guided by two main indicators: how many people will permanently live in the country house, during what period, and how much water they will consume.
For example, which septic tank for a dacha is advisable to choose if the owners intend to occasionally come to the site? It is better to choose compact equipment that will reliably and efficiently dispose of wastewater. Such an installation will effectively solve the problem of waste disposal if the dacha property is not connected to centralized networks.
There are a number of devices that are most popular among private homeowners. Let's consider what the best septic tanks for a country house are, taking into account their demand and consumer responses.
Price of septic tanks Topol and Topas
Model Topol 6 for 5-6 people costs 83,000 rubles. Topas 6 for the same number of people is offered at a price of 104,400 rubles. Topas-S 6 costs 91,800 rubles.
| Name | Number of persons | Salvo release, l. | Price, rub |
| Septic tank TOPAS-S 4 | 4 | 175 | RUB 75,960 RUB 84,400 |
| Septic tank TOPAS-S 5 | 5 | 220 | RUB 86,670 RUB 96,300 |
| Septic tank TOPAS-S 6 Pr | 6 | 250 | RUB 101,790 RUB 113,100 |
| Septic tank TOPAS-S 8 | 8 | 440 | RUB 106,650 RUB 118,500 |
| Septic tank TOPAS-S 9 | 9 | 510 | RUB 111,060 RUB 123,400 |
| Septic tank TOPAS-S 10 | 10 | 760 | RUB 138,060 RUB 153,400 |
| Septic tank TOPAS-S 12 | 12 | 830 | RUB 141,660 RUB 157,400 |
| Septic tank Topol 4 | 4 | 180 | RUR 74,307 RUB 79,900 |
| Septic tank Topol 6 | 6 | 270 | RUB 92,814 RUB 99,800 |
| Septic tank Topol 9 | 9 | 500 | RUB 113,367 RUB 121,900 |
| Septic tank Topol 12 | 12 | 830 | RUB 139,407 RUB 149,900 |
| Septic tank Topas 4 | 4 | 175 | RUB 88,470 RUB 98,300 |
| Septic tank TOPAS-S 4 Pr | 4 | 175 | RUB 85,050 RUB 94,500 |
| Septic tank Topas 4 Pr | 4 | 175 | RUB 97,290 RUB 108,100 |
| Septic tank Topas 5 | 5 | 220 | RUB 101,070 RUB 112,300 |
| Septic tank TOPAS-S 5 Pr | 5 | 220 | RUB 98,100 109,000 rub. |
| Septic tank Topas 5 Pr | 5 | 220 | RUB 110,340 RUB 122,600 |
| Septic tank TOPAS-S 5 Long | 5 | 220 | RUB 109,710 RUB 121,900 |
| Septic tank Topas 5 Long | 5 | 220 | RUB 125,190 RUB 139,100 |
| Septic tank TOPAS-S 5 Long Pr | 5 | 220 | RUB 122,670 RUB 136,300 |
show all
Conclusion.
Poplar is about 20,000 cheaper than Topas. This difference includes the price of the second compressor, the markup for the brand, the cost of material for the manufacture of the septic tank (a rectangular body requires more material). Topas-S is similar in design to Topol and is only 10,000 rubles more expensive. For those looking for a cheaper septic tank, we recommend choosing between Topol and Topas-S.
Popular brands of septic tanks
When choosing septic tanks for your home and deciding which one is better, first of all, you should pay attention to the technical characteristics. But some people rely on the popularity of the manufacturer’s brand or reviews, thus trying to figure out the best septic tank.
Among the most popular are “Tank”, “Topas”, “Unilos”, followed by the other brands presented above.
The “Tank” is attractive due to its ease of operation, reliability and low cost. “Topas” and “Unilos” are the most common aeration stations for thorough biological treatment.
Comparing septic tanks allows you to better determine their features and make the right choice.
Which is better: Poplar or Topas?
Let's summarize all the advantages and disadvantages in a table. We highlight the disadvantages in red, the advantages in green, and equality in characteristics in black.
| Poplar | Topas | |
| Housing material and design | Monolithic polypropylene without thermal insulation, there are stiffeners. | Foamed polypropylene with thermal insulation and reinforcement ribs. |
| Case shape | Cylindrical | Rectangular |
| Lugs | Available for extended modifications (Topol Plus) | No |
| Working volume | Less (1.3 cubic meters) | More (1.8 cubic meters) |
| Salvo release | More | Less |
| Weight | Less | More |
| Standard equipment | The kit includes an inlet pipe, a rod for soldering the pipe, compressors, and a drainage pump. | |
| Cleaning quality | High, the output is clear, odorless water, discharged without additional treatment. | |
| Possibility of blockages | High, airlifts must be pumped out and washed regularly. | |
| Electrical equipment | One compressor, phase switching via solenoid valve. It is advisable to install a voltage stabilizer. | Two compressors, each operating in its own phase, no stabilizer needed. |
| Installation | The installation technology is no different. | |
| Service | Do-it-yourself pumping (once every 3-4 months) and calling a service engineer (once every 6 months). | |
| Preservation for the winter | Needed for both septic tanks when leaving for the winter. Performed without a vacuum cleaner. | |
| Price | Cheaper | Expensive |
| Guarantee | 3 years for the body, airlifts and aerators, 1 year for electrics. | 5 years for housing and process equipment, 3 years for compressors. The Topas-S septic tank has a 5-year warranty on the body, 3 years on compressors, 1 year on the solenoid valve. |
As you can see, Topol has more advantages. But the question is what is important to you. We will give advice on choosing.
Poplar is right for you if you:
Choose Topas if the following is more important to you:
Septic tank "Tank"
The design is made of modern polymers and has a high degree of protection from various influences. Manufacturers of the septic tank assure that the device will last for at least half a century.
“Tank” has a universal block-modular system with a filter. In the first chamber, the wastewater is purified and enters the next section for chemical treatment and biological neutralization. Then the purified water enters the infiltrator and is discharged into the ground through it.
The septic tank needs regular cleaning using special equipment. The device must always be filled with water, which must be stirred periodically. The “Tank” can operate autonomously provided that biological products are used; in this case, the sediment is removed rarely, once every 5 years.
“Tank” is quite popular among private owners, reviews about it are mostly favorable, because the equipment is inexpensive, functions reliably, and the modular range has different sizes and volumes. For a certain category of homeowners who are ready to put up with some of its shortcomings, the “Tank” may turn out to be the best septic tank for their dacha.
