How to arrange a septic tank with a high level of groundwater: options for solving an urgent problem

Close occurrence of groundwater is a factor that complicates the installation of a septic tank on the territory of private suburban estates. Therefore, when planning the construction of engineering communications of a summer house or home, it is necessary to take into account the "situation" on the ground. Ground water at a level of up to a meter is definitely a problem. A septic tank for high groundwater must be equipped in accordance with all the rules - otherwise the operation of the structure will be a continuous headache.

How to determine the groundwater level?

It is recommended to measure the water level in spring when the snow is melting, or in autumn after prolonged rains. The distance between the surface of the earth and the “water surface” in a well “feeding” on groundwater is subject to measurement. No well? It is also possible to determine the groundwater level by drilling the soil with a garden drill in several places (for objectivity of observations). Well, the easiest method is just to talk with neighbors and find out from them how things are in this area.

High groundwater levels can be a problem when installing a septic tank - but knowing the rules of the work, many common mistakes can easily be avoided.

The problem of high GWT is characteristic of almost the entire territory of central Russia. Ground flows can even occur at a depth of 20-30 cm.

What is the insidiousness of the marshland?

When arranging and operating an autonomous sewage system on a site with a high level of groundwater, each homeowner may encounter such problems:

1. The complexity of installation. What sweet speeches you would not have heard from sellers of different types of structures, do not believe it - it will take a lot of time and effort to install a septic tank. However, having worked “at full power”, there will be no doubt that the sewage system with a septic tank will serve you faithfully, perhaps even for several decades.
2. Ascent of the septic tank. If the septic tank is not installed on a concrete pad and secured with straps, nylon ropes or cables, there is a high probability that groundwater flows will cause the septic tank to rise. As a result, the violated integrity of the design not only of the septic tank itself, but also of the entire sewer pipeline.
3. In an unpressurized septic tank made, for example, of concrete rings, water will constantly leak. And this means that you will very often have to resort to the services of a cesspool machine. Needless to say, this is very expensive?
4. Complete flooding of the septic tank. The systematic flow of fluid into the septic tank will quickly render the structure unusable.
5. Sewerage draining into the soil can become a source of groundwater pollution. Where it leads? Very little time will pass and the water from the well will become unusable. Water bodies near the site run the risk of blooming. An environmental disaster of a local nature will occur.

A septic tank installed in a site with a high level of groundwater must be completely tight - otherwise you risk both the health and contents of the wallet

The basic rules of the device with high GW

The septic tank, if the groundwater is close, should be completely tight to prevent leakage into the soil. Constructions from concrete rings, bricks and other prefabricated elements are not able to provide the proper tightness - therefore, such options should disappear even at the stage of theoretical reflection on the sewage system. Ideally, it is advisable to resort to the installation of a septic tank for industrial production. There is a wide range of these devices on the market with different sizes. It is worth knowing that the volume of the septic tank should be equal to the three-day volume of water consumption by people living in the house.

Having studied various septic tank models from different manufacturers, you will be convinced that today you can easily purchase both a compact design for a small cottage, and a multi-chamber installation designed for a modern cottage.

A three-chamber factory septic tank is a plastic container divided into chambers. The first chamber is the place of sedimentation and separation of effluents into fractions. The second and third are intended for post-treatment of effluents. Instead of filtering wells, infiltrators are used in such structures - they provide quick absorption of 94-98% of purified water into the soil. The main disadvantage of infiltrators is the large area they occupy. The industrial septic tank itself is certainly quite expensive. However, such an investment cannot be called an excess or a whim. A high-quality septic tank with high groundwater is a vital necessity.

With limited means, you can build a septic tank yourself - from suitable plastic containers, for example, from eurocubes and construct filter well. Between themselves, the tanks must be connected with special pipes for the flow of effluents.

If industrial solutions do not suit you for one reason or another, you can always build a septic tank yourself

When equipping a septic tank in an area with a high water level, it is imperative to provide a reinforced concrete pillow under the structure. By attaching the structure to such a base, you will not have to worry that it will be pushed out of the soil.

Also a good option for the installation of a septic tank with a high level of groundwater is the installation monolithic reinforced concrete well. Due to the absence of seams, the penetration of effluents into the ground will be impossible. The order of work will be as follows:

• digging a pit;
• formwork installation;
• installation of fittings;
• pouring concrete.

It is advisable to pre-season the concrete mixture with a hydrophobic additive - this will improve the waterproofing properties of the future design. Overflow holes should be provided in the partitions between the chambers. Inside, the finished chambers must be treated with coating waterproofing. If desired, such a septic tank can be built independently, without the involvement of specialists. It is enough to properly plan your work and take into account all the nuances.

What other solutions are there?

If you have a small cottage that you visit two to three times a month, then the easiest and most economically viable option for you will be the installation of a storage tank. It is desirable that it be made of fiberglass by machine winding. What will the work of such a design look like in practice? Drains from housing will gradually accumulate in an airtight container, and then "removed" by a cesspool machine. For rare visits to a drive with a volume of three cubes, it is more than enough for a whole season.

One of the most important components of the proper use of a septic tank is its high-quality, timely, professional cleaning - therefore, you should not neglect the services of a cesspool machine!

As you can see, you can set up a septic tank with a high UHV in many different ways. Which of them will be optimal for you in absentia cannot be said. It all depends on your financial capabilities, type of housing (permanent or temporary), specific terrain conditions. After consulting with a competent specialist, we are sure you can make the right decision.