Why is there a through pipe inside the infiltrator? Infiltrators for septic tanks: effect and quality of work

Conventional anaerobic treatment systems clarify sewage by 60–70%. If more thorough treatment of water is required and it has to be discharged into the ground right next to the house, filtration fields with soil post-treatment are installed. But you will have to allocate a lot of space for them. personal plot. It is much more practical to install infiltrators for septic tanks, which do not require such huge areas.

The cottage's autonomous treatment system includes a primary treatment device and a soil drainage complex or a well for storing purified water for subsequent pumping. The first element works the same in all cases - in the settling tank heavy fractions settle and fermentation occurs, as a result of which organic matter from the sewer decomposes into safe components.

The second component for each site is selected individually depending on many factors. Doing drainage yourself is cheaper and easier than a large storage well. But it will not be able to cope with a significant volume of sewage. We need a more productive setup.

Connection diagram of a septic tank with an infiltrator

It is the infiltrator for the septic tank that is such an effective soil filter. It simultaneously performs 2 tasks: final purification of water treated in a septic tank and its drainage into the soil. As a result, the degree of purification increases to 97–98%. Moreover, all moisture goes into the ground naturally; it does not need to be pumped out.

Important! Drainage of wastewater using an infiltrator is not possible on clay soils. By definition, water cannot penetrate through clay.

Inside the infiltration module there is a continuous process of oxidation of organic matter with its decomposition into harmless components. And the treated water is simply discharged into the ground.

Sewer infiltrator device

In the case of sewerage, infiltration refers to the drainage of water into the ground through a filtration layer of gravel and sand.

By infiltrator for septic tanks we mean extensive the lineup devices for soil purification. They are made from various materials, but the operating principle and design are the same for all models.

Structurally, the infiltrator is a container without a bottom with three pipes:

  • entrance from the septic tank;
  • day off for overflow;
  • ventilation

Outwardly, it resembles an inverted basin or bucket with pipes for the movement of water and air. This structure is installed on a sand and gravel cushion - a soil filter.

In fact cesspool with drainage is also an infiltration installation. At its bottom there is also a filter made of sand and gravel, which, on the one hand, retains waste, and on the other, ensures the infiltration of clarified water into the soil.

Advice! A sewer infiltrator is best option for “lazy” and at the same time practical owners. Waste does not accumulate in it, there is no need to clean it, and it successfully copes with the tasks of cleaning wastewater.

After installation, the septic tank infiltrator does not require any maintenance or supervision. There is no need to pump waste and sludge out of it, and the internal walls of the tank are self-cleaning with the flow of incoming water. Set it and forget it. No vacuum cleaners and no additional maintenance costs.

Case design and material

When choosing an infiltrator model, it is necessary to pay special attention to the body material, which should be as resistant as possible to:

  • corrosion;
  • aggressive organics Wastewater;
  • household chemicals.

Iron is of little use in such conditions. If it is provided reliable protection depending on all these factors, such a case will cost a lot. For a private home, it is better to choose a simpler and cheaper option.

Reinforced concrete is quite suitable, but it is heavy and requires special equipment for installation. What remains is plastic, which is not subject to corrosive processes and is resistant to aggressive chemicals entering and forming in the sewer system.

Important! The design of a model with a plastic body must include stiffening ribs. Only in this way will the infiltrator be able to withstand the weight of the soil from above for years.

Factory-made plastic infiltrator

There are two ways to install an infiltration device next to the septic tank:

  1. Purchase a factory-made kit.
  2. DIY drainage construction from corrugated plastic pipes large diameter.

Both options are suitable for a private home. The first one will cost a little more, but it is easier to install.

Drainage capacity

The infiltrator must accommodate at least three volumes of the septic tank to which it is connected. There is always the possibility of a volley discharge of water; the drainage reservoir must take all of it. However, it may already be partially filled with waste.

If necessary, several drainage modules can be installed nearby

Factory infiltration units have a capacity of two hundred liters or more. But sometimes a much larger volume is required. To obtain the necessary “power”, several small infiltrators for septic tanks are combined using pipes. When the first one overflows, water begins to flow through the overflow into the next tank and is drained there.

The required volume of container largely depends on the throughput (filtering) capacity of the soil - how much water can go into it per day. Sands are the undisputed favorites here, but loamy soils take a little longer to completely absorb moisture.

Often on clay soils it is necessary to connect a storage well to the infiltration equipment. It receives excess water that has not had time to be absorbed into the ground, and from there it is pumped out by a conventional pump for discharge into a drainage trench or for removal from the site by sewer trucks.

Installation of a factory infiltrator

The installation of an infiltration unit can be done both at the stage of arranging a septic tank and after its construction. Factory model made of plastic, depending on the design and power, weighs only 10–20 kg. Cranes not required, everything can be carried by one person.

Installation of an infiltrator for a septic tank is carried out in three stages:

  1. Excavation work - digging a trench to fit the size of the equipment.
  2. Formation of a filtration layer from gravel.
  3. Installing the container and filling it with soil.

SNiP and SanPiN requirements! The septic tank and the infiltrator for it must be 5 meters away from the foundation of the house, and from reservoirs and wells with drinking water- 30 meters.

The area of ​​the pit on each side should be 30–50 cm more sizes infiltration equipment. You will have to dig in depth based on the height of the plastic module plus 50 cm for the sand and gravel filter from below and the same amount from above for the soil as thermal insulation. It should be one meter away from the septic tank.

Installation diagram of the infiltrator and septic tank

After excavating the earth, crushed stone of medium fractions and fine-grained sand are poured into the bottom of the trench. The thickness of the layer depends on the hygroscopicity of the soil underneath. In most cases, 40–50 cm of gravel-sand or just a gravel cushion is sufficient.

All that remains is to install the infiltrator on the bottom and connect it plastic pipeline to the septic tank. After checking the connections for leaks, everything is covered with earth - it will provide the necessary thermal insulation in winter and prevent the water inside from freezing. Only the ventilation pipe should be visible from above.

Manufacturing and installation of an infiltration block from plastic pipes

As an alternative to a factory-made product, an infiltrator for a septic tank can be made from large-diameter sewer pipes. This does not require any special skills or tools. Everything can be done with your own hands.

Plastic pipes you should take corrugated ones with a diameter of 800–1000 mm. Cross-linked polyethylene, which is not afraid of frost, is best suited.

Corrugated sewer pipes suitable for creating an infiltrator

A pipe 1.5–2 m long must be cut lengthwise into two equal halves. In fact, this is the finished infiltrator body. All that remains is to install plugs at the ends and insert the pipes. Even with minimal experience in sawing plastic, everything should work out.

Installation of such a homemade infiltrator into the ground is carried out using a technology absolutely identical to the installation of a factory analogue.

Video: installation and connection of an infiltrator consisting of two modules to a septic tank

The infiltrator allows you to significantly increase the degree of sewage water purification and bring it to 97–98%. Its installation is simple, it costs little, but it guarantees adequate wastewater treatment. You can install an infiltration block for a septic tank with your own hands. This will not cause any difficulties - its weight is light, and its design is extremely simple. You just need to consult with a specialist on the optimal container volume, the choice of which depends on the characteristics of the soil and the capacity of the septic tank.

Infiltration devices are designed for the thorough purification of wastewater, functioning together with sewer system. Often this is the only profitable option for private estates where it is not possible to arrange an extensive filter zone. Appearance device is associated with a bottomless container. The system is installed at a distance of more than two meters from the septic tank, and its service life is designed for half a century.

Purpose

Photo: infiltrator diagram

Serves as a device for water purification and discharge into the ground. The design is made in such a way that the wastewater exits to a shallow depth of the soil. Advantages of the system:

  1. Combination of relatively low weight with enormous strength.
  2. The work is carried out in all types of soil.
  3. One infiltrator replaces eight hundred kilograms of crushed stone.
  4. The volume is designed for emissions in excess of wastewater standards.
  5. It is similar to 36 meters of drainage pipe.
  6. Operation of the device is simple, and installation will not cause difficulties due to its simplicity.
  7. Prevents the area from becoming swampy.
  8. Economical.
  9. When installing utility sewer networks, the amount of work with soil is reduced.

Conventional water purification is only 75% complete. The infiltration device solves this problem by achieving 98% filtration. Uponor is recommended.

What conditions should the work be in?

  • after the water is purified, it is stored in a special container inside the system;
  • the next step is to absorb moisture through a special crushed stone layer (for high-quality soil water purification);
  • During operation, the infiltrator does not need to be completely filled with water, and its volume is recommended to be taken such that the peak flow rate is 25% higher.

How to choose the right infiltration system for septic tanks

To choose the right device, you need to adhere to the following points:

  • Operational parameters: the total volume required is three times more power. This is a mandatory condition that will insure against an immediate influx of wastewater and when operating conditions change.
  • Soil qualities. The rate of soil water absorption, which is taken into account when selecting infiltrators.
  • Volume and working area, in in this case square.

How many of these elements are needed?


Photo: installation of infiltrators

The quantity depends on the brand of equipment. For example, one Tank-1 septic tank requires two Triton-400s. And provided that the soil base is peat or sand, then you can get by with one additional device. Also, when choosing, you need to take into account the required power, soil and other existing terrain features.

Installation in working position

The main purpose of the design is the secondary purification of clarified sewer liquid from the ground. Some will say that other aeration fields will be suitable, but no. In the first case, much less space is needed than in the second, so installing other types is not economically profitable.

Principle of operation:

  • The clarified water moves through the pipeline into a special container.
  • Due to the fact that the structure is ventilated, nitrification occurs - the removal of living microorganisms and their separation.
  • Additional purification is performed when wastewater moves through the lower filter system.
  • After the main tank is overfilled, the liquid moves through pipes to other additional containers.

The main conclusion is that the clarified liquid after the septic tank undergoes post-treatment and is completely free of harmful microelements.

How to do the installation yourself

The main advantage of the system is that the infiltrator can be installed after the septic tank. However, sellers advise installing simultaneously with VOC.

If you do not yet have a septic tank, then before work you select a location for the device. The recommended installation distance should be at least 5 meters from the building and more than 30 meters from wells, water intakes, etc. (Rules and regulations of SNiP and SanPiN for the installation of septic tanks on sites). Next, we do the work ourselves, which is divided into several stages:

Pit development

The main criterion at this stage of work is the soil water level. You need to dig to such a depth that the system is above the average level of their rise.

The size of the pit needs to be increased by about half a meter from the installation. This is explained by the fact that at the bottom there will be an infiltration cushion, the area of ​​which must be larger than the system.

Layer device for filtration


Photo: operating principle of the septic tank filtration pad Tank

Natural filter - the joint work of crushed stone and sand. This is where it is used. The crushed stone fraction is medium, the sand fraction is fine. The bottom of the pit is covered with geotextile. This solution allows you to maintain the integrity of the filtration cushion and prevent the entry of microorganisms. They can remain in the wastewater, bypassing the septic tank along the side surface of the soil.

The next step is adding a filter pad. It will thoroughly purify the water before it penetrates into the lower soil layer. Thickness depends on hygroscopicity - the speed of passage of soil water. The final step is leveling the fill.

Installing the system yourself

Due to its very light weight, installation can be done independently without the use of additional equipment.
It is very important that the housing, which is already standing on the soil cushion, matches the level of the system. After which you can work on the inlet and outlet pipes, as well as the air exchange pipe.
Next, after checking the tightness of the system, the pit is backfilled with soil. Distinctive feature The advantage of the device is that it does not need to be secured additionally due to the depth of the soil backfill of 1 meter, which reliably protects the elements of the system.

There have been cases of joint installation of an infiltrator and a well with your own hands.


Photo: joint installation of an infiltrator and a well

Installed at the bottom of the drainage pad special pipes made of plastic with holes - drains. They are connected to the well taking into account the slope angle.

Having undergone wastewater treatment, it is not sent to the lower layer of soil, but goes into a special barrel, where it is pumped out by a drainage pump.


Photo: name of system elements and device

This scheme is excellent for compacted clay soils. Without such an installation, the quality of wastewater absorption will be much worse than the incoming mass from the septic tank. Such a solution can lead to flooding of the infiltrator and the reverse flow of liquid into the VOC.

Having completed all the procedures with your own hands, the operation of the structure begins. Caring for the aftertreatment system is also done with your own hands. The condition of the pipes and the degree of clogging are checked.

Everyone has already realized the advantage of using infiltrators, since many people care about environment and are worried about its safety. The design is light (about 10-20 kilograms), the dimensions are relatively small, and the cost does not go beyond the bounds of decency. In addition, it is fully (98%, instead of 70%) engaged in wastewater treatment. Easy installation saves financial resources buyer. Throughout the entire service life, human intervention is minimized, which gives only positive emotions.

Septic Tank Infiltrator

The Triton-Plastic organization is a well-known supplier of anaerobic septic tanks Tan and Triton. With the help of its own conveyor for the production of plastic products, it became a pioneer in the production of infiltration devices in the domestic market as an addition to septic tanks.

Characteristics of the Triton infiltration system:

  • Dimensions 1800 – length, 800 width, 400 height.
  • The wall is 10 millimeters.
  • Capacity – 400 liters.
  • Weight excluding pipes – 15 kilograms.

The price depends on the brand of the manufacturer: Triton - 5.5 thousand rubles, Aquamaster - 4 thousand rubles, Graf - 5 thousand rubles.

If a non-volatile septic tank is installed on the site, then the question of organizing wastewater treatment always arises. After all, the maximum purity of waste after passing through the system will be from 60-75%. In this case, there are three options: organizing filtration fields, installing an infiltrator, or installing a biological filter. We will tell you more about the first two options for soil purification in our article.

An infiltrator is a device that collects wastewater from a septic tank and directs it for purification through a layer of crushed stone or expanded clay. On the modern market there are durable plastic models that have affordable price. A non-volatile septic tank system and several infiltrators will cost much less than a deep water station biological treatment. Plus, add in energy costs and Maintenance. Therefore, installing additional soil purification using infiltrators is quite practical.

Let's list the advantages of this device?

  1. The infiltrator for the septic tank is installed in series with the drainage system, while it allows you to significantly save space on the site. One container replaces 36 meters of drainage pipe on the filtration field. This allows you to create quality system wastewater treatment in a small area;
  2. The device makes it possible to carry out final purification of liquid from a septic tank up to 98%;
  3. Affordable price and simplicity of design make the system profitable (when compared with deep biological treatment septic tanks);
  4. The device is easy to install and lightweight;
  5. The tank system will replace the filtration field for the septic tank and will significantly reduce land work on the site;
  6. The infiltrator is suitable for all types of soil.

Installation of soil treatment systems

Let's look at the stages earthworks, which are necessary to organize a filtration field for a septic tank and infiltrator.

The soil cleanup area must be impressive. Usually a system of 2-5 pipes is installed, the length of which usually does not exceed 25 meters. The distance between the pipes is at least 1.5 meters, and the laying depth must exceed the freezing level of the soil. A layer of crushed stone is laid at the bottom of the trench; a drainage collector will pass here. The pipe should be laid at an angle of 2 cm per meter to ensure adequate gravity flow of the liquid. A layer of fine sand is poured over the drainage. Distribution channels are placed at the top, which come out of the well. They are also filled with crushed stone, and geotextiles are laid on top of the ditches. Most upper layer can be made from finished lawn; it is permissible to fill the system with soil. The filtration field for a septic tank must have gas outlet pipes that rise at least 50 cm above the ground. They are equipped with visors. The location of the soil purification zone is at least 5 meters from the house, at least 30 meters to open water intake sources for clay soils and 50 meters for sandy soils. There should be no bushes or trees in the filtration zone, and vehicle traffic is prohibited. The soil in the fields is replaced every 5-10 years.

The system uses 110 mm perforated pipes.

The infiltrator is placed in series with the septic tank. He is plastic case, which does not contain a bottom. Stiffening ribs protect it from deformation. The distance from the well to the infiltrator tank should be about 1 meter.

When choosing a device, the volume and number of containers are taken into account. The capacity of the infiltrator must exceed the salvo release from the well by three times. It is also important to consider the absorbency of the soil (it is higher in sand).

At the stage earthworks the level is taken into account groundwater. The depth of the hole must be above this level, otherwise your system will float in the spring and fall. For installation, a small trench is dug, 50 cm larger than the dimensions of the container. Next, we proceed to laying the filtration layer. We put geotextiles on the bottom, pour sand and crushed stone of the middle fraction. The thickness of the pillow is 40 cm.

An infiltrator is placed on top of the pillow. Its dimensions allow you to carry out this stage independently, without the help of equipment. Pipes are connected to the container: the outlet from the well, the overflow for the second device (if there is one) and the gas outlet to the soil surface. After checking the tightness of the system, cover it with geotextiles and fill it with soil.

So, the system with an infiltrator is easy to install and saves space on the site. In addition, it does not require excavation work to replace filter layers of soil.

Biofilters in action

You can further purify the liquid from a septic tank using a biofilter. It is a system of biological and mechanical treatment. The first layer is expanded clay, the second cavity contains aerobic bacteria, which complete the process of breaking down organic matter. A biofilter for a septic tank is installed in the last chamber or mounted in a separate container. Maintenance requires regular introduction of bacteria, oxygen delivery, and year-round operation of the sewage system. Without regular access to organic matter, the microorganisms in the filter will quickly die. A significant disadvantage of the devices is their high cost.

You can make a biofilter for a septic tank with your own hands without special effort. For this, an additional container is used, into which wastewater will flow from the second chamber. It is filled with filtration porous material. You can use expanded clay. Water passes through it and is mechanically purified. In addition, the container is populated by aerobic organisms. They decompose organic pollutants, performing additional wastewater treatment.

An aeration unit is additionally supplied to the chamber, which will enrich the wastewater with oxygen. For this, a compressor and a perforated pipe are used, which are located at the bottom of the container.

Septic tanks of low and medium price categories do not fully filter sewage - in this form it is impossible to drain the purified liquid into the ground or ditch; additional treatment is required. Traditional methods include a filtration field - objects that require a lot of time and effort to equip (the costs are comparable to those when installing a septic tank). But modern industry has good decision This problem is solved by infiltrators for septic tanks. These post-treatment devices will be discussed in this article.

Infiltrator

Infiltrator for a septic tank - device and principle of operation

As was written earlier, the function of the infiltrator is the final purification of wastewater passing through. Essentially, the device performs the same task as a filtration field or drainage well, but more compact, cheaper and easier to install. The infiltrator is designed as follows.

  1. Frame– made of thick and durable plastic. It has a relatively elongated rectangular shape, resembling a trapezoid in cross-section. The housing also plays the role of an infiltrator cover and is equipped with stiffening ribs designed to strengthen the structure and protect it from pressure (earth from the outside and water from the inside).
  2. Inlet pipe– through it, water from the septic tank flows into the infiltrator.
  3. Ventilation tube– necessary for the flow of air into the infiltrator. Why this is needed will be discussed below.
  4. Crushed stone pillow– the water entering the infiltrator undergoes final purification, seeping through this cushion into the ground.

Important! When installing a row of several infiltrators, an overflow pipe is installed instead of a ventilation pipe in all products except the last one. With its help, aftertreatment devices are connected to each other along a chain.

Let us present the principle of operation of any infiltrator in the form of separate stages.

Stage 1. Water flows from the septic tank into the infiltrator pipe.

Stage 2. Through the pipe it enters the infiltrator housing.

Stage 3. Upon contact with oxygen, which enters inside along with air through ventilation, a process of oxidation and breakdown of organic substances occurs that were not previously screened out in the septic tank.

Stage 4. Partially the products of these reactions escape into the atmosphere through ventilation. The rest, along with the water, fall into the crushed stone layer.

Stage 5. The crushed stone bed filters out the remaining substances that pollute the drains. Purified water goes into the ground without harming the environment or poisoning nearby reservoirs and wells.

Advantages of infiltrators over other means of post-treatment

Infiltrators have a set of advantages that distinguish them favorably from other methods of post-purification of water that has passed through a septic tank. We list these benefits in the form of a list below. "What's happened You can read in our article."

  1. Light weight. The most popular infiltrator models weigh only 15-20 kg, which makes them much easier to transport, carry, etc. Installation of products can be carried out without the participation of construction equipment.

  2. High strength. The infiltrator body is made of high-quality plastic and has thick walls, also equipped with stiffening ribs. The result is a structure that can easily withstand heavy loads from above and significant pressure from the inside.
  3. Versatility – infiltrators are suitable for any type of soil. Depending on the conditions, only the quantity changes necessary devices. Let’s say that if for sandy soils one infiltrator is enough for one septic tank, then for clay soils two or three products will be needed.
  4. Compact – one infiltrator can replace an entire drainage well. Or 800 kg of crushed stone used as a material for post-treatment. Or drainage pipes 36 m long, laid on the filtration field. And this performance comes in extremely small sizes. For example, let’s take the Triton-400 infiltrator, which has a length of 180, a width of 80 and a height of 40 cm. Such post-treatment devices take much less space, when compared with the same filtering field.

  5. Less excavation required– to install such post-treatment devices there is no need to build a very large pit. And this saves not only time and effort, but also money.
  6. Saving - Compared to other components of local treatment systems, infiltrators have an extremely low cost. In addition, installing such a post-treatment device will not require significant expenses from you.
  7. Easy installation and connection– after studying the instructions presented below in one of the sections of the article, you will be convinced that installing the infiltrator is extremely simple, you can do it yourself.

  8. High degree of purification– after the infiltrator and crushed stone cushion, the wastewater coming from the septic tank has a degree of purification that allows it to be discharged into the ground or ditch. Therefore, with proper installation and local cleaning of the system, your sewage will not be damaged in any way surrounding nature and sources drinking water. What is it like? , You can read in our article.
  9. Performance– the infiltrator is able to cope with a significant amount of incoming water. No peak effluent discharges associated with increased bath usage and washing machine, the device is not afraid.

Important! Another advantage of infiltrators that is worth noting is that once installed, they maintain the moisture content of the nearby soil at the same level as before. With proper installation, you will not have wetlands in your dacha or near a country cottage that are unattractive in appearance and inconvenient for gardening.

How to choose an infiltrator for a septic tank

The selection of an infiltrator for a septic tank is carried out according to the following criteria:

  • the type of soil on the site and its water permeability;
  • infiltrator volume;
  • quality of execution;
  • dimensions and weight;
  • price.

Now let's look at these criteria in more detail. Let's start with the type of soil and the degree of its permeability. This criterion does not relate directly to the design of infiltrators, but it is very important, as it affects the number of devices that need to be purchased. Sandy soils They absorb and pass water well, so you don’t need too many infiltrators - on average, one or two products are enough for a family of 3-4 people. A completely different situation is observed in the area with clays and loams - there the water permeability indicators are low, therefore, for efficient work the entire treatment system will require more infiltrators. The classification of soils and filtration coefficients for its various types can be found in the tables below.

Table. Classification of soils according to the degree of water permeability.

Table. Indicators of filtration coefficient for various types of soil.

Soil typeFiltration coefficient, kf, m/day.
GravelFrom 100 to 200, depending on the faction
Sand and gravelFrom 75 to 150
Coarse sandFrom 25 to 75
Sand medium-grainedFrom 10 to 25
Fine sandFrom 2 to 10
Slightly decomposed peatFrom 1 to 4.5
Peat is highly decomposedFrom 0.01 to 0.15
Sandy loamFrom 0.2 to 0.7
LoamFrom 0.005 to 0.4
ClayLess than 0.005

The second most important criterion for choosing an infiltrator is internal volume. The larger it is, the more productive the product is. When searching for or purchasing infiltrators, be sure to take this characteristic into account. For areas with loam, the total volume of post-treatment devices should be three times the productivity of the septic tank, measured in liters per day.

The photo shows Triton 400, one of the most popular infiltrator models. Behind it is located »

The durability of the infiltrator and its resistance to pressure from above, from the sides or from the inside directly depend on the permissible load and quality of workmanship. When purchasing a post-treatment device, be sure to pay attention to the thickness of the plastic - it should be uniform. Also, when purchasing, take a close look at the case for defects and weak points.

The next criterion is size and weight. These characteristics directly determine how convenient the infiltrator will be to transport, carry and install, as well as how large a pit needs to be dug to install the product.

And the last thing is the cost of the post-treatment device. Be especially careful with infiltrators that are sold at a greatly reduced price - they may be defective. If the cost of the product seems too high to you, check with the seller what qualities and distinctive advantages of the infiltrator it is due to.

Video - Installation of a septic tank “Tank-2” with an infiltrator and a drainage well

Infiltrator for septic tank - step-by-step installation

In this section of the article in the form step by step instructions The process of installing an infiltrator is shown, which was installed for one of the private households with a septic tank "".

Step 1. Determine the location of the infiltrator. It must meet the same requirements as other local treatment facilities. In addition, the infiltrator should be located from the septic tank itself at a distance of 2 to 10 meters.

Step 2. Mark the area of ​​land where the foundation pit for the infiltrator will be built. This pit should be slightly larger in length and width than the device itself.

Step 3. Either by hand or using an excavator, begin digging the pit. The depth should reach 1.5-1.75 meters, depending on the thickness of the future sand and gravel cushion. Since the infiltrator is usually installed simultaneously with the septic tank, take advantage of the power of construction equipment, if one is used to perform the main task of installing the VOC.

Important! In the case where the site is characterized by very high groundwater, it makes sense to install an infiltrator and crushed stone bed near the surface of the earth or directly on it. In such a situation, instead of a pit, an embankment is created.

Step 4. Level the walls and bottom of the pit.

Step 5. Make a trench for a pipe connecting the septic tank and infiltrator to each other.

Step 6. Line the walls of the pit with geotextiles, lay the edges on the surface of the earth near the pit. If the infiltrator leaks, the material will not allow water from the septic tank to go into the ground without passing through the crushed stone layer.

Important! It is not advisable to lay geotextiles directly on the bottom of the pit - in this case, the flow of water into the ground after post-treatment will be difficult, and the material itself will silt. As a result, the efficiency of the infiltrator will drop sharply.

Step 7 Fill the bottom of the pit with medium-fraction crushed stone. Calculate the amount of crushed stone so that you get a layer 40 or more centimeters thick.

Step 8 Level the layer of crushed stone. If necessary, check the building level readings.

Step 9 Place the infiltrator itself on a bed of crushed stone, level it in height, connect ventilation and a pipe connecting the device to the septic tank. Check the tightness of the connections, and if necessary, do a test run of the local treatment system.

Step 10 Cover the top of the infiltrator with geotextile.

Step 11 On top part Lay thermal insulation on the septic tank body. In this case, Penoplex boards are used.

Step 12 Place a layer of sand around and above the infiltrator and compact it well. The layer thickness should be approximately 50 cm. Then completely fill it with soil.

At this point, the installation process of the infiltrator can be considered complete. Most devices from the most popular ones are installed using a similar principle. different manufacturers. If the infiltrator and the septic tank itself were installed correctly, then in the end you will get effective local treatment plant, which will cope with your sewage for several decades.

Prices for infiltrator

infiltrator for septic tank

Installation of an infiltrator for a septic tank - insulation and wrapping with geotextiles

When installing sewerage on a personal plot, it is necessary to take care of the complete treatment of wastewater. Cheap septic tank models are not capable of providing water clarification by more than 75%, but sanitary standards provide for the discharge of almost pure liquid into the ground.

An additional treatment structure - an infiltrator for a septic tank - is necessary for high-quality treatment of wastewater and its disposal into the ground. Infiltrator sections are complemented by septic tanks, which provide for wastewater treatment of only 75% (Unilos, Tank, Triton-mini, etc.). Information about this is provided by the manufacturer, and you can determine the need to purchase an infiltrator yourself. More powerful septic tanks (for example, Uponor) cope with cleaning by 98% and do not require the installation of additional devices.

Infiltrator design and its estimated cost

The operating principle is as follows:

  • the liquid purified by the septic tank enters a container without a bottom;
  • through the filter layer (crushed stone) it seeps into the ground at the depth of the section installation.

The design of the device may differ depending on different models, but the design of an infiltrator for a septic tank that is common to all is the presence of a housing made of durable plastic, inside of which there is a cavity with a volume of 300-400 liters. The container has no bottom, because it is installed on a filter layer of crushed stone. This design allows water to be removed for post-treatment only in one direction (down) and to avoid its spreading to the sides, as in a filter field. The advantage of using an infiltrator is to limit the area occupied by the after-treatment system.


Popular models for installation in private households have a volume of about 400 liters. Their average cost is 5000-5500 rubles. (Triton-400, Polex-300, etc.). The approximate dimensions of such models are 1.2-1.8x0.8x0.5 m. Average weight— 10-15 kg. A plastic infiltrator for a septic tank is convenient for self-installation.

Types of infiltrators

The types of equipment for post-treatment are not too numerous. The main ones:

  1. Factory-made structures are flat, low tanks, the bottom of which has a larger area than the top. In this case, the water entering them can quickly seep into the soil over the entire surface of the filter layer.
  2. A homemade device may look like a well made of concrete rings. The bottom of it is covered with crushed stone. This design requires great depth for installation and is not suitable for areas with high level groundwater.
  3. Infiltration tanks can also be made horizontal, repeating factory-type designs. Thick metal is used to make them.

How to choose an infiltrator for a septic tank?

The capacity of the device is calculated based on the productivity of the septic tank, measured in liters per 1 day. You can find out this indicator from the instructions. The infiltrator volume should be greater value productivity 3 times. If necessary, install several sections and calculate their total volume. On average, for a family of 3-4 people, 1-2 containers with a capacity of 400 liters each are enough.

Modern varieties (Polex-300, etc.) have special areas for connecting pipes and allow you to install sections, placing them sequentially horizontally or on top of each other.

The factory infiltrator for a septic tank is suitable for installation on various types soil and at different levels occurrence of groundwater. The low (about 50 cm) product can be placed even on the surface or with a minimal recess. To camouflage and protect against frost, the device is covered with soil. At in a similar way installations in cleaning system The pump must be turned on, supplying liquid from the septic tank for post-treatment to the infiltrator. For recessed installation it is necessary to take into account permissible load on the walls of the container so that the latter does not break under soil pressure.

The filtration rate is affected by the permeability of the soil at the installation depth. In sandy or peat soils water passes about 2 times faster than in loams or other dense soils. This also needs to be taken into account when purchasing sections.

You can choose an infiltrator yourself based on the following criteria:

  • soil type at installation depth, groundwater level;
  • device camera volume;
  • permissible load (indicated in the documents for the device);
  • product quality (wall thickness, plastic strength, presence of stiffeners, ease of connecting pipes, etc.);
  • price.

Making an infiltrator with your own hands

It is not difficult to make an infiltrator for a septic tank with your own hands. A homemade design must be designed taking into account the same requirements as a purchased tank. The most convenient product horizontal type, it will be hidden in the ground and will not take up space on the surface of the site, like a vertical well. For making it is best to use sheet metal thickness of at least 3 mm.

During operation you will need the following:

  • sheet steel;
  • metal bar for bending the body;
  • pipe with a diameter of about 10 cm;
  • fittings, gaskets of the appropriate size;
  • Bulgarian;
  • welding machine;
  • measuring instruments.

Having calculated the volume of the internal chamber of the product, you need to arbitrarily determine the height, length and width. The given parameters of factory designs can be taken as a basis. When drawing up drawings, you need to take into account that you can reduce the soil pressure on the surface of the product if you make a chamber with a trapezoidal, triangular or arched profile.

The walls of the container are made of two layers. The outer container can be made in the form welded structure, But inner part It is best to bend it from a single sheet, limiting the use of the weld only to the connection of the ends with the body.

The outer bowl of the infiltrator for the septic tank (dimensions) should be slightly larger than the inner one. The gap between them is 2-2.5 cm. It is advisable to place thick rubber shock absorbers in this space. Place the inner container in the outer casing and weld the bottom edge around the perimeter.

Make holes for the pipes on the end sides. They should be located as close as possible to the top of the product. At the first end there will be an inlet for water from the septic tank, at the opposite end there will be a ventilation pipe. The ventilation pipe is welded horizontally. After 30-50 cm, the pipe must be directed vertically upward. Its length must be selected in such a way that the pipe does not rise higher than 30 cm above the soil surface. A protective conical cover must be mounted at its upper end. Weld the water pipe at an angle to ensure free flow of liquid.

The total weight of the structure will be quite large. The installation will have to be carried out with assistants.

Step-by-step installation of a filter for a septic tank

You can install the infiltrator yourself while the septic tank is in operation. But most often the installation of local sewerage is carried out entirely. The distance from the septic tank to the filters must be at least 1 m, between individual sections - 70-100 cm. Sewage facilities are located at a distance of at least 5 m from residential buildings and wells with drinking water.

The work includes several stages:

  1. Manufacturing and finishing of the pit. The hole for installing the after-treatment system is dug in such a way that the container is completely immersed in it. If the groundwater level allows, the bottom of the pit can be located at a depth of more than 1 m. This will allow drainage to be discharged into the deep layers of the soil, and its surface layer will remain suitable for growing plants. The dimensions of the pit around the perimeter can be 50-60 cm larger than the tank parameters. Geotextiles are laid on the bottom and walls of the pit.
  2. Backfilling the filter layer. The mixture is prepared from crushed stone of medium fractions (2-3 cm) and fine sand. The filter layer must be at least 50 cm thick. It is poured onto the bottom of the pit, on top of geotextiles, lightly compacted and leveled.
  3. Tank installation. Plastic or homemade metal container lowered into the hole, open side down. There is no need to secure it. Place and connect the pipeline from the septic tank to the inlet pipe. To ensure the tightness of the connection, gaskets are used under the fittings.
  4. Shutdown. After installing the filter structure, fill the gaps between it and the walls of the pit with fine sand and compact it well. Geotextiles are laid over the container. In areas with severe frosts and little snow cover, it is recommended to insulate the infiltrators with any heat-insulating material. The pit is then filled with the excavated soil. After a few months, when the soil settles, it will need to be replenished.

Installation of the second infiltration tank is carried out in the same way. To connect 2 containers, use a ventilation pipe on the first tank and an inlet pipe on the next. For a larger number of cleaning tanks, follow the same sequence, and ventilation pipe removed from the last infiltrator.