A widespread out-of-town method for collecting sewage into the well system requires careful sealing of septic tanks from concrete rings, which are the main component of the storage and treatment of sewage water. Non-hermetic conjugation of rings leads to the filtration of faeces into the soil and further to the surface horizons groundwater, their infection with a pathogenic microflora. There is also a reverse process - the filling of the septic wells with groundwater, which leads to their premature filling.
Constructions created with the use of reinforced concrete elements are often represented by structures that are not subject to temporary destruction. This opinion is only partly true. Reinforced concrete is a strong and durable material, but it requires protection. Sewage drains contain in their composition a huge set of aggressive components that negatively affect the material of the rings and can lead to the following:
- violation of the structure of the concrete mass due to leaching processes;
- development of corrosion processes in reinforcement belts;
- critical weakening of bearing capacity;
- complete loss of structural qualities of reinforced concrete products.
Underground location of septic tanks naturally makes it difficult to carry out repair and recovery measures. A large amount of excavation, raising rings on the surface for restoration or replacement requires the involvement of earthmoving and lifting equipment. This leads to large financial costs, a violation of the landscape improvement of the site. Great inconvenience delivers the forced termination of access to objects of municipal improvement.
A septic tank made of concrete rings, whose waterproofing is carried out at the stage of its construction, can be effectively used for many years, while requiring minimal maintenance. Properly executed waterproofing septic tank made of concrete rings, in addition to protecting against premature destruction of the structure itself, relieve other unpleasant phenomena. Manifestations of unsatisfactory tightness of the septic tank can be the contamination of water in wells and wells by pathogens and the spread of smells of decomposing impurities along the site.
There is an opinion about the futility of carrying out measures to seal ring joints. As a weighty argument, the composite design of the well is shown, the sealing of which will easily destroy the seismic shock, seasonal punching or other motions of the soil. Insinuations on this topic are untenable for several reasons:
- Concrete rings during the construction of wells can be reliably fixed from possible displacements by metal fasteners.
- The industry produces well rings, in the construction of which are integrated special locks that prevent the elements from moving relative to each other.
- Technological methods of waterproofing are known, which exclude the possibility of breach of tightness, even if the ring gets some displacement relative to the other.
The violation of the technology for performing works to seal the conjugation of the rings leads to the same consequences as arise in the complete absence of waterproofing.
Various methods and types of sealing of ring couplings are known and used. Performing work on some of the techniques involves the use of equipment with specific properties. Other technological processes are available for high-quality implementation only by specially trained specialists. There are also techniques for arranging waterproofing, available for execution by one's own hands. A valid choice in favor of one or another method of sealing can only be done by getting an idea of technological features, advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
All the differences between the methods of waterproofing lie in the field of materials used, ways of performing processing and budgetary load. The most common are 6 types of waterproofing.
Penetrating chemical compounds
Many specialists in the field of protection reinforced concrete structures consider this type of protection of concrete the best of all existing. Penetrating waterproofing is performed with the use of formulations with specially developed physicochemical properties. Chemical mixtures penetrate the concrete mass of the structure, filling themselves with pores and voids followed by crystallization. This process has a prolonged action: increasing the humidity level initiates its slowdown, and the decrease on the contrary - acceleration. This allows the waterproofing compounds to quickly fill the cracks appearing in the thickness of the concrete.
Significant disadvantages of penetrating waterproofing include its high cost and labor input. Concrete surfaces of well rings require careful preparatory activities and preliminar treatment.
Application of bituminous materials
Giving various construction materials waterproofing properties by treating them with heated oil bitumen is one of the most used methods in the near past. The appearance of modern waterproofing materials left this method only one advantage - its low cost. Bitumen coatings have a low resistance to variable temperature changes. Low adhesion interaction with concrete surfaces provokes peeling and cracking of the waterproofing bituminous layer.
Another type of material, having a bitumen component as a basis, is a specialized mastic. In its composition additives with special properties are integrated, which are designed to increase the durability of the waterproofing layer and significantly increase its service life. The advantage of using mastics in front of the bitumen is also the cold method of applying them to the insulated surface, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the work.
In order to improve the waterproofing properties and extend the life of bituminous coatings, experts recommend that they be supplemented with wrapping rolled waterproofing. For this, a ruberoid can be used, but the best effect results from the use of surfacing roll materials.
Polymer-cement mortars
Hydraulic isolation of well rings in septic tanks can be performed with the use of cement compositions with the addition of modifying polymer components. The cost of various polymer-cement compounds is higher than bituminous materials, but there are significantly fewer penetrating chemical mixtures. The solutions are applied in 2-3 layers by a usual maklovice - a wide flat brush. The application process does not take much time, because the application of the second and subsequent layers is done without waiting until the previous one has dried.
Clay waterproofing lock
The presence at a short distance from the site of exits free from sand clay layers allows you to perform external waterproofing of the septic tanks with the arrangement of a clay castle. The space surrounding the fixed and fixed rings is filled with clay with compaction by ramming each poured layer. Clay locks, as a rule, supplement bitumen hydraulic isolation. For obvious reasons, this method can not be used in the internal cavity of a well.
Plastered hydraulic insulation
The method consists of two-layer plastering of the inner or outer surface of the well with the use of special equipment. As it is used cement guns, with which a plaster solution is applied to the walls of rings under high pressure. The method was not widely used for several reasons. In addition to attracting specific equipment, the process takes a long time.
Plastic sheath insulation
Effective hydraulic isolation of the wells from the inside can be done by installing a sealed polymer insert into the septic cavity. The latter is a construction of strong polymer materials, the linear dimensions are chosen by the corresponding cavity of the well. Additional rigidity of the construction is provided by integrating in its surface reinforcing elements in the form of ribs. Access to the interior of the insert is via the hatch provided by the structure.
The use of a polymer insert allows you to restore an old well, which has lost the required performance, a well of concrete rings. The space remaining between the insert and the inner surface after the end of installation is filled with a cement-sand mortar.
Sealing of circumferential seams
Without a thorough sealing of the joints of the rings, even the best hydraulic surface insulation will not provide full results. Seams between adjacent concrete rings are the most vulnerable place of any well construction. It is in these places that the first filtration in both directions begins with violations in the orientation of the rings. To prevent leaks, use proven methods:
- The conjugations of the rings are sealed by gaskets with beads integrated into the rubber mass.
- The annular joints are sealed with a rubber band reinforced with UV-curable cloth.
- The joint between the rings can be concreted with a polymer-cement mortar. The role of the deformation compensator with this method is additionally performed by rope made of natural materials.
The need to perform high-quality hydraulic septic isolation is not in doubt. It is important to choose the optimal type of insulation, thorough preparation and professional execution of works.
Concrete septic tank is one of the most common sewerage structures at present. In order to function effectively and for a long time, and also did not contribute to the emergence of serious problems associated with the penetration of sewage into the ground or groundwater into the sewer, it is necessary to properly and timely waterproofing and septic tank sealing.
Waterproofing septic tank of concrete is that by using special insulating materials it is ensured that the structure is protected from penetration of groundwater and the harmful effects contained in the sewage waters of aggressive chemicals (acids, alkalis, etc.) on the material from which the structure is made.
The meaning of sealing the septic tank is to counter the penetration of sewage into groundwater. Sealing is carried out by using special sealant materials. They are intended to ensure the full sealing of the structure. Usually for sealing concrete septic tank use a material such as silicone, which has sufficient density and is capable of completely closing the holes.
How to waterproof a concrete septic tank?
In the case of low groundwater and due to poor waterproofing, it may happen that wastewater will leak through existing cracks directly into the ground. And this can cause various problems, since there is a large number of microorganisms in such waters, many of which are harmful to the environment. In the case where the groundwater is high, they will be infected with microorganisms that are in the sewage immediately. To carry out a complete hermetic sealing of concrete, a special plastic insert in the form of a cylinder is used, which is inserted into the concrete ring. Through the jigsaw or crown in the body of this cylinder, the inlet and outlet are cut at the required height, and then it is sealed with silicone. If the groundwater is high, then the cylinder should be reinforced with the help of annular ribs of rigidity. In that case, the water from it should not be pumped out completely.
The above cylinders are made of polyethylene, the wall thickness is eight millimeters. The cylinder is sealed. Diameter 
it can be 900, 1400 and 1900 mm. As for the height of the insert, it is in the range from one to four and a half meters.
It should be noted that waterproofing can begin to deteriorate after the winter period is over. Due to seasonal displacement of the soil, as well as its partial freezing, some displacement of the concrete rings is possible. This can contribute to the violation of waterproofing.
When installing a septic tank from concrete it is necessary to take into account the distance from the living area it will be located. This is determined by the sanitary and building codes, and in order that during the cleaning of the septic tank the unpleasant odor does not penetrate into the house.
The concrete septic tank is only one of many types of septic tanks. Its main advantage over other septic tanks is that it is very easy to install it. In order to meet the needs of a family of four, it will be sufficient to install one concrete septic tank of three rings. To place the septic rings in a specially constructed pit, only one lifting device or crane is needed.
To the disadvantages of a concrete septic tank is that concrete can absorb moisture. This can cause groundwater to simply squeeze it from the ground when it freezes. So, it is necessary to place a septic tank of concrete so that it is located as far as possible from groundwater. In addition, the concrete
In any system of water supply and drainage, it is extremely important to ensure a competent waterproofing structure, so that leakage and the entry of groundwater into reservoirs are avoided. This issue is also relevant for the protection of special structures - wells made on the basis of concrete rings, as they are often used as potable water tanks or as autonomous sewerage.
Wells constructed using prefabricated components, it is advisable to erect for the implementation of a storage tank of technical, drinking water or organization sewage system. The above two options are particularly demanding to prevent leakage of underground sources inside, as this can adversely affect water quality.
It should be noted that an improper device and the processing of such a system can lead to a deterioration of soil condition and groundwater where the corresponding reservoir is located. For this reason, waterproofing sewerage wells, made on the basis of concrete rings, is carried out already at the stage of constructing the structure.
Septics
Wells for sewerage require mandatory waterproofing, ensuring reliable protection of the environment from contamination in it. Note that they can have not only a huge amount of organic substances, but many pathogenic organisms. Of course, contaminated soil can adversely affect plants and human health.
Drinking wells
Drinking wells tend to be isolated from the penetration of groundwater in them. This is explained by the fact that they contain all kinds of bacteria and large suspensions. The presence of even a small part of such a solution in the reservoir can cause significant damage to the human body.
Figure number 1. Waterproofing of seams
When should waterproofing be updated?
Rings made of concrete from the outside and from the inside are usually processed even at the initial stage of the construction of the well, since the material from which they are made easily absorbs moisture. During the operation of the structure, it may be necessary to restore the protective coating, which may be indirectly indicated by the following factors:
- - appearance of the displacement of the rings relative to each other;
- - too fast and excessive filling of the sewage system;
- - mechanical and chemical destruction of well components, with the formation of cracks, which will inevitably cause leakage of contents;
- - determination of foci of corrosion of reinforcing elements, which leads to seepage of ground moisture through septic waterproofing.
In each case, it is necessary to immediately restore the protective coating and seal the joints. Lack of proper attention can lead to an unpleasant smell, in the case of sewerage, or deterioration in the quality of drinking water in the corresponding wells.
A reliable device of concrete elements, taking into account the influence of aggressive media and substances on them, is feasible only with septic tank waterproofing.
Video number 1. Waterproofing of a well
Protection with plaster
Often, the construction of containers using exterior and interior decoration by means of a special component, cement, which has a low% shrinkage and water permeability. It is applied to the surface by means of compressed air, under considerable pressure. As a result, a compact and even layer is obtained along the entire working area of the structure.
Processing is carried out with the use of "cement-gun". It is recommended to lay the solution in two layers, with the thickness of each should be within the range of 5..10mm, with a minimum air temperature of at least +5 degrees. The following layers are applied when the previous one is completely dry, which may take a total of about 10 days.
In view of the high evaporation, in the hot time, the applied coating must be watered after 4..5 hours. In moderate conditions, this interval can be increased by 2-3 times.
Bituminous waterproofing
The most simple and reliable method of sealing is the use of hot bitumen. The material is an excellent insulator, but it does not tolerate temperature changes and is prone to delamination over time. In view of this, mastic and additional components are added to the bitumen mixture.
Before starting work, you will need to thoroughly clean the outer and inner parts of each ring. Then, the first bituminous layer prepared using gasoline in the ratio 1k3 is applied. Further application of the material is provided with a solution in the ratio 1k1. All layers are desirable to withstand until the final drying. Each subsequent stratum on the basis of hot bitumen is distributed by a roller or brush.
Picture number 2. Bituminous waterproofing of concrete rings
Over the frozen bitumen, the mastic is laid in a layer of 2..3 mm. On the outside of the concrete rings, on top of the mastic, a roofing felt or any other insulating element is fixed.
The advantage of bitumen waterproofing septic tank is the ease of carrying out the work and their relative availability. At the same time, it is impossible to obtain a 100% guarantee of protection, and for drinking tanks, the method is not recommended.
Penetrating protection
Penetrating waterproofing has proved to be a sufficiently reliable, proven and effective way of protecting concrete rings. Excellent parameters show innovative and progressive compositions, including Penetron, Lakhta, Hydro S and others, capable of maintaining their characteristics throughout the life of the wells.
Each of these components can easily penetrate the pores of concrete, fill all the cavities and crystallize in them. The resulting structure retains its breathing basis, while acquiring unique waterproofing qualities. As a result of the treatment of the base of each ring, from the outside and from the inside, a surface with a uniform and hermetic composition is provided. This allows it to withstand for a long time high pressure and the pressure of aggressive media.
Depending on the temperature conditions, humidity, porosity and density of the material, the crystallization time of the composition, as well as the depth of its penetration, may differ. Note that the increase in moisture affects the acceleration of the process of creating crystals. This behavior of the material allows the concrete rings to attach a special property of "self-healing".
It should be understood that the penetrating waterproofing of the septic tank is carried out exclusively on a properly prepared surface. For this purpose, concrete is grinded mechanically or chemically, until a uniform rough surface is formed.
Figure number 3. Waterproofing of a well
Polymer cement protection
The most advantageous in terms of availability and simple application is polymer-cement or coating waterproofing. It is carried out by distributing a special mixture made on the basis of cement, liquid glass and polymers. This protection has the same efficiency as bitumen, and can last a much longer period.
Conclusion
Apparently, waterproofing septic tanks and wells on the basis of concrete rings is not easy, however it is impossible to do without it. It is important to take a responsible and careful approach to this issue. In the absence of the necessary skills and knowledge on the choice of waterproofing, it is advisable to entrust this matter to professionals.
Comments:
- The meaning of waterproofing
- Materials Required for Work
- Sequence of work execution
- Use of prefabricated structures
Very important is the waterproofing of the septic tank from the concrete rings, because in the absence of central sewage, it is often resorted to the equipment of settling tanks for wastewater treatment.
The septic tank made of concrete rings is very popular for suburban construction due to its reliability and durability.
There are many options for wastewater treatment systems. A septic tank may contain from one to three tanks, united in a single system. Perhaps the most common is a two-chamber septic tank. Structurally it consists of two tanks or one, but divided into two parts. The first container, larger in volume, receives effluent. Here the main sedimentation of heavy suspensions takes place, their further fermentation and mineralization. The next chamber accumulates already clarified sewage, sedimentation of finely dispersed suspensions occurs, and already from here the water, which has been purified for the most part, should be subjected to soil purification.
For the construction of a sump, different materials are used, including finished structures. Professionally executed work on the settler organization will give the best result and will take less time. But you can also build a two-chamber septic tank from concrete rings.
The meaning of waterproofing
With a low groundwater location and insufficient waterproofing, it is possible to penetrate the pollutants directly into the ground. Naturally, this is undesirable. One of the signs of violation of waterproofing can serve as a nasty smell. This is the most innocuous consequence.
Especially the protection of reservoirs is weakened in the winter, when under the influence of natural processes a displacement of soil layers occurs, which can cause a violation of the integrity of the structure.
No matter how tight the rings are, fecal waters can also penetrate into the soil through the seams, and the concrete is prone to corrosion. The integrity and reinforcing cage, and concrete components. As a result, pollution of soil and groundwater occurs, which can adversely affect both the state of the environment in general and human health.
It is necessary to protect itself concrete structure from the influence of groundwater. In the case of additional water, the settler simply can not perform its function qualitatively.
Aggressive substances that are part of household chemicals, too, can affect the integrity of the concrete surface, causing the formation of cracks and changes in the structure of concrete. Therefore, in the organization of septic tanks and their waterproofing, special insulating materials are used, which ensures an increase in the service life of the structure.
For reliable protection the waterproofing is carried out two-way (outside and inside the well).
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Materials Required for Work
To make a two-sided waterproofing of the settler, the following materials are used:
- rolled ruberoid;
- various mastics from bitumen or combinations of polymers and bitumen;
- polymer mixtures;
- special penetration waterproofing (for example, penetron);
- waterproofing injection;
- silicone for sealing joints.
From the tools you need:
A septic tank made of concrete rings requires high-quality waterproofing.
- a brush with a metal pile;
- scrapers and spatulas for surface preparation;
- capacity (bucket or vat) for the preparation of emulsions and solutions;
- a conventional paint roller;
- brushes for applying mastic;
- electric drill with a mixer.
And of course, do not forget about your own safety. Some industrial mastics may contain very harmful components, i.e. solvents, which in themselves are sufficiently toxic and volatile. Inhalation of their vapors may lead to impaired functioning of the nervous system or allergies. Therefore, the use of a respirator is simply necessary.
To protect the skin of the hands will need gloves. It is better to carry out the work in a special robe, since it is very difficult to wash and wash the bituminous materials.
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Sequence of work execution
First, it is necessary to clean all surfaces of concrete wells well, as accumulations of dirt and dust can affect the quality of the seal of the insulating material. If the septic tank from concrete rings has defects: cracks, chips - they must be eliminated by applying putty or sealants.
Great attention should be paid to waterproofing the seams of the concrete septic tank.
When carrying out the waterproofing of a concrete well, special attention is paid to the seams, the seams of the bottom and walls, the places of adherence of the upper part of the rings and covers, and the entrance of the pipes. Be sure to seal the concrete rings with silicone sealant (also possible using cement mortar). It is recommended to insulate the pipe entrance areas with a flexible material (liquid rubber, etc.). This is necessary in order that when shrinking the well there should not be a rigid fixation of the pipes and they do not burst.
The next step is priming the surfaces of the septic tank from the concrete rings with a bitumen primer. The slurry is preliminarily stirred and diluted with water. The ready-to-use primer is conveniently applied with an ordinary construction brush or roller. The principle of application is the same as with conventional painting. The basis is applied in two layers, the second - after the complete drying of the first. Within 24 hours, the primer must penetrate deep into the concrete, so further actions are performed after this time.
After the priming is completed, you can start working with the mastic. The product is sold fully ready for work, it needs only stir. Here and useful drill with a mixer-nozzle, working at low speed. It is, of course, possible to stir up the remedy and make-up materials (for example, a wooden bar).
Prepared mastic with a paint brush is applied to the septic tank from concrete rings. The applied layer should not be very thin, do not have any streaks and evenly cover the surface.
Before applying the mastic to the septic tank, it should be mixed well.
After the mastic completely dries, you need to carefully inspect the surface for the absence of rupture or thinning of the layer. If any defects are found, the second layer should be applied in the same way. Drying is usually not more than three days.
The external part of concrete wells is treated with waterproofing materials.
Another way to arrange the waterproofing of sedimentation tanks is a plaster made under the influence of pressure. In this process, a special non-shrinkage cement is involved. All work is done using compressed air supplied under high pressure.
With this method of waterproofing, the coating is uniform and dense over the entire area.But there are drawbacks to this technology.
To perform such work will require special equipment, the so-called cement gun. Apply at least two layers of insulating material, their thickness should be from 5 to 10 mm. All these manipulations must be carried out at an ambient temperature of at least + 5 ° C.
Each next layer can be applied only after the previous one has solidified. And this means that the waterproofing of the septic tank can last for almost half a month.
If the work is carried out in a hot period, then it is necessary to water the coating every three to four hours. If the air temperature is not very high, breaks between wetting the surface can reach 12 hours.
One of the indispensable conditions for achieving a comfortable living in a dacha or in a country house is the availability of all plumbing fixtures and their normal functioning, which can not be achieved without good sewage. Immediately comes the idea of installing on the territory of his estate septic tank of reinforced concrete rings . It is not difficult at home to build such a building. To do this, you must excavate the digger or manually pit, and use the truck crane (or manually) to install reinforced concrete rings.
After the installation works, it is necessary to seal the septic tank for its proper operation. In this article, let's look at all the details of the sealing work. Taking advantage of these recommendations, it will not be difficult to do the work on your own.
Purpose of sealing
Currently, the use of a septic tank made of concrete rings is popular among owners of cottage areas and private houses. But it's no secret that for the septic to work properly, it is necessary to perform its waterproofing - this will make it sealed. This work should be done without fail. If you neglect these rules, the septic can become a source of infection on a household plot. The sewage will seep through the unsealed walls of the septic tank, thereby infecting groundwater. Yes, and getting the groundwater itself inside the septic tank will overflow it and lead to improper operation. That is why the sealing of the concrete septic tank is so necessary and represents the protection of the entire concrete structure.
For sealing, it is mainly used:
- bitumen waterproofing;
- penetrating waterproofing;
- polymer-cement waterproofing;
- plastic inserts;
- silicone.
In its structure, silicone has a high degree of density. Processing the entire surface of the concrete rings, the silicone falls into all the holes and cracks. This prevents both the ingress of a septic tank of groundwater and the release of impurities into the ground. Of course, other means are used for sealing, but silicone is the highest level of protection.
Sealing process
So, in the excavated pit with the help of a truck crane you have installed concrete rings. If the edge of the ring has a special lock for mounting, then its connection will be tight. Rings with a flat edge do not have good density, so joints must be sealed with a cement-based sealant.
Special tightness should have a bottom ring with a bottom of the pit. When the design of the ring has a poured bottom, the issue of additional sealing does not apply. But if you installed a simple ring, the bottom of the pit must be concreted before installation. The bottom of the pit is concreted using a reinforcing mesh. From the pieces of reinforcement to the size of the bottom of the pit, the net is laid out on a brick. The rods are connected with each other by wire and are poured with concrete with the addition of crushed stone. After installing the ring on the self-made bottom, all the cracks formed between the bottom and the flat edge of the ring are well sealed. Sealing is also carried out with a cement-based sealant. Further, the sealing is performed depending on the location of groundwater. After all, this whole process is designed to prevent contact of sewage with soil and water.
Sealing of the septic tank from concrete rings is carried out in two ways:
- With a low location of groundwater, enhanced sealing is performed on the bottom of the septic tank. This prevents germs from entering the ground and water through the cracks.
- With a high groundwater table, there is an instant infection due to contact with sewage. Therefore, the sealed upper part of the septic tank is reinforced.
The best option is to fully seal the concrete septic tank. It is carried out by means of installation of plastic cylinders. The cylinder is made of polyethylene with a wall thickness of 8 mm. Its height can be from 1 to 4.5 meters. The material from which the cylinder is made has a high tightness. It is more profitable to install a single cylinder, to reduce the consumption of silicone for sealing joints.
The polyethylene cylinder is cut with a jigsaw to the desired size and inserted into the concrete rings. All joints and seams, for complete sealing, are filled with silicone. To rain and melt water did not fill the septic tank, additional strengthening of the top of the cylinder is performed. To perform this work, use annular stiffeners.
After all the sealing work is done, the pit with concrete rings is covered with earth and the septic tank is ready for operation.
After the first winter, it is necessary to check the design for leaks. Because of frost and thaw, the soil is displaced, and the concrete rings can move from their place, thus breaking the seal of the septic tank. To avoid trouble, it is necessary to immediately begin the restoration of the septic tank and its tightness.
To carry out isolation of a septic tank from concrete rings is not an easy matter and can be done by one's own hands. To do this, you will need to familiarize yourself with the technology of the work being done, gather some information and acquire necessary materials. For a better overview, you can watch the video at the end of the article. And if everything is clear, start work safely.
Video
This video demonstrates how the water leakage between concrete rings is being liquidated:
This video shows how on a concrete ring the waterproofing test of Raberite was carried out: