Hardly possible country cottage area or imagine a house without a well thought out sewerage system... To achieve the correct effective operation of the system, you need to build a special septic tank from concrete rings... There are no difficulties in the construction, so you can make everything with your own hands without resorting to the help of specialists.
A septic tank is a design that provides purification and clarification of waste water. Previously, for such processes was built cesspool, but the service life and feature of the septic tank far exceed the old options. The most common, though not the only materials, are concrete rings. Septic tank waterproofing is carried out using various materials.
Features of a concrete septic tank
The installation scheme is such that the rings are placed one on top of the other, which means that the resistance to the movement of groundwater or the soil itself remains minimal. You can use a monolithic septic tank, or connect the rings with ties (metal rings). The main disadvantage of a septic tank is the inevitable fall of a small amount of waste into the ground. Leakage occurs because it is not possible to perfectly seal the ring joints.
The building elements are heavy enough that the insertion of the elements with a crane will greatly facilitate the work, although the cost will increase.
Basic circuit
The circuit of a septic tank of rings is a certain number of wells connected to each other. The meaning of each of them:
- the first of the sections is a well with a concrete bottom. A pipe must come up to it, which removes all waste. The pipe is inserted with a slight slope so that the waste is discharged on its own. The angle of the installed elbow is normal if there is a 2 cm slope for every meter of length.
The section serves so that the hardened waste can decompose well. The action is carried out because there are anaerobic bacteria in the waste that can quickly decompose all masses. When a thick sediment occurs, liquid fractions begin to flow into the second reservoir section; - the second tank is made the same size as the first. Their devices are also identical. This compartment is used for filtration. Here are the materials that are responsible for its natural course (a small amount of gravel, expanded clay and similar substances);
- the next tank contains the filtered fraction. The fluids received from this compartment can be discharged into the ground naturally, or, for a more thorough removal, use forced removal with a pump. When removing liquids with a cesspool machine, the location of the third tank should be performed in the immediate vicinity of the entrance ways.
Rubble pillow
The main problem when installing septic tanks is soil swelling, that is, an increase in the size of the soil under the action of various factors from the outside. When installing a septic tank in places where the soil swells strongly, you need to build a belt from the soil. Experts give recommendations on the choice of materials. The best for bedding is an expanded clay pillow, or materials with a similar composition.
The material is not so important, the main thing is to make a pillow before installing the concrete rings. The thickness of the pillow should be at least 30 cm. The rings should be fastened with metal bolts or brackets. The insertion of seals is carried out so that, due to heaving, there are no shifts of the rings, and the sealed places do not begin to let the contents into the ground. A hatch should be provided in each section so that access to the contents is easy.
Photo: crushed stone pillow should be poured only if there is no bottom in the well Waterproofing joints
An important factor during work is the insertion of insulating materials both from the inside and outside. Waterproofing is often insufficient because complete isolation of fecal water is not ensured. So special insulation is done with compounds that are intended for this. All surfaces should be insulated, because even such durable materials will be destroyed by waste. The process is called "concrete corrosion". If such processes begin, the septic tank will significantly reduce its service life.
Photo: using bitumen in conjunction with a clay castle Penetrating waterproofing
The waterproofing of the septic tank will be made as reliably as possible when using penetrating waterproofing. When processing the ring on both sides, the concrete is protected better, since the compound penetrates the entire thickness of the wall. There are now a great many mixtures for insulating surfaces, for example Penetron. Produced specifically for this type of work.
Even with good processing of the seams, the rings should be fixed as efficiently as possible so that there is no displacement. The seams are being processed. The work is done when the rings are installed. You can use gaskets, but the elements are inserted into the cement mortar. Further, the manufacturer's instructions will tell you how to properly apply the composition to the surface, so you should use it.
Photo: seam insulation with sealant Insulation with bitumen
Waterproofing of a septic tank made of concrete rings is performed using bitumen, which is an excellent insulation when hot. The service life of the material is not very high, so soon it will begin to crack or flake off, it does not tolerate frost and thawing well. It is better to use bituminous mastics, which contain many additives to improve properties. Such materials will serve much longer. Apply the mastic cold. Such work does not cause any difficulties, it is important to do it without missing sections.
Polymer insulation
Other types of insulation can be replaced with cheaper ones. The main thing is that all places are sealed. One of these cheap types is polymer cement or cement coating. Such material will serve for a long time compared to bitumen. It is easy to apply it with a brush in two layers. The second coat must be applied immediately after the first, as soon as the curing has begun. Wet-on-wet principle. Seam joints are treated with sealants.
Clay castles
For insulation from the outside, you can use a clay lock. With this method, the well is filled up with a pure clay composition, no sand is added. Then everything is compacted. It turns out that the access of groundwater to the bottom of the well is blocked. But using this method alone will not be enough, it is better to use it in conjunction with others. The thickness of the clay layer should not be less than 25 cm.
Plastic pipes
Alternatively, you can take rare measures - use plastic rings for a septic tank. You can use barrels or plastic pipes for such purposes. Only there is little sense in such isolation, because it is easier to design wells with these materials at once. The insulation will be the strongest, most durable.
Conclusion
Whichever method of insulation of concrete structures is chosen, it is important to select it taking into account the environment, the purpose of the tanks. The work is carried out only with the highest quality, since in case of unsatisfactory performance, it will soon be necessary to do everything again.
Concrete structures need waterproofing for several reasons. This is leaching of concrete stone, and corrosion of the reinforcing cage, and other types of chemical and biological corrosion. Therefore, waterproofing of concrete structures is necessary and obligatory, otherwise the latter will quickly lose their bearing and structural qualities. In some cases, replacing concrete products is almost impossible. For example, it is impossible to remove the foundation of a house and replace it with a new one, so only expensive and complex repairs, excavation of the foundation walls and work on their waterproofing remain. Such measures will be many times more expensive and more difficult than timely waterproofing work.
Concrete rings are special reinforced concrete products for the construction of wells and septic tanks, various elements of sewerage systems and drinking water storage systems. Waterproofing a septic tank made of concrete rings is one of the most discussed topics, so you can dwell on it in more detail.
Septic tank device
A septic tank is a sewerage structure, which is most often made from two to three wells connected by overflow pipes. Moreover, in the case of three wells, the first two have a bottom, and the third is a filtration one, and the water goes into the ground through a layer of rubble, which is necessary for additional water filtration.
In the first well, the primary settling of suspended particles and solid impurities occurs. In the second well, this process continues, in addition, the precipitation of the products of various chemical reactions occurring in the wastewater occurs. The third well passes water into the ground through a layer of filtration rubble.
All these measures are necessary in order to avoid contamination of the soil by microorganisms, to prevent the occurrence of an unpleasant odor on the site, and so that there are no problems with the sanitary and epidemiological station and supervisory authorities.
It is not recommended to build such structures on your own. It is also necessary to use a crane. The sewerage system must comply with SNiP standards, pipe slope coals, overflow levels, etc. must be maintained.
As you can see, the septic tank is exposed to an aggressive environment from the inside and groundwater from the outside. Ground waters, by the way, are also not devoid of acids and alkalis, so their effect on concrete products is considered harmful.
The septic tank consists of at least two wells, the installation of which is carried out using lifting equipment
Waterproofing septic tanks
External and internal waterproofing of septic tanks must be performed without fail. Do not believe those who say otherwise. If wastewater begins to seep into the ground in the first well at a high level of overflow, then the "piquant" smell will become a distinctive feature of your site.
So, we have defined:
- waterproofing a septic tank is a necessary measure;
- it is better to carry out work on the installation of the sewer system with the help of professionals;
- as a result of poor or missing waterproofing, a number of problems can arise: from the destruction of the structure of the septic tank - to seepage of sewage into the ground and, as a result, an unpleasant smell in your and neighboring areas;
- waterproofing a septic tank is a discussed and urgent problem.
But what exactly is the problem? The problem is that the waterproofing must be solid and monolithic, and the well rings, according to some builders, will shift relative to each other and break the waterproofing coating:
- First, you can use rings with special locks.
- Secondly, the rings are held together with staples and plates.
- Thirdly, there are types of waterproofing that are not afraid of such movements.
Installation of concrete rings is complex and requires the participation of experienced builders
Penetrating waterproofing
For waterproofing a septic tank made of concrete rings, it is best to use penetrating waterproofing. If you process the well from both sides, then the waterproofing will penetrate the entire thickness of the wall and the concrete will be safe. This will extend its service life at times.
Waterproofing of concrete joints, which are also considered a problem area of \u200b\u200ba well or septic tank, can also be done using penetrating insulation and treatment with special cement mixtures, which are provided by almost all manufacturers of penetrating mixtures, for example, Penetron produces them in large quantities for different purposes and cases.
No matter how well the seam has been processed, it is still necessary to take all measures to maximize the fixation of the rings and prevent their displacement relative to each other.
Usually, the pit for the septic tank is made wider so that you can go down and carry out work on waterproofing the surface and processing the seams.
Scheme of applying penetrating waterproofing on concrete rings
First, the seams are processed. This should be done even when installing the rings. Often used o-rings and gaskets, but, in any case, the rings should be placed on cement mortar. You can immediately use a penetrating mixture, then the seal of the joint will be especially reliable.
After the seams have been treated, the penetrating insulation is applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
It is important to know: non-compliance with the instructions or incomplete compliance with their requirements can lead to poor-quality waterproofing and the need for re-processing.
Bituminous waterproofing
Traditional bituminous materials are also used for the treatment of septic tanks. Hot bitumen is a good insulation, but its service life is too short, it cracks and flakes, does not tolerate frost and thawing well. Bituminous mastics, which contain special additives to increase elasticity, frost resistance and adhesion to concrete surface will last much longer. Mastics are applied in a cold way, which is also important from the point of view of the complexity and timing of the work.
Bituminous insulation can be used in combination with a clay lock
Polymer insulation
If penetrating insulation is expensive for you, and bituminous insulation is in doubt, you can use cement-based or polymer-cement insulation. The service life of such insulation is noticeably longer than that of bitumen, it is applied just as easily, with a regular brush in two layers, and the second one is applied almost immediately, as soon as the first one begins to set, that is, according to the "wet on wet" principle. Seams can be sealed with silicone sealant.
Clay lock for outdoor protection
Also, for the outer insulation of the surface of the septic tank well, the so-called. clay castle. To do this, the well is covered with clean clay, without sand, which is rammed. In this way, groundwater cannot penetrate the concrete surface. However, this method is best used in conjunction with other measures such as caulking or penetrating insulation.
The thickness of the lock is taken at least 20 - 25 cm
Use of plastic materials
You can also take extreme measures, such as putting on a septic tank. plastic pipe... For this, barrels or pipes made of PVC or polyethylene are used, but it is not clear why not immediately make a well from these materials.
There are a lot of tools for the treatment and waterproofing of concrete products today, we will list them all at the end of the article. The main thing is to choose the right, and especially to apply the material. Whatever the choice of method for waterproofing, this is a necessary and important measure, this should be remembered by any builder.
PVC pipes double-walled designed for external networks of domestic and storm sewers
Waterproofing of concrete tanks
Concrete tanks are widely used in the construction of sewerage systems, collectors, storm sewers, tanks for purification and storage of drinking water, etc. Waterproofing measures for concrete tanks must be carried out without fail, otherwise the concrete will corrode and lose its properties. As a result, the service life of the structure is significantly reduced, and its repair or replacement is required, which is very difficult and expensive.
Types of corrosion of concrete structures
- Leaching of lime from the concrete body and its removal to the outer surface by diffusion water with the formation of stalactites (growths) and whitish streaks.
- Corrosion due to exposure to magnesia and sulphate salts. As a result of the interaction of these salts with lime, calcium sulfoaluminate is formed, which is easily soluble. As a result, the concrete is destroyed.
- Corrosion caused by carbon dioxide, which reacts with calcium oxide hydrate and causes undesirable and destructive processes.
- Mechanical and physical corrosion that occurs during the freezing and thawing cycles of water. Water expanding during freezing can tear the concrete body and cause cracks and fractures.
- Biological corrosion due to exposure to waste products of microorganisms, mold fungi, mosses and other representatives different forms life.
- Destruction caused by non-compliance with the rules and regulations for laying, curing and preparing concrete.
- Chemical and electrochemical interaction of fittings with water and electrolytes, as well as metal oxidation and corrosion.
As a result of corrosion, the concrete body collapses and the reinforcement is exposed, which is unacceptable
These are not all types of destructive effects of water on concrete structures, only the main ones are listed here. However, these factors are quite enough to understand how necessary waterproofing of concrete tanks is.
Materials for protecting concrete from moisture
For waterproofing works apply different methods and materials:
- penetrating waterproofing;
- injection waterproofing;
- lining cement and polymer-cement insulation;
- coating bituminous and bitumen-polymer waterproofing;
- polymer insulation;
- insulation with roll materials.
At different times, various methods of protecting concrete from water were used, including the methods listed above. However, some are difficult and expensive, such as injection or polymer insulation, others are ineffective or short-lived.
Waterproofing concrete with a two-component cement mortar is done with a conventional brush
Therefore, based on experience, three main methods can be distinguished: penetrating and coating polymer-cement and bitumen-polymer insulation.
Bituminous formulations are not suitable for all tanks, as drinking water should not come into contact with such substances.
The application of penetrating and polymer-cement insulation does not cause difficulties and does not require special qualifications from workers. The only condition is strict compliance with the manufacturer's instructions, proper care during the "ripening" period and the use of known and proven materials.
It is also important to remember about the processing of seams and joints of concrete structures. For these purposes, silicone sealants and special compounds are used for cement base.
Seams can be treated with sealants
Whatever the method of waterproofing concrete structures, it is better that it is chosen by a professional based on the environment, the purpose of the tank, the grade of concrete, etc. Work is best done with the help of specialists in this field who have experience and are familiar with various materials and methods of their application. Poorly executed waterproofing is, one might say, missing waterproofing, so it is better not to save money and turn to professionals.
Good day! Tell me, what is the best way to waterproof concrete rings? Do they need to be pre-dried? And is it possible to do it yourself?
Hello.
It is a pity you did not indicate what type of structure concrete rings are used for and what it is. The answer would be shorter and more accurate. Because, for example, different requirements are imposed on the insulation of a drinking water well and a septic tank with fecal waste. Since we do not know anything about your rings, we will have to limit ourselves to considering the basic principles of waterproofing underground structures from precast concrete elements.
Types of waterproofing materials
For waterproofing underground structures, we recommend using three types of materials: cement-polymer compositions, bitumen-polymer and polymer insulation:
- Cement-polymer mixtures
They are inexpensive, have excellent adhesion (ability to adhere to the surface) to concrete, and are very durable. Moreover, the reliability of penetrating cement waterproofing only grows over time, and the service life is at least 40 years. The application method is extremely simple: it is enough to apply the composition to the mineral surface with a brush or a spatula in two or three layers.
It is not difficult to apply cement-polymer waterproofing with your own hands, you do not need to have any special qualifications or special tools
There is no need to dry the concrete; on the contrary, you need to moisten it. Works can be carried out practically in any weather at temperatures above +5 ºС. Concrete products should be prepared in advance: cleaned of dirt, it is more convenient to do this with a high pressure washer. Wash sinks and irregularities with mortar or repair compound, you can use frost-resistant tile adhesive. Cement-polymer insulation has one more very useful property: without allowing water to pass through, it is able to pass water vapor, which is important for serviced wells. Most of the cement-polymer mixtures are suitable for the treatment of drinking water tanks.
The choice of brands of cement-polymer compositions is quite wide. From domestic, we can recommend Penetron compositions (http://penetron.ru), from foreign ones - Ceresit products (http://www.ceresit.ru/products/waterproofing_materials), which are mostly produced in the Russian Federation, EurAsEC countries and Ukraine under strict control of German technologists.
It should be borne in mind that standard inexpensive cement-polymer compositions are very resistant to abrasion, but inelastic. If a crack occurs in a concrete structure (as a rule, this occurs at the joints between the rings), the integrity of the waterproofing coating will also be violated. If the structure is unstable, there is a risk of cracks, or they have already appeared, the problem can be solved using a special elastic tape for sealing joints (for example, CeresitCL 152) or a two-component compound with increased elasticity (CeresitCR 166), applying it in two layers with intermediate reinforcement fiberglass mesh. True, these materials can no longer be called cheap.
Elastic seam tapes are more often used to seal the joint between vertical and horizontal surfaces, but can be used for any problematic seams, cracks
- Bitumen-polymer waterproofing
We do not recommend using bituminous materials (roofing felt, mastics) without polymer additives, they are cheap, but their service life is only 5-15 years. Polymer-bitumen waterproofing can be coated (mastic) and welded (rolls glued to the mastic in a hot way. The latter is much more expensive than coating, more difficult to install, requires a special tool.
In order to qualitatively weld roll insulation, you need to have a special gas burner, a more accessible blowtorch will not give the desired result
However, deposited insulation is more reliable and more durable, its service life reaches 30 years. The roll material tends to stretch a little, small cracks in the concrete structure are not terrible for the waterproofing coating.
With excellent waterproofing properties bitumen-polymer materials have mediocre adhesion to concrete. Applied to a clean, leveled and dry surface, they will only hold securely until the moisture content of the concrete becomes too high. If the base is wet, capillary moisture will gradually begin to tear off the bituminous material from the mineral surface; if it gets wet, the insulation can completely come off. When rolled waterproofing is glued to concrete rings from the outside and pressed down with soil, it still has no place to go, even if it has moved away from the surface. But if it is applied from the inside of the well, and the concrete is often and abundantly moistened, over time it can move away in places and stop performing its functions, or even the rolls will completely peel off and fall to the bottom of the structure in a useless heap.
- Polymer insulation
It is similar in properties to bitumen, but significantly surpasses it in elasticity, which is why polymer roll membranes and mastics are recommended to be used for deforming surfaces in which unstable cracks may appear. The service life is also significant - 40 years.
« Liquid rubber"(Polymer mastic) - the most elastic waterproofing material
Alas, the high price limits the use of polymer insulation.
A good price / quality ratio has the Russian-made bitumen-polymer and polymer waterproofing "Technonikol" (http://www.tn.ru/catalogue/?bokm_id\u003drullon_materials).
Pay particular attention to sealing the joints between the rings
Concrete compacted at the factory almost does not allow water to pass through, we can only talk about capillary penetration, if the products are of high quality. Practice shows that in wells assembled from standard concrete rings, leaks occur mainly due to leaks in the joints. It is important, even at the installation stage, to ensure that the seams between the rings are filled with mortar. Knead it on the basis of Portland cement and sown sand in a ratio of 1: 3. The result will be much better if Penetron Admix is \u200b\u200badded to the mixture, it will give the solution waterproofing properties.
Careful sealing is a prerequisite for high-quality waterproofing
Drinking water well insulation
For waterproofing tanks with drinking water, only cement-polymer compounds should be used, on the packaging of which this is clearly indicated. Bituminous - not allowed. Wells, as a rule, have a great depth and are built using the sequential lowering method reinforced concrete rings with parallel excavation. This technology gives two limitations: waterproofing can only be done from the inside, the assembly sealing of the joints between the rings often leaves much to be desired due to small displacements during settlement. If there is a concern about the quality of the joint, the mortar should be removed from the seam to a depth of 25-50 mm, fragile fragments that crumble and crumble when hit with a hammer should be removed completely. Thoroughly fill the joints with a special non-shrinking waterproofing cement-polymer mixture (for example, Penekrit).
When filling the seam to a great depth, you will have to do it not in one, but in two or three steps
If the well is located in very wet soils and an active leak needs to be eliminated (water washes out the usual mixture for joints), the leak can be sealed with a quick-setting cement-polymer hydro-seal ("Peneplag"). Then treat the entire inner surface of the well with penetrating insulation (for example, "Penetron") and keep it wet for two weeks.
No matter how carefully you waterproof the well, do not neglect cheap and effective drainage methods: arrange a blind area over a clay castle.
A castle made of oily clay will drain melt and rain water, prevent it from seeping along the walls of the well
Septic tank isolation
If we are talking about a multi-chamber septic tank for wastewater, it is not necessary to isolate the last absorption well in the chain. On the contrary, water should leave it in the ground in the maximum amount. And there is no special need for waterproofing the first sections of the septic tank that are not located below the groundwater level. Is that, this is required by nature conservation. It is not scary for the environment if a little runoff seeps into the ground, it is an excellent biofilter. What is really needed is to prevent large quantities of melt and rainwater from entering the structure. To do this, it is enough to carefully embed the seams between the rings, do not forget about the cover, the head of the well, the pipe entries.
When waterproofing a septic tank, focus on sealing joints between prefabricated structural elements
If waterproofing is still done, the material is chosen depending on whether it is an external surface or an internal one. During the construction of a well by the method of sequential lowering, insulation is performed from the inside and only with the help of cement-polymer compositions, the bituminous ones will not hold well. If the pit was dug by an excavator, there is enough space to waterproof the outside. In this case, any material can be used. It is convenient to melt the rolled bitumen-polymer coating on the ring even before installation, when it is located on the ground surface. And having installed in place, glue only the joint between the rings.
Bituminous insulation is only suitable for use outside the structure
Do not stick roll material on uneven surfaces. The head of the septic tank, lined with concrete bricks, covered with a polymer-cement composition
Insulation of the process well
For a dry well located in wet ground, waterproofing is required. Application technology is the same as for a septic tank. If possible, it is better to isolate the structure from the outside. Not only the walls should be protected from moisture, but also the bottom of the well. For external insulation, a bitumen-polymer or cement-polymer coating should be applied to the concrete bottom slab prior to mounting the rings. You should also pay attention to the height of the hatch relative to the ground: during rain, water should not flood it.
If possible, waterproofing can be performed on both sides, this will increase reliability. In the photo - a serviced technological well for entering communications, the outer and inner surfaces are treated with an inexpensive cement-polymer composition
In any water supply and drainage system, it is extremely important to ensure a competent waterproofing of the structure, so that leaks and the ingress of groundwater into the reservoirs are eliminated. This issue is also relevant when protecting special structures - wells made on the basis of concrete rings, since they are often used as containers for drinking water, or as an autonomous sewage system.
It is advisable to erect wells built using prefabricated components to make a storage tank for technical, drinking water or organize a sewerage system. The given first two options are especially demanding to prevent leakage of underground sources inside, since this can adversely affect the quality of water.
Note that improper design and processing of such a system can lead to deterioration of the condition of the soil and groundwater where the corresponding reservoir is located. For this reason, waterproofing of sewer wells, made on the basis of concrete rings, is carried out already at the stage of construction.
Septic tanks
Sewerage wells need a mandatory waterproofing device that provides reliable protection the environment from the ingress of sewage. Note that they can have not only a huge amount of organic matter, but also many disease-causing organisms. Of course, contaminated soil can adversely affect plants and human health.
Drinking wells
Drinking wells seek to isolate from the penetration of ground surface water into them. This is explained by the fact that they contain all kinds of bacteria and large suspensions. The ingress of even a small part of such a solution into the reservoir can cause significant damage to the human body.
Figure # 1. Waterproofing joints
When to update waterproofing
Concrete rings 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, indirect signs of which may be the following factors:
- - the appearance of displacement of the rings relative to each other;
- - too fast and excessive filling of the sewer system;
- - mechanical and chemical destruction of the components of the well, with the formation of cracks, which will inevitably cause leakage of the contents;
- - determination of centers of corrosion of reinforcing elements, which leads to seepage of ground moisture through the waterproofing of the septic tank.
In each case, it is necessary to immediately restore the protective coating and seal the seams. Lack of attention can lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor, in the case of sewage, or a deterioration in the quality of drinking water in the corresponding wells.
Reliable construction of concrete elements, taking into account the effect of aggressive media and substances on them, is feasible only with waterproofing of a septic tank.
Video # 1. Well waterproofing
Protection with plaster
Often, in the construction of tanks, finishing is used outside and inside 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 significant pressure. The result is a compacted and even layer over the entire working area of \u200b\u200bthe structure.
Processing is carried out using a "cement gun". It is recommended to lay the mortar in two layers, while the thickness of each should be within the range of 5..10 mm, with a minimum air temperature of at least +5 degrees. The next layers are applied when the previous one is completely dry, which may take a total of about 10 days.
Due to the high evaporation, in hot weather, the applied coating must be watered after 4..5 hours. In moderate conditions, the specified interval can be increased by 2-3 times.
Bituminous waterproofing
The simplest and most reliable method of sealing is considered to be 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, mastics 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 bitumen layer is applied, prepared using gasoline in a ratio of 1 to 3. Further application of the material is provided with a solution in a ratio of 1 to 1. It is advisable to keep all layers until final drying. Each subsequent layer based on hot bitumen is spread with a roller or brush.
Figure # 2. Bituminous waterproofing of concrete rings
Mastic is laid on top of the hardened bitumen in a layer within 2..3mm. On the outside of the concrete rings, on top of the mastic, roofing material or any other insulating element is fixed.
The advantage of bituminous waterproofing of a septic tank is the ease of implementation of work and their relative availability. At the same time, it is impossible to obtain a 100% guarantee of protection here; moreover, the method is not recommended for drinking tanks.
Penetrating protection
Penetrating waterproofing has proven itself to be a fairly reliable, proven and effective way to protect concrete rings. Excellent parameters are shown by innovative and progressive formulations, including Penetron, Lakhta, Hydro S and others, which are capable of maintaining their characteristics throughout the entire period of operation of the wells.
Each of these components is able to easily penetrate into the pores of concrete, fill all cavities and crystallize in them. The resulting structure retains its breathable base while acquiring unique waterproofing properties. As a result of processing the base of each ring, outside and inside, a surface with a uniform and tight composition is provided. This allows it to withstand high pressure and head of aggressive media for a long time.
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 material behavior allows concrete rings to impart a special "self-healing" property.
It should be understood that the penetrating waterproofing of the septic tank is performed exclusively on a properly prepared surface. For this purpose, concrete is ground mechanically or chemically until a homogeneous rough surface appears.
Figure №3. Well waterproofing
Polymer-cement protection
The most advantageous in terms of availability and easy to apply is polymer-cement or coating waterproofing... It is carried out by distributing a special mixture based on cement, water glass and polymers. The specified protection has the same effectiveness as bitumen, while being able to serve for a much longer period.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is not easy to waterproof septic tanks and wells based on concrete rings, however, it is impossible to do without it. It is important to be responsible and attentive 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.
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For the sewer system to work properly, it is necessary to build a septic tank from concrete rings, while this task does not require experience or special skills.
Septic tank waterproofing basics
Today use concrete septic tank is the most common way to create a sewer system. For effective functioning, it is necessary to carry out a procedure for sealing and waterproofing a concrete septic tank. This is done primarily in order to prevent the penetration of sewage waste into groundwater and, conversely, groundwater into the sewage system. It is recommended to make waterproofing immediately after building the sewage system on the site, without wasting precious time.
In essence, waterproofing consists in carrying out work to protect the structure with a variety of insulating materials from the penetration of groundwater and adverse chemical compositionsthat can compromise the integrity of the structural material.
It is imperative to do everything so that waste water does not fall into the ground and spread throughout the entire district through groundwater.
The scheme of waterproofing a single-chamber septic tank.
The whole process is carried out using special quality sealants such as silicone.
Silicone has a high level of density and is capable of closing all openings through which wastewater can escape. Waterproofing septic tanks with such a hermetic material is the best way out in a situation where protection is needed long years... It is used in a wide variety of industries, including the construction segment. Other insulating agents are used, but silicones are still the most popular.
How to waterproof a concrete septic tank?
Depending on the level of groundwater, it is necessary to carry out waterproofing work in one way or another. The main thing to consider is that wastewater should not seep into the ground, because they contain a lot of unfavorable microorganisms. They multiply rapidly and pollute the environment. If the groundwater is located low, then microbes can enter it through the cracks, and if it is high, then infection occurs instantly. To make a complete and high-quality sealing of a reinforced concrete septic tank, it is necessary to install a special plastic cylinder.
Diagram of a two-chamber septic tank.
It will need to be cut with a jigsaw at the desired height, and then inserted into the concrete rings. After that, you can seal the seams with silicone. If the groundwater is high, it is necessary to reinforce the cylinder with special annular stiffeners. The concrete cylinder itself is a sealed device made of 8 mm thick polyethylene. The height of the plastic insert can be varied in the factory form from 1 to 4.5 m. The cylinder can be cut as needed to any level.
It is imperative to check the structure for functioning after winter, since due to the displacement of the soil (at first everything freezes around, and then melts sharply, changing its consistency), problems with insulation may arise. Displacement of concrete rings in this case is quite possible, and therefore work to restore the tightness of the sewer system must be carried out immediately. It is necessary that each ring fits snugly to the adjacent one, otherwise troubles cannot be avoided.
Another question to think about before conducting is how far from the house will be concrete structure... It is advisable to dig a hole away from the residential building, since the smell from the drains can penetrate into the room and constantly spoil your mood. The waterproofing of the septic tank prevents the penetration of an unpleasant odor under the normal operating conditions of the structure, but even this cannot be saved when cleaning the system.
It is quite possible to carry out waterproofing with your own hands. To do this, we recommend that you first familiarize yourself with all the information, prepare materials and tools and start working.
So, to build and waterproof concrete rings, you need the following tools and materials:
- a shovel to dig a well;
- cement (for the bottom of the structure);
- sand (to create a soft pillow);
- lifting crane (for immersion);
- several concrete rings;
- silicone as a sealant;
- jigsaw for cutting a cylinder;
- special plastic cylinder approximately 8 mm thick;
- metal staples for fastening.
What else do you need to know about a septic tank?
It is worth saying that in addition to concrete septic tanks, there are many others. But this particular type is popular because of its advantages, the main of which is ease of installation. The second plus that concrete has is that it is easy to insulate it and you can do it yourself. It is also very important that one septic tank with three wells may well meet the needs of an average family. The minimum amount of additional assistance (such as cranes) is required.
Waterproofing septic tanks is also a relatively simple process, but each step must be meticulous. It is very important that after winter, when the concrete absorbs all moisture (after freezing), the tightness of the structure does not break. This is the minus of a concrete septic tank - the ability to deform after absorbing moisture. There have been no other drawbacks over the years of using this type of septic tank.
It is necessary to monitor carefully, and at the first depressurization it is necessary to carry out additional work to isolate the concrete rings. All work can be carried out independently, as an option - you can entrust the construction and waterproofing of a septic tank made of concrete to professionals.
