Review of the Eco-Grand septic tank: design, principle of operation, advantages and disadvantages of the system
Autonomous sewage systems are confidently displacing cesspools from summer cottages and private households.One of the optimal solutions to the problem of wastewater disposal is the Eco-Grand septic tank. A Russian-made device with components from HIBLOW (Japan) and Karcher (Germany), which, at a relatively reasonable price, is of fairly high quality.
We suggest you find out why the Eco-Grand installations have gained popularity among consumers. To ensure an objective assessment, along with the positive aspects of operation, we also noted the weaknesses of the treatment plant.
From this article you will learn how the unit is designed and operates, what are the features of installing and maintaining a septic tank. In addition, following practical recommendations, you can choose the appropriate model of treatment tank, taking into account the upcoming operating conditions.
The content of the article:
How does the Eco-Grand septic tank work?
Externally, septic tanks of this type have a cubic configuration, traditional for such devices. The durable plastic tank is closed with a metal lid, in which holes are made for ventilating the device, supplying electricity, etc.
Inside, the space is divided into four main compartments through which wastewater circulates.
The operation of the Eco-Grand septic tank is ensured by two high-quality Hiblow compressors, manufactured in Japan, which are distinguished not only by increased reliability, but also by their relatively small size compared to domestic analogues.
A deflector and an aerator are devices designed to saturate drains with air obtained from the surface.
Filters trap and collect debris that cannot be processed using bacterial cultures. The movement of wastewater between individual compartments of the septic tank is carried out using airlifts and overflows.
It is worth noting that the body of the device is made of very durable and environmentally safe homogeneous propylene.
The high quality of septic tanks for summer cottages with the Eco-Grand logo is ensured not only through the use of high-quality materials and advanced technologies.
Before going on sale, the device is tested on special stands, which allows you to immediately diagnose shortcomings and quickly eliminate them.
How the device works
Eco-Grand septic tanks, like other treatment facilities of this type, operate using the principles of biological treatment. It is carried out by introducing into the sewer tank of the colony bacterial cultures, specially selected for this purpose.
Eco-Grand septic tanks use varieties of aerobic bacteria. For the functioning of these organisms, constant access to air is necessary, unlike anaerobic cultures, which can live and develop even in completely sealed conditions. Microorganisms working in septic tanks are sensitive to the contents of wastewater.
The number of bacteria can be affected by aggressive technical fluids, mold, chlorine-containing substances, etc. This point should be taken into account before starting the septic tank.
The vital activity of aerobic bacteria is also accompanied by the release of a certain amount of heat, which additionally protects the device from hypothermia during winter cold.
As mentioned, the device is divided into four main sections. First, the wastewater enters the receiving chamber, where it is intensively saturated with air and comes into contact with bacterial cultures.
Active aeration is performed using compressors and allows you to immediately solve several problems:
- creates a favorable environment for the successful life of aerobic bacteria, which improves the quality and speed of wastewater processing;
- crushes incoming contaminants, making the contents of the working environment more homogeneous;
- allows you to separate some of the non-recyclable inclusions from the total mass of wastewater and bring to the surface.
Under the influence of bacterial cultures, active release of silt sediment begins, which at the initial stage remains in the water in the form of suspended particles. After this, the airlift moves the prepared wastewater to the second compartment - the aeration tank - to continue its processing. Here the muddy contents are formed at a more active pace.
To drain purified water from the Eco-Grand installation, it is necessary to create filtration field or filter well. The water can be used to water the area or fill a decorative pond. At the same time, aeration of the working fluid continues.
With the help of another airlift, wastewater treated with bacteria enters the third compartment, which is called a settling tank. As the name implies, the working fluid remains here for some time so that the silt contained in it accumulates below in the form of sediment.
The remaining water after settling undergoes additional filtration and enters the fourth compartment through an overflow, from where it is discharged into the ground or into a separate storage tank.
If for some reason the drainage of water from the sump is not removed by gravity, for these purposes use drainage pump.
The resulting water can be used for irrigation or to meet the technical needs of the site.Although the degree of wastewater purification using the Eco-Grand septic tank is quite high, it is still not recommended to use such water for drinking, cooking, washing or taking a shower.
The resulting neutral sludge is disposed of using an airlift in a container provided for this purpose. To do this, they periodically use a special hose and the ability to switch the direction of the air flow.
The neutral sludge tank should be cleaned regularly, as should the treated water collection point, otherwise the effluent in the device may reach overflow levels. Neutral sludge is an excellent fertilizer; it can simply be applied to the soil on the site, thus improving the condition of the landscape.
Pros and cons of this septic tank
When comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the Eco-Grand septic tank, you can notice that there are significantly more of the former than the latter. Buyers who have installed such an autonomous sewer system and have been using it for some time note the reliability of the device, its high quality and stable operation.
The model range of Eco-Grand septic tanks is quite wide, they vary in performance, which makes it possible to satisfy the needs of owners of small dachas, the needs of large cottages, and even provide a small village with high-quality sewerage.
All models of septic tanks produced under this brand are supplied almost ready-made, which greatly simplifies the process arrangement of autonomous sewerage.
Installation of equipment usually takes one business day, in some cases it may take two days. Exceeding the two-day installation period is extremely rare and is usually associated with the occurrence of emergency situations.
Installation work is usually carried out using common construction equipment: an excavator that will dig a pit and a truck crane to carefully lower the container into this pit.
If you have a strong desire and a team of construction friends, you can even install the Eco-Grand septic tank manually, so as not to spend money on renting special equipment. The use of high-quality materials and equipment, as well as design features, make it virtually impervious to corrosion.
Such septic tanks are also not afraid of cold, since the body material has reduced heat-conducting properties, and aerobic bacteria actively release thermal energy. All this makes Eco-Grand quite resistant even to severe frosts.
The septic tank, located mainly underground, operates completely quietly, the wastewater treatment process is not accompanied by any unpleasant odors.
On the surface there is only a neat cover of a laconic design, which is almost invisible. If desired, this element is not at all difficult to decorate.
Servicing Eco-Grand septic tanks is also not particularly difficult. The owners of the device will hardly need to invite a team of sanitation workers.Moreover, from time to time the company offers the first free service as a gift, but this is subject to the purchase of a treatment plant from them.
Of course, sludge must be removed regularly. This is a substance useful for the soil, which can be safely added to the soil on the site.
When recycling this biomass, there will be no problem with unpleasant odors, as happens in the process of pumping out cesspools. Clean water obtained as a result of biological waste treatment is suitable for watering or washing a car.
Resourceful owners of summer cottages successfully use this liquid for fountains, ponds or other similar decorative elements on the site. But it is not recommended to pour recycled water into the pool.
The disadvantages of Eco-Grand are the same as those of other structures of this type. First of all, critics note the device’s dependence on the availability of electrical energy.
But if there is no power for a short time, this does not negatively affect the condition of the septic tank. In this case, the biological treatment process does not stop, although its speed slows down slightly.
During long outages, it is recommended to control the amount of drains so that the tank does not overfill, or use an alternative power source.
The weak point of Eco-Grand installations is the airlifts, which easily become clogged if small particles of non-recyclable waste, such as plastic film, get into the sewer. As a result, airlifts have to be cleaned frequently.
It is very simple to prevent this problem; it is enough to protect all drains with special protective nets and do not forget to control the composition of contaminants that are drained into the toilet.
Finally, for the safety of bacterial cultures, you will have to abandon household chemicals containing chlorine, as well as aggressive acidic or alkaline components. The death of microorganisms and the problems associated with this phenomenon usually do not become immediately obvious.
As a result, it may be necessary to thoroughly rinse the septic tank of incompletely processed wastewater and repopulate it with a colony of bacteria. You can use purchased products, for example, "Doctor Robik".
How to choose the right model?
Models of the Eco-Grand septic tank differ in performance, which is reflected in the name of the device. For example, "Eco-Grand 5" designed to serve a house in which five people permanently live, "Eco-Grand 8" designed for a cottage with eight residents, etc.
These two models, as well as Eco-Grand 10, are considered the most popular in private housing construction.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the smallest device from the family of these septic tanks - "Eco-Grand 2". It is characterized by low performance and moderate price. Suitable for small cottages that are used only in the summer.
Of course, the model name is a very arbitrary indicator; you should focus on the exact technical characteristics of each device:
- "Eco-Grand 5" — productivity 1 cubic. m per day, salvo discharge no more than 250 l;
- "Eco-Grand 8" — productivity 1.6 cubic meters. m per day, salvo discharge no more than 470 l;
- "Eco-Grand 10" — productivity 2 cubic meters. m per day, salvo discharge no more than 790 l.
Other models of these septic tanks are more productive, for example, "Eco-Grand 15" can be used to simultaneously process wastewater from several small houses. "Eco-Grand 150" - a powerful device that will satisfy the needs of a hotel or small town.
In addition, there are two special modifications of Eco-Grand septic tanks, designed to improve its performance in particularly difficult conditions:
- Standard — devices with pipe insertion at a depth of 0.8 m;
- Long - models in which the sewer pipe is inserted at a depth of 0.8-1.4 m due to the increased groundwater level;
- Long extended or Superlong — modification with the possibility of low installation of the sewer inlet (from 1.4 m).
The septic tank model should be selected not so much for the number of residents, but for the specific volume of waste. If you intend to service not only the house, but also a swimming pool or bathhouse located on the site, it is better to give preference to a more powerful septic tank model.
Taking a larger sewer system also makes sense if in the near future the number of permanent residents increases or if guests often stay in the house. However, you should not purchase an overly large septic tank “just in case.”Purchasing a device, its installation and maintenance will cost more, but these costs will not be justified.
Detailed instructions for installing a septic tank
Understanding the step-by-step technology for installing a treatment plant will help you install it yourself or monitor the actions of workers.
Features of operation of "Eco-Grand"
The manufacturer claims that Eco-Grand septic tanks require minimal maintenance efforts, and this is true.
Device owners are required to regularly perform the following simple steps:
- ensure that pollutants hazardous to the septic tank do not enter the sewer system;
- regularly inspect the device for damage;
- control the liquid level in the container to prevent it from overflowing;
- promptly dispose of accumulated sludge;
- Right prepare the septic tank for winter.
The list of substances that do not combine well with biological treatment is quite wide. In addition to the previously mentioned chlorine-containing substances, as well as acids and alkalis, it is worth paying attention to many technical fluids: gasoline, oils, paints, antifreeze, etc. These substances cannot be poured into such sewers.
Each cleaning product will have to be tested for compliance with the requirements of the septic tank, and it is recommended to use aggressive household chemicals for cleaning no more than once a week.
To prevent the device from clogging, virtually any non-degradable, non-organic contaminants are prevented from entering the drains: sawdust, small construction waste, rags, film, etc.
Pet hair should also be included in this list - bacteria do not have time to process it, which leads to clogging of airlifts. Large volumes of plant waste can also be dangerous, especially if it is poorly chopped. Caution should also be exercised when disposing of unnecessary medications.
If for some reason a small amount of debris or aggressive substances ends up in the drain, do not panic. But the operation of the system should be monitored more closely in order to immediately identify the problem and fix it.
In some cases, you should not carry out repairs yourself; it is better to contact specialists. This recommendation is especially relevant if the warranty period has not yet expired.
A visual inspection of the Eco-Grand septic tank should be carried out at least once a month. Check the condition of the sludge storage tank, namely its filling level. In addition, you need to inspect the drain for purified water; it should not be clogged.
The lid of the septic tank should also be lifted, make sure that the structure has no internal damage, and also evaluate the smell of the contents of the septic tank.
A change in normal odor, especially a stench, may indicate that the bacteria in the septic tank has decreased to dangerously low levels.
In this case, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause of the death of microorganisms, as well as replenish their quantity to the required level.
To clear the receiver of sludge, you must first turn off the compressors. Then the mass of neutral sludge is pumped out of the storage tank using a drainage pump. You can immediately apply this fertilizer to the soil or compost it in a special pit.
Provided proper maintenance and operation, the Eco-Grand treatment plant can last about 50 years. Therefore, immediately after purchasing and installing a septic tank from this manufacturer, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with detailed manufacturer's instructions on servicing the model, and also, do not forget to perform it correctly conservation, if a long break in operation is planned in winter.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
This video material clearly presents the description of the device and the operating principle of the Eco-Grand septic tank:
Septic tanks "Eco-Grand" are reliable autonomous sewage systems, made to the highest modern standards. Proper operation, regular maintenance and proper installation will ensure this device has a long period of trouble-free operation.
Do you have experience using the Eco-Grand septic tank? Or still have questions on the topic? Please share your opinion, leave comments and participate in the discussion of the material. The feedback block is located below.
Eco-Grand is indeed one of the most good domestic septic tanks, but you see, our developments are minimal here. The technical base is still Japanese. I saw this septic tank in operation - of course, when you have the means to build your own house for good money, it would be stupid to use a cesspool in the absence of communications. Naturally, everyone uses a septic tank. As for electricity - where there is no sewerage and it is necessary to install a septic tank, believe me, everyone has generators, so this is not a problem.
I'm wondering how long this septic tank can go without electricity? In our village there are interruptions in supply, although not so often.I’m thinking of installing Eco-Grand-5, but if they absolutely cannot live without electricity, then they’ll have to buy something else.
Good afternoon, Kirill. This directly depends on the selected volume of the septic tank and the activity of wastewater discharge during a lack of electricity. If the filling volume is exceeded (in the absence of light, the alarm system also does not work), the wastewater will flow into the compartment with the installed control unit. Also, if there is a long absence of electricity, aerobic bacteria can die. All stations are dependent on light to a greater or lesser extent.
Keep in mind that stations like Eco-Grand (Astra, etc.) are controlled using a solenoid valve that is sensitive to voltage surges. The factory instructions indicate that a stabilizer must be installed to maintain the warranty.
I recommend paying attention to the Tver station, most of the processes in which occur naturally. Detailed review on our website Here.
The Tver station, like EcoGrand, operates using Hiblow compressors and, in the absence of electricity, turns into a storage tank. After turning on the electricity, everything will be processed, there is no big problem.
I am more confused by the critics of electrically dependent stations, who offer a “reliable alternative” in the form of a conventional non-electrically dependent storage tank called “another modern septic tank.”
Is it true that it is not necessary to buy a stabilizer for a septic tank with two compressors, since the second compressor, as it were, compensates for surges in electricity? And one more nuance: we want to install a septic tank for 4 people.And if guests come for the weekend and there are 7 of us, what could be the consequences?
It is not true! The stabilizer cannot be compensated for by anything. If guests arrive and they all don’t go to wash, then it’s okay.
Topol 5 (Ecogrand) has been in operation for 7 years, the compressors are original, and are used year-round. Once a year (in early spring) I pump out 1/3 from each section and then add water, clean the protective cover of the airlift in the receiving chamber (pipe) and the hair collector. There are no problems with airlifts, there is no need to worry about bacteria, no addition is required, because... These aerobic bacteria are in the air around us and are pumped into the station with it. So power outages can only affect the filling of the station. When overflowing, excess liquid begins to flow by gravity from the receiving section to the second, and then to the drain, then
There will be a smell in the area of the station and the drain outlet. The compartment with compressors and electrics can flood in two cases: if the drain is clogged or a flood has flooded the station. In a station with 2 compressors, the compressors work alternately, so they are not afraid of a power outage. I slightly drilled out 2 jets (up to 2mm) on the tubes, causing bubbling, to avoid clogging.