Review of the septic tank "Cedar": design, principle of operation, advantages and disadvantages

Residents of country houses, accustomed to the comfort of city life, today can also afford to have all the benefits of civilization at their fingertips. Modern treatment plants allow you to organize an effective sewer system on your site.

Among similar equipment, we can highlight the Kedr septic tank, which successfully combines an affordable price with decent performance characteristics. But is it really that good and is it worth buying? We will examine these issues in detail in our article, examining the design of a septic tank, its operating principle, and the main pros and cons.

Also in this material we will describe the features of installation and connection, and provide recommendations for operation and periodic maintenance.

Kedr treatment plant

The Kedr septic tank is a non-volatile device that works in tandem with ground treatment systems.

The installation provides primary clarification of wastewater, which is then subjected to additional processing when passing through filter wells or filter fields, from where they go into the underlying soil layers.

The need to install additional filtration systems does not allow the use of a settling tank in soils with high groundwater levels.

The most favorable soils for installing Kedr septic tanks are those characterized by good permeability: sand of all degrees of density and coarseness, gravel and crushed stone deposits with sandy aggregates.

Installations of this type are superior in class to storage tanks in which sewage is accumulated and stored until pumped out by a sewer truck.

But at the same time, they are not able to provide the same degree of purification as septic tanks with deep bio-treatment, after which the filtered water becomes safe for the environment and can go directly into the ground, into gutters or open reservoirs.

Sewage, passing through a septic tank, is not completely cleared of biological and mineral impurities and requires additional filtration, which is carried out in a filtration field or in an absorption well.

The septic tank is a completely sealed tank made of polypropylene. Inside the installation there are four chambers isolated from each other. The chambers are designed in such a way that water, having passed through the next stage of purification, can freely flow into the next compartment, where it undergoes a higher degree of purification.

The internal part of the septic tank consists of:

• receiving chamber volume of 1500 liters, in which separation occurs into liquid waste, solid insoluble sediment and fat;
• anaerobic treatment chambers volume of 1500 liters, in which liquid waste is fermented and clarified under the action of anaerobes;
• deep aerobic cleaning chambers volume of 750 liters, where organic inclusions are processed by active microflora;
• clarifier chamber, in which final clarification is carried out.

If it is necessary to artificially stimulate the drainage of wastewater, pumping equipment can be installed in the fourth compartment.

The Cedar septic tank has compact dimensions; it is made in the form of an oval (diameter 1.4 m), vertically located structure, three meters high. The weight of the device is 150 kg.

The standard septic tank head makes up 1/3 of the structure. If necessary, the manufacturer can produce an installation with a higher or, conversely, low head.

The drawing shows a standard treatment plant that is capable of processing 1000 liters of sewage per day

On the plastic body of the septic tank there are polypropylene pipes with a diameter of 11 cm, intended for connecting inlet and outlet PVC sewer pipes. The connection pipe for the inlet sewerage system is located at a distance of 1.2 m from the top border of the tank, and the outlet pipe is located at a distance of 1.4 m from the top.

The septic tank is supplied in different configurations. In addition to the treatment plant, you can order a complete set of equipment for arranging a sewerage system: PVC pipes of the required diameter for external sewerage, geofabric, bulk materials for installing filtration backfills, etc.

Operating principle of the treatment plant

The first chamber acts as a receiving compartment. They flock into it PVC pipes all dirty sewage coming from the house.

All solid fractions settle to the bottom of the section and accumulate there in the form of sediment, and light fat molecules float to the surface and form a fatty film on the surface. Partially treated wastewater passes into the second compartment through a small vertical opening 10 cm wide.

When installing a treatment system, pipes are laid with a slight slope towards the treatment plant, and from it towards the ground treatment system. This installation ensures a continuous flow of water into the tank from the house sewer.

In the second section, only the primary treatment of sewage waste occurs. This is where anaerobic bacteria come into play. bacteria, living in an airless space, which in the process of their life activity partially clarifies the incoming wastewater.

To activate the aerobic cleaning process, special biological agents with microorganisms are added to the third chamber. After clarification, water enters the third compartment through special 10-millimeter slotted partitions located at a distance of 80 cm from the bottom of the chamber.

The four chambers of the septic tank are completely autonomous and operate independently of each other; the liquid, flowing from one edema to another, undergoes a higher level of purification

The third chamber contains a removable biological filter, which is a plastic collector of a lattice design with a filter load. The grid ensures that only purified water enters the filter, trapping the remaining particles of activated sludge formed as a result of the work of aerobes.

With the help of a special filler made from microorganisms, the water undergoes deep biological purification and, completely purified, rushes into the next compartment.

The filtration process is completed in the fourth chamber, where the water is completely clarified and sent to a filter well, filtration field or trench. Purified water moves by gravity.If the filter system is located at a higher level and water cannot get there naturally, the discharge level can be raised by equipping the compartment with any drain pump with float.

Advantages and disadvantages of a septic tank

The septic tank is suitable for installation both in dachas with seasonal residence, and in suburban areas where the owners live permanently.

It does not need frequent cleaning; for it to work effectively, it is enough to remove accumulated sediment once every two years using a sewage system. The treatment plant can provide comfortable living for a family of five.

The Cedar septic tank is the optimal treatment system for country cottages and garden plots. It is quite possible to install the tank yourself, without resorting to the services of specialists

The installation has become quite widespread in Russia, where it has been used for more than four years. It is perfectly adapted to the climatic conditions of our country. The septic tank belongs to the budget class devices, however, in terms of its consumer characteristics, it can easily compete with equipment of a higher price category.

Among the advantages of the model are the following:

• the equipment provides a fairly high level of filtration, since the water goes through several stages of purification, and the process itself can be activated by adding special biological products;
• compact vertical design does not require much space;
• the treatment plant can be located a short distance from the house;
• the septic tank is lightweight, which allows you to independently install the tank without using special equipment;
• the housing made of durable plastic is not subject to corrosion and reliably protects the structure from moisture, dirt and other external influences, thanks to which the septic tank can be fully used for thirty years or more;
• all processes in a completely sealed structure take place inside the installation, without releasing any impurities or unpleasant odors into the external environment, which indicates the environmental safety of the station;
• the treatment system is energy independent and does not require additional energy costs;
• the septic tank is buried deep into the ground, so the tank does not require additional insulation;
• the equipment does not require complex maintenance;
• the cost of the treatment system does not exceed 60 thousand rubles, which is significantly lower than installations with similar characteristics.

However, in addition to its advantages, the Kedr septic tank also has some disadvantages that must be taken into account when purchasing a device.

The water processed in the installation is not so pure that it can immediately fall into the soil or be discharged into open sources; the degree of its purification is about 75%.

The filtration field is designed for post-purification of water coming from the septic tank. To organize it, you need a large space. If there is no excess space on the site, it is better to install an absorption well, which takes up significantly less space

Therefore, it requires additional purification in other filtration systems, which involves the construction of filtration platforms. And this includes free space that needs to be found on the site, and extra costs for arranging an absorption well or filtration fields.

In addition, the septic tank requires periodic cleaning using sewer equipment, which also involves additional costs.

Biological products to improve cleaning efficiency

The manufacturer of the Kedr septic tank, the Unilos company, has specially developed a series of Unibak biological products that make it possible to activate and speed up the biomass purification process. The preparations contain only natural ingredients that are completely biodegradable and do not cause any harm to the environment.

The use of the drug allows several times to improve the quality and efficiency of sewage treatment. It is produced in the form of microgranules, less than 0.1 mm in size, having a liquid consistency, which are in a special preservative solution.

Unibak biological products allow you to increase the rate of decomposition of feces and make the process of water treatment much more effective

The shell of the granules is made of polysaccharide of natural origin, inside which there are microorganisms.When they enter a favorable environment, their vital activity is activated, they begin to multiply quickly, forming large colonies.

Bacteria work at temperatures from +3 to +50 °C; microorganisms are most active at temperatures from +18 to +30 °C.

Over time, the bacteria die, so the drug must be added to the septic tank regularly. The frequency and dose of introducing a new portion of microorganisms are selected individually, it depends on the degree of contamination of the sewage.

It must also be taken into account that the presence of chemicals and detergents containing chlorine and acid in wastewater reduces the activity of bacteria. In this case, it is recommended to apply the biological product more often and also to increase its quantity.

Installation and connection features

You can invite specialists to install the equipment, but their services are not cheap. Therefore, those who are not ready to spend extra money can do this work themselves. Due to its small dimensions and low weight of the structure, the septic tank can be installed on your own.

What should you consider when choosing a location?

Before installation, you need to choose the optimal location for its placement. There are certain standards that must be adhered to.

The figure clearly shows at what minimum distance from the house, water source and trees the treatment system can be installed. Recommended standards must be taken into account when choosing a location for a station

Improper installation of the tank can lead to very adverse consequences.If the distance from the septic tank to the water source is less than permitted, dirty wastewater can enter the water intake system, which will contaminate drinking water.

Installing equipment closer than five meters to the house can cause flooding of the foundation.

It is also necessary to take into account that this septic tank requires the installation of a filter field or absorption well, which will also require additional space. It is also necessary to provide free access to the sewage disposal machine.

Stages of installation work

A contour is drawn at the selected location, along which a pit of the required size is then dug. When digging a hole in depth, you need to take into account the height of the tank, the height of the sand and gravel cushion and the concrete layer. In total, it is necessary to add 25-35 cm. The width of the pit is made approximately 20 cm larger than the diameter of the container.

The septic tank has relatively small dimensions in plan, so it does not require a huge pit.

You need to fill the bottom of the pit with sand and gravel in a layer of 15-20 cm, compact them well, and then make a concrete base 10-15 cm high. You can use a concrete slab for this or simply fill it with concrete mortar.

When installing the tank, it must be set strictly level, it must stand level and without distortions. To secure the device, anchor rings are used, with which the container is attached to the concrete.

Next, the septic tank is filled with sand to the level of the inlet pipe. Carrying out this operation, the tank is simultaneously filled with water to the filling height. This is done in order to avoid deformation of the walls of the installation. After connecting the sewer pipes to the pipes and sealing joints, the pit is completely backfilled to ground level.

The installation diagram demonstrates how to properly install the equipment. The drawing shows the main elements of the system and shows the optimal dimensions of the pit and base for the tank

Recommendations for operation and maintenance

The Cedar septic tank is a treatment system that requires minimal maintenance, provided that the operating rules recommended by the manufacturer are followed. Inside the station, sewage is purified naturally with the help of microorganisms. The user's task is to periodically introduce a new portion of bacteria to maintain the productive operation of the device.

It is not recommended to dump large amounts of chemicals and household chemicals into the sewer system, which negatively affect the life of microorganisms. It is advisable to ensure that the temperature inside the structure does not fall below +5 degrees and does not rise above +50 degrees.

It is necessary to periodically, but at least once a year, clean the biofilter, which is located in the third compartment of the installation. You need to take it out and rinse it well. If such a need arises, the filter can be replaced.

Over time, solid waste accumulates in the reception area, which needs to be pumped out using a sewer truck. The manufacturer recommends performing this operation no more than once every two years.

However, the frequency of cleaning can be increased or, conversely, reduced depending on the number of people living in the house and the activity of using the treatment plant.

If you don’t want to call a sewer truck to pump out waste and set up filtration fields on the site, then pay attention to the bio-treatment station from the same manufacturer - septic tank Unilos Astra.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video on how to choose a septic tank for a country house:

From the following video you can find out how wastewater is treated in a septic tank:

Septic tank Kedr is an affordable and reliable treatment station that allows you to organize an effective sewage treatment system in your suburban area..

By following the manufacturer's recommendations for operating the installation and performing simple maintenance, you can forget about problems with the sewerage system for many years.

Are you thinking about buying a Kedr septic tank and want to clarify some points? Don’t be shy - ask your questions in the comments to the article, and our experts and other site visitors will try to help you.

Or maybe you are one of the users of such a septic tank? Leave your opinion about the installation, indicate the pros and cons identified during operation, write recommendations - your experience will be extremely useful to many homeowners.