The primary task of the homeowner before installing a deep bio purification station is the correct choice of location. This determines the safety and smooth operation of the entire autonomous sewerage system after the installation work is completed. The rules for selecting a place are written in the current legislation and clearly define the distance between the tank, water supply sources, residential or household premises. If there is a tree next to the septic tank, there are also standards that every owner must adhere to.
How to equip the engineering communication?
Today, country life attracts many people who want to get away from the urban turmoil, poisoned ecology and air, moving to the countryside and rebuilding private mansions there. But most modern settlements are far away from central communications, which forces owners to look for alternative ways to solve communication issues. If the sewage pipeline is very remote from the private mansion, you will have to build an autonomous system using homemade or factory local treatment plant.
Ready-made models of deep bio-purification stations differ from their homemade counterparts in good tightness, high performance, resistance to deformation and cracking. They do not give breaches, excluding the seepage of sewage into the ground and the formation of centers of infection by pathogens. Consequently, they are safe for the surrounding nature and the occupants of the private residence. And the tree next to the factory-made septic tank as well as other plants will be safe. These containers are made of foamed polypropylene or fiberglass plastic, which have unique properties. First of all, it should be noted the high strength of these materials and resistance to various factors, including:
- Chemical reagents;
- Ultraviolet;
- Frost;
- Mechanical loads;
- Extremely low temperatures;
- Earth mass pressure;
- Atmospheric precipitation.
Thanks to the above properties, the products do not give a breach and retain pristine forms throughout the operational period. If you plant a tree next to a factory-made septic tank, you can not worry about it. It will not be threatened by sewage water if the proper distance is maintained. However, you can not plant a tree near the septic tank closer than three meters, so that the root system does not damage the structure and does not push the container to the surface.
The subtleties of installation
The arrangement of an autonomous sewerage system should begin with the correct choice of the model of septic tank, the volume of which is compared with the number of occupants of the mansion. Separately taken person per day consumes a colony of two hundred liters of liquid, therefore, if the house is inhabited by 5 people, the indicator of the daily productivity of the local-cleaning plant should be equal to 1.0 m3. Modern modifications of ready-made septic tanks are well-equipped, high-tech installations with built-in pumping and compressor devices. Electrical equipment provides rapid circulation and drainage of waste water, and compressors are responsible for the artificial injection of oxygen, without which can not live aerobic microorganisms responsible for the decomposition and breakdown of biomass. Human participation in the work of such septic tanks is minimized, the owner will only occasionally have to monitor the engineering communication and clean the tank once or twice a year, depending on the intensity of operation.
There is a standard installation scheme, which is used when installing local-cleaning tanks on country plots. It consists of the following steps:
- Selecting a location;
- Digging an excavation;
- Lowering/fastening of the tank;
- Connecting the electrical equipment;
- System testing.
This is a general scheme, but there are rules that every homeowner must adhere to, which are prescribed in the current regulations. When choosing a location, it is necessary to maintain a certain distance from residential/utility premises, water intake sources, nearby bodies of water or plants. It is unacceptable to have a tree near the septic tank closer than a few meters to avoid cushioning of the system. However, this is not the case with cesspools and other homemade structures of similar design. A tree next to a septic tank of this type can perform the function of draining the soil. Plants absorb the impurities and moisture that accumulate around such pits, preventing them from spreading and polluting the surrounding nature.
Trees near a septic tank
Perennial plant crops near a drain or cesspool are planted for a specific purpose. They do not always pose a danger to such systems. On the contrary, competently planted vegetation brings its benefits. Thanks to the property of bio-drainage, they suck up excess moisture, preventing the seepage of impurities throughout the site. In addition, the owner will less often have to call the sewage collectors and perform pumping from such a primitive tank. But in this case, it is necessary to take into account a number of factors to avoid undesirable consequences. For such purposes, only hygrophytic plants are suitable, which suck up a lot of moisture and also have a decorative function. Even shrubs that consume water in high quantities and drain the ground are suitable.
Linear species
It is better to choose from the fauna that grows in the area where your plot of land is located. Deciduous crops are considered to be the most suitable for such purposes. On average, such species per day consume about one and a half hundred liters of moisture. Among them it is necessary to highlight:
- Birch;
- Oak;
- Willow;
- Maple;
- Alder.
The downy birch is characterized by its unique beauty and snow-white trunk. In addition to the direct function – bio-drainage, it is used for decorative purposes. Such a tree next to the septic tank will become a real decoration of your land plot. Water consumption of oak trees from the first years already reaches 250, and old giants absorb two and a half times more moisture. The water consumption of the oak maple and cherry is similar. And ash is able to absorb about 400 liters per day.
Conifers
Widespread among gardeners and conifers, capable of consuming a lot of moisture. Most often in cottage settlements are found:
- Pine;
- Fir;
- Spruce;
- Metasequoia.
These species adapt well to the climate of different latitudes and survive even in northern regions. Such plant crops do not require special care, and their water consumption coefficient is quite high. In spruce, this indicator varies in the range of 100-250 liters and depends on age. Metasequoia antiqua takes root well in areas with high humidity. It provides good bio-drainage, saving the owners from the need for frequent calls to the sewage collectors to pump out sewage. Various fruit crops or ornamental shrubs are also suitable for such purposes, which perform the function of a bio-pump.
Danger of green plants for septic tanks
In the case of ready-made localized treatment plants, the homeowner should be careful when planting the above mentioned flora. First of all, care must be taken to select the right crop for planting. It is preferable to use green plants that have an undeveloped root system. The roots should be distanced from the pipeline and septic tank at least three meters. This is done to eliminate the impact of the roots on the septic tank housing and to prevent them from extruding to the surface. For example, apple tree roots spread over a two-meter radius area, posing a serious hazard to polypropylene or fiberglass products.
Plant crops with a strong root system can puncture the septic tank housing and cause a breakdown of the entire communication network. As a result, sewage will contaminate the soil and kill all living things in its path. There will also be centers of pollution, where pathogens will multiply, infecting the inhabitants of the cottage. Therefore, it is not recommended to plant a tree next to the factory septic tank to avoid unforeseen situations. And concrete, block or brick makeshift structures will be destroyed under the influence of constantly growing roots. The erosion processes they cause cannot be stopped, even if the owner cuts down the plant. In addition, under the influence of the growing root system, ground movement often occurs. Under the influence of the land mass and roots, the reservoir shifts.
- Pipe damage: Tree roots can penetrate weak or damaged areas of the septic tank piping system. The septic tank’s drainage system or filtration fields contain moisture, making them particularly vulnerable to root invasion. Once roots penetrate the pipes, they can not only destroy their structure but also cause clogs.
- Tightness failure: The root system can press on the septic tank walls or components over time, causing cracks. This can result in sewage leakage, which is not only dangerous to the environment, but also leads to the need for costly repairs.
- Root Deepening: Some tree species have aggressive and deep roots (e.g. willows, poplars, maples). These roots can penetrate deeper into the soil in search of water and oxygen, spreading long distances and penetrating utility systems. The larger the tree, the larger its root system and the greater the risk to the septic tank.
Effects of a septic tank on a tree
A septic tank can negatively affect trees in the vicinity. The main concerns are that the septic tank system changes the soil structure and affects the health of the tree:
- Altering soil composition: Wastewater that is released through a filtration field can change the balance of nutrients in the soil. Excess moisture or chemicals from the septic tank can either saturate the soil or, conversely, poison it. This can cause the tree to either begin to grow rapidly, which is not always beneficial, or begin to die.
- Root Disease and Root Rot: Constant contact with excess moisture or sewage can cause root rot, making the tree vulnerable to disease and insect pests. Gradual root deterioration can cause the tree to weaken, which can then become a site hazard.
- Root Ventilation Problems: Tree roots need access to oxygen, which comes from the soil. If the septic tank causes the soil to become overwatered, this blocks air access and the tree can begin to suffer from a lack of oxygen, leading to weakened immunity.
Alternative solutions
In order to minimize the risks and preserve both the health of the trees and the integrity of the septic tank, several alternative solutions can be considered:
- Use of protective barriers: During the installation phase of the septic tank, special root barriers can be provided to prevent roots from reaching the pipes and tanks. Such barriers are made of dense materials that are impermeable to roots, which helps limit their growth in the desired directions.
- Selecting trees with less aggressive root systems: If you are planning to landscape a site with an installed septic tank, look for trees with less aggressive root systems. Examples of such trees include apple, cherry, and plum trees. They are not prone to rapid and deep root growth and pose less of a threat to the system.
- Tree Planning and Location: If you already have a septic tank, it is wise to plan your tree planting so that it is at a safe distance. According to regulations, the distance from the tree to the septic tank should be at least 5-7 meters, depending on the type of tree. For large trees with aggressive root systems, it is better to increase this distance.
- Professional advice: Before starting to plant trees on a plot with a septic tank, it is recommended to consult with a landscape design specialist or engineer who will help to determine the best places for planting, taking into account the location of utilities.
Conclusion
The operation of biotreatment stations, as well as installation, is carried out taking into account the recommendations of the manufacturers. Violation of the provisions of the instructions will lead to unforeseen situations or accidents, up to complete amortization of the utility network. To A this may lead to the need for complete replacement of sewerage equipment and the purchase of a new local treatment system, which is associated with double costs. Consequently, for competent installation and fulfillment of all the requirements of the legislation or the manufacturer should contact a specialized company that offers the services of highly qualified specialists.
They will select the appropriate version of the equipment according to the needs of your family, perform the necessary calculations, correctly select the location and install the tank with a sewer line connection. They will also advise interested homeowners on the feasibility of planting crops near the local treatment tanks and advise on effective ways to divert waste water. Appeal to professionals will be for the owner will guarantee the exclusion of emergency situations, breakdown of expensive equipment or failures. Ready-made models of septic tanks are not so cheap to buy them anew after each breakdown, and repair is not recommended. Therefore, it is more profitable to take care of them initially, without violating the rules of operation and complying with all the standards prescribed in the regulatory documentation.