When designing a private country house, the issue of private sewerage is acute. Modern technologies do not stand still, and no one considers a drain hole as an acceptable option. By installing a septic tank, you can get almost clean water at the output and solve a lot of maintenance problems.
Choosing a private sewer system is not an easy matter. There are many models on the market from domestic and foreign manufacturers, which, even with a similar appearance, are radically different in price and characteristics. We wrote about how to calculate the required volume of a septic tank, and in this article we will look at two popular models “Topas” and “TOPOL” from Russian manufacturers.
Brand information
Treatment systems from
founded more than 18 years ago. Its production facilities are located in the city of Lobnya near Moscow. It not only produces, but also develops local treatment systems, constantly modernizing them and introducing new technologies. The company has its own research and testing site, where new design and development work is tested. Models are produced designed for small family homes and for servicing large enterprises with several hundred employees.
Septic tanks from
Another leader in the Russian market of autonomous treatment facilities is , which has been producing high-quality septic tanks for more than 10 years, which have proven themselves not only here, but also abroad. They are produced at a facility equipped with modern equipment of domestic and German production. The company's policy is reliability, ease of maintenance and durability.
Topas against main competitors: Unilos, Alta Group, Tver
The main competitor of Topas on the market is the company Unilos
.
Astra
brand line is not inferior in diversity. There are both small septic tanks for summer cottages and large-scale systems for permanent residences. The prices are approximately the same, but in terms of the number of dealer and service centers, Unilos is slightly ahead of its competitor. There are official representative offices in 12 cities, including in the Far East.
Unlike Unilos, the Tver
does not follow the path of blind copying. Its septic tanks are very different from Topas products. First of all, appearance and design. If at Topas we mainly see round or square containers, then at Tver these are rectangular structures with longitudinal placement of chambers. It cannot be said that this is an advantage or a disadvantage, but in some situations this form factor is the most convenient for placement. When it comes to variety, Topas wins here. But the prices are a little lower; in Tver they are slightly lower.
Alta Group
(Alta Group) is a company with European roots that produces septic tanks, wastewater treatment plants and cellars for private homes. The catalog is very extensive, but if we talk specifically about treatment facilities, then the company is much inferior to Topas. There is little variety. You can choose the shape and size, but there are not many positions in terms of performance. In addition, Alta Group septic tanks are relatively expensive. But they are widely represented in all major retail stores.
If we talk about the quality of septic tanks: degree of purification, reliability, convenience and durability, then there will be no clear leader. All of these brands produce quality products that deserve attention. Prices and other nuances may differ, but with generally equal characteristics, the reliability of the device will be the same.
| Brand | Prices | Variety in the catalog | Service centers |
| Topol-eco (Topas) | + + | + + | + |
| Unilos (Astra) | + | + + | + + |
| Tver | + | + | — |
| Alta Group | — | — | + |
Price and warranty for septic tanks
Price is one of the main criteria when choosing equipment for a private sewer system. Equipment that is too cheap will not last long and will lead to even greater material costs for repairs and refurbishment. But there’s no point in overpaying for unnecessary options. We have already written how to choose a septic tank of optimal volume. To compare our models, let’s take several analogues and present prices and warranty periods in a summary table:
| Model | Price | Guarantee period |
| For a family of 3-5 people | ||
| "Topas" 5 Pr | 110340 rub. | 5 years housing, 3 years electronics |
| Eco-Grand (“TOPOL”) 5 Pr | 105,000 rub. | 3 years housing, 1 year electronics |
| Serves 8-10 people | ||
| "Topas" 10 Long | 178650 rub. | 5 years housing, 3 years electronics |
| Eco-Grand (“POPLAR”)10 Long | 171000 rub. | 3 years housing, 1 year electronics |
| To serve 40-50 people | ||
| "Topas" 50 | 459900 rub. | 5 years housing, 3 years electronics |
| Eco-Grand (“TOPOL”) 50 | 442,000 rub. | 3 years housing, 1 year electronics |
As can be seen from the table, the products of both brands are in the same price category, and the warranty period is also the same.
Type and characteristics
In order to more clearly understand the differences between the Topas and Topol septic tanks, let us present in the table the main characteristics of a budget model for equipping a local cleaning system for a house in which a family of 3-5 people lives.
| Parameter | ""Topas" 5" | ""TOPLAR" (Eco-Grand) 5" |
| Type | A device with an operating principle based on deep biological purification and oxidation of organic substances with oxygen | A device with an operating principle based on deep biological purification and oxidation of organic substances with oxygen |
| Housing material | Foamed polypropylene | Sheet polypropylene |
| Case shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
| Processing volume | 1 m3 per day. | 1.1 m3 per day. |
| Salvo release | 220 l | 250 l |
| Weight | 230 kg | 230 kg |
| Availability of alarm system | No. Can be installed as an additional option | No. Can be installed as an additional option |
| Electronics | 2 ARIMAC compressors made in Taiwan | 2 Japanese-made HIBLOW compressors |
| Anti-clog protection | Airlift washing | Airlift washing |
As can be seen from the table, these two models are similar in both shape and volume, and electronics. The main difference between Topas septic tanks is the body material. Foamed polypropylene outperforms other types in quality and reliability. It is dense and difficult to damage. Sheet is more fragile and can crack under load.
One of the main differences between “Topas” and the “TOPOL” Eco-Grand septic tank is the material from which the body is made. According to this parameter, the product definitely wins!
Biological treatment station Topas for suburban areas
1. For servicing country houses and cottages, as well as small industrial and commercial facilities, it is recommended to choose Topas 5-20 septic tanks.
2. More powerful models Topas 30-75 are intended for small hotels, sports complexes and other facilities. They can also be used to service large cottages with swimming pools and sauna complexes on the site.
3. Models Topas 100-150 are designed for centralized maintenance of the sewer system of small villages.
4. One of the most popular models can be considered Topas-5, whose performance is sufficient to serve the needs of an average family of up to 5 people.
It is precisely these installations that consumers often choose for small country houses or summer cottages. This septic tank model is capable of processing up to 1,000 liters of wastewater per day, while a single-stage volley discharge of water up to 220 liters is allowed.
An important advantage is the small overall dimensions of the installation, amounting to 2500 × 1100 × 1200 mm, while the weight is only 230 kg.
These factors make installation easy and quick without the use of special equipment, although the efforts of several workers will be required.
Since these installations are energy-dependent, the electricity consumption per day will be 1.5 kW.
5. Another popular septic tank model for families is Topas-8 with a daily waste volume of 1,500 liters. The remaining parameters also differ from the characteristics of the previous model by the corresponding amount.
Such septic tanks can be used for houses with up to 8 people living in them or can be installed in areas with small swimming pools, and the number of residents must be less than that stated in the labeling.
Some features of the Topas septic tank model range
Topas cleaning stations are available in several modifications, differing in some design features and technical characteristics. If the product labeling contains a letter designation:
- “Long”, this indicates that the depth of the inlet sewer pipe can be from 800 to 1,400 mm. At the same time, septic tanks of this series have an elongated neck for more convenient connection of equipment and its operation. As a rule, models with this marking are installed in conditions with a large depth of soil freezing in winter;
- “Pr” is a special marking for septic tanks with a forced water drainage system using an additional drainage pump. Recommended for installation in areas with high groundwater levels;
- “Us” - this marking is assigned to products with the function of enhanced water drainage. Such septic tanks are used in cases where the tank is located at a depth of more than 1,400 mm from the level of the outlet sewer pipe.
Standard septic tank models are designed for installation in areas with normal geological conditions, and the inlet can be located at a depth of 800 to 1,400 mm.
Factory equipment and additional options
This parameter is also important when comparing, because the cost of additional equipment often reaches half, or even more, of the total bill for a private sewer system. Let's take a closer look at the configuration of the models from our review.
The Topas septic tank is supplied from the factory in the following configuration:
- Plastic tank.
- Aerators.
- Air distributor.
- Airlifts.
- Inlet pipe made of polypropylene, 110 mm in diameter, 2.7 mm wall.
- Polypropylene rod for soldering the pipe.
- 2 AirMac compressors 2 pcs.
By ordering “TOPLAR” you will receive:
- The septic tank itself is made of polypropylene.
- Technological equipment (airlifts, air distributor, aerator).
- Plastic (polypropylene) pipe for inserting a pipe suitable from the house, with a diameter of 110 cm.
- Plastic rod for soldering and sealing.
- Hailea compressor.
Both of these septic tanks are equipped the same way and you don’t need to buy anything else to get them started.
The following can be offered as additional equipment for both systems:
- Emergency alarm. This is an important element to pay attention to. It consists of a sensor and a warning light on the lid and is triggered when the water rises to a critical level.
- Drainage pump for pumping wastewater.
There is a special mushroom on the lid of the Topas tank to supply fresh air to the compressors, which reduces the risk of overheating. Topol doesn’t have this.
You can learn more about how a septic tank works, what problems may arise, and what else you can purchase for trouble-free sewer operation here.
Appearance
The Topas septic tank is represented by a welded polypropylene container in the shape of a parallelepiped, ending with a green hatch. The lid rises 20 cm above ground level and harmonizes in color with the vegetation. The design is suitable for year-round use. No special insulation measures are required. Stable operation of the unit is achieved by air heated to 60-70 degrees, supplied from the compressor, by the activity of bacteria that produce heat, as well as by thermal insulation of the hatch. In case of a sharp drop in temperature or prolonged frosts, it is recommended to insulate the lid, ensuring air supply through the air intake.
Design and principle of operation of septic tanks “Topas” and “TOPOL”
Both of these systems operate on the principle of deep biological purification and oxidation of organic substances with oxygen. For this purpose, activated suspended sludge with aerobic microorganisms is used in both the first and second. Water alternately enters the chambers, in each of which it is purified from certain substances (nitrogen, nitrates, ammonia). The output is 98% purified and can be disposed of in open ground. It is stated that the quality of cleaning is the same for both, but according to observations, the cleaning of “TOPOL” Eco Grand” is slightly worse (95% versus 98%) than that of “Topas”.
How does Topas work?
Water flows through a pipe into the receiver, which is divided into several compartments. It contains an aerator that pumps oxygen into the drains. As a result of its work, fractional separation by size occurs, and the activity of microorganisms that decompose organic matter is activated. Activated sludge is also supplied to this chamber from the settling tank. Next, the airlifts pump the contents into the aeration tank, where it is saturated with oxygen and separated. Precipitation falls in the form of silt, but clean water remains on the surface. The sludge moves to a settling tank, from which it must be pumped out periodically. The active part of it is supplied to the receiver again. The clarified water enters the next chamber, which in this model has the shape of a truncated pyramid and is discharged outside.
How does TOPOL work?
In this system, the set of cameras is similar to the previous one. The wastewater enters the receiving compartment, where it is mixed with sludge. Undissolved particles settle at the bottom, the rest of the contents enter the aeration tank using an airlift. There they pass through a coarse filter, in which undissolved large elements are removed. The mass is saturated with oxygen and decomposed by aerobic bacteria. The sediment that falls to the bottom is pumped into a sludge receptacle, from which it is partially fed back into the receiving chamber, and the rest is removed during maintenance. Clarified water is discharged outside through the second chamber, purified by 95-98%.
Features of installation of septic tanks
Both of these models have the same shape and operating principle, so they are mounted in the same way. The installation process includes the following steps:
- Equipping a pit and digging a trench for supply pipes.
- Placing the septic tank in the pit and securing it. Preservation is necessary for the Topas septic tank, like the TOPLAR septic tank, only if it is not used constantly. To do this, turn off the power, disconnect and remove all electrical equipment. Airlifts are washed under pressure (you can use a Karcher apparatus). After this, the contents are pumped out and the tank is filled with clean water to the level of the inlet pipe. The lid is closed and insulated, for example with polystyrene foam. You can do the work yourself, our recommendations are here, or you can turn to Septic North-West employees for help.
What to consider when choosing and before purchasing
Before purchasing a septic tank, clearly decide how many people will use it and how often. It is also worth deciding on the type of soil, knowing what the groundwater level is and how it behaves (constantly elevated, rising under certain conditions, etc.). We will try to highlight the advantages and indicate the disadvantages of the described septic tanks to make it easier for you to navigate and choose the appropriate model.
Pay attention to the following septic tanks from Eco-Grand (“TOPOL”)
Septic tank Eco-Grand (TOPOL) 3 Pr
| More details | Users: up to 1-3 people Salvo discharge: 170 l. Processing volume: 0.65 m3/day Price: 78,200 rub. |
Septic tank Eco-Grand (POPOL) 8
| More details | Users: up to 6-8 people Salvo discharge: 470 l. Processing volume: 1.9 m3/day Price: 99,450 rub. |
Advantages and disadvantages of Topas
Advantages:
- More durable body with thermal insulation.
- Larger working volume.
- Two compressors are supplied, which operate in different phases.
- It does not stop functioning in the absence of drains, but switches to aeration mode.
- The warranty period is longer.
Flaws:
"TOPOL" - pros and cons
Pros:
- Slightly smaller in size with the same performance.
- There are lugs.
- Larger volley discharge, which allows you to connect more plumbing fixtures.
- The price is slightly lower than that of a competitor.
Minuses:
- The delivery includes 1 compressor and operates in one phase with switching through a solenoid valve. It is sensitive to voltage changes, and you need to install a stabilizer.
- Airlift only works in the forward phase. This affects performance and power consumption.
- Smaller working volume.
- HIBLOW compressors tolerate high humidity less well than ARIMAC.
- The warranty is shorter, especially for electrical equipment.
Top 1. TopAero 6 Long
Rating (2021): 4.85
The best combination of characteristics of a septic tank with a capacity of 6 cubic meters and energy consumption of less than 6 kilowatts per day. The best ratio of technical parameters.
- Characteristics
Average price: 486,300 rub.
- Users: up to 30
- Capacity (m3): 6
- Salvo discharge (l): 1300
- Energy consumption (kW/day): 5.8
- Pipe depth (cm): 95-135
- Structure weight (kg): 800
A powerful septic tank for a group of households with a capacity of 6 cubic meters per day. Up to 30 people can use the system at the same time, and the salvo discharge is 1300 liters. If we consider other Topas models with such parameters, then we will see energy consumption of 7-10 kilowatts per day. Here it is only 5.8 kilowatts, which is the main advantage of TopAero 6 Long. Another plus is related to the design features. The septic tank is almost square, shallow. The maximum height of pipes from the surface is 95 centimeters. Excellent data, since the system is suitable for use in any latitudes, including northern ones.
“Topas” and “TOPOL” - what they have in common and how they differ
So, we looked at septic tank models from two well-known ones on the market and EcoGrand. They are almost identical in operating principle and design. And their price is also at the same level. A septic tank “TOPOL” is somewhat cheaper when installing 1 compressor; you can save about 15,000-20,000 thousand. The only difference is in the following parameters:
- Working volume.
- Salvo release.
- Execution material.
- Airlift operating method.
Otherwise, both of these septic tanks:
- Eco-friendly.
- They have a high degree of wastewater treatment.
- Durable.
- Durable.
- They consume little electricity.
- They have a low noise level.
- Easy to maintain.
Eurolos Pro or BIO: which is better?
Both stations are designed for biological treatment, the containers are cylindrical, made of polypropylene, serviced once every six months.
In Eurolos PRO there are 4 sections with airlifts and overflows, the liquid is moved forcibly, cleaned with special equipment that can be easily removed, a pump can be installed in a separate compartment to remove purified water. If there is no power supply, the movement of fluid through the airlifts stops. This is a septic tank for high groundwater ; installation does not require a concrete slab or anchor.
In Eurolos BIO there are 3 sections, the liquid moves by gravity through pipes and holes in the partitions. From the last chamber, the pump returns wastewater to the bioload placed in the first. In the absence of electricity, the equipment operates like a regular sump tank, the level of purification is reduced to 75%.
conclusions
If you need a compressor for your dacha, which you will not use all year round without subjecting it to increased load, then it will be quite enough to purchase a “TOPLER”. It is also suitable for installation in soil where the groundwater level is high.
The Topas septic tank has a better-quality body and does not have an electromagnetic valve, which often fails. Its electronics perform better in humid conditions. And the manufacturer provides more warranty on the housing and electrical equipment. This septic tank costs a little more, but when you buy a “TOPOL” with two pumps, the price of both systems is equalized.
If you still have questions and cannot make a choice, contact our consultants.
sprinkle the tank with sand and fill it with water to balance the pressure inside and outside.
Some models have special protrusions at the bottom and where the neck is attached. These are lugs that prevent the septic tank from floating when it is empty and the groundwater level rises.
"Topas" does not have such devices. In principle, this is not so important if your groundwater level does not rise. But even in this case, you can install the system, just do not leave it without water.
Maintenance and conservation
According to the recommendations for the Topas system, pumping should be done once every 3-4 months. You can do this yourself if you install a drainage pump. You can find our recommendations for cleaning this system here. Service maintenance of electronics with the involvement of a specialist is carried out at least once every six months.
Topol has other recommendations - pumping is carried out at intervals of two years, maintenance with cleaning of airlifts, filters, and checking of aerators is carried out once every 6 months.
Biodeka or Volgar
Biodeck is reliable and popular, the thickness of the polypropylene walls is up to 10 mm, and is sold at an average price. The cylindrical shape ensures low weight, which allows installation without special equipment. Liquid circulates through the airlifts, and the system rarely becomes clogged. This is a good option for any type of residence if the site has clayey or heavily waterlogged soil.
Volgar is the best analogue of the Biodeki station, the price is slightly lower, the degree of purification is no different. Installed manually, can be installed on quicksand, clay, or with high groundwater. Self-service possible. Clogs less often than Biodeka.
