How to seal well rings. Waterproofing septic tanks made of concrete rings

The construction of a well is always accompanied by the protection and strengthening of the walls with waterproof materials. If the design is based on reinforced concrete rings, then they will be reliable, durable and hygienic, because the material does not contribute to the growth of bacteria. The system will protect against seepage of ground and surface water, but only if it is sufficiently protected. Therefore, at the construction stage, the well must be waterproofed using concrete rings.

The need for work

Concrete is not destroyed by moisture. The main feature of this material is that it allows water to pass through well if it has not been waterproofed. Because of this, the properties of the structure will be exposed to moisture when in contact with wet concrete, this includes metal and wood. Rust will grow throughout the reinforcement, deforming it and making it less durable. This causes the destruction of the entire structure.

Waterproofing a well made of concrete rings is necessary to prevent the material from absorbing moisture. Reinforced concrete rings are subject to such protection even at the production stage. Typically suppliers use the following waterproofing methods:

• constructive;
• technological;
• use of waterproof cement.

The first method involves treating products with water-repellent substances after manufacturing. At the production stage, technological waterproofing is used, this should include the technology of compacting concrete that is still in the molds. The material is subjected to centrifugation, vibrocompression and vacuum removal of excess moisture.

Moisture protection can also be ensured by adding various water repellents to concrete. These ingredients begin to work after the concrete hardens, swell and clog pores and microcracks. This provides concrete with the ability to withstand moisture. These measures contribute to the rise in price of reinforced concrete rings, but if you decide to save on rings, then it is important to seal the seams and joints between structural elements. This will provide long-term protection against rot, corrosion, mold and mildew.

Waterproofing materials

Waterproofing a well made of concrete rings may involve the use of one or more materials. They can be classified according to internal and external purposes. The last option involves using a clay castle, but this method cannot be called the only one. Internal insulation is a treatment of the following types of materials:

• injection;
• penetrating;
• coating

Before waterproofing a well made of concrete rings, it is important to correctly determine the method of protection, which depends on the degree of mineralization of groundwater. A private developer does not have the opportunity to choose some technologies, because they involve the use of special equipment.

Use of ready-made structures

To ensure high reliability of the waterproofing layer, plastic liners are used. They have standard sizes, but they are slightly taller than the rings, so the cylinders will have to be trimmed during use. Their use completely eliminates the risk of contaminated wastewater entering the soil or groundwater inside the structure.

Before installing the tabs, holes are made in them for the inlet pipes. These places are cleaned and treated with silicone sealant. The connection should not be rigid, since when the structure moves due to changes in the soil, it may crack. A jigsaw is used to adjust the cylinders to the desired height.

After the end of the winter cold, the functionality of the septic tank must be checked. It is necessary to determine whether there are holes or displacement of the concrete rings. Restoration of tightness is carried out as soon as possible.

The use of any materials to seal the septic tank from the inside will protect against unwanted consequences that are possible when wastewater gets into the soil. For maximum effectiveness, it is better to combine protection methods. Do not neglect the rules for preparing insulating mixtures, since their technical characteristics depend on this.

Waterproofing methods: injection waterproofing

The dimensions of the concrete rings are not the only thing that is important to choose for the correct operation of the system. It is also necessary to provide water protection. Injection materials are the case when you should seek help from specialists. Waterproofing of this kind is expensive, but you won’t have to do it again, because the material is ready to last as long as the entire structure will be used.

Polymer compounds are pumped into the material, plugging cracks and pores. The advantages of this method of moisture protection are:

• possibility of using for insulation of new structures;
• possibility of repairing well waterproofing;
• no need for surface preparation;
• the ability to eliminate gushing and pressure leaks.

However, such waterproofing of a well from groundwater also has some disadvantages, among them the high cost and the need to use high-pressure pumping equipment should be highlighted.

Sprayable water barrier

This type of insulation allows you to create a monolithic, seamless layer. Water-repellent emulsions are sprayed onto the surface of concrete rings under high pressure. The composition penetrates into splits, cracks, pores and completely fills them, blocking drains in a confined space.

The spraying composition contains a polymer composite, water and fillers such as talc, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, barium sulfate.

The use of waterproofing applied by spraying provides many advantages:

1. Speed ​​of execution.
2. Excellent adhesion to concrete surfaces.
3. Fast hardening.
4. Durability. It can be used for up to 20 years without loss of initial efficiency.
5. Resistant to rapid temperature changes.

Sprayed waterproofing significantly improves the performance characteristics of the septic tank, thereby preventing the penetration of wastewater into the soil surrounding the structure.

To spray waterproofing you will need special equipment. This is an expensive method, but very effective.

This type of waterproofing provides adhesion to the surface of concrete rings at the molecular level. It can be applied over the old layer by spraying. The main thing is to remove excess moisture from the surface before doing this.

Solid elastic coating materials

This solution can be used for waterproofing wells, swimming pools and foundations. Application is carried out on prepared substrates, and then the material is left until dry. After this, the waterproofing acquires:

• elasticity;
• high tensile strength;
• resistance to low temperatures.

The most popular solution on the domestic market is the Spanish product Tekmadray Elast, which is a two-component coating. DuPont products have also proven themselves well, as has the Italian Mapei. If you want to save money, you should purchase Russian waterproofing “Rastro”, which will be cheaper than its foreign counterparts. Waterproofing the well seams can be done using a tape sealant such as Rubber Elast.

External well waterproofing technology

When constructing a well, external waterproofing measures are usually taken. If we are talking about the need to protect the old structure, then a fairly large amount of excavation work will have to be carried out. For this purpose, roll materials, for example, roofing felt, are usually used. However, penetrating protection can also be used.

The surface should be prepared. The outer walls of the structure open as much as possible. To do this, dig the ground around the well to a depth of 4 m. The base is cleaned of dirt. If you have to work with an old structure, then you may see some parts of the reinforcement that have become exposed during operation. They should be cleaned and treated with an anti-corrosion compound.

If the waterproofing of a well is being repaired, the walls must be covered with soil; you can use “Betonkontakt” or a bitumen-rubber composition, which have proven themselves well, as well as cement-sand mortar, to which PVA glue is added. The composition is left to dry, and then bitumen or tar mastic is applied to it. Roofing felt is glued onto its surface, the seams between the sheets should be coated with mastic. When choosing penetrating insulation, you should skip the step of priming the walls. They are moistened and coated with Penetron, leaving them to dry for three days. The surface should be moistened periodically.

Traditional bitumen method

Despite the fact that hot bitumen gives the impression of an impenetrable protective material, even the slightest temperature changes have a destructive effect on it. In order to maximally strengthen the concrete structure in combination with the bitumen-gasoline mixture, bitumen mastics are used, which contain additional strengthening substances.

Sequencing:

1. The first step is to clean the inside and outside of the concrete from dirt and dust.
2. After this, you need to apply the first layer of bitumen-gasoline mixture using a compressor . Moreover, if the first layer of the protective mixture is prepared in a ratio of one to three, then the next two layers are prepared in an equal ratio of the two components.
3. As the first layer dries, you need to apply a second layer of hot bitumen with a brush, after it has dried, you need to apply a third final layer of hot bitumen.
4. After waiting until the previously applied bitumen has completely cooled down, you need to apply a layer of mastic of at least two to three millimeters.
5. As a final layer on top of the mastic, you need to stick roofing felt or some other material that has the properties of a sealant.

An obvious and clear advantage of using this sealing method is the ease of implementation and low cost of the materials used.

Of course, this traditional method of waterproofing also has its disadvantages, which are:

• In the absence of 100% protection of the well from contamination.
• It is impossible to use this method for internal waterproofing.

Still, the bitumen method of waterproofing is time-tested, so you shouldn’t write it off for the slightest errors, and besides, it is much more affordable in cost than other more modern materials, and this is also important.

Internal waterproofing

Waterproofing the well from the inside should begin after pumping out the water. It is important to ensure that the level does not rise until the work is completed. The internal surfaces are cleaned with a wire brush, it is important to remove dirt, moss and loose concrete. The cracks and joints should be cleaned and deepened, only then can waterproofing measures begin.

If leaks open during this, they can be sealed with Aquafix or analogues of this substance. Megacret-40 repair compound is excellent for cracks. Once the layers have dried, the walls of the well must be moistened and applied using a wide brush. The technology requires compliance with SNiP; waterproofing of a well from concrete rings, according to the rules, is applied as the first layer to the moistened surface. The second coat should be applied without wetting. It will take 24 hours for the materials to harden; during this time it is important to ensure that the water does not rise.

Plaster under pressure

This method of waterproofing should be chosen in the warm season, when the air temperature does not drop below five degrees, since only in this case the cement will be able to dry and adhere well. In addition to cement mortar, a special gun will be required to perform this work.

Waterproofing with plaster should be carried out as follows:

• must be applied to concrete joints ; its thickness must be at least seven centimeters.
• The second layer of plaster can be applied only after the first has completely dried.

In practice, it usually takes about two weeks to dry one layer of plaster.

When carrying out this work in the summer heat, if the intervals between lubrication with plaster are more than three hours, then the cement must be sprayed with water before each new use. If the work is done on a cool day, then it is enough to add water to the cement once.

Additional information about waterproofing with bituminous materials

Waterproofing a well made of concrete rings with bitumen mastic is carried out quite often. This technology is most suitable for outdoor protection. The surface is prepared, cleaned and coated with a primer that will be able to provide a good degree of adhesion. For sewerage and technological structures, you can use a composition of three parts gasoline and part bitumen. In order to achieve high quality waterproofing, the seams should additionally be taped with bentonite rubber tape. Instead, CeresitCL 152 tape is sometimes used.

After drying, you can begin repairing the rings, repairing chips, cracks and potholes. For this you should use cement mortar. After this, the surface is primed again, coated with tar mastic, because bitumen can crack, after which you can begin gluing the roll waterproofing in 3 layers. It is recommended to treat all seams and joints with mastic and fill them with soil. It is better to make a blind area around the concrete well after the soil has subsided.

Reasons for waterproofing concrete rings

The main reasons why such ring wells require mandatory waterproofing are as follows:

1. Water, especially the aggressive environment of septic tanks, leads to leaching (destruction) of concrete;
2. Corrosion of unprotected reinforcement frame;
3. It is possible that the well will overflow with rising groundwater. In addition to overflowing the well, they also lead to the destruction of concrete structures;
4. Seepage of fecal fluid from inside a well into the soil. This causes it to become infected. An unpleasant odor appears in the area around it.

For these reasons, it is more profitable to seal the structure than to periodically carry out major repairs.

Septic tanks

Most often, septic tanks (overflow wells) have such a concrete structure. They consist of 2-3 tanks connected to each other by overflow pipes. Septic tanks are designed to collect sewage from a private home. Insoluble impurities of such wastewater settle at the bottom of the first reservoirs. The water, cleared of impurities, is poured by gravity through a pipe with an inclination into the next tank. In this case, the solid and liquid phases of the wastewater are separated. The last, filtering, tank has no bottom.

Displacement of the well rings can cause destruction of the insulation between them. The upper ring is subject to the most damage due to soil freezing. Therefore, when installing each one, it is necessary to provide for its fastening with neighboring ones: brackets, rings with locks, etc.

If displacement cannot be completely prevented, it is worth paying attention to those types of insulation that are not afraid of such movement.

Methods for waterproofing wells at the installation stage

1. Tongue-and-ridge rings. When constructing septic tanks, it is advisable to use tongue-and-groove rings. Specially designed gaskets and seals can be placed between them. The seams can also be treated with liquid glass.
2. Clay castle. One of the effective methods of sealing such tanks is to make a clay castle. To do this, the outer side of the structure is covered with clay without sand impurities and compacted layer by layer. Thanks to this waterproof layer, groundwater does not destroy the concrete and does not seep into the tank. Waterproofing rings with a clay lock in combination with other insulation methods is especially effective.
3. Plastering treatment. Using a pressure gun, several layers of non-shrinking cement are applied to the walls of the well. Each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one has completely dried (from 3 to 12 hours). When the layer dries, it is periodically moistened. The main disadvantage of this method is its labor intensity.
4. Plastic insert. A plastic sealed insert (wall thickness 8-25 mm) with stiffeners and a hatch is mounted in the well. The space between the concrete rings and the insert is filled with concrete or cement mixture. This significantly increases the service life of the septic tank.

Clay castle

Clay has always been an excellent sealant and barrier to water

• The well is dug from the outside, freeing 3-4 rings or about the same number of meters, filled with clay, and compacted well.
• The clay should be free of sand and soil to prevent water from reaching the well.
• You can fill the recess with cement mortar, which is prepared in the following way.
• Tools and raw materials are being prepared. Mixing container, cement, sand, electric drill or shovel, water.
• One part of the cement is diluted in a container with water and thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous cement laitance is obtained. Add 3 parts of fine, dry sand to it and mix it just as well with a shovel or drill. If the waterproofing work was carried out correctly and in compliance with all recommendations, then the taste of drinking water will be excellent.

Types of sealing

There are other methods of sealing such structures. For example, injection and polymer sealing. However, due to the complexity of implementation and high cost, they have not found widespread use.

Methods for waterproofing wells after their installation:

1. Concrete, cement insulation. Sealing of joints can be done with concrete mixtures containing glass. Cement is also used in combination with liquid nails.
2. Penetrating waterproofing. It is considered one of the most effective. If you apply such a composition from the inside and outside of the ring or the bottom of the well, the solution will saturate the concrete to its entire thickness. Crystallizing, it will fill existing voids and cracks. This increases the service life of the well and prevents its destruction. The same type of insulation exists for seams. But applying it to the outside of the mounted structure requires an increased diameter of the well pit. The disadvantages of this processing method include the relative high cost and labor intensity.
3. Bitumen insulation. This is a classic, inexpensive type of insulation for a concrete ring and the seams between them. But in its pure form, bitumen is susceptible to cracking and is unstable to low temperatures. Therefore, manufacturers of such mastics use additives that increase their frost resistance and adhesion (adhesion to the surface). This mastic is applied to concrete using a cold method. If necessary, it is diluted with diesel fuel. The advantages of this method: low cost and ease of implementation.

Attention: it is prohibited to perform bitumen waterproofing in wells with drinking water.

1. Polymer cement mixtures. Waterproofing a septic tank made of concrete rings with polymer-cement mixtures (for example, cement-coating) is cheaper than using bitumen materials. They also have a longer service life. This septic tank waterproofing is applied with a brush to the rings in two layers using the “wet on wet” method, i.e. Applying a second layer does not require the first to dry.

Popular brands of waterproofing include: Penetron, Penekrit, Lakhta, Hydrotex, Bastion RB 1, Tekmadray, Gidrostop, Aquastop. Insulation work is carried out in accordance with the instructions attached to it.

The prevailing opinion about the unnecessaryness of waterproofing concrete septic tanks can be easily refuted this coming spring. Therefore, you should not rely on chance. Carry out the insulation work correctly, and you will not have to redo the well in the near future.

Waterproofing a well is one of the most difficult types of waterproofing work. Without high-quality waterproofing of concrete rings, structures made from them are of little use as a source of drinking water. The special requirements for septic tanks and drinking wells allow the use of only a limited range of materials that do not pose a danger to humans and the environment. This article discusses the waterproofing of a well made of concrete rings.

A well is an indispensable attribute of a suburban, rural, or summer cottage site. There are three types of wells according to their purpose:

• 1. Wells for drinking water. Over time, the walls of the well gradually lose their waterproofing properties and particles of soil and clay, products of agricultural and other activities, ground salts and much more get into clean water. This is why wells of this type require very high-quality external waterproofing.
• 2. Sewer well or septic tank. In this case, the hydraulic protection should work differently - to prevent contamination of the soil surrounding the well.
• 3. Technological (dry) well for servicing the water supply and sanitation system. We can say that these are a kind of technical rooms in which various systems, for example, water supply, are located. There should be no moisture in such wells and there should be high-quality waterproofing both inside and outside.

Each of the three types of wells must have completely sealed walls so that the external moisture of their upper soil layers does not get inside, or vice versa - contaminated water does not leak from the septic tank into the ground. To do this, it is imperative to carry out such measures as waterproofing the well, especially if it is built of concrete rings. The fact is that, depending on the number of rings, there will be the same number of circular seams in the well through which water exchange will occur.

Figure No. 1. Drinking well

If these requirements are not met, the consequences can be very unpleasant - from poisoning with poor-quality water to contamination of water-bearing levels, surrounding water bodies, or failure of water supply equipment.

Waterproofing for a drinking well excludes the most effective materials, for example, bitumen-polymer mastics, as they give the water an unpleasant taste and are potentially hazardous to health.

If you plan to place both a septic tank and a drinking well on your site, then keep in mind that the distance from the well to the septic tank must be at least 15 meters. The most important thing is that the septic tank is located below the well according to the terrain.

Sealing technology

To decide how and with what to seal the seams in the well, you need to see if water is leaking from them, since the technology for repairing dry and wet seams is different.

Preliminary work

Before sealing the seams between the rings in the well, you should carry out some preparatory measures:

Clean the walls of the shaft from dirt, algae and other deposits using mechanical cleaning methods or a stream of water under high pressure;

Cleaning with a Karcher high-pressure device

• Remove destroyed concrete from the seams, beat it off where it is cracked and does not hold well;
• Widen and deepen the seams and clean them.

In short, the surface to be repaired must be clean and durable.

The photo shows the brackets securing the concrete rings

Repair of dry seams and cracks

The seams in the well are sealed using dry mixtures mixed with water. The most affordable option is cement and sand. But such a composition will not last long under the influence of moisture and frost, and will begin to deteriorate again. To prevent this from happening, liquid glass is introduced into the mixture.

When working with it, you should remember that it hardens very quickly, so the seams need to be prepared in advance for sealing, and only enough mortar should be made that you can use in 5-10 minutes. The process itself consists of covering the seams with mortar using a spatula, as is done when plastering walls.

Sealing joints with cement mortar

When deciding how best to seal the seams in the well, do not try to simplify your work and use various sealants, polyurethane foam or epoxy resin for this purpose. At best, you will not achieve the desired effect; at worst, you will harm the quality of drinking water and make it unsafe for consumption.

Repair of leaking seams

If water leaks through the cracks and potholes in the walls of the well, it is pointless to seal them with cement mortar - it will wash out before it has time to set and harden. How to cover the seams in the well in this case?

For this purpose, quickly hardening expanding materials are used - so-called hydroseals (HydroStop, Waterplug, Peneplug and others). They harden very quickly, without forming cracks and reliably sealing the leak.

Fast setting waterproofing mixture

Hydroseals are absolutely waterproof, resistant to temperature changes, thawing salts and other aggressive influences. Their only drawback is their high price. A three-kilogram bag costs on average 800-1000 rubles.

Waterproofing seams in a well using a hydraulic seal is possible in two ways:

Just a solution. It is prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions - most often it is diluted in a clean container with water heated to 20 degrees in a ratio of 5:1. the proportion may vary depending on the size of the defect. The solution is mixed in a small amount, as it hardens quickly, stir very quickly and press into the pre-embroidered hole with your own hands. Then it is held manually for 2-3 minutes.

If the groundwater behind the walls of the well is under pressure, and the flow between the rings is very strong, you can try the following method. Using a hammer drill, drill one or two holes 15-20 cm below the leaking seam.

Water will rush into them, the pressure between the rings will weaken or disappear altogether, and sealing the seams in the well will be easier. When the solution has set, the holes can be filled with wooden choppers adjusted to size and also covered.

When working with a hammer drill, remember the close proximity of water and electricity, follow safety precautions

Unfortunately, even the best well repair cannot guarantee that leaks will not appear in other places over time. Therefore, it is necessary not only to waterproof the well seams, but also to treat the entire inner surface of the shaft with special elastic compounds.

After drying, they create a continuous film, sealing all small cracks and preventing them from growing. The composition adheres well to the surface and is resistant to water and frost.

If the upper seams are constantly leaking and coming apart, it makes sense to seal them not only from the inside, but also from the outside, by digging out the soil around the well. After completing the repair work, it is advisable to build a clay castle around the source or make a blind area.

Reasons for possible leaks in concrete wells

Water can penetrate into the well or from the inside out not only through the joints between the rings. Also problematic is the place where the pipe enters, leakage through poorly executed bottom waterproofing, or cracks that may arise, which can be caused by improper installation, poor-quality concrete, or temperature changes in winter. Another common cause of leaks in concrete sewer wells is a constant aggressive environment, due to which the concrete gradually breaks down and moisture leaks out.

Therefore, waterproofing the well must be done both from the inside of the walls and from the outside.

Figure No. 2. Waterproofing a well made of concrete rings

Why is it leaking?

The well installation technology involves a modular reinforced concrete structure, which is fixed with sand-cement mortar to ensure strength, sealing and waterproofing. According to the builders, the mixture should penetrate between the joints, using the irregularities to seal the well. The hardened mixture actually copes with its task for 1 to three years, after which it collapses and begins to let water through.

Well seal failure occurs for the following reasons:

1. The mortar is not intended for sealing and waterproofing: high humidity, temperature changes and exposure to salts.

2. If the soil has seasonal movements, then the trunk moves horizontally.

3. The upper rings in northern latitudes shift horizontally and vertically due to frost heaving, which disrupts the tightness and waterproofing of the mine.

4. The appearance of quicksand, due to which the structure sags or moves.

5. Poor quality concrete rings, which causes through cracks to appear.

You say: “So what? The water quality hasn’t deteriorated yet, so why would I spend money?” If you do not waterproof a concrete well in time:

1. Concrete can completely collapse if they absorb moisture (at low temperatures the structure expands).

2. Dirty water can get into the well - drinking water becomes cloudy, and the source itself dies.

3. Constant washing out of the insulating composition will lead to complete destruction of the well, but the first signs are problems with waterproofing and sealing..

Water from the source can seep out, which will lead to subsidence of the ground. Then the structure will warp and become unusable. If the well is located close to the foundation of a private house, then it may also suffer due to excessive moisture.

Therefore, let's talk about what materials and technologies are used to waterproof wells from the inside in Moscow and other cities of our country.

External waterproofing of a well

Sealing the walls of wells from the outside is done the same for all types. External waterproofing of the well is carried out to the upper edge of the well.

Preparation work can be carried out at an air temperature of at least + 5 degrees.

It is most convenient to install waterproofing of a well from the outside during the construction stage. Otherwise, you will have to carry out a significant amount of excavation work and completely open the walls of the well.

Figure No. 3. External waterproofing of seams of concrete well rings

Surface preparation

It may also be necessary to dig a well when performing repair work. The depth of soil removal should be at least 3-4 meters.

An existing well must first be drained. Draining the walls of the well is carried out until the dark spots on the concrete disappear. In rainy weather, the well must be protected from precipitation.

Loose concrete should be removed using a chipper. The outer surface is thoroughly cleaned: dirt, overgrown moss, salt deposits, etc. are removed. If metal parts are exposed when cleaning the surface, they must be carefully treated - remove rust and cover with an anti-corrosion solution.

Around places where there are seams and cracks, at a distance of up to 2 cm, it is necessary to make a recess in the concrete to a depth of about 2.5 cm. This will increase the area of ​​​​contact of the concrete surface with the sealant.

Figure No. 4. External waterproofing of the well with bitumen mastic

Waterproofing with bituminous materials

For external waterproofing of a well, roll bitumen materials and bitumen mastics are most often used.

1. 1. The initially prepared surface is coated with a primer to ensure good adhesion. For wells with drinking water, you must use a ready-made safe composition (for example, a primer composition like “Betokontakt”). For technological and sewerage structures, you can use a composition of 1 part bitumen and 3 parts gasoline.
2. 2. If you want to make very high-quality waterproofing, then additionally the seams can be taped with a special bentonite-rubber tape or CeresitCL 152 tape.
3. 3. After the primer has dried, repairs to the concrete rings begin: cracks, chips and potholes are repaired - the surface should be as smooth as possible. To fill the voids of damaged concrete rings, a cement mortar or a cement-sand composition with the addition of PVA glue in a ratio of 5 to 1 is useful.
4. 4. After the cement has dried, the surface is primed again.
5. 5. The next step will be the actual installation of waterproofing. To do this, the walls of the well are coated with tar mastic, since bitumen tends to crack.
6. 6. Then roll waterproofing is glued in 3 layers, no less.
7. 7. Next, all seams and joints of the insulating material are treated with mastic and the soil around is filled up. After its subsidence, a blind area must be made around the concrete well.

This work must be performed with respiratory protection, and then the well must be well ventilated.

Figure No. 5. Waterproofing "Penetron"

Application of penetrating waterproofing

An alternative to bituminous materials is deep penetration waterproofing. This could be Penetron or the cheaper composition Elakor-PU Grunt-2K/50. In this case, there is no need for priming. In this case, the walls must be well moistened and the composition applied. After completing the application of deep penetration waterproofing, it is necessary to coat the entire surface again with waterproofing material and leave for 3 days, periodically moistening it according to the instructions.

When using penetrating waterproofing, it is very important to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions. Different waterproofing compounds have their own characteristics and are applied in different ways.

Figure No. 6. Construction of a clay castle around a well

Construction of a clay castle

Waterproofing a well is a complex undertaking, so it would also be a good idea to build a so-called clay castle around the well. Its essence is that clay is laid along the perimeter of the external concrete walls. The purpose of the clay castle is to protect the well shaft from the penetration of surface and waste water.

A clay castle is not needed if there is stone, sand, or peat after the fertile soil layer. In this case, only rain and melt water must be drained, which in turn prevents surface water from entering directly into the storage part of the well.

Figure No. 7. Preparing clay for a clay castle

The clay castle is made to a level just above ground level. You can lay tiles or crushed stone on top around the well.

Video No. 1. Construction of a clay castle

Work on arranging a clay castle should be carried out in dry, warm weather. In this case, the soil most often used is the one that remained during construction. The clay must be selected very carefully: there should be no stones or sand.

Initially, the top fertile layer of no more than 1-2 m around the well is removed. Tamping is carried out in several successive stages. Each stage consists of creating a thin clay layer with a slight slope in relation to the walls of the well. The clay is wetted and firmly compacted into a small ball that fits in the palm of your hand. So, ball by ball, the clay is laid along the walls and pressed firmly. Such clay does not allow water to reach the walls, but forces it to flow to the sides. In order for the clay to be laid with maximum effect, the thickness of each layer should be maintained at 12-15 cm. The initial layers of clay must be compacted very well. The dimensions of the clay castle should be in the range of 2 to 3 meters from the walls of the well.

Figure No. 8. Arrangement of a concrete blind area around the well

Concrete blind area

If you rush to concrete the area around the well without waiting for the soil to shrink, then in 2-3 years the water in the well will be cloudy during floods and after each rain. Your well will turn into a drainage well. If the clay lock of a well is broken, then in a few years it will be simply dangerous to drink from such a well.

Video No. 2. Internal waterproofing of a well

Penetrating or capillary waterproofing

This type of waterproofing is the most reliable. The materials, after being applied to the concrete surface, penetrate into the pores, crystallize, and fill all the voids. Thread-like crystals penetrate into the structure of concrete, bridge microcracks and become one with its body. They do not impair the breathability of the surface, but, by compacting its structure, they do not allow water to pass through.

Penetrating insulation improves the quality of concrete, making it strong and moisture resistant

Crystalline hydrates do not decompose and are not washed out of concrete, so this type of septic tank protection lasts a long time. The layer on the surface of the rings only fixes and retains for some time the active chemical components that play a major role in creating high-quality waterproofing of the structure.

Some manufacturers claim that once all chemical processes are complete, the layer can be removed.

The duration of crystallization and the depth of penetration of the insulating material into the thickness of concrete is influenced by the degree of porosity and humidity of the septic tank rings. At high humidity parameters, crystals form faster, and when this indicator decreases, the process slows down. In concrete surfaces treated in this way, microcracks heal on their own.

The use of penetrating waterproofing to increase the strength of concrete rings and resistance to aggressive environments is the most affordable, reliable and easy-to-implement method

The application of penetrating waterproofing is preceded by careful surface treatment. It is completely cleaned using special chemical solutions or a mechanical method.

When you end up with a flat surface, it is saturated with moisture by pouring water from a hose under high pressure. The active components of the waterproofing composition will penetrate to the same depth as water.

Processing begins with the seams. It is better to do this while installing the rings. They are laid on a layer of cement mortar, then treated with a penetrating mixture. Next, apply the mixture to the entire surface, strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions, otherwise the waterproofing layer will not meet the stated requirements.

The mixture is prepared in small parts. To mix it with water, use an electric drill operating at low speeds and equipped with a spiral nozzle. The composition is applied to the surface of the rings using a sprayer, roller or paint brush. You need at least 2 layers with an application interval of 1.5 to 3.5 hours.

The second treatment begins when the first layer has not yet dried completely. The result should be a coating with a total thickness of 1.5-2 mm. A lot of material is used - about 1 kg per 1 sq. m.

For penetrating waterproofing, the following compositions are used:

1. "Lakhta". Inexpensive dry mix made on the basis of cement.
2. "Salmatron." The composition includes Portland cement, sand, patented active reagents.
3. "Hydro S". Waterproofing coating based on mineral raw materials.
4. "Penetron". A penetrating mixture that creates a barrier that prevents capillary suction of liquid.

If you treat the septic tank from the outside and inside, you will end up with a durable, sealed structure with a uniform structure.

Internal waterproofing of a well

Internal insulation is carried out after the construction of the well and the installation of the bottom. If you need to seal an old well from the inside, then the water must be pumped out and the concrete walls must be thoroughly dried, since most insulation materials must be applied to dry surfaces.

The work can be performed using the following waterproofing compounds:

• — special cement putty;
• — molten bitumen or bitumen-gasoline composition;
• — cement-polymer mixture;
• — bitumen-polymer composition;
• - polymer waterproofing.

The first two methods are the cheapest, but they can only be used for concrete sewer wells. Compositions containing bitumen should never come into contact with drinking water.

If, during the preparation of walls for insulation from the inside, leaks of external water are observed, use the so-called hydraulic plug - an instant-hardening cement composition AQUAFIX or "Peneplug". This will allow you to perform all the necessary operations to waterproof the well efficiently.

AQUAFIX is a quick-setting hydraulic solution for instantly stopping water leaks, which has a flow rate of about 1.6 kg/l.

Figure No. 9. AQUAFIX hydraulic plug

“Peneplag” is a dry construction mixture that consists of special cement, quartz sand of a certain granulometry and patented active chemical additives. "Peneplug" is used to instantly eliminate pressure leaks in structures made of concrete, brick, natural stone and has a consumption of about 1.9 kg/l.

Technology of work execution

Preparatory work is generally similar to work for external waterproofing of a well: the well must be drained and kept dry throughout the entire period of repair work, the surface must be cleaned and prepared.

Joints, crevices and cracks must be carefully gouged to a shallow depth of 20-25 mm and thoroughly cleaned with a hard-bristled metal brush.

Figure No. 10. Coating waterproofing AQUAMAT-ELASTIC

All potholes must be repaired using a cement-polymer mixture and wait until the solution has completely dried, and then proceed to the final stage of work. Finally, it is necessary to cover the surface of the well with coating waterproofing in two layers. Follow the recommendations in the instructions for the material. Our experts recommend using the special composition AQUAMAT-ELASTIC from ISOMAT.

Review of materials

Cement mixture

– there are ready-made dry mixtures on sale, which only need to be diluted with water according to the instructions and applied in several passes to form a layer of about 0.7 cm. The composition must dry for several days, so the surface must be moistened several times a day, and the well itself must be closed lid. The service life of such insulation does not exceed 15 years. For example, such mixtures are produced by the manufacturing company LITOKOL.

Bitumen-gasoline painting

– the composition is prepared with their components in equal quantities. It must be applied in three layers with a break of 12 hours. Follow safety regulations. This option, like bitumen-polymer mixtures, is acceptable for use only in sewer wells. The service life is short - 5-10 years. Fused roll insulation can serve up to 30 years.

Cement-polymer mixtures

- This is the most affordable of modern effective waterproofing materials. The best system today is the ISOMAT system. It includes the already mentioned AQUAFIX hydraulic plug, a modified repair composition MEGACRET-40 for sealing cracks and puttying joints and a finishing two-component elastic mixture of cement and polymer materials, which must be applied by coating in a layer of up to 0.3 cm. This composition is completely inert, environmentally friendly safe, does not affect water quality in any way.

Figure No. 11. Repair composition MEGACRET-40 for sealing cracks and puttying joints

The same high-quality result can be obtained using inexpensive non-shrink coating Penecrit or Penetron Admix. It is applied in 3 layers with a spatula. The service life of cement-polymer waterproofing is about 40-50 years.

A more expensive option is the two-component composition CeresitCR 166, which has increased elasticity. It should be applied in two layers, with a reinforcing fiberglass mesh placed on the first layer before it hardens. The service life of this waterproofing exceeds 60 years.

Polymer waterproofing mixtures

- This is the most expensive, but also the most effective method, since the polymer membranes that are installed on special mastics are very elastic. If your well is unstable, deformations and new cracks may appear, then you should not save money, but purchase polymer waterproofing. The most attractive price/quality ratio is for domestic products of the TechnoNIKOL brand. In this case, you will not be bothered by leaks in the well for at least 40 years.

Materials for sealing inter-ring seams

The seams between the reinforced concrete rings are the weak link of the septic tank. Most often, the first leaks appear here. For this reason, they need to be sealed. Reinforcing fabric, rubber tape seals, rubber gaskets with bentonite granules, polymer cement in combination with jute or hemp rope are used as insulators.

Water begins to seep through the seams between the rings first, so waterproofing should begin by sealing them

In the first and second cases, the insulation is effective, but it is expensive, and the reinforcing fabric must also be irradiated with ultraviolet light. Rubber gaskets are cheaper, they fill the cracks, creating a plastic layer. They are selected based on the wall thickness of the concrete rings.

Manufacturers producing penetrating waterproofing produce auxiliary mixtures. They not only seal the seams between the rings, but also seal pipe entries and repair wide cracks. They also contain high-quality cement, quartz sand of the finest fraction, and chemically active additives. They have excellent adhesion to concrete.

To seal a seam or crack, use a grinder and a hammer to make a groove along it to a depth of 2.5-3 cm and the same width. Clean it from dust and small particles, moisten it with water, and apply a primer. When the primer composition dries, fill the groove with an auxiliary composition. Afterwards, the seam and part of the surface around it are treated with the main waterproofing mixture.

Additional materials include a group designed to eliminate pressure leaks. They are characterized by rapid setting with simultaneous expansion. The surface around the leak is simply cleared, then a hole is made with a hammer drill, resembling a “dovetail” in shape.

A plug is formed from the mixture, with dimensions slightly larger than the sample dimensions, pressed forcefully into the leak site, and held until completely set.

Leaks are a common occurrence in a septic tank, so you should always have a remedy on hand to fix it.

When water stops flowing out, the cavity is primed with the main composition, completely filled with additional solution, allowed to dry, and moistened. Next, apply a 2-layer coating using the basic waterproofing mixture. If the technology is followed, the probability of a leak reappearing is 0.

Popular auxiliary compositions include:

1. "Waterplug" . A hydraulic seal is used to eliminate weak leaks. Sets within 3 minutes.
2. "Peneplug" . The quick-setting mixture stops the most intense leaks in 40 seconds.
3. AQUAFIX . A hydraulic plug that hardens under the influence of moisture in a short time, therefore it is well suited when you need to eliminate a leak.
4. "Penecritus" . Used for sealing joints and places where pipes enter the septic tank.
5. MEGACRET-40 is a cement-based repair composition containing polymers. Suitable for both sealing inter-ring seams and sealing cracks. It has excellent adhesion to the concrete surface, is easy to apply, and does not shrink.

All manufacturers claim that their mixtures have a unique patented composition. In fact, their characteristics, as well as the methods for creating a protective layer, are approximately the same. The final result is influenced by how well the surface and waterproofing composition are prepared.

Features of waterproofing a septic tank and a technological well

The design of a multi-chamber waste septic tank requires the presence of several successive wells. So, the last of them does not need to be waterproofed, because the essence of filtration is to ensure that the water goes into the ground as much as possible. Since it is an excellent biofilter, a small amount of wastewater will not cause harm. But, anyway, you should first consult with the environmental service - they may have their own restrictions.

But what the septic tank must be very carefully protected from is the ingress of rain and melt water. Therefore, it is necessary to very carefully seal all joints between elements.

Since the well must be completely dry for maintenance, both external and internal insulation must be performed.

Video No. 3. Waterproofing a well from the inside

Waterproofing of ring joints

For the construction of wells, rings with locks are usually used. A lock is a groove on the top and bottom of a ring. When the rings are lowered into the well, they stand on top of each other, which is called “groove in groove”, a kind of “lock” is obtained, thanks to which it is easier to align the shaft vertically, and it is more difficult for the rings to move to the side. The advantage of rings with a lock is that a strong and tight connection of the rings is ensured and there is no need to additionally seal the joints between the rings. However, it would not be a bad idea to cover the joint with cement mortar.

Figure No. 12. Waterproofing joints of concrete rings

Work should begin with insulating the bottom, then installing the ridge plate and the first ring. A special plate with a ridge is installed at the bottom of the well, which is needed for proper centering of the first ring.

Waterproofing of the joints of concrete well rings is carried out inside and outside. Between the rings (as well as between the first ring and the bottom), it is necessary to install a spacer cord (“Gidroizol M” or bentonite-rubber “Barrier”).

Inside, the joints can be waterproofed using the same coating waterproofing AQUAMAT-ELASTIC from the ISOMAT company, and outside using coating waterproofing on a bitumen or rubber base, as well as roll waterproofing, for example, the most common roofing material will do.

Video No. 4. Rules for constructing a well