Dry closet for a summer residence: which is better and how to use

The easiest way to make life in the country more comfortable is to equip a good sewerage system. But it takes a lot of time and money to invest in it. There is an option for arranging a normal latrine in a couple of hours or even in a few minutes – a dry closet for a summer residence. There are three different types of installations. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, but anyone can be operated outside the city (and not only). 

Peat dry closet – the principle of operation and device

In the peat dry closet, in the part where the usual one contains water, dry, finely ground peat is poured. This tank has a device for spreading the substance, which is operated by a handle. After using the toilet, turn the handle, the peat will spread over the surface, blocking the waste, which will significantly reduce the smell. Because of this feature of the work, a peat dry closet is also called a powder closet. Another name is composting toilets, as waste can be placed in a compost pit. True, this class includes another type of dry closets – electric, which dries excrement.

The next name is dry dry closets. Again, the name is associated with a method of waste disposal – powdering with dry peat. As a result of processing, the substance is also dry (or almost dry).

Peat is poured into the container at the top

Due to the high absorbency of peat, it absorbs part of the liquid component of the waste, and the rest is drained into a special tray below. From there, the liquid is discharged through a special drain hose. He is usually taken out into the street, into a small pit.

The solid part of the waste is processed by bacteria contained in peat, which decompose organic matter. After processing, the container contains a mixture that is almost odorless. It can be safely poured onto a compost heap, that is, peat – an ideal dry closet for a summer residence. But the waste should lie on the heap for at least a year, and preferably a couple of years.

The structure of a peat dry closet

Since complete processing takes time to eliminate the characteristic smell of waste, a pipe must be attached to the peat dry closet (there is an outlet pipe, in some models plastic pipes are included). If the thrust is natural, the pipe is only straight, without bends and bends, at least 2 meters high. If desired (if there is not enough natural draft), you can put an exhaust fan. Then the requirements for the pipe are not so strict.

Advantages

If you need a dry closet in the country – this is one of the best options – just a sea of ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbpluses:

  • The reservoir is filled slowly – if 2-3 people live, the container must be taken out every 2-3 months.
  • Peat consumption is small, it is inexpensive.
  • Easy disposal – the container can be emptied into a compost heap, the contents are a homogeneous brown mass, without a sharp or specific smell. It can be leveled with a rake, the mass is rather loose, after a couple of weeks it overgrows with herbs.
  • There is no smell with normally working ventilation.
  • You can put it both in a separate toilet house and in the house.
  • Quietly tolerates freezing (if the plastic is frost-resistant).
    Peat dry closet for a summer residence: this is what a device for spreading peat looks like

All in all, a very good choice. Usually both the owners and neighbors are satisfied – there is no smell, problems with processing. But you can’t do without cons.

Disadvantages

The weak point of peat dry closets is the peat spreading device. First, so that the peat spreads evenly, first turn the handle in one direction, then in the other. Secondly, it is not a fact that it will be evenly scattered. Often it is necessary to pour peat from the scapular reserve under the “hole”. It is in this place that he gets the worst, and all the waste is concentrated here. It is necessary to sprinkle them, so you also have to manually fall asleep.

Other disadvantages of peat toilets are:

  • The drain hose for draining liquid waste is quite high. Until the required level of liquid is accumulated in the pan, a significant period of time passes. And liquid waste also smells. To reduce the smell, you can periodically drain “in manual mode” – by tilting the bio-toilet towards the drain.
  • Solid waste accumulates under the hole. In order not to take out the tank ahead of time, the pile has to be moved away. There is no special smell, so it is not very uncomfortable.
  • The waste container is heavy. It’s hard to take it out alone. If there are no assistants, you need to choose a model that has wheels. This makes it easier to transport the container.
    Sometimes it is necessary to add peat manually
  • The need for ventilation. If this is a detached house, then even in the heat there are usually no problems – there are usually enough slots in the structure for additional ventilation. If you put a peat dry closet in the dacha itself, in the house, you need a fan. In hot weather, so that there is no smell, it must work all the time.
  • This type of dry closet requires a permanent installation. You can transfer them if you wish, but this is not a mobile option.

If we talk about the degree of convenience, this is a good choice, but only if it is possible to put it somewhere permanently. You can move the device, but each time you need to install an exhaust ventilation pipe.

Popular models of peat toilets

If we talk about domestic manufacturers, then the most affordable models of peat toilets are produced in St. Petersburg. The company “Tandem” produces peat dry closets Compact. They are available in different versions, with different options and prices.

NameStorage tank capacityAdd. equipmentdimensionsSeat heightPrice
Compact M60 lhandles on containers720 * 420 * 580 mm380 mm$56
Compact Elite40 lhandles on containers690 * 380 * 600 mm400 mm$83
Compact Elite with drain40 lrear liquid waste outlet690 * 380 * 600 mm400 mm$87
Compact Eco60 lit is possible to install a fan in a pipe, an outlet for liquid waste760 * 510 * 670 mm450 mm$120
Compact Eco with Fan60 lbuilt-in fan, liquid waste outlet760 * 510 * 670 mm450 mm$130

Another Russian manufacturer of peat dry closets is the PitEco campaign. Their range – 7 models of different sizes, from different materials (polypropylene, acrylic, low-pressure polyethylene). Each model can be additionally equipped with a fan, which is placed in the exhaust pipe.

NameHousing materialAutomatic shuttersLiquid waste disposal with filterVolume of the tankPrice
Pit Eco 905polypropylenenoYes120 l (wheels)$160
Pit Eco 101low-pressure polyethylenenono70 l$135
Pit Eco 200acrylicnoYes70 l$195
Pit Eco 201low-pressure polyethylenenoYes70 l$138
Pit Eco 400acrylicYesYes70 l$250
Pit Eco 505polypropylenenoYes44 l$83
PitEco 506 (improved peat spreader)polypropylenenoYes44 l$85

There are also imported peat dry closets on the market. The most popular products of the Finnish company called Biolan (Biolan). Products are of high quality, thoughtful design and functionality.

NameWaste tank volumePeat tank capacityDimensions (L*W*H)Seat heightPrice
Biolan Komplet140 l33 l850 * 600 * 780 mm530 mm$340
Biolan with a waste separator into liquid and dry fractions28 l30 l780 * 600 * 850 mm530 mm$415
BIOLAN ECO200 l (wheels)base area 51 cm2, seating area 64 cm2, height 100 mm$575
Biola populet 200200 l (wheels)height 820 mm550 mm$985
Biola populet 300300 l (wheels)height 811 mm510 mm$895
Biolan Naturum30 l7 l 840 * 740 * 810 mm470-490 mm$1045

Another well-known manufacturer of peat toilets is the Finnish company Kekkilä Group, which produces products under the brand name Ekomatic (Ekomatic). There are both inexpensive, budget models that are positioned as dry closets for summer cottages, there are very expensive options that have an interesting design.

NameHousing materialEmptying methoddimensionsSeat heightVolumeManufacturePrice
Ecomatik Peatstandard960 * 600 * 780 mm500 mm110 lRussia$265
Ekomaticstandard960 * 600 * 780 mm500 mm110 lFinland$390
Ecomatic Greenstandard960 * 600 * 780 mm500 mm110 lFinland$190
Ecomatic-50 Kekkilapolypropylene with fiberglassthrough the lid500 * 470 * 510 mm510 mmFinland$160
Ecomatic Trio-100polyethylenethrough the lid800 * 460 * 800 mm460 mm100 l (3 sections)Finland$410
Duomaticstandard875 * 780 * 900 mm480 mm2 * 80 lFinland$715
Ecomatic Greenvia removable topdiameter 1150mm, height 950mm470 mm700 lFinland$ 1200

Liquid (chemical) dry closet – device, pros, cons

This type of dry closet uses special liquids to process waste. The design has two containers into which the concentrate diluted to a certain state is poured. A liquid is poured into the lower part, which processes waste, into the upper part – with a deodorizing effect. Processing fluids are of different types:

  • Based on formaldehyde (red). When using this type of liquid, waste can only be poured into the sewer – they are toxic.
  • With bioactive bacteria (green). This type of waste can even be taken out to the compost heap, but they must be processed for a long time (at least three years).
    How to use a liquid dry closet
  • Based on ammonium (blue). Processing is fast – after 5-7 minutes there is only a gray, odorless liquid in the container. You can put it in compost, but it is not advisable to use it for fertilizing fruit and vegetable crops. Can be spread on the lawn or under non-fruit trees and shrubs.

The device is operable only in the presence of the specified liquids. The rate of their consumption depends on the intensity of use. On average, refueling is required every 5-7 days.

Structure

The chemical dry closet consists of several parts that are easily separated. The upper part is both the seat and the container into which the fragrance is added. On the back right of the cover of this compartment is a pump start button, on the left is a hole for filling water.

What does a chemical (liquid) dry closet consist of?

The processing concentrate diluted with water is poured into the lower tank. At the very bottom there is a box for collecting waste. The capacity of this tank is from 12 to 24 liters. In order to be able to monitor the degree of filling of this tank, there are models with a fill indicator. As it fills up, the color changes from green to red. In those tanks where there is no such indicator, a strip of transparent plastic is often built in. To be able to visually monitor the level of waste.

Disassembled

All parts are interconnected with special locks that securely fix them in place. To make it easier to take out the waste, a handle is attached to the bottom container. There is a pipe for draining waste into a container. It is screwed to the inlet if necessary. In general, it is stored in a specially designated place.

Some models have a built-in pressure valve in the faeces tank. It is needed in order to empty the container was easier. But there is one minus in this – there are times when leaks begin at the attachment point of this valve. Carrying the container by the handle then does not work, it is necessary – in front of you on your hands. Quite inconvenient.

The flush pump can be manual or electric. When using electric, there is no way to regulate the amount of water supplied – it is always the same. Because of this, the tank fills up faster. The device runs on batteries that need to be changed periodically.

Types of pumps for liquid dry closets

Hand pumps are bellows and piston. By pressing with different force on the piston, you can adjust the amount of water supplied.

Preparation for work and operation

The operation of a liquid dry closet is simple, but requires constant attention. It is necessary to control the presence of liquid, the level of filling of the waste tank. It is quite common to take out and dispose of waste. The capacity of 12 liters with a stay of 2-3 people is filled in 2-3 days. If there are more people, you have to endure every other day, And sometimes every day. Not very convenient, although much more convenient than using a bucket.

Disassembled liquid toilet

The procedure for preparing a liquid dry closet for work is as follows:

  • Detach the top by pressing the button.
  • Pour the appropriate solution into the container.
  • Put the containers in place, connect the lock.

Everything, the dry closet is ready for operation. Must be washed off after each use. The portion of the liquid is small, but it is enough to clean the drain. The mechanism is as follows: use the toilet for its intended purpose, open the valve, the waste falls into the container with the processing liquid. Rinse off with scented water, using a brush if necessary. Close the valve. So that there is no smell from the liquid dry closet at all, it is necessary to ensure that there is always a certain amount of liquid on the valve (about 1 cm thick). This liquid works like a water lock to cut off possible odors.

To make it easier to remove waste, the containers should have wheels

After each emptying, it is necessary to wash the container, filling in a new portion, it must be loosened in order to wash all the walls. After that, processing will go more fully.

This dry closet for summer cottages is a mobile option. It fits in the trunk of a car, which is convenient. There is, however, an unpleasant moment: if the cottage is a periodic visit, it is impossible to leave a reservoir with liquid in an unheated room. Freezing can damage walls. Some people add non-toxic antifreeze (polypropylene glycol) to the processing liquid for the winter. Bacteria in such an environment are unlikely to survive, and for ammonium and formaldehyde, the yield is not bad. It is only necessary to dispose of such waste into the sewer.

Advantages and disadvantages

This dry closet for a summer residence impresses with the fact that it does not require a permanent installation. It can work anywhere, immediately after filling with liquids. Nothing more is needed for its work.

Cons – the need for refueling, it is, albeit not very big, but money. It is also necessary to monitor the presence of a certain supply of concentrates – without them (especially without what is poured down), the dry closet turns into an ordinary bucket with a lid.

But most annoying is the need to frequently empty the waste container. In any weather, at any time, if the tank is almost full, it has to be emptied. Otherwise, you cannot use the toilet. As a temporary option, this is a great choice.

Popular manufacturers

The most popular are Dutch liquid (chemical) dry closets from Thetford (Thetford). They are produced under the name Porta, there are models with varying degrees of comfort, with markedly different prices.

NamedimensionsSeat heightflush systemRecycling/deodorizing fluid tank capacityFill indicatorPrice
Porta Potti Qube 145330 * 383 * 427 mm324 mmbellows12 l / 15 lno$61
Porta Potti Qube 165414 * 383 * 427 mm408 mmhand pump21 l / 15 lwell no$75
Porta Potti Qube 165L414 * 383 * 427 mm408 mmhand pump21 l / 15 lYes$83
Porta Potti Qube 345330 * 383 * 427 mm324 mmhand pump12 l / 15 lYes$93
Porta Potti Qube 365 414 * 383 * 427 mm408 mmhand pump21 l / 15 lYes$93
Porta Potti Excellence 458h388h450 mm443 mmpiston pump21 l / 15 lYes$132
Porta Potti Excellence 458h388h450 mm443 mmelectric21 l / 15 lYes$175

A more budget option under the brand name Enviro is produced by a Russian campaign.

NameTop/bottom tank volumeDimensions (W*D*H)Drain typeMaximum loadFill indicatorPrice
ENVIRO-1010 l / 10 l415 * 365 * 300 mmbellows250 kgno$65
ENVIRO-2010 l / 20 l415 * 365 * 420 mmbellows250 kgno$80
mr. LITTLE IDEAL (licensed China)15 l / 24 l420 * 370 * 410 mmwater pumpYes$115

Electrical dry closets

A rare group. Works only when there is electricity. There are two types of electric bio toilets. In some, the liquid and solid fractions are separated. The liquid is discharged through a special tube that can be connected directly to the sewer or brought into the sewer. The solid fraction in a sealed container is incinerated. The rest is a small pile of ash that can be used as fertilizer.

The second type of electric toilets produces drying of feces and urine, the remains are then covered with a special composition. In this form, excrement weighs very little, and can be stored for a long time.

A container in which the ashes are poured

In order for drying or burning processes to be odorless, it is necessary to create or connect to ventilation, which adds to the complexity of the installation. Another common disadvantage of this type of dry closet is the dependence on electricity. Without it, nothing will work. The next significant disadvantage is the high price. All of them together limit the use of this type of aggregates.

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