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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).
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.
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).
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.
- 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.
Name | Storage tank capacity | Add. equipment | dimensions | Seat height | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compact M | 60 l | handles on containers | 720 * 420 * 580 mm | 380 mm | $56 |
Compact Elite | 40 l | handles on containers | 690 * 380 * 600 mm | 400 mm | $83 |
Compact Elite with drain | 40 l | rear liquid waste outlet | 690 * 380 * 600 mm | 400 mm | $87 |
Compact Eco | 60 l | it is possible to install a fan in a pipe, an outlet for liquid waste | 760 * 510 * 670 mm | 450 mm | $120 |
Compact Eco with Fan | 60 l | built-in fan, liquid waste outlet | 760 * 510 * 670 mm | 450 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.
Name | Housing material | Automatic shutters | Liquid waste disposal with filter | Volume of the tank | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pit Eco 905 | polypropylene | no | Yes | 120 l (wheels) | $160 |
Pit Eco 101 | low-pressure polyethylene | no | no | 70 l | $135 |
Pit Eco 200 | acrylic | no | Yes | 70 l | $195 |
Pit Eco 201 | low-pressure polyethylene | no | Yes | 70 l | $138 |
Pit Eco 400 | acrylic | Yes | Yes | 70 l | $250 |
Pit Eco 505 | polypropylene | no | Yes | 44 l | $83 |
PitEco 506 (improved peat spreader) | polypropylene | no | Yes | 44 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.
Name | Waste tank volume | Peat tank capacity | Dimensions (L*W*H) | Seat height | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Biolan Komplet | 140 l | 33 l | 850 * 600 * 780 mm | 530 mm | $340 |
Biolan with a waste separator into liquid and dry fractions | 28 l | 30 l | 780 * 600 * 850 mm | 530 mm | $415 |
BIOLAN ECO | 200 l (wheels) | base area 51 cm2, seating area 64 cm2, height 100 mm | $575 | ||
Biola populet 200 | 200 l (wheels) | height 820 mm | 550 mm | $985 | |
Biola populet 300 | 300 l (wheels) | height 811 mm | 510 mm | $895 | |
Biolan Naturum | 30 l | 7 l | 840 * 740 * 810 mm | 470-490 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.
Name | Housing material | Emptying method | dimensions | Seat height | Volume | Manufacture | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ecomatik Peat | standard | 960 * 600 * 780 mm | 500 mm | 110 l | Russia | $265 | |
Ekomatic | standard | 960 * 600 * 780 mm | 500 mm | 110 l | Finland | $390 | |
Ecomatic Green | standard | 960 * 600 * 780 mm | 500 mm | 110 l | Finland | $190 | |
Ecomatic-50 Kekkila | polypropylene with fiberglass | through the lid | 500 * 470 * 510 mm | 510 mm | Finland | $160 | |
Ecomatic Trio-100 | polyethylene | through the lid | 800 * 460 * 800 mm | 460 mm | 100 l (3 sections) | Finland | $410 |
Duomatic | standard | 875 * 780 * 900 mm | 480 mm | 2 * 80 l | Finland | $715 | |
Ecomatic Green | via removable top | diameter 1150mm, height 950mm | 470 mm | 700 l | Finland | $ 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).
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Name | dimensions | Seat height | flush system | Recycling/deodorizing fluid tank capacity | Fill indicator | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Porta Potti Qube 145 | 330 * 383 * 427 mm | 324 mm | bellows | 12 l / 15 l | no | $61 |
Porta Potti Qube 165 | 414 * 383 * 427 mm | 408 mm | hand pump | 21 l / 15 l | well no | $75 |
Porta Potti Qube 165L | 414 * 383 * 427 mm | 408 mm | hand pump | 21 l / 15 l | Yes | $83 |
Porta Potti Qube 345 | 330 * 383 * 427 mm | 324 mm | hand pump | 12 l / 15 l | Yes | $93 |
Porta Potti Qube 365 | 414 * 383 * 427 mm | 408 mm | hand pump | 21 l / 15 l | Yes | $93 |
Porta Potti Excellence | 458h388h450 mm | 443 mm | piston pump | 21 l / 15 l | Yes | $132 |
Porta Potti Excellence | 458h388h450 mm | 443 mm | electric | 21 l / 15 l | Yes | $175 |
A more budget option under the brand name Enviro is produced by a Russian campaign.
Name | Top/bottom tank volume | Dimensions (W*D*H) | Drain type | Maximum load | Fill indicator | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ENVIRO-10 | 10 l / 10 l | 415 * 365 * 300 mm | bellows | 250 kg | no | $65 |
ENVIRO-20 | 10 l / 20 l | 415 * 365 * 420 mm | bellows | 250 kg | no | $80 |
mr. LITTLE IDEAL (licensed China) | 15 l / 24 l | 420 * 370 * 410 mm | water pump | Yes | $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.
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.