Which dry closet to choose for a summer residence

The easiest way to make life in the country more comfortable is to equip a good sewage 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 any of them can be operated outside the city (and not only).

Peat dry closet - principle of operation and device

In a 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, twist the handle, the peat will scatter over the surface, blocking the waste, which will noticeably 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 the 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 at the bottom. From there, the liquid is discharged through a special drain hose. He is usually taken out into the street, into a small hole.

The solid part of the waste is processed by the bacteria contained in the 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, a peat pile - an ideal dry closet for a summer residence. But the waste should lie on the heap for at least a year, or better - 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 pull is natural, the pipe is only straight, without knees and bends, at least 2 meters high. If desired (if natural draft is not enough), you can install an exhaust fan. Then the requirements for the pipe are not so stringent.

Advantages

If you need a dry closet for a summer residence - this is one of the best options - just a sea of ​​pluses:

• The tank is filled slowly - when living for 2-3 people, it is necessary to take out the container once every 2-3 months.
• Peat consumption is low, it is inexpensive.
• Easy disposal - the container can be emptied into a compost heap, the contents are a homogeneous brown mass, without a strong or specific smell. It can be leveled with a rake, the mass is rather loose, after a couple of weeks it becomes overgrown with herbs.
• There is no smell with normal ventilation.
• Possible as in a separate toilet houseand in the house.
• Calmly tolerates freezing (if the plastic is frost-resistant).
  

  Peat dry closet for a summer residence: it looks like a device for scattering peat

All in all, a very good choice. Usually both owners and neighbors are happy - no smell, no problems with processing. But you can't do without cons.

disadvantages

The weak point of peat dry closets is the peat spreading device. First, to spread the peat 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 it gets worst of all, and all waste is concentrated here. It is imperative to sprinkle them, so you also have to manually add them.

Other disadvantages of peat toilets are:

• The drain hose for liquid waste is located quite high. A considerable period of time passes while the required liquid level is accumulated in the pan. And liquid waste smells too. To reduce the odor, you can periodically drain "in manual mode" - tilting the biounitase towards the drain.
• Solid waste collects under the hole. In order not to take out the tank ahead of time, the pile has to be moved aside. There is no special smell, so it is not very uncomfortable.
• The waste container is heavy. It is difficult to endure it alone. If there are no assistants, you must 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, problems usually do not arise - there are usually enough slots in the structure for additional ventilation. If you put a peat dry closet at 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 want, 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. It is possible to carry the device, but each time requires the installation of an exhaust ventilation pipe.

Popular models of peat toilets

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

Name	Storage tank capacity	Add. equipment	Dimensions	Toilet seat height	Price
Compact M	60 l	handles on the container	720 * 420 * 580mm	380 mm	56$
Compact Elite	40 l	handles on the container	690 * 380 * 600mm	400 mm	83$
Compact Elite with drainage	40 l	rear outlet for draining liquid waste	690 * 380 * 600mm	400 mm	87$
Compact Eco	60 l	fan can be installed in a pipe, outlet for liquid waste	760 * 510 * 670mm	450 mm	120$
Compact Eco with fan	60 l	built-in fan, liquid waste outlet	760 * 510 * 670mm	450 mm	130$

Another Russian manufacturer of peat dry closets is the PitEco campaign. Their assortment is 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 chimney.

Name	Body material	Automatic doors	Removal of liquid waste with filter	Volume of the tank	Price
PitEco 905	polypropylene	no	there is	120 l (wheels)	160$
PitEco 101	low-pressure polyethylene	no	no	70 l	135$
PitEco 200	acrylic	no	there is	70 l	195$
PitEco 201	low-pressure polyethylene	no	there is	70 l	138$
PitEco 400	acrylic	there is	there is	70 l	250$
PitEco 505	polypropylene	no	there is	44 l	83$
PitEco 506 (improved peat spreader)	polypropylene	no	there is	44 l	85$

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

Name	Waste tank volume	Peat tank volume	Dimensions (L * W * H)	Seat height	Price
Biolan Komplet	140 l	33 l	850 * 600 * 780mm	530 mm	340$
Biolan with liquid / dry waste separator	28 l	30 l	780 * 600 * 850mm	530 mm	415$
BIOLAN ECO	200 l (wheels)		base area 51 cm2, seating area 64 cm2, height 100 mm		575$
Biolan populet 200	200 l (wheels)		height 820 mm	550 mm	985$
Biolan populet 300	300 l (wheels)		height 811 mm	510 mm	895$
Biolan Naturum	30 l	7 l	840 * 740 * 810mm	470-490 mm	1045$

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

Name	Body material	Emptying method	Dimensions	Seat height	Volume	Production	Price
Ecomatik Peat		standard	960 * 600 * 780mm	500 mm	110 l	Russia	265$
Ekomatic		standard	960 * 600 * 780mm	500 mm	110 l	Finland	390$
Ecomatic Green		standard	960 * 600 * 780mm	500 mm	110 l	Finland	190$
Ekomatic-50 Kekkila	polypropylene with fiberglass	through the cover	500 * 470 * 510mm	510 mm		Finland	160$
Ekomatic Trio-100	polyethylene	through the cover	800 * 460 * 800mm	460 mm	100 l (3 sections)	Finland	410$
Duomatic		standard	875 * 780 * 900mm	480 mm	2 * 80 l	Finland	715$
Ecomatic Green		through the removable top	diameter 1150 mm, height 950 mm	470 mm	700 l	Finland	1200 $

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

This type of dry closet uses special fluids to process waste. The structure has two containers into which the concentrate diluted to a certain state is poured. Liquid is poured into the lower part, which recycles waste, and into the upper part, with a deodorizing effect. Processing fluids are of different types:

• Formaldehyde based (red). When using this type of liquid, the waste can only be poured into the sewer - they are toxic.
• With bioactive bacteria (green). This type of waste can even be taken out in a compost heap, but they must be processed for a long time (at least three years).
  

  Method of using a liquid dry closet

• Ammonium based (blue). The processing is fast - after 5-7 minutes, only a gray odorless liquid is in the container. It can be put in compost, but it is not advisable to use it for fertilizing fruit and vegetable crops. Can be laid out on the lawn or under non-fruit trees and shrubs.

The device is functional only with the specified fluids. 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 can be easily separated. The upper part is both the seat and the container into which the fragrance is added. On the back right on the cover of this compartment there is a pump start button, on the left - a hole for water filling.

The processing concentrate diluted with water is poured into the lower tank. A waste collection box is installed at the very bottom. The capacity of this tank is from 12 to 24 liters. To be able to monitor the degree of filling of this tank, there are models with an indication of filling. As it fills, 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. So that you can visually track the level of waste.

All parts are connected together with special locks that securely fix them in place. To make it easier to take out the waste, a handle is attached to the lower container. There is a branch pipe to drain waste into some container. It can be screwed onto the inlet as needed. 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 make emptying the container easier. But there is one drawback in this - there are cases when leaks begin at the attachment point of this valve. Then it is not possible to carry the container by the handle, it is necessary - in front of you in your hands. It's completely uncomfortable.

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. This makes the tank fill up faster. The device is powered by batteries that must be replaced periodically.

Hand pumps are either bellows or piston pumps. 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. You have to take out and dispose of waste quite often. A capacity of 12 liters for 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 upper part by pressing the button.
• Pour the appropriate solution into a container.
• Put containers in place, connect with a lock.

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

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

This dry closet for a summer residence is a mobile option. It fits in the trunk of a car, which is convenient. There is, however, an unpleasant moment: if the dacha is a periodic visit, you cannot leave a tank with liquid in an unheated room. May damage the walls if freezing. Some people add non-toxic antifreeze (polypropylene glycol) to the liquid for processing for the winter. Bacteria are unlikely to survive in such an environment, and the yield is not bad for ammonium and formaldehyde. Only such waste must be disposed of in the sewer.

Advantages and disadvantages

This dry closet for a summer residence captivates by the fact that it does not require a stationary installation. It can work anywhere, immediately after refueling with liquids. Nothing else is needed for its work.

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

But the most annoying thing 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, the toilet cannot be used. As a temporary option, this is a great choice.

Popular manufacturers

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

Name	Dimensions	Seat height	Flush system	Tank capacity for recycling / deodorizing food	Full indicator	Price
Porta Potti Qube 145	330 * 383 * 427mm	324 mm	bellows	12 l / 15 l	no	61$
Porta Potti Qube 165	414 * 383 * 427mm	408 mm	hand pump	21 l / 15 l	well no	75$
Porta Potti Qube 165L	414 * 383 * 427mm	408 mm	hand pump	21 l / 15 l	there is	83$
Porta Potti Qube 345	330 * 383 * 427mm	324 mm	hand pump	12 l / 15 l	there is	93$
Porta Potti Qube 365	414 * 383 * 427mm	408 mm	hand pump	21 l / 15 l	there is	93$
Porta potti excellence	458х388х450 mm	443 mm	piston pump	21 l / 15 l	there is	132$
Porta potti excellence	458х388х450 mm	443 mm	electric	21 l / 15 l	there is	175$

A more budgetary version under the Enviro trademark is being produced by a Russian campaign.

Name	Upper / lower tank volume	Dimensions (W * D * H)	Drain type	Maximum load	Full indicator	Price
ENVIRO-10	10 l / 10 l	415 * 365 * 300mm	bellows	250 Kg	no	65$
ENVIRO-20	10 l / 20 l	415 * 365 * 420mm	bellows	250 Kg	no	80$
Mr. LITTLE IDEAL (licensed China)	15 l / 24 l	420 * 370 * 410mm	water pump		there is	115$

Electric dry closets

A rare group. Works only when electricity is available. 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 discharged into a drain. The solid fraction in a sealed container is incinerated. Residue 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 compound. In this form, excrement weighs very little, can be stored for a long time.

For the drying or incineration processes to be odorless, it is necessary to create or connect to ventilation, which adds complexity to the installation. Another common disadvantage of this type of dry closet is its dependence on electricity.If it is absent, nothing will work. The next significant disadvantage is the high price. All of them together limit the use of this type of unit.