How to choose a dry closet

Technologies are constantly evolving and often in private houses or in summer cottages, a dry closet is used instead of a classic toilet. Conventional products work only in the presence of sewerage and connected water, the second type is more functional, since the toilet is autonomous and provides an optimal level of comfort for users. There are many different models on sale, not only in appearance, but also in parameters, so you need to know how to choose a dry closet so that it becomes the most suitable. To do this, you should read the information provided in the article.

Possibilities of using dry closets

Often, a dry closet is a small product in size and weight, despite this, it can withstand a large mass of a person. All designs differ from each other, so which dry closet to choose depends on the need. For this, it is important to distinguish between the main types. Any device has a pair of cameras (lower and upper). One uses the function of a classic toilet, and the other collects waste.

The assembly of such a structure and installation is very simple, because you do not need to conduct water and make sewage. The dry closet can be placed in any room or outdoors. If necessary and there is an opportunity, a separate room is made for it. In addition, some types make it possible to use waste, since it will be recycled and later used as fertilizer for the site.

Modern models are often mobile and autonomous. This makes it possible to take the toilet with you to the dacha or to other places, and its dimensions allow it to be placed in the trunk of a car. In addition to mobile options, there are stationary dry closets that are suitable for people who still prefer to build a room on the street for needs. Often, such models are similar to a regular bathroom, but there are some differences. Among the main types of dry closets are liquid, electric and peat. Before buying, you need to familiarize yourself with each option in order to choose a decent and functional model.

Types of dry closets

A few years ago, many people did not know that there are dry closets on sale. At the moment, the picture has been radically changed and anyone can use these designs to replace standard bathrooms. Many firms are engaged in production, but there are several best, according to experts:

• Thetford;
• Separett;
• Biolan;
• Piteco.

Now it is necessary to dwell in more detail on the main types of dry closets, to understand which is best for the home.

Peat biounitases

Such devices are self-contained and various design solutions can be seen on sale. The simplest option is a biological toilet for working with 2 people. The main elements of popular models include:

• The upper part, which has a lid and a seat, as well as a container for feeding special peat with sawdust. The filler contains bacteria that allow you to process waste into compost.
• The lower chamber is characterized by a pair of overhead tanks and the upper part can be removed.
• Ventilation tube.

If there will be 3 or more people using this type of toilet, then models with drainage and additional filtration should be chosen. In such a situation, there will be a separate hose connection at the bottom.

Peat models of dry closets work very simply and are effective for a summer cottage or a private house. After using the structure for its intended purpose, it is necessary to make several taps on the handle, which stands at the top of the structure, in order to fill the waste with peat in several layers. When the container is filled to a certain amount, the waste with the filler is sent to a separate chamber - a compost pit or a plastic container. The processing and storage period will be up to 2 years.

In the case of even more users, manufacturers offer peat separation devices for disposal. In this case, it is impossible to achieve effective processing of urine, as well as complete adsorption. As a result, the liquid part is discharged by a hose directly into the ground or a separate container.

The main difference between peat models and classic ones is independence from sewage and water. As a result, the device is suitable for those who have no communications, but the toilet needs to be installed permanently. The best place to place equipment will be a summer cottage, where there are no usual amenities that are in apartments. In this case, installation work can be done even indoors in a separate room.

Pros:

• Complete autonomy, since the operation and use of the dry closet does not require the use of water or electricity.
• Cleaning the tank from solid elements is carried out less often than when choosing liquid models with a similar volume.
• Complete environmental safety, in addition, waste and peat do not pollute the environment, but are used as fertilizers. The filler is natural.
• One of the most affordable prices when compared with other types presented in the article. For portable structures, you need to pay about 5.5 thousand rubles.
• The price for the filler is much less than buying chemicals and other products.
• There is an opportunity to get high-quality compost right at home.
• Easy assembly and installation and a high degree of convenience. The container can be emptied 2 times a year.
• High quality plastic that is not exposed to frost.

Minuses:

• For normal ventilation, it is recommended to make or allocate a separate room.
• As a result of the lack of flush water, cleaning will not be the most practical.
• Low efficiency of filling with filler, therefore manual dusting should be carried out.
• For the longest possible period of filling the containers, you will have to make a way for the liquid to be withdrawn into a separate container. In general, a canister may work.

Stationary composting dry closet

These models are characterized by the fact that it is necessary to add an active filler, which is peat. The design is more complicated than ordinary peat dry closets, since for implementation it is necessary to make a building, which at the bottom includes a chamber where waste will be processed into fertilizer.

Visually, it may seem that the device is expensive, but the payback period is minimal, since the construction will immediately bring 2 positive points. Firstly, it is used as a regular toilet, and secondly, it serves as a compost pit for storing fertilizers. The user does not need to buy fertilizer and pay for its transportation to the site. After a one-time construction, you can be sure of a long service life.

For construction, a room is created at the top, where a ready-made block with a toilet seat is placed. A closed compartment with a height of about 1.5 meters is located under the room. With the help of a hole in the toilet seat, the waste will enter the chamber, mixing with the peat. Also, in the other lower part, a door is installed to receive compost.The inside of the compartment should be sloped from 30 degrees so that the waste can be evenly distributed. In addition, it is important to leave some free space for normal air circulation coming from the solar collector. The last element is placed against the wall from the street.

In order for heat to enter the waste with peat, it will be necessary to fix the pipe, which will give good aeration. To obtain compost, you do not need to go down into the chamber itself, just open the door and take the right amount of material with a shovel.

A stationary dry closet can be placed on the basement floor under the house, but it is important to properly seal the chamber. The design itself is more complex in execution, so it is better not to consider it. It should be noted that the container for collecting the liquid can be supplemented with biological materials, which will be discussed below.

pros:

• Long period of operation.
• Replacing the compost pit.
• The presence of fertilizer that does not need to be purchased.

Minuses:

• The need to build a building.
• High cost, which can go up to 83 thousand rubles.

Chemical biounitases

Chemical devices are liquid models, which are some of the mobile and compact with low weight. They are easily transported and carried, and, if required, can be stationary. For example, for purely portable models you need to pay 3.5-16 thousand rubles, and for constructions with a cabin 15-51 thousand rubles.

Among the main structural elements, it is important to highlight:

1. A top that includes a water tank, lid and seat, and a pump and space for adding fillers.
2. Bottom part that allows you to save waste. It has a valve for removing excess pressure, a drain pipe and a separating rod. In addition, the user gets a place for convenient storage of fillers and an indicator of the degree of fullness of the tank. In the upper part of the lower tier there is a valve for connecting the drain pipe, which can be turned 90 degrees.

Before using the structure, you should open the holes in the upper part, pour in water with the addition of a certain flavor. To eliminate the appearance of odors, as well as the adhesion of waste, before the beginning of a bowel movement, you need to press the pump to rinse the toilet. When the main process is over, the pump is pressed again for flushing, so that all waste falls into the tank, where it will be processed to a liquid homogeneous mass.

After use, the upper part is removed, the branch pipe is turned, the waste is discharged into the sewer or soil. The main advantage of such models is their small size, which makes it possible to transport a dry closet. It can be used almost anywhere, at the dacha, taken outdoors or on active travel. The device will be useful for people who have limited mobility, due to which the structures can be used in hospitals, on yachts, boats.

pros:

• Small weight of the device and dimensions.
• Mobility, which makes it possible to transport in a car or carry it by hand.
• The paper can also be washed off as it completely decomposes during recycling.
• High degree of hygiene.
• Environmentally friendly fillers.
• Odorless for increased comfort.
• There is no need for additional ventilation.
• There is an indication on the body that will indicate the level of fullness of the container.

Minuses:

• Some fluids are toxic.
• It is necessary to constantly service the device, performing regular drainage of the liquid.
• You constantly need to buy dietary supplements and solvents.

Electric biounitases

These devices are stationary, but they have many versions, which will differ in external and in use. To operate any device, you will need access and connection to the electrical supply. The structural elements are as follows:

• body;
• power wire;
• seat with a cover;
• separation pad;
• compressor;
• fan;
• exhaust tube.
• 2 containers for collection of liquid and solid waste.

There are 2 options for working. In the first case, the bowl is filled with a pair of paper bags, and after defecation, the person needs to get up, the seat will automatically rise, opening the holes for dumping waste into the container. Firing begins inside until ash appears. In the second case, there will be a separation of waste into liquid and solid. Urine enters 1 container, after which it is drained directly into the sewer or the ground using a hose. The solid parts remain in the second container, dry completely, and then can be used for compost.

The devices operate exclusively from the network and only if a person is sitting. As a result of the described requirements, the models are placed inside the house in separate rooms. Not a bad choice for a summer residence, a private house or villages. In addition, it is important to consider that ventilation must be available and difficult to install.

Pros:

• For effective work, you do not need to buy fillers. As a result of using electricity, a person receives a natural fertilizer that is harmless to the earth.
• There is no need for water and sewerage.
• Solid waste is dried as much as possible to the state of a powder, so it will occupy a minimum volume in the container. This makes it possible to do a complete cleaning of the chamber every 2-3 years.
• As a result of the forced ventilation system, odors from waste will be completely eliminated.
• Environmental safety, because the use of chemistry is excluded.
• Simple and convenient use.
• Consumables in the form of special bags are very cheap.

Minuses:

• Complete dependence on electricity for ventilation and recycling.
• Use can only be carried out in a seated position, since the devices function from human pressure.
• Overpriced, which starts from 16 thousand rubles. and may end at 250 thousand rubles.
• The need to allocate a separate space for the dry closet, since the installation is stationary.
• It is imperative to take the hood out into the street.

Types of consumables (fillers)

Understanding the basic design features and functioning of different biological toilets, you should also know the characteristics of the fillers. Based on their characteristics, you can choose the right product for processing faeces into useful fertilizer. All options differ in composition, preparation method and packaging. But the essence and performance of the functions is the same - disinfection, odor elimination, as well as fast processing and disposal of feces.

In stores or on the Internet, there is a wide range of fillers for biological toilets. They are presented from domestic or foreign companies and differ not only in cost, but also in the main elements of the composition. The most popular among users are options from companies:

• AquaRinse and Campa Green (Holland);
• Septicsol (Canada).
• Biola (Russia).
• Rodas (Russia) - the most affordable.

When buying biounitase, you need to remember that not every product is suitable, the wrong composition can not only be ineffective, but can also damage the entire structure. In order not to be mistaken, you should carefully study the packaging, which indicates the scope of use, composition and other recommendations from the manufacturer. In addition, users need to properly prepare the mixture if it is a concentrate.

Biological agents

Fillers of this kind include microorganisms for recycling waste. The product is considered completely safe and environmentally friendly. With the help of the product, it is easy to process the contents of the dry closet into fertilizer for vegetables, fruits or flowers.

The use of the formulations helps to destroy germs in the water, and any unpleasant odor is also eliminated. During the work of bacteria, feces are completely converted into compost, often all means exclude the development of pathogenic bacteria, and also destroy helminths and their larvae.Since the product is biological, there are no chemicals and toxic substances in it. This choice will be ideal for summer residents.

The main disadvantage of raw materials is the cost, which is considered overpriced in comparison with other possible chemical-based fluids. In addition to liquids for the lower vessel, there are materials for the upper tank, which improves the flushing quality. Additives can be with a certain aroma, which will completely remove foreign odor, and the composition improves flushing, reduces the amount of water used.

If a dry closet was bought recently, then you should not experiment much with biological additives. Variants that are made by the same company and are based on the same elements work best.

Ammonium compounds

Such mixtures are created on the basis of ammonium and will show high results for mobile structures. The process of decomposition of waste occurs only under the influence of oxygen and this takes up to 1 week. The resulting mixture with the help of filler can be used as an additive in compost. This option gives the maximum benefit to a person, but 1 liter of the substance is consumed in about 3 months of using a 20 liter dry closet.

Formaldehyde compounds

Substances made on the basis of formaldehyde are considered the most effective for composting. This is caused by the maximum chemical exposure, but there is a significant drawback - the disposal of processed raw materials can only be carried out into the sewer. It is strictly forbidden to pour liquid contents into the ground or use as fertilizers, since the composition is toxic and can cause negative consequences for humans. Such mixtures are not recommended for summer cottages or country houses. In general, the consumption of 1 liter of the mixture is 3-4 months for a tank volume of 20 liters.

Filler for peat dry closet

For such structures, manufacturers offer special peat, which contains microorganisms. With their help, it is possible to achieve rapid decomposition of solid masses, with further processing into fertilizer for the earth. During the pouring of the mixture, an unpleasant odor will be eliminated, in addition, the process of converting waste into compost is accelerated.

To buy for such designs of dry closets, you need exclusively dry additives. The plus point is complete safety, and due to packaging, peat can be stored right after the toilet. Backfilling is performed all the time before and after using the toilet.

In some cases, users try to replace peat with shavings from wood, sawdust, but it is important to understand that this raw material will give much worse results, in addition, there will be no rapid transformation of the mass into fertilizer. Backfilling with sawdust is allowed, but only when combined with peat in an equal ratio. In this case, the capacity of the dry closet tank should be from 50 liters. Filling is carried out in layers, and the mixture will have optimal aeration, which will start the process of converting raw materials into fertilizer.

Parameters for choosing a dry closet

It is worth canceling several important parameters that are taken into account when choosing a dry closet. With their help, it is possible to choose the right device for a summer residence, a house or other needs and opportunities.

Processing method

In this case, the following types of products can be distinguished:

• Peat, which are more suitable for summer cottages. There is no need to use any communications for work, and the resulting compost is perfect for fertilizing vegetables, fruit and other crops.
• Electric ones are recommended to be used for a country house, where it is possible to perform forced ventilation, there are no problems with power from the outlet.
• Chemical - this option is often mounted in a separate room, but there are models for transportation with you.

Weight

It is very important to consider the weight of the container that will need to be removed. It is directly proportional to the volume of the tank. On average, for a 21 liter container, the weight will be about 24 kg.It is recommended not to wait until it is full, as it will be more difficult to remove the vessel. If the model is made of strong and high quality plastic, then the structure can withstand up to 250 kg.

When purchasing a biological toilet for the needs of older people, it is recommended to take into account the weight of the filled container. For lifting, there must be an optimal mass that can be lifted. In such a situation, it should be understood that cleansing will be frequent, but comfortable. The optimal choice is the lower part up to 14 liters, with a weight at full load up to 16 liters. When deciding on the toilet, it is important to evaluate the strength so that as a result, cleansing does not become flour.

Drain button

Different means are used to drain faeces. Based on the design, 3 types of control can be distinguished:

• The usual button, which is in the form of a corrugated pump. During pressure on it, waste begins to be dumped into the lower compartment.
• The piston pump is an element that allows you to create high pressure for the removal of feces. To activate, you need to make a few clicks, then the drain will begin. The usual button is more convenient in this case, but the cost is also higher.
• An electric pump that can run on battery power. In this case, the home should always have spare batteries to replace if necessary. When pressed, it immediately drains, there is no need to pump up anything or do additional cleaning of the bowl.

Volume of the tank

The frequency of cleaning the container depends on the indicator. The volumes are often as follows:

• For chemical structures, manufacturers offer options for 12 and 21 liters.
• Electric dry closets are equipped with 17 and 50 liter tanks.
• Peat devices are available in 44 and 100 liters.

In addition to the given volumes, there are other options up or down. Selection should be based on the toilet user and the type of recycling. On average, 4 liters will be sufficient for 1 person for 3 days of use.

Height

Another main parameter will be the height of the toilet seat, especially when the dry closet is used by children or the elderly. When choosing, it is better to choose a device that is comfortable for use by any member of the family. Low designs will become uncomfortable for adults, and high ones for children. The best choice strictly for a child is a pot, which will have a height of about 30 cm.On sale you can also find options with an indicator of 53 cm.

Additional options

To improve the comfort from using the dry closet, it is recommended to pay attention to the auxiliary options, functions and equipment. This can be a pressure relief valve, an indicator that indicates the degree of filling, or a two-way flush that can be used to control the liquid inside the container. In addition, this flush technology easily removes waste residues on the bowl walls. Often the option is provided in chemical construction types.

Devices in which the indication is made helps to find out how much the lower compartment is filled. The toilet itself will be more expensive than conventional models, but such an option will help you not to worry about the fullness of the container. In addition, the user will get savings on consumables that are used to form compost. This is due to the fact that, due to the fear of overfilling, many people cleanse with a minimum load, although the exploitation can be carried out for a long time.

Which dry closet to choose

Based on the principle of operation and selection parameters, you can easily understand how to choose a dry closet for an odorless summer residence, because all the models described exclude it, but subject to correct installation. Professional advice can help simplify the choice:

• Peat type dry closets are best suited for summer cottages and other places where not a permanent residence is carried out, but only a periodic visit. Such buildings often do not have a normal sewage system and water supplied to the house. In addition, not every country house may have electricity to use mains toilets.For peat models, you will need to use a special peat that contains bacteria. With the help of such an additive, waste will be efficiently processed into compost that is useful for the soil.
• It is recommended to install liquid models of dry closets inside the house. Models are characterized by low weight and dimensions. Plus, the chemical options are easy to carry or take with you. For work, you will need to buy a special tool, and light, water, sewage or ventilation are not needed. The designs can be called universal, and there are options for sale with a booth if you plan to install it on the street.
• Electric toilets are the most difficult to construct, but they are very efficient. There is a wide range of different models on the market, therefore waste processing is carried out using different methods. Products are placed in places where there is access to the outlet, and it is also necessary to carry out forced ventilation to avoid odors. Many products of this kind are installed in the country or in country houses.

Studying the features of different designs, their parameters and fillers, anyone can determine the appropriate type of dry closet for themselves and choose the right model.