How to choose a dry closet for a summer residence: a review and comparison of 3 different options

When buying or building a summer house, a person faces many problems. One of the main can be called sewage equipment. Of course, a standalone device would be the best option. But for her it is necessary to allocate a place remote from the water intake and the foundation at a certain distance. And if you spend only the summer period in the country, then autonomous sewage will be too expensive a pleasure. In addition, it requires the presence of a water supply system. And the costs of such a design are tangible.

The way out of this situation is to purchase a dry closet. Such a design will help solve the problem of arranging amenities. And knowing how to choose a dry closet for a summer residence, you will avoid troubles during its operation. Before settling on a particular product, you must weigh everything.

Classification of dry closets and their features

Depending on the size and installation method, toilets are:

• stationary;
• mobile.

According to the principle of operation, three types of dry closets can be distinguished from the existing options:

• chemical or liquid;
• peat;
• electric.

What is good chemical dry closet?

The chemical dry closet is made of two containers connected together: one from below, the other from above.

• In the upper section there is a tank with a lid for water, a pump, a toilet bowl and a seat.

The lower section is a waste bin. Its size in various models is 12-24 liters. The drive is equipped with a valve to assist with cleaning. A pipe installed to empty the container is also stored there. There are models equipped with a fill indicator.

Components of the upper tank of a chemical dry closet

Components of the lower capacity of a chemical dry closet. When choosing a product, pay attention to the availability of the fill indicator

Chemicals are used to recycle waste in such toilets. They help eliminate odors and break down solid fractions. Chemical dry closets are easily installed and put into operation. They can be installed without problems both on the street and in the building. To use the dry closet in the house, it is advisable to take the device away from the kitchen.

Before operating this design, water is poured into the upper tank with the addition of a special deodorizing liquid. Sanitary fluid is poured into the lower one. This is a fairly convenient product. However, due to the use of chemicals, the discharge of the resulting waste is not desirable in the soil. They can harm plants.

For liquid toilets, use only natural formulations

With this in mind, manufacturers began to think about the existing problem and began to produce safe supplements.Ammonium compounds entering the sanitary fluid after performing their functions falling into the ground do not harm. And liquids into which live bacteria are introduced, processing the waste “turn” them into biological fertilizer. In fact, it will no longer be a chemical, but simply a liquid dry closet and it can be successfully purchased for summer cottages.

Before buying such a dry closet, it is necessary to consider several more features:

• Capacity volume. The filling rate of the lower tank depends on the number of people using the toilet. Naturally, the more people, the larger the capacity needed. However, you must consider the weight of the filled tank and who will empty the toilet. Perhaps it is better to take a dry closet with a smaller volume, but make it more often. If weight is not a problem for you, a large tank can save on sanitary fluids. You will have to clean the toilet less frequently. However, note that all fluids are active for no more than two weeks. Therefore, you should consider all these nuances before deciding on the size.
• Pump model. When choosing a design for a summer residence, be sure to pay attention to the flushing system. Various pumps can be used for it. Flush pumps are of the following types:

1. Piston is the simplest system. For its operation, in order to obtain the necessary pressure of water, it is necessary to exert sufficient force. But you get a dosed portion of the liquid. The operation and replacement of the piston product is simple and can be done independently.
2. Pump-action - a little more complicated than the previous one. However, for the operation of such a system a lot of effort is not required. However, there is no possibility of dosing the liquid and controlling the pressure. And in the event of a breakdown, you will have to consult a specialist.

Electric is the most convenient option. He pressed the button and got the necessary pressure with a dosed portion of the liquid. The convenience of such a system is overshadowed by the need for regular battery changes. Without them, the pump simply will not work. Repair of such a pump is carried out only by specialists.

Three types of flushing systems found in liquid dry closets

• Indicator for monitoring the filling of the tank. Pay attention to its presence in the product. This is a very convenient addition. Without it, it will be difficult to determine when it is necessary to empty the lower tank. If you do not want to constantly look into the container for control, choose a dry closet with an indicator.
• Pressure relief valve. Its presence will allow for a careful discharge of the contents of the container without splashing. It is desirable that there is the possibility of fixing the valve in the open position.

Peat dry closet - fertilizer production

Peat dry closet - can be an excellent solution to sewer problems. This design copes with the task of waste disposal and is a fertilizer manufacturer. Water is not needed for the peat dry closet, peat or peat mixtures are used instead. It is poured into the tank, which is located on top, before using the toilet.

Before using the peat dry closet, the peat mixture is poured into the upper tank

Before starting operation and after cleaning, in the receiving tank, you also need to pour a little mixture covering the bottom by a centimeter. Rotating the handle of the dispenser, pour the required amount of peat into the tank. Moreover, for uniform distribution, you need to rotate the dispenser in different directions.

Peat with the help of aerobic mineralization converts feces into compost. By mixing it with the ground, you will get excellent soil for growing plants. The large absorption capacity of peat allows saving on filler. Enough kilogram of dry mix per 10 liters of liquid. You can empty the tank of such a toilet once a month.

Structural components of the peat dry closet

But before choosing a peat dry closet, you should know the features of the installation of such a design.This product is the separation of solid and liquid fractions. In this case, partly moisture is absorbed by peat, partly evaporates, and the one that remains should be removed by drainage. Therefore, such a dry closet must be equipped with a drain.

And if there are no problems when installing the toilet on the street, then putting the structure in the house you need to take care of the outlet hose. In addition, peat is not able to eliminate unpleasant odors completely, so the peat composting toilet should be additionally equipped with a ventilation system. However, all these installation difficulties are paid off by the cheapness of the filler and the production of natural fertilizer.

An expensive option - an electric dry closet

The lower capacity of such a toilet consists of two chambers for separating waste into liquid and solid. An electric dry closet can only be installed if there is electricity in the cottage. It is necessary for the operation of the compressor, which contributes to the drying of the solid fractions that are collected in the container, and then removed.

It is also necessary to make a drainage for liquid waste. Toilet ventilation also works with electricity. But when operating an electric dry closet, you do not need to purchase any mixtures and liquids. And the dried waste is added to the compost.

Summary conclusions

So, choosing the best dry closet for a summer residence, we will try to analyze the above:

• Liquid toilet It is possible to apply for giving only using harmless fillers as sanitary liquid. The use of cleavage agents is associated with constant waste. However, it does not require the presence of drainage and ventilation, which allows you to install a liquid dry closet in the room.
• Peat dry closet ideal for giving in terms of low cost of the product and filler, as well as obtaining natural fertilizer. However, for it it is necessary to equip a drain and ventilation, so such a dry closet is best installed outside the house.
• Electric dry closet also suitable for installation in the country. No filler is required for it, and the waste can be thrown into compost. However, the price of such a product is higher than the previous two and it requires electricity to connect.

We hope that now you have decided how to choose a dry closet for a summer residence. In any case, each of these options is suitable for use in a summer residence. Dry closet is the best solution for arranging amenities. It is easier for him to find a place on a personal plot or even in a house. And installation of the product is quite quick and easy.