What are odorless dry closets and how to choose them?

Even in modern summer cottages, there is not always a sewage system. This creates a number of inconveniences for summer residents, and many, as before, put unpretentious-looking wooden buildings with a cesspool inside. The smell and appearance of the buildings leaves much to be desired. Therefore, a more effective solution would be to purchase a dry closet.

The dry closet resembles an ordinary toilet, only it is smaller in size. At the top is the familiar cistern, in the middle is the seat. The lower part consists of a plastic container, where, in fact, the waste of human life gets. The capacity can have a different volume, it depends on the type of device. Sooner or later, it fills up.

The principle of operation of the bio-unit is quite simple.

1. After a person has gone to the toilet, he presses a button on the cistern, and the water flushes away the waste. Often, deodorant or antibacterial compounds are added to the water.
2. Water and waste goes to the bottom container. It can have different content. In most models, peat is placed in a plastic container. But more expensive devices may contain special water or beneficial microorganisms.
3. In such an environment, waste is quickly recycled. In this case, gas can be formed or not. If the toilet is connected to ventilation, then the gas will leave the device in this way.
4. When the bottom tank is full, it just needs to be emptied.

Dry closets for a summer cottage or home have many advantages, due to which they are often chosen for daily use.

• Without smell. When waste enters the device, its lower part is closed off by a special valve. Therefore, there is no smell at all during processing.
• No need to endure. You don’t have to take the toilet and empty it every time, and you don’t need pumping. The cleaning procedure is carried out only once every few months.
• Light weight. Most of the models of dry closets are lightweight and look quite compact.
• Autonomy. These toilets do not need to be connected to sewers or water, which means one less headache.
• Convenience and safety. The devices are very comfortable to use. They do not even stand next to cesspools, where it is scary to even look and when visiting which you have to take out all small items from your pockets.
• Mobility. Many varieties can be easily moved from place to place. However, this does not apply to all models.
• Diversity. Today in stores you can find a variety of types of dry closets. Both wealthy citizens and people with an average income will be able to choose something.

As for the disadvantages, it will be more convenient here to analyze the disadvantages of certain types, and not the entire system as a whole. Some toilets can be very expensive, while others have expensive litter. Some cannot be moved and some require ventilation. You can get a more detailed idea by examining certain types of devices. Let's consider them below.

As already mentioned, a dry closet can have a different design. To date, three subspecies of such devices are known.

Such models are also called liquid.It is easy to guess that a special liquid with chemicals is used here to process waste. It is in a plastic container. When waste gets there, it immediately interacts with this liquid and begins to be recycled. A special detergent is added to the upper part of the toilet, which cleans the toilet when flushed and deodorizes the air.

Besides, chemical models have a flush pump. This design is divided into several subspecies. Piston devices allow you to control the amount of water flowing down, in mechanical ones this option is not available. But clicking on them is much easier. Electric ones are like a regular button, the water flow can be adjusted.

Pros:

• the toilet is portable and very compact;
• has a small mass;
• does not emit harmful compounds, feces odor;
• very hygienic, safe, comfortable.

Minuses:

• you need to pour out the contents more often than in other subspecies;
• if the temperature drops below zero, the process of fecal decay completely stops (this, however, is a very conditional minus, since such a temperature is rarely found in rooms);
• you need to constantly monitor the stocks of filler, top up if necessary.

These types of toilets are also called compost toilets. The filler is peat, which brings the waste to a dried state. After using the toilet, you just need to twist the special handle so that a new layer of filler spills out.

In addition to peat, special bacteria are added to the bottom of the appliance to speed up the processing process and neutralize unpleasant odors. It is important to consider that for such toilets you need to buy special peat, the usual one will not work.

Pros:

• no water is required for flushing, peat comes from above in a dry state;
• such toilets will have to be cleaned much less frequently (from 150 to 500 flushes, depending on the model, versus 50 for chemical dry closets);
• after the tank is full, the peat can be poured into the compost heap;
• the price of such toilets is the lowest, and peat will cost an acceptable amount.

Minuses:

• no peat will absorb the full amount of liquid, so you need to buy a drainage hose (for most models it comes in a set);
• the room must be well ventilated;
• the toilet is not portable, it is installed immediately in the designated place.

These are not the most popular types of toilets as they are quite expensive. But it should also be considered. Such toilets, as the name suggests, require electricity.

They are of two types. The first has separate compartments for liquid and solid waste. Liquids are discharged through a tube into a drain pit or evaporate (only for the most expensive models). Solids are dried in the chamber and at the exit resemble ash.

Pros:

• complete neutralization of odors;
• rare cleaning (a family of several people can use the device for 6-12 months);
• no need to buy fillers;
• models look beautiful;
• recycled waste can be used as plant food.

Minuses:

• very high prices;
• the need for electricity, sockets for connection;
• the need to equip an exhaust system;
• in case of breakdowns, it is almost impossible to repair it with your own hands.

Today, there are many options for good dry closets on sale. Some models have received particularly positive reviews. You can find out their features further.

• Piteco 506. A very stylish peat model with a white top and a sandy gold bottom. The container at the bottom has a capacity of 44 liters, which is pretty good. The set includes a pipe that is used to remove unpleasant odors. As a gift, the manufacturer offers a large package of filler. This model has practically no minuses. Users only complain about the high cost of peat and the lack of a separate compartment for liquid waste.

• Thetford Porta Potti Qube 145. One of the smallest toilets - weighs less than 4 kilograms. Very compact, stylish, has a laconic design. This is a chemical version of the device. The lower container has a volume of 12 liters, the flush pump is manual. The device can be carried around the house, used on the site. It is very easy to disassemble, it can be used even by children due to its low location. Among the minuses, we noted the rather high prices for such a small model, the need for frequent cleaning and the lack of a fill indicator.

• Bioforce Compact WC 12-20 VD. This is another model of a liquid dry closet. Such a device is made of impact-resistant plastic, so it can easily withstand loads. This model is popular because it perfectly restrains odors. Her bottom tank is larger than that of the previous toilet - 20 liters. There is an indicator that signals that it is time to clean the device. The toilet can be safely carried from place to place. Disadvantages: uncomfortable rinsing, which requires some effort, as well as incomplete cleaning of the bowl (you may need to rinse a couple of times).

• Enviro 10. A very budget model made of cold-resistant plastic. It can be used even in cold conditions. Withstands a quarter ton weight. Despite the inexpensive price, it is of very high quality, it can be used by both adults and children. The main disadvantage of the device is that it has to be cleaned quite often. In addition, there is no fill indicator in this model.

• Separett Villa 9000. An electrical model of a device, where liquid and solid impurities are separated from each other. The toilet does not need to be cleaned frequently as it composts them effectively. Designed for use by toddlers, has a separate child seat. The set also includes ten waste collection bags. Can be fixed to the wall, additional fixation is carried out to the floor. The model weighs about 13 kilograms and has only one significant drawback - a very high price.

You should carefully choose a toilet for a summer cottage, house or apartment, since the devices are not cheap and are designed for a long service. Let's take a look at a few parameters that need special attention.

• Lower tank capacity. It all depends on the number of people in the family. If it is 1-2 people, then you can buy a model up to 15 liters, but if there are more people, devices from 20 liters are recommended, otherwise the tank will have to be cleaned often.
• The weight. A full toilet weighs a lot. To calculate the weight, add 2-3 kg to the tank capacity. That is, an option for 10 kg in a filled state will weigh about 12-13 kilograms. Consider this when purchasing toilets for the sick or the elderly.
• Dimensions. Decide on the place where the unit will be located. If this is a stationary device, it will need to allocate a specific area.
• Comfort of use. Seating too high will create problems for children. On the other hand, older people will find it difficult to sit in the low, toddler seats. Therefore, it is necessary to determine with this parameter in the store. Usually the height of the device is about 0.4 m, which is enough for an adult. They buy toilets for children 0.3 m.
• Manufacturer and function. Always choose quality models. Take an interest in reviews from other customers and ask for quality certifications. As for the functionality, here the decision is up to you.Some, for example, do not need a full indicator or a double compartment for different types of waste.

It is very easy to operate modern dry closets. They are assembled in accordance with the instructions, installed only on flat surfaces. If you need to equip the outlet of liquids, then this is done using a purchased or supplied corrugated pipe.

Chemical toilets are used like this:

• the washing liquid is poured into the upper tank together with water;
• a special agent is also poured into the lower part (the amount is always spelled out in the instructions) and a little water;
• after the end of the procedure, they are simply washed off.

Peat will be even easier:

• peat is poured into the lower and upper parts, while in the lower it should be a thin layer, the bulk will concentrate at the top;
• after use, press the handle, which scatters part of the peat down.

It is not recommended to wait until the bottom tank is filled to capacity. It is better to clean it earlier when it is 2/3 full. Waste is disposed of depending on the type of toilet. The lower tank is washed with a deodorant and antiseptic agent, and put back. If you are away for a long time, the toilet should not be left full. It must be emptied, washed and dried. Electrical models are disconnected from the mains.

Separately, it must be said about the use of dry closets in winter. Many models do not tolerate cold well, so it is unreasonable to leave the house for several days and turn off the heating there. This can crack the materials of the case. If this is a chemical model, then antifreeze can be added inside it, but very little. This will keep moisture from freezing. In general, for use in the absence of heating, it is advisable to buy peat models made of strong plastic. Peat is not afraid of any frosts.