Peat toilets for summer cottages: features and benefits

Arrangement of a toilet at a summer cottage is a question that is relevant for every summer resident. Today there are many different options for the manufacture of such functional structures, each of which has its own characteristics. One of the ways to solve this problem is a peat toilet for a summer residence.

The full exploitation of all the benefits of civilization in suburban conditions is not always possible. Therefore, a worthy alternative is required to find a way out of the situation. Recently, there has been a positive trend, which is characterized by the construction of peat dry closets on the garden plot. This is due to the presence of a number of positive characteristics inherent in this design.

Such a device performs all the same functions as standard structures, where the main task is to dispose of waste products. The differences between the peat toilet are in the peculiarities of its implementation. The main component of the structure is peat, due to which such toilets can be called composting devices.

It is worth highlighting the main advantages of this type.

• For the use and construction of such a toilet, there is no need to connect it to the water supply.
• The filler is a natural material that is harmless to human health and the environment.

• A unique opportunity to obtain compost. To do this, it is enough to equip a special pit for waste from the structure. After 12 months, a natural fertilizer is obtained.
• The peat toilet is small. Due to this, it can be installed in the house and outdoors.
• The raw materials for the functioning of the structure are of low cost.
• The device does not require the involvement of special equipment for cleaning, does not need frequent cleaning. On average, the peat must be replaced 1-2 times per season.

• Can be installed anywhere.
• Ease of use, simple and quick installation.
• Hygienic, since the principle of the configuration of the device complies with sanitary standards.
• The structure does not need power supply to function.
• Affordable cost of a toilet, no need for a cesspool.

A peat or compost toilet, in addition to its positive properties, also has disadvantages.

• In terms of its dimensions, it is larger than a portable type of dry closet.
• In subzero temperatures, the filler can freeze, so street structures will need a heating device in winter.
• The design requires ventilation, as well as the drainage of liquid substances, due to which the work on the device of such a toilet can cause some difficulties.

Peat constructions work in the same way. Waste products are located in the lower compartment of the toilet, and the filler is at the top. The mechanism regularly covers the layers of waste with peat, due to which the disposal takes place gradually. A certain amount of sewage in a liquid state (evaporating) is removed by ventilation. Peat works with the rest of the volume.

Excess fluid is filtered and removed using a special hose. When the bottom container is full, it is emptied by sending the contents to the compost pit.At the end of all the processes of decomposition of substances, the resulting fertilizers are quite suitable for use in the garden. Due to the unique properties of peat, manufacturers have developed an excellent version of the toilet, the cleaning of which is based on the biological reactions of this natural material.

It copes well with the disposal of waste in large enough volumes and an unpleasant odor. As practice shows, 1 kg of peat can absorb about 10 liters of sewage. The bactericidal properties of the filler ensure that there is no smell near the structure, which, in comparison with other options for country toilets, will be an indisputable advantage (especially in summer). This dry closet contains sawdust, which improves aeration.

The device itself includes the following elements:

• seat;
• waste container;
• reagent container;
• compost pit.

The regularity of cleaning the toilet depends on the method of installation.

Modern domestic and foreign manufacturers offer the consumer a wide variety of models of country-type peat toilets. Among the wide spectrum, it is easy to get confused. Portable structures can be taken with you on a trip, stationary counterparts can be conveniently installed indoors. To choose the best option, you should take into account its size and the amount of waste that it can accommodate. Mobile devices have low seats for convenience. There are designs that have special polymer bags for maintenance as standard.

Based on the assortment on the market, the following types of peat devices can be distinguished:

• chemical;

• biological;
• electrical.

Each variety has its own characteristics, which is reflected in the service life.

When buying a dry closet, it is better to opt for models for which the most common peat is used, because sometimes instead of a standard reagent, the buyer is offered a special soil based on peat in small bags.

In addition, you should take into account a number of relevant design characteristics.

• The peat toilet is lower and smaller than the usual plumbing parting.
• To use the structure by 2-3 people, there is no need to purchase a model with a large storage capacity.
• The structure can be equipped with a special indicator that indicates the need to clean the container.

• It is important to determine the maximum load that the toilet can withstand in order to avoid damage to the device. This parameter depends on the type of raw material used to assemble the structure.
• When purchasing a toilet, the place of its installation is of great importance. The size of the drainage and ventilation will depend on the location of the structure. Placing a dry closet in the house will require the purchase of additional components.
• The operating mode of the structure should be taken into account, since year-round use requires heating.

Without exception, all varieties of peat toilets have an aesthetic design, so the installation of such a device will help to beautifully and harmoniously decorate the interior of a country house or a stationary structure. A wide selection of color schemes will make it possible to choose a model for any style without changing the direction of the general setting of the summer cottage.

In order not to be mistaken when buying a peat toilet, experts also recommend taking into account some of the nuances.

• The raw material for the production of high-quality toilet containers is frost-resistant plastic. You must make sure of this before buying, otherwise it will become necessary to remove the mobile structure for the winter in the room so that the containers do not deform from frost.

• The presence of a sealed cover will protect against annoying insects (especially from flies in summer). A high-quality valve in the ventilation will ensure that there are no unpleasant odors from the device.
• The volume of containers should be selected taking into account the number of people who will operate the toilet. For one person, models with a minimum tank size are suitable.
• It is better to purchase models with a built-in filling indicator, due to its presence, you can easily control the process of filling the container and clean it in a timely manner.

The purchase of a quality product should be carried out in a specialized store with a positive assessment of the buyers. In the same place, you can not only check the components, but also pick them up if necessary. Consider the item before purchasing.

The design features of the peat-filled toilet make it possible to install it for indoor and outdoor use. No water is required for the device itself. This greatly facilitates the choice of the installation site and the installation process itself. In order for waste and peat to be used as a high-quality fertilizer for the soil, it is necessary to create certain conditions for the formation of compost, which imply the arrangement of a pit.

For these purposes, a thermo-composter is being built. A reservoir with the contents is placed in a special depression, where, over time and as a result of decomposition of waste products, compost is obtained. These works can be done by hand, following the simple step-by-step instructions for work.

To equip a peat dry closet at a summer cottage, you will need the following materials:

• timber with a cross section of 45 mm;
• edged board;
• any roofing material;
• reservoirs for filler and sewage (canister, bucket, basin);

• concrete rings;
• brick;
• plywood sheet;
• self-tapping screws;
• toilet seat materials;

For future operation, you should first get strong bags in order to carry out regular maintenance of the structure.

The homemade construction collection technology includes the following steps:

• first of all, you need to knock down the box for containers;
• from the inside, a plywood sheet is attached with a cut hole for a bucket or any other container;
• the toilet seat is being installed;
• the assembled box is varnished or painted in any chosen color.

To ensure the outlet of the liquid, a hole is made in the bottom of the container for the drainage system. To protect it from clogging, it is covered with a pipe with a grid. Without drainage, there is a risk of accumulation of large quantities of liquid sewage. A particularly important point in the construction of a peat toilet with your own hands is the confidence that the working containers were made of durable material. It must be resistant to rotting, high levels of humidity, and also have a good frost resistance.

It can be various types of plastic made from highly durable components, as well as a welded metal structure. Next, the entire structure is installed in a specially designated place. A stall is being built around the toilet. After completing these works, peat is poured into the container with a layer of 3-5 cm. To fill in the reagent, you can use an ordinary scoop.

Some users additionally purchase accelerators to speed up the composting process, and also cover the pit with fertilizer with a special dark geotextile. The operational life of the structure will directly depend on the timely emptying of the sewage tank, regular loading of peat into the upper tank, as well as the implementation of disinfecting measures.

The assortment of dry closets with peat reagent, presented on the modern market, includes models from various manufacturers. In the rating of the most popular designs, the leading positions belong to domestic companies. Several models can be distinguished among them.

• Piteco 505 - the most demanded model of a country toilet. Based on the recommendations of consumers, these devices are distinguished by a high level of ergonomics and durability. This design has a minimum tank volume and a valve that regulates the operation of the drainage system.

• Compact Elite popular due to the strength of the containers. The volume of the sewage bowl is 40 liters. In the basic configuration, the toilet comes with a drain pipe.
• Dry closet Rostok made of polyethylene, resistant to chemicals and UV. It is recommended for operation at temperatures from +60 to -30C. During use at a summer cottage, according to reviews of most buyers, such a composting toilet is ideal for installation in places where there is no possibility of connecting to a central sewage system.

Among the list of Finnish manufacturers, there are several brands marked with positive customer reviews.

• Biolan - the best selling products. This company offers customers a line of different models of peat structures. They differ in the capacity of the containers, the specifics of the device and the cost.
• Kekkila Ekomatic popular in Finland and Russia due to the complete absence of the smell of sewage from such a design, thanks to the high-quality disposal method used in dry closets of this series.

In addition to the above manufacturers, Swedish composting toilets are also in demand.

• Separett Villa - the presented products of this brand are distinguished by the external attractiveness of the models. However, some buyers attribute volatility to the disadvantages of this product. At the same time, the model allows you to create comfortable conditions for living in a summer cottage.
• Biolet mulltoa - dry closets of this manufacturer are in demand due to the convenient location of the seat in comparison with other models.

Unfortunately, the use of these constructions can be fraught with some unpleasant moments. This concerns the possible presence of various insects and their larvae in the contents of the container. Experts and users are advised to regularly clean the tanks to avoid such situations. If the level of humidity in the contents of the toilet is too high, a peat-based bioactivator should be purchased. If the structure will be located in a residential building, special attention should be paid to the ventilation of the room.

For information on how to clean a peat toilet, see the next video.