Dry closet - a mobile bathroom, which is used in the absence of access to the central sewage system. For most summer residents, this alternative option provides a comfortable stay and rest in the country.
Today, the technological equipment of dry closets, ease of use and cost push cesspools into the background.
Criteria for choosing a dry closet for a summer residence
In order to choose the appropriate biotool, you need to consider several aspects.
- The purpose of the acquisition of the device. This can be both an increase in the comfort of life in the country, and one-time use during a trip to a country picnic.
- The condition of the site and the place where the dry closet will be located. For the street and the premises are various models with certain characteristics. For example, a device placed in a house should have better technical support than street equipment. This is due to the fact that more technologically advanced dry closets better contain unpleasant odors, which is especially important for the home.
- The volume of the tank for the accumulation of waste. It is important to consider how many people will use the device during the day. That is, with an average capacity of 10-12 liters, a family of 3 people will be able to use such a toilet for about 3 days, after which it will become necessary to empty the tank, and after 23-25 uses, clean the device. If we consider a larger volume - 20 l, then filling will occur in 1 week, and cleaning can be done without more than 50 applications.
- Dry closet weight. When choosing a model, it should be remembered that cleaning and other manipulations with the device are carried out independently by the owner himself. That is why it is not recommended to purchase heavy units with numerous technical surpluses. It is much better to choose a simple and convenient toilet of small weight, which you can easily manage and not spend a lot of time cleaning. For example, a 12-liter device weighs about 14-16 kg, and a 20-liter tank is already 25-30 kg. So when choosing it is worth calculating your strength wisely.
- The height of the dry closet. Standard or small units, the height of which varies from 20-25 cm to 32 cm, is not a very suitable option. It is better to choose devices with average indicators that are aimed at a wide range of consumers: their sizes exceed 40-45 cm. If there is a child in the family, such sizes will be too large for him. This problem is easily solved by purchasing a dry closet with an additional child seat.
- The principle of operation of the toilet. Some devices create a lot of noise and are suitable for use outdoors rather than in a residential area. Others are not able to provide complete disinfection, it will need to be carried out independently several times a week, which causes certain inconvenience. Many dry closets do not have the ability to eliminate odors, and some models are not suitable for outdoor use due to technical specifications.
- The complexity of the installation and the compactness of the dry closet as a whole. They do not recommend choosing large models if the device will repeatedly move, it is also much more convenient toilets with carrying handles located on the sides. The external dimensions of the toilet - its width and length must correspond to the territory in which it will be located. For street dry closets, this criterion does not play a special role. But when choosing a unit for use in a country house, you need to consider the appropriate placement possibilities.
Thus, we can distinguish three groups of the main aspects of choosing a dry closet for a summer residence:
- Height and dimensions of the device.
- Waste storage tank volume.
- The principle of operation and technical specifications.
Dry closet requirements
For normal functioning and long-term service the dry closet must meet certain requirements. Devices are portable or stationary. A portable model should have:
- handles for carrying and operating;
- indicators of filling and water level;
- bilateral flushing;
- a descent lock function that prevents the spread of unpleasant odors;
- light weight and compact size;
- electric pump.
The stationary model is almost no different requirements. Its technical capabilities will greatly surpass portable instances, but the weight and dimensions of the device will increase.
The unit needs:
- Stable on a flat surface, its installation should not be too complicated and energy-intensive, you should pay attention to this when choosing a model.
- So that cleaning the dry closet is easy and does not take much time and effort. Instances with a complex device do not meet this requirement. The need for overhaul of the unit should arise no more than 1 time per week.
- Dispose of unpleasant odors and prevent them from spreading throughout the room. For this function to be performed, the device must have the appropriate technical specifications. There are models that bring dual benefits to their owners: firstly, they serve as an alternative to the bathroom, eliminating waste, and secondly, they provide the soil with fertilizers, for example, peat type.
- If both adults and children or people with disabilities will use the dry closet, it is necessary that the device has all the additional equipment: child seats, handrails and footrests.
- Construction safety. Many models, for example, electric ones, are equipped with special devices that can fail due to poor production or improper use, so it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer and the material, as well as carefully read the operating instructions. The composition of the substances used in the manufacture of seats should also meet the requirements and not cause irritation or a rash on the skin. The low cost of some models entails more damage due to unfair assembly and the inclusion of second-class raw materials.
- Serviceability of the equipment. When purchasing a dry closet, you need to make sure that it is in excellent condition and ready for work.
Classification of dry closets, their pros and cons
Dry closets are divided into several types, depending on the technical support, device, external characteristics and the necessary requirements for full functioning. Each species has its advantages and disadvantages, and also varies in cost. However, expensive models do not always satisfy the needs of the owner and create unnecessary difficulties with installation and operation, which is why it is important to study all types of devices and decide on a suitable option.
Chemical
This type is characterized by the use of chemicals as the main means for waste disposal. Another name - liquid completely reflects the main essence of the device: a special solution is poured into a specially designated compartment, usually located in the lower part of the housing (depending on the model). If waste enters such a liquid, utilization of the unpleasant odor at the molecular level takes place: the reagent breaks down gas particles.
The contents of the compartment are packaged into an odorless homogeneous substance that is pulled out by the owner after the container is completely filled. This should be reported by a special indicator located on the cover of the unit. A chemical solution has a certain shelf life, during which it actively functions. After the expiration of the allotted period of time, a new liquid is added to the compartment, usually it serves 1-2 weeks, depending on the quality of the reagent.
The main advantage is the complete disposal of unpleasant odors and a fairly labor-intensive process of equipment maintenance, installation and cleaning. Also, non-draining drainage and optional ventilation if the toilet is located indoors will be great advantages. The main disadvantage: the cost of chemical solutions and a short shelf life. That is, this option is not budgetary, but quite practical.
Peaty
This type is the most environmentally friendly of all the options presented. The principle of its operation is quite simple and consists in mixing dry peat sand into a waste compartment. For such dry closets, special peat mixtures are used, where, in addition to organic raw materials, active reagents are included in the composition, contributing to the most rapid waste splitting. There is no need to carry out additional discharge or running water, since all processes occur independently and do not require constant external intervention.
Such a unit is good for outdoor use (in small outbuildings), since it does not need additional technical support and functions only due to the timely addition of peat mix.
By means of the interaction of the active components, all waste is converted into compost, which can then be used to fertilize the garden. This type does not take up much space, and its cleaning will be time-consuming and quick.
However, there is a significant minus, because of which many gardeners refuse to purchase this device: peat does not neutralize the unpleasant odor. If a dry closet of this kind is placed indoors - a country house - there will be a need for additional ventilation or manual disposal of odors with air fresheners. However, with the right choice of location, namely in the open air, this problem will not arise.
Toilet with cassettes
The principle of operation of the cassette dry closet is based on the autonomous receipt of waste in a specially designated compartment - a cassette, from which sewage is subsequently removed manually. A device of this type resembles an ordinary toilet bowl, in addition, there is the possibility of attaching a tank, the standard volume of which is about 20-25 liters, to the central sewer. The container is easily removed and replaced with a new one in case of breakdowns, and this also greatly simplifies the cleaning and operation of the tank. However, with long stagnation, cleaning the compartment is difficult, which is a significant minus.
Most models are equipped with a 180 ° rotation of the top and a special fill indicator, which helps ensure timely cleaning of the tank. The unpleasant odor is also completely utilized, which allows you to place the cassette dry closet in the room without additional ventilation. Thanks to so many advantages, this type has gained great popularity among summer residents, although it is inferior to some types in container capacity. Of the other disadvantages, it is worth noting the complexity of the installation and the mandatory presence of additional consumables, which can be used for breakdowns and malfunctions.
Electric
This type of dry closets is the most technically equipped and multi-functional. The work process is completely dependent on the availability of the electric network, which partially complicates the placement of such an aggregate in an open area, however, in the room, when used properly, the electric dry closet is one of the best in this list.
The principle of operation is based on the device of the internal tank, where the waste gets. It is divided into two parts, each of which is responsible for a certain type of waste: liquid and solid.
That is, in the first compartment there is a specialized drain for urine, and in the second for feces. This separation promotes separate waste management in various ways. So, for the liquid compartment, a direct connection to the central sewage system is necessary, which is quite problematic in the conditions of a summer residence, or connected to a drainage system.
Solid waste is dried by electric compresses placed at the bottom of the tank and then removed manually. This allows you to get rid of unpleasant odors only partially, since no additional chemical components are used during disposal. To completely eliminate the smell, the room should be provided with good ventilation and air fresheners. Cleaning such devices is also quite simple and for the most part consists only in the timely disposal of the contents of the compartments.
Which dry closet is better for giving: TOP-12
Consider the 12 most popular models of dry closets, which, according to user reviews, have excellent technical specifications, as well as the ratio of "price - quality".
To enlarge the photo of the model, click on it.
A type | Model | Description | Cost (ruble) |
Electric. | Separett Villa 9011
| There is a special compress for drying waste, compact. Cleaning is required every 2 months. | 34800 |
Separett Weekend 7011
| The main body material is polyethylene. Equipped with separate waste picking function. | 17980 | |
BioLet 25
| It is characterized by an accelerated process of composting solid waste. Cleaning and maintenance is carried out only once a year. | 95800 | |
Peat. | Kekkila termotoilet
| Tank - 230 l, manual addition of peat mixture, standard seat height - 42 cm. Weight - 24 kg. | 38650 |
Tandem Compact Eco
| There is a special fan, tank volume - 60 l, weight - 12 kg. | 7784 | |
Biolan Populett 200
| Weight - 50 kg, there are wheels, a waste container of 200 liters. The seat is located 48 cm from the ground. | 65000 | |
Piteco 201
| One of the best models, a tank of 45-77 liters. Easy to clean, no unpleasant odors. The main material is frost-resistant polyethylene. | 8989 | |
Chemical. | Thetford Porta Potti Qube 365
| There is a piston pump designed for draining sewage, weight - 4 kg. | 7325 |
Enviro 20
| There is a water drain and carrying handles. The volume of the upper tank is 10 liters, the bottom - 20 liters. | 4809 | |
Sanitation Equipment Limited Mr. Little Ideal 24
| The upper tank has a volume of 15 liters, the bottom - 24 liters. There are indicators of filling, compact, weight 4.5 kg. | 7189 | |
Bioforce Compact WC 12-10
| Mobile convenient model, capable of withstanding weight up to 120 kg. The volume of the upper tank is 12 liters, the bottom - 10 liters. | 4550 | |
Thetford Porta Potti Qube 145
| Weight - 3.6 kg. The capacity of the tank is 12 liters. Compact and convenient for transportation. | 4090 |