The lack of a traditional bathroom in the summer cottage is a serious inconvenience that can significantly overshadow the charm of suburban life. But this problem can now be very easily resolved.
Even if there is no place or desire for the construction of a house with a cesspool, it is enough to purchase a dry closet. But how to decide on the most suitable model? Agree, the details should be found out before the purchase.
The article presented by us explains in detail how to choose a dry closet for a summer residence, introduces existing varieties, and highlights the features of operation. Focusing on reliable information, you will not be mistaken in your purchase, but will get the perfect option for you.
We have described in detail the design features of the models, the specifics of their placement and the principle of processing the contents. A brief review of the marketable toilets from leading domestic and foreign manufacturers is given. The information is supported by a useful selection of photos and videos.
Types of dry closets for a summer residence
Dry closet is an effective alternative to stationary plumbing. He does not need a connection to the sewer and water supply. Utilization of human waste products in it occurs due to natural or chemical substances.
The compactness of this device allows you to transport it in a car, using it not only at the cottage site, but also just outdoors when holding a picnic or other events outside the city, away from city amenities.
The dry closet is completely autonomous, since it does not need to be connected to the sewer network. It will take only a few minutes to install such a toilet in the country house and a lavatory device
All models of dry closets by the method of waste treatment and the type of active substance are divided into:
- peaty - The main components of the utilization of peat and bacteria in it;
- liquid - use household chemicals;
- electric - excrement processing is carried out thanks to electricity.
Structurally, such plumbing is a classic “night pot”. Only it does not need to be carried out after each use, and the processing of effluents occurs due to special bacteria, chemistry or electricity. Details about the device, the specifics of work and the rules for using the dry closet, we spoke here.
The presence of check valves in the design prevents the spread of toilet amber from the inside.
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Organization of a bathroom in a country house
The original interior of the country toilet
Composting type plumbing
Silos for making and ripening compost
Type # 1 - peat (compost)
From the point of view of correct terminology, a toilet with the prefix “BIO” can be called exactly and exclusively peat models. In them, everything happens on the basis of natural processes.
Peat inside them serves as a kind of sponge, and special bio-bacteria process waste, turning them into compost for beds.
Often such a toilet is called a "powder-closet." This term refers to the dusting (“dusting”) of fecal waste with powdered formulations (ash, peat, sawdust, etc.).
Peat dry closet is also called “compost”. The principle of its action is based on the natural biological decomposition of organics - composting organic waste
Among the advantages of peat dry closet are:
- the relative cheapness of the plumbing device;
- low cost of peat based consumables;
- absolute environmental cleanliness due to the lack of the need to add any chemistry;
- the possibility of using the result of processing as fertilizers;
- lack of need for availability on the water supply site.
But before choosing a peat dry closet for your summer residence, you should know that he will not be able to completely get rid of toilet odors. He simply is not capable of this constructively.
It has only one container, in which ripening compost is processed and stored. And no water pumps and check valves. The kit has an exhaust pipe that removes odors, but nothing more.
After a person visits the restroom, the waste due to gravity falls into the lower tank and is poured from above with peat. The filtered and purified liquid is subsequently partially evaporated through the hood. And solid residues remain in place and rot, turning into fertilizing for garden plants.
But here lies the main problem of such a toilet. If ten people come to the country at the same time to rest, then the compact portable version will not cope with the waste of their life.
One must either look for a more capacious stationary model, or organize a partial drainage of liquid effluents into the ground.
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Peat dry closet is based on a relatively small storage tank, in which human products are processed under the influence of peat
The composting system includes a number of uncomplicated components that are easy to assemble and prepare for use.
Before assembly and preparation for use, 5 cm of peat mixture is poured onto the bottom of the storage tank
It is permissible to use ordinary peat as a filler, but it is better to use a specialized purified product enriched with the required amount of anaerobes
Peat is also poured into the tank located at the place of the flushing tank. At the bottom of the tank is a spreader, which is driven by a rotary handle
Behind the tank is a ventilation pipe connected to the storage tank. Through it, gases are formed that are formed during the processing of contents
The composting composting toilet is without any problems disassembled to empty and carry out maintenance, then it is collected, and all connections are tight
To drain the condensate formed during the processing of the contents by peat and bacteria, there is a drainage outlet at the bottom of the body to which a hose is connected
Peat dry closet for country life
Constructive components of a dry closet
Prepared toilet
Peat for filling the tank and drive
The device "flush" tank dry closet
Dry closet ventilation system
Dismantling of a dry closet for leaving
Condensate drainage drain
The active substance should be used only as recommended by the manufacturer of the specific dry closet. “Toilet” peat is produced in the form of granules, powders and compositions with additives (lime, sawdust, coniferous bark, etc.).
And each mixture has its own effectiveness. We advise you to look at a comparative review of popular peat toilets.
On average, 1 kg of pure peat makes it possible to process about 10 kg of excrement.
Compost fertilizer formed in the lower capacity of the peat dry closet is too active for use immediately after filling the tank; it is best to unload it in the compost pit so that it finally decays there for several months
Type # 2 - Liquid (Chemical)
The liquid dry closet is arranged according to a scheme similar to the peat analogue. There is an upper tank and a lower one, each of which has its own liquid. In the upper module, it is deodorizing, washing - to reduce odors and flushing excrement, and in the lower - processing (dissolving).
This version of bio-nitase involves the chemical dissolution of waste with the subsequent disposal of the resulting liquid.
The main advantage of chemical dry closets is compactness and efficiency, their main disadvantage is the need to empty the storage tank into the sewer, since it is not recommended to pour the collected contents into the ground
The composition of liquids for this type of dry closets is divided into three groups:
- Formaldehyde - red, toxic.
- Ammonium - blue, low toxicity.
- Biological (with bioactive bacteria) - green, relatively safe.
Formaldehyde-based compounds can only be drained into a centralized sewage system. Their components are too toxic to allow them to enter the soil of the summer cottage.
Ammonium-based fluids are less harmful, they can already be used as fertilizer for lawn grass or shrubs in hedges. They are not intended for top dressing of vegetable and fruit crops.
Waste processed by bioactive compounds is quite suitable for fertilizing a country garden. But it is better to leave them for two to three years in advance for more thorough fermentation in a compost pit. Immediately pour these liquids on the beds or under the apple trees is impossible.
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Mobile toilets, in the storage tanks of which the liquid acts on the contents, consist of two compatible tanks
Before using the toilet, liquid intended for waste treatment is poured into both containers. For direct use, open the top tank lid.
In the middle of the bowl is a hole that is closed when inoperative so that negative odors do not spread around. On the right is the hole for filling the upper tank with liquid, on the left is the pump button that must be pressed to flush into the lower tank
The lower tank is easily detached from the upper and just as easy to put into place. Before use, it is also necessary to pour liquid into it
On the right side of the lower tank is a tube through which liquid is poured, and the contents are drained during emptying. In working condition, the tube is closed with a screw cap
In order to open the hole into which the stool falls after flushing, there is a handle on the side of the case. Before using with a handle, this hole must be opened.
In order for the lower tank to be easily conveyed to the place of disposal of contents, the housing is equipped with convenient handles
For emptying, the cap is screwed from the tube of the lower tank, the contents smoothly pour out through the tube. All operating rules are described in detail in the manual and are indicated in the graphic images on the box and technical documents.
Mobile toilet for use in the country
Prepared Toilet
The device of the upper tank of the dry closet
Detaching the lower tank from the upper
Drain pipe of a country dry closet
Handle for extending the intake flap
Handles for transferring the lower tank to the disposal site
Mobile Toilet Instructions
With the volume of the upper dry closet capacity of 22–24 L, one liter of formaldehyde composition is enough for 1.5–2 months of use. A liter bottle with ammonium-based concentrate is enough for 2–2.5, and an analogue with bacteria for 3 months.
But formaldehyde and ammonium compounds are approximately equal in cost, and biological ones are 5-6 times more expensive than them.
For overflow of effluents from the upper reservoir to the lower liquid models are equipped with a bellows, piston or electric pump (the latter requires an electrical connection or the presence of charged batteries)
A liquid dry closet for a summer residence is chosen, as a rule, when a compact device for a child is needed. Such a toilet is transported without problems in a passenger car and quickly goes into working mode.
Install a stationary liquid model with a large lower tank in the garden. With comparable volumes of waste processing, it will have to be emptied more often than a peat toilet. Plus, drainage needs sewage.
The liquids sold for this toilet must be diluted in water in accordance with the instructions. In a bottle they are in a concentrated state, they cannot be used undiluted.
Flushing in a liquid toilet is done using the built-in bellows pump. The use of deodorizing and disinfecting compounds eliminates the formation of standard unpleasant odors
Type # 3 - Electric (Volatile)
Visually, the dry closet with the electrolysis of excrement is similar to liquid. However, the processing processes in them are fundamentally different.
In electrical models, the liquid must be removed from the incoming masses instead of dilution, as in chemical ones. First, excrement is divided into liquid and solid fractions. Liquids are discharged into the cesspool or into the sewer system.
Solid and wet residues are exposed to:
- burning in a sealed chamber;
- or dried with a disinfectant powder.
In both cases, the resulting mass takes up space and weighs quite a bit. Subsequently, it can be used to fertilize green spaces in the country.
An electric dry closet is the most expensive of these autonomous toilets (costs about 45,000-60000 rubles). It is distinguished by aesthetics and compactness, but needs uninterrupted power supply.
In addition to the high cost and the need for electricity, such models of dry closets have another drawback - they need forced ventilation.
It is not possible to avoid odors when burning or drying feces. Only the presence of a good ventilation system will allow you to get rid of the accumulation of these amber in the bathroom.
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The electric dry closet is suitable not only for arranging country life, but also for organizing everyday life in houses of old buildings
The assortment of mobile electric models includes dry closets with electronic control, washing, drying, hydromassage, aromatization and other functions.
Electric models generate compost. Their principle of operation is based on the separation of the solid and liquid components, which are discharged immediately outside the cottage, discharged into a sewage pit or into the ground. Only solid waste remains and dries inside
Since this type of dry closets is volatile, it is not suitable for summer cottages that are not connected to a centralized power supply. It can work from a generator, but it is inconvenient and expensive
The complete set of electric dry closets has a ventilation pipe. A fan is installed in the device itself, which eliminates unpleasant odors and speeds up composting
Under the toilet seat there is a shutter that closes the hole. It must be opened before use and closed after. But many users bury right after filling
For compost storage in a complete set of electric dry closets, usually two or three containers. It is believed that before entering into the soil or into a compost heap, the contents should stand, “mature”
In the manufacturer's manual, all the rules and nuances of operation, as well as requirements for connection and grounding are listed in detail
Electric dry closet in the interior of the cottage
Intelligent electronic device
Separation of liquid and solid waste
Energy-dependent plumbing equipment
Complete ventilation pipe
Flap under the toilet seat
Compost Storage Containers
Detailed instruction manual
The main parameters of the dry closet selection
The principles of operation of the above three types of devices differ, but when choosing a dry closet for a summer residence, there are a number of general parameters that should be taken into account. For starters, you can compare the types of dry closets among themselves by key parameters that are important to you.
But the most important thing is to look at its dimensions and capacity, the material of the case and the active substance used. The presence of additional functions and devices relates more to the issue of ease of use of this type of plumbing.
When using bioonitase in the country in winter, it is necessary to change the filler more often, and nontoxic antifreeze or propylene glycol can be added to the solvent liquid
The eight most important options for choosing a dry closet model are:
- The presence or absence of a built-in drive full indicator - not a fundamental, but convenient trifle.
- Dresser Height - 32–34 cm will be most convenient for a child, and for adults it is best to select options with a standard height of 42–46 cm.
- Waste Tank Volume - the big one fills longer, but it is also harder to carry and more difficult to empty.
- Correspondence of the volume of the drive to the number of users - liquids and peat have a limited period of use, after which they must be replaced (too large a tank will not have time to fill up completely, but it will still have to be replaced in it).
- Pressure valve on the lower tank of the fluid device, which closes the ventilation hole, so that when moving the tank from it, the contents do not splatter in different directions.
- Body material - polypropylene, polypropylene with fiberglass, polyethylene (the latter should be excluded if the dry closet is selected for use in the country in the winter).
- Installation principle - portable or stationary device.
- Permissible load - from 120 to 400 kg.
For the convenience of carrying and unloading the storage tank, it should have wheels and a reliable handle. Also, before buying, you should pay attention to the specifics of maintenance and cleaning of the dry closet - it is not too pleasant to clean the drive after each use.
And when choosing a specific model, you should focus on the mass of the largest family member. The plastic toilet seat and bio-nitase case must be able to withstand an overweight person, if he is among relatives or guests of the summer residence.
Another important point is the difficulty of installing and connecting a specific model to communications (if this is assumed when using your dry closet). Features of the installation of various toilets, we examined in another of our article.
A brief overview of manufacturers and models
Before going to the store, you must correctly assess the necessary spaciousness and dimensions of the plumbing in question. If a compact design is required, it is best to opt for a liquid model with a lower capacity of up to 21 liters.
And if you need a more convenient option with longer reboots, then you should take a closer look at the peat analogue with a drive of 100 liters or more.
But what dry closet for a summer residence is better from the point of view of the country of manufacture and manufacturer? The choice here is frankly small.
The country of production does not really matter. Both in Russia and in Europe, this plumbing is produced according to general technologies and standards. You should not buy only frankly cheap products of unknown origin.
Russian liquid and peat dry closets are in no way inferior to imported counterparts, but they cost slightly less due to the proximity of production to the buyer
Among the main manufacturers:
- by liquid models - “Thetford” (Netherlands), “BIOFORCE” (China) and “Enviro” (Canada-USA);
- on peat devices - “Kekkila” (Finland), “Piteco” (Russia), “Compact-Eco” (Russia) and “Biolan” (Russia).
- on electrical appliances - “Cinderella” (Norway) and “Separett” (Sweden).
The choice of the right model in the plumbing store largely depends on the needs of the buyer. The assortment range for each represented manufacturer is quite extensive, there are options both portable for transportation by road and stationary for installation in the country on an ongoing basis.
When buying, it is advisable to focus on the rating of the best dry closets for a summer residence and a private house and the reviews of the owners of the model you like.
The price range of dry closets is wide - from 3000–3500 for a peat model to 80,000–90000 for an electric unit with a heated toilet seat. The service life of these devices in almost all manufacturers is the same - up to 10 years.
By chemistry of the filler, they are stable by definition, rather, they simply break down from old age or mechanical stress.
Do not want to buy a cheap model, and the option you like is quite expensive? In this situation, you can make a dry closet yourself. And what materials are needed and how to properly collect it, we described in detail in the next article.
Interesting and useful videos will help you in choosing a comfortable dry closet for a summer residence or a country house.
Video review of different types of dry closets:
How to make a homemade toilet without odors:
How to choose a convenient portable toilet for a summer residence:
For a summer residence, it is best to select a model of a peat dry closet. It is cheap, compact, extremely easy to operate and produces natural fertilizers for plants in the garden.
Liquid and electric options are more suitable for country houses with permanent residence. But compact chemical dry closets can also be used as a portable closet.
You do not know what model of a dry closet to get for your summer residence? Maybe you still have questions that we did not touch on in this article? Ask them in the comment block below - our expert will try to clarify incomprehensible points.
Or do you already use a dry closet and want to share your impressions of the selected option with other users? Leave comments, add photos of your model, point out significant shortcomings that you have already encountered during operation.