How to make a composting toilet for your dacha with your own hands

A dry toilet is a compact device that does not require complex and mandatory installation of sewer lines. At the same time, the price for most models is quite reasonable. Their installation can be carried out both inside the house and at the dacha.

Installed dry closet at the dacha

To answer the question of how to install a dry closet in a summer cottage, you need to know their classification and operating principle.

Advantages and disadvantages

This type of toilet has a number of advantages:

He has mobility. Since there is no need to use sewerage or water drainage, such a toilet can be installed in almost any necessary place.
Cheap to install and use. Packages of peat for dressing are available for sale. For a small family, one such package can be enough for a year.
During operation, no unpleasant odor is formed. This is due to the deodorizing ability of peat.
It is possible to use such a toilet not only for a summer residence, but also in many cases where its mobility is important. One example would be a situation where a home is being renovated and the sewer system is temporarily turned off. In this case, a peat toilet may be one way to solve the problem.
The consumable material (peat) does not harm the environment.

Peat is a natural material that can subsequently be used to fertilize the garden. Source agbz.ru
Processing waste to form compost, which can then be used as fertilizer.

However, they have some disadvantages:

When using the toilet, it is necessary to ensure ventilation and drainage of liquid.
Problems may arise when operating during the winter. For example, peat can freeze at low temperatures.
A peat toilet is a fairly mobile option, but a portable dry toilet has even more compact dimensions.

A portable dry toilet is a more mobile option that you can take with you on the road. Source rosanneglass.co

Criterias of choice

The choice of a dry closet should be approached consciously, taking into account the intended place of use, the required characteristics and the individual needs of users. The selection criteria, which are compiled based on customer reviews, will help answer the question of how to choose the right dry closet. A review of the most common types of dry closets will help you make a choice. If electricity is supplied to the installation site of the device, there are several solutions:

Dry toilet with freezing. This is a container with a “freezer”: waste is packaged in biodegradable bags and cooled to low temperatures, which ensures that there is no unpleasant odor. Such devices are emptied quite often due to the small collection capacity, for example, into a compost pit. Suitable for installation on board an airliner, for mobile offices, and for caring for patients with disabilities.
Dry toilet with combustion function. Recycled waste, directly in the storage container, is heated to high temperatures and turns into ash. And it can already be disposed of as regular household waste. The devices are suitable for all possible installation cases, the only limitation is the high price.

Models without the use of electricity are also divided by type of disposal:

A peat dry flush toilet is a model with waste backfilled with a peat mixture that absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors. The contents of the device’s storage tank, ready for “ripening,” are emptied into the compost pit. An excellent option for a summer house or homestead: the contents of the device’s storage tank, ready for “ripening,” are buried in the ground or emptied into a compost pit and theoretically can be used in a few years as fertilizer.
Liquid dry closets consist of two containers - the upper one filled with water for flushing, and the lower one - a receiving one. A pump is installed in the upper section - bellows, piston or electric. A little water and a splitting liquid are poured into the lower tank, the upper tank is filled with water and a special shampoo is added. The contents of the tank are drained as they are filled, once every few days, and the contents are poured into a waste pit or sewer. Dry toilets with a filling indicator are convenient. Liquid composting toilets can use both chemical and organic shampoos and disintegrating liquids.

But even in these devices, for example, a flush pump, a stirrer, and compost heating can operate from an electrical network or batteries (accumulators).

Type. It is necessary to determine what type of structure is needed: portable or stationary. The first option is represented by compact models that are easy to transport. They are easy to install and use. Stationary can be, including cabin type. A special feature of this dry closet is the presence of a replaceable waste container, which is replaced as necessary. Some mobile models, due to the specifics of their operation, can be used as stationary ones.

Device. For home use, you should choose an easy-to-use design, the operation of which should be convenient for each family member and not cause difficulties.

Dimensions of the structure. An individual criterion, determined depending on how many people the device is intended to be used for and its possible features. In particular, for elderly or disabled people it is advisable to use a design with a special stand with handrails.

Seat height. Usually the height has a standard value (40 - 45 cm). But if children will use the device, this must be taken into account when choosing.

Volume of the waste collection tank. An important criterion that should be calculated depending on the number of users of the device. The volume of this part varies and depends, among other things, on the type of dry closet. So, the volume of a liquid product will be approximately 10 - 25 liters, and a peat product from 40 to 200 liters. For example, when using a liquid model with a lower tank volume of 10 liters, the number of flushes will be approximately 20. At the same time, when determining the volume of the container, it should be understood that the larger it is, the greater the weight of the container with waste that must be disposed of regularly. With the parameters in the example indicated above, the weight of the filled tank of the liquid product will be about 12 kg.

Quality. One of the main criteria, because The service life of the product depends on the quality of the materials used and assembly.

Additional functionality. This could be, for example, the presence of a waste container full indicator or a heated seat function.

Closets without a cesspool: the main types and their features

A drainage pit is considered the simplest and most cost-effective way to solve the problem with a toilet in a personal plot. Even so, there are limitations to this type of design. The installation of pit latrines is limited to the following conditions:

the soil of the summer cottage consists of limestone or shale soil;
groundwater passes too close to the surface;
the toilet is expected to be used by a large number of people.

All these factors do not allow organizing a toilet based on a cesspool on the territory of a suburban area. The way out of this situation will be the construction of latrines of a completely different type, based on a different principle of operation.

Backlash closet

A backlash closet is a type of toilet connected to a sealed cesspool. The waste tank is located behind the foundation, to which it is connected directly or through an inclined pipe. It is equipped with a hatch through which it is convenient to clear waste. The bottom of the container is tilted towards the lid so that waste accumulates next to it

Unlike a traditional house with a cesspool, a backlash closet can be installed inside the house. This eliminates the need to additionally insulate the structure. This type of toilet is suitable for permanent use in houses without a sewer connection and is built without the possibility of further movement.

Briefly about the main thing

A dry toilet is a modern version of a device for disposing of human waste. Manufacturers produce it in mobile and stationary versions. It can work by adding environmentally friendly or chemical products, using peat or electricity.

Models are equipped with receiving containers where waste accumulates. For liquid devices, no additional ventilation is required, since unpleasant odors are neutralized by chemicals. Peat models make it possible to obtain environmentally friendly fertilizer as a result of processing. Electric toilets can burn or freeze solid waste. However, they must be connected to a sewer system to remove liquid.

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Auxiliary products for dry toilets

In addition to the basic liquids, from time to time, cleaning, deodorizing and anti-freezing additives are introduced into the upper and lower chambers of the toilet. A good example of such drugs are the following drugs:

Deodorizing liquid for composting toilet Biola

Concentrate based on naturally degradable components. Does not harm the ecology of the site and human health. Removes unpleasant odors in a very short time. Therefore, Biola is used not only by owners of dry closets, but also by owners of country houses with amenities in the yard.

For a standard dry toilet with a sump volume of up to 50 liters, a one-time injection of 100 grams of the drug is sufficient, which is dissolved in 3 liters of water and poured into the upper tank or directly into the lower container. The procedure is repeated if necessary.

Ingredients: surfactant complex, aromatic additive, targeted additives, dye, water
Does not contain environmentally harmful substances: phosphates, phenols, acids, alkalis
The product is available in liter bottles
Price of the drug – from 400 rubles

Fermentation accelerator for composting toilets

BIOFORCE BioToilet Comfort

- a biologically active drug that increases concentration in the lower chamber of the dry closet. Accelerates the process of fermentation and breakdown of solid fractions of organic waste. Essentially, this drug cleans the lower chamber of solid deposits, separating them into liquid and gas. Recommended for use in case of increased load on the dry closet (unexpected arrival of guests, etc.).

The packaging of BioToilet Comfort contains 20 sachets, each of which is designed for a volume of up to 20 liters.
The bags are dumped into the lower chamber or dissolved in the drain tank
The cost of packaging is 2200 rubles.

Thetford Bathroom Cleaner

a disinfectant for toilets and septic tanks, which has an antistatic effect and whitens treated surfaces. Helps maintain hygiene in areas where the dry closet is used. Unlike chlorine-containing and acid-based products, Bathroom Cleaner does not harm the seals and polymer body of the dry closet.

Available in half-liter bottles with sprayer
Cost – from 350 rubles

Which dry toilet is better to buy?

It all depends on the scope of application. For patient care or short trips, the best option would be lightweight, portable liquid dry toilets (for example, Thetford porta potti 365 - the leader in popularity among dry closets). For summer cottages, peat composting toilets are most often chosen. If we are talking about long-term residence outside the city, but there is no opportunity to install a sewer system, then larger models will help. Well, for those who are not used to denying themselves anything, an electric dry closet would be an excellent solution.

Happy shopping!

Which peat toilet to choose for your dacha

When choosing a composting toilet, pay attention to the following characteristics:

The dimensions of the product must correspond to the room allocated for installation. Pay special attention to the height of the toilet seat and take into account the needs of all family members. The frequency of cleaning depends on the volume of the storage tank

It is important to consider the number of people who will use the product, the frequency of use and the desired frequency of cleaning. Models with a fill sensor are especially convenient. This option allows you to accurately determine when the system needs to be cleaned. Seat load. Typically, ready-made models are designed for loads of up to 125 kg, but there are products that can withstand weights of up to 250 kg.

Let's look at some popular types of ready-made peat devices.

Ecomatic

This is a Finnish peat toilet with a large storage tank. The model uses a mixture of peat and sawdust as a filler. There is also a domestically produced Ecomatic model on sale. It has all the advantages of a Finnish product. In addition, the domestic model is equipped with a thermal seat, which increases the operating comfort of the device in the winter season. The price of an Ecomatic dry closet is in the range of $250-350.

Piteko

A Russian-made peat toilet does not need to be connected to a water supply or sewerage network. The compost bin has special doors that make it easier to unload. The model also has a special filtration system. The price of this product ranges from 91.7-116.7 dollars.

Biolan

This is another domestically produced model. The device has two chambers (for liquid and solid waste). Features of Biolan dry closets include an improved drainage system. These are quite expensive modifications, the price of which is in the range of $300-325.

The best inexpensive dry toilets for a summer residence

ECOS OS13

An inexpensive dry closet that can be found on sale. It is suitable for a small family, allowing you to remove waste approximately once a week. The processing method is chemical, the volume of the storage tank is 24 liters, and the dimensions are so compact that the device can be transported in the trunk of even a sedan. On the other hand, the model does not have a full indicator, and the flush is weak compared to other models in the rating. But it does not need to be connected to a drainage system or ventilation, despite the fact that the smell is removed quite effectively.

Advantages

affordable cost of the model - the minimum among all dry closets in the rating
neat assembly and stylish appearance
no need to install a drainage system
minimum normal weight
small dimensions allowing the dry closet to be transported in the trunk of a regular car

Flaws

relatively weak flush
small volume of the storage tank and lack of a full indicator

EcoProm Rostok

This stationary peat dry closet can be used even in unheated rooms: low-density polyethylene “granite-like” is used for manufacturing. The volume of the storage tank is 100 liters (according to the instructions, it should be filled no more than 90%), the peat container is 30 liters. There is a drainage hole and a 3m long hose is included. There is a ventilation pipe to remove fumes. When cleaning a dry closet, the ventilation and drainage are disconnected, the top cover is removed and solid waste sprinkled with peat is removed. For peat filling, a manual lever is used. Required space for installation: 61.5 x 79 cm. Russian production, one-year warranty.

Advantages

Wide range of operating temperatures: from -30 to +60°C
Does not require power supplies
Sufficiently high seat – 51 cm, can be equipped with a thermal seat
Possibility of purchase in black and white (granite)
Service life declared by the manufacturer is 10 years

Flaws

The ventilation pipe must be purchased additionally
The heavy weight of a fully filled tank: there is no internal container, no wheels, carrying the tank for cleaning is a job for two healthy men
In wet and cold weather, the peat in the tank becomes saturated with moisture and crumbles poorly
Thin plastic, the dry closet is designed for users weighing no more than 80 kg

BIOFORCE Compact WCL 20-24

Compact and medium-priced model with a storage tank for 24 liters of waste. The dry closet removes odors quite effectively using a sliding valve. And in the case there are compartments where you can store toilet paper and other supplies. Although in order to completely get rid of odors, you should additionally use special products. Other features of the model include a mechanical pump and a rotary pipe for convenient emptying of the tank, compact dimensions and minimal weight, both in normal condition and when filling.

Advantages

relatively small size and weight of the model
presence of a sliding valve for effective odor removal
fairly stable design;
built-in compartments for storing toilet paper and other accessories
affordable price, no more than 8 thousand rubles

Flaws

need to be taken out in just a few days
use for draining water that will have to be poured into the upper tank

Thetford Porta Potti Qube 145

A super-compact chemical toilet with a waste tank volume of only 12 liters is suitable for a weekend in the country, a shopping pavilion, or a mobile home. Water tank – 15 liters. A manual bellows pump is used for flushing. The lower storage tank is removed and carried by the handles to the emptying location. For the dry toilet to function, it is necessary to use two special liquids. The first - shampoo - is added to the water tank. The second liquid is poured into the storage tank, helping to break down waste and neutralize odors. Modest dimensions (38x33x42 cm) allow you to transport the dry closet in the trunk of a car without taking up much space. There are several similar models in the manufacturer’s line, differing in the volume of the storage tank (can be selected according to the number of users), as well as the presence of a full indicator. Dutch brand, warranty period – 3 years.

Advantages

Complete absence of odors (when using special liquids according to instructions)
Pressure relief valve
Light net weight – 3.6 kg
Long warranty period

Flaws

Low seat height for adults - only 32.5 cm. But children will be comfortable
It is necessary to use special sanitary liquids (purchased additionally)

Bioecology Practitioner

The device is affordable, with its fairly compact size and average tank capacity. The frequency of emptying the storage tank is only once a month or even less often, and the use of peat allows you to process the contents into high-quality fertilizer. The body is made of high-quality plastic, resistant to sunlight, low temperatures and mechanical stress. When using a dry closet, no odors are felt - but to do this, you will first have to connect it to the ventilation system. But there is no need to connect to either a sewer or an electrical network.

Advantages

affordable price and excellent volume/price ratio
Possibility of waste disposal no more than once a month
cessation of container contents into quality fertilizer
durable plastic, resistant to sunlight, frost and mechanical stress
small weight and dimensions of the device

Flaws

relatively large mass in normal condition
the need to connect both the drainage system and ventilation

How to make a toilet in the country with your own hands: drawing and step-by-step instructions for creating a peat toilet

Peat toilets are no less popular among summer residents, as they can offer a lot of advantages to many owners of suburban areas. The method of sprinkling waste with peat substrate is justified by several advantageous advantages:

Peat has good odor absorption capacity. With it you can forget about the unpleasant moments associated with using a restroom on the street.
Due to the high level of hygroscopicity, the substrate absorbs moisture well, due to which the frequency of cleaning the drive can be reduced. In other words, the toilet can be used for a longer period without the need to empty the storage tank.
The processed mixture can be used to fertilize the site, since peat, even in its pure form, contains bacteria that help convert organic waste into nutritious compost for the soil.

Price

The average price of the most popular models of composting peat toilets presented on the domestic market is:

Finnish model Piteco-505 - from 5 thousand rubles;
domestic model Biocomfort Plus - from 10 thousand rubles;
domestic model “Compact-Elite” - from 3.5 thousand rubles;
domestic model “Compact Lux-M” - from 4 thousand rubles;
domestic model “Compact Premium” - from 4.5 thousand rubles;
Swedish model Separett Villa-9000 - from 27 thousand rubles;
Swedish model Violet Mulltoa-20 - from 55 thousand rubles.

Cost can vary significantly depending on design features. For example, peat tanks are characterized by a simpler design and small size storage tank, while a distinctive feature of duomatics is the presence of a pair of containers for collecting waste.

The most expensive ones include “thermo-structures”, equipped with special thermal insulation, as well as Biolans, which have special wheels for movement, drainage and ventilation systems.

If you do not want to build a full-fledged plumbing system in your dacha, buy or build a dry closet for your dacha. It is more comfortable than a regular pit, moreover, it is durable and does not emit odors.

The technology for making a feeder from cardboard boxes is described in this material.

How to choose

When choosing a suitable option, you need to pay attention to various features of the offered models:

When choosing, you need to consider the purpose for which you are purchasing a composting toilet for your dacha. If we are talking about a small family that rarely comes there, then a small volume is enough. A 10-15 liter tank may be suitable here. If there are always a lot of people there, it makes sense to buy a model with a large tank, for example, 100-150 liters or more.
It is necessary to take into account the maximum weight the toilet seat can be designed for. Since the toilet is mobile, its strength is lower than that of a stationary one. If there are people in the house who have significant weight, the device should be selected in such a way that it can easily support it.
If you buy inexpensive models, there is a risk that parts made of cheap plastic will quickly wear out and break. When purchasing such an important item for a long time, it would be wise to be guided, first of all, by high consumer qualities.
If you plan to install the toilet in a specific place, then when purchasing you need to take its dimensions into account.

If there is a need to move the toilet, it is better to choose a more compact and mobile modelSource bio-park.ru
Different models can use different types of ventilation

For example, stationary models may require a hood. You need to pay attention to the quality of the material from which the toilet seat is made. It is convenient to use plastic that does not cool down immediately even at low temperatures. When choosing, you need to consider where it will be installed: indoors or outdoors

This affects the characteristics of ventilation and liquid drainage during operation.

Ready-made models

On sale you can find ready-made composting toilets of various sizes and modifications - from portable to large continuous chambers built into the basement. As a rule, the most advanced of them are equipped with control devices and equipment to create an optimal mode.

Small compact dry closets of this type may have special tanks for dry peat. The composition is automatically scattered evenly over the surface when you turn the handle. Stationary models can be equipped with a membrane built into the bottom and a pipeline to drain the liquid component of the waste.

The most popular brands of peat composting toilets include Piteco, BioComfort, Compact, Biolan, Ekomatik (Ekomatik).

Construction of a peat dry closet

From an aesthetic and visual point of view, a dry toilet is not much different from a regular toilet. Its design allows you to use it with comfort and convenience. A peat dry closet for a summer house or other building has the following design:

Upper container. Used to store peat mixture in it. The peculiarity of the structure is that water is not used during operation. When you press the handle on the upper container, the mixture is poured into the lower container. The upper chamber in this case serves as a flushing system.
Lower chamber, or storage tank. The average volume of a waste container is approximately 100-150 liters. This volume is sufficient for full use of the toilet by a family of 3-4 people. The lower container is necessary for collecting and accumulating human waste: feces and urine.
Seat. Located above the lower chamber. Its main purpose is to create comfort and convenience during the operation of the structure.
Ventilation. Like any room where there is a sewerage system, a dry closet must be equipped with a ventilation system. For this, the owners use a special pipe for ventilation. The ventilation kit for each model includes a clamp and a ventilation pipe.

Manufacturer

On the modern market, dry toilets are represented by many companies. Some of these companies are considered the best manufacturers of the products in question. The popularity of models from such manufacturers as:

Bioforce;
Thetford;
Sviti;
Biolan;
Kekkila;
Separett;
Piteco;
Ecomark;
EgoGroup.

Construction of a toilet for a summer house: drawing with dimensions for a “birdhouse” type structure

The design of the Birdhouse consists of wood, which can be covered with any other type of material. Construction of a single or gable roof is allowed. This type of closet is mounted as an above-ground building above the cesspool.

Typical design of a “Birdhouse” with dimensional parameters:

Design element	Size, m
Rear wall (height)	2
Width	1
Front wall (height)	2,3
Base area	1x1

When installing a wooden toilet structure, mandatory control of the placement of surfaces vertically and horizontally is necessary. For these purposes, it is recommended to use a building level.

Project of a country toilet and shower under one roof

A toilet is good, but a toilet with a shower is even better. Both of these buildings create the comfort necessary in a dacha setting. By combining these designs you can save a little on material. Let's consider the project of a country toilet with a shower and its execution.

The toilet and shower have a common wall: this will help save on building materials

The proposed diagram shows that the toilet and shower have a common wall. This is the saving of building materials. This project is designed for the installation of a dry closet.

If a cesspool is used, the design is slightly modified.

To build such a structure, they first dig a foundation pit and strengthen its walls, and only then begin the construction of the building itself

Preparing the foundation for construction

First of all, a square pit with a side of 4 meters and 0.3 cm in depth is dug for the construction and covered with gravel to about 0.2 m.

After thoroughly compacting the base, formwork from wooden panels is knocked down for a foundation 0.3 m wide and 0.5 m high.

To make the foundation more durable, it is necessary to reinforce it

A sand-cement mortar is prepared and poured into the formwork.

Crushed stone is used as filler. When the concrete has set, remove the boards and cover the defects with mortar.

After removing the formwork, defective areas are sealed with mortar.

At the next stage, sewer pipes are installed.

How to build a peat toilet for a summer house with your own hands?

DIY peat toilet (diagram)

Those who decide to build a composting toilet at their dacha must strictly follow the rule, which states that such a device must be placed as far as possible from sources of drinking and industrial water, as well as reservoirs (if there are any nearby). Do not allow toilet drainage to enter the water. The only exception here would be completely sealed toilets that guarantee safety for the environment.

You can build a peat dry closet yourself if you have a sealed container, which is most often used:

Barrels;
Buckets;
Tanks;
Sealed (waterproofed) cesspools.

The choice of container used depends on the required volume and the number of people using the peat dry closet.

Scheme of a simple peat toilet

The homemade device consists of:

Containers;
Box (most often wooden);
Booths (“birdhouse”);
Peat box;
Seats.

The simplest homemade dry closet using peat is a wooden toilet seat with a vessel attached to it, which serves as a receiving container. To build this simple dry closet you will need the following materials:

Compost homemade toilet on a bucket

Bucket-shaped container (volume - about 20 liters);
Wooden block with a square cross-section (5 by 5);
Plywood or chipboard (thickness - one and a half centimeters);
Nails (screws).

The set of tools for construction will consist of:

Roulettes;
Jigsaw;
Hammer;
Screwdriver.

It is better to start constructing a simple device by cutting out parts of the required size:

Set of tools

Legs (four bars 35 centimeters long);
Side walls (two plywood rectangles 52 by 30 centimeters);
Front and back walls (two plywood rectangles 45 by 30 centimeters);
Cover (plywood rectangle 45 by 48 centimeters);
Bar for loops (45 by 7 centimeters).

Next you need to assemble the device:

Walls (short sides) are attached to the legs, which should protrude five centimeters on one side; Peat toilet diagram
A bar for attaching hinges is screwed to the legs from the rear wall;
A lid is attached to the bar using hinges;
A round hole is cut out in the lid, corresponding in size to the diameter of a bucket (or a small twenty-liter barrel);
The structure is sanded and treated with an antiseptic;
A homemade or purchased toilet seat is placed directly above the hole.

Using the same principle, you can make a peat toilet with other containers. The difference will only be in volume and location. A compact peat dry toilet with a bucket can even be placed in a country house, but for a larger toilet you will most likely need a separate building and equipped drainage.

How to make a bathroom over a pit

I build a box from below according to the instructions for the simplest option. A hole is dug under the box, the bottom is made at an angle of twenty-five degrees. Pit parameters: length from two meters, width from one meter. The bottom of the pit is filled with concrete, the walls are laid out of brick.

Attention! Under the continuous toilet structure, a hole is dug with a sloped bottom.

The wall bordering the street should have a pair of holes located one above the other. The dimensions of the holes are such that you can easily remove the compost from below, and fill the container with peat through the top hole. These holes can be arranged in stages.

All parts are treated with bitumen to ensure waterproofing. A metal box is placed in one wall and a pipe is connected to it by welding to provide ventilation. A ventilation system is necessary to organize the supply of oxygen to microorganisms multiplying in peat, as well as to allow excess moisture to evaporate outside. Ventilation pipes must be installed strictly vertically; a mesh must be stretched over the area between the pipe and the structure to protect against insects. A layer of peat or earth up to 15 centimeters thick is placed at the bottom.

The operation of the toilet consists of the fact that, by removing part of the mature compost, the remaining mass of sewage mixed with bacteria falls down the slope. Therefore, the toilet does not require cleaning. The volume of the toilet is quite large, which affects the positive characteristics of the device. The frequency of peat extraction is reduced, and the layers below are heated to a higher quality.

The toilet can be used in winter; it does not have time to overflow, so you do not have to remove frozen compost. Comfortable conditions for creating fertilizer are created in the pit. The temperature inside can reach fifty degrees, which contributes to the death of harmful microbes. Also, the toilet maintains humidity, the presence of oxygen, and urea, which contributes to the rapid maturation of the compost.

When insulating a barrel with penofol, the waste breakdown process will take place during the cold period. If you install a film-type heater under the penofol, the process will speed up in the summer and continue in the winter.

Construction of a peat toilet

Peat toilets made independently are not much different from purchased ones, except in terms of the complexity of the device. To better understand the design installation system, you should carefully study the component parts and elements. So, a peat toilet for a summer house consists of the following parts:

The seat is shaped like a box in a homemade device, and the purchased toilet looks like a toilet seat. In a home setting, an old chair can be used, which is upholstered with plywood or other materials, for example, chipboard or fiberboard. You can also create a small box with your own hands in which the container will be placed.
A container for sewage, which is installed under the toilet seat. In purchased structures, plastic containers are used, and in private ones, a bucket or basin is used.

A container with peat for a country toilet

A container for peat in a dry closet can be selected from old items, but you need to make sure that the material of the container is durable. You can install a separate bucket with a scoop and pour peat into it, or consider manual sprinkling.
Compost pit - installed in outdoor buildings.

All elements are components of a peat toilet at a summer cottage. First of all, decide on the location of the building, which should be located away from the house. To build a toilet, you can use various materials that are left after the renovation. This will reduce waste on purchasing new ones.

Cabin for a homemade dry closet

Of course, if you wish, you can install a dry closet in your home with your own hands. But for this you will need a separate room with ventilation.

If more than one person uses the toilet, a drainage hose must be installed.

Those who cannot afford this will have to build a toilet on the street.

The house for it can be made of brick, wood or any material left over after the construction of the house. Instead of a wooden box for a seat, you can build a whole pedestal with two holes. And at the back or side of the house, attach a small door for removing the container.

More information on the topic: https://aqua-rmnt.com

Peat dry closet - operating principle and design

Dry, finely ground peat is poured into a peat dry closet in the part where a regular toilet contains water. This tank has a device for dispersing the substance, which is operated by a handle. After using the toilet, you need to twist the handle, the peat will scatter over the surface, blocking the waste, which will significantly reduce the smell. Because of this operating feature, a peat dry closet is also called a powder closet. Another name is composting toilets because the waste can be placed in a compost pit. True, another type of dry toilet belongs to this class - electric, which dries excrement.

The next name is dry dry toilets. Again, the name is associated with the method of waste disposal - dusting with dry peat. As a result of processing, the substance is also dry (or almost dry).

Peat is poured into the container at the top

Due to the high absorbency of peat, it absorbs part of the liquid component of the waste, and the rest is drained into a special tray below. From there, the liquid is discharged through a special drain hose. He is usually taken outside into a small pit.

The solid part of the waste is processed by bacteria contained in peat, which decompose organic matter. After processing, the container contains a mixture that is almost odorless. It can be safely poured onto a compost heap, that is, a peat toilet is an ideal dry closet for a summer residence. But the waste must remain on the heap for at least a year, or better yet, a couple of years.

The structure of a peat dry closet

Since complete recycling requires time to eliminate the characteristic smell of waste, a pipe must be attached to the peat dry closet (there is an outlet pipe; in some models, plastic pipes are included). If the draft is natural, the pipe is only straight, without elbows or bends, at least 2 meters high. If desired (if natural draft is not enough), you can install an exhaust fan. Then the requirements for the pipe are not so stringent.

Advantages

If you need a dry closet for your dacha, this is one of the best options - just a sea of advantages:

The tank fills slowly - if there are 2-3 people living, the tank needs to be taken out once every 2-3 months.
Peat consumption is small and it is inexpensive.
Easy disposal - the container can be emptied into a compost heap, the contents are a homogeneous brown mass, without a sharp or specific odor. You can level it with a rake, the mass is quite loose, and after a couple of weeks it becomes overgrown with forbs.
There is no smell when the ventilation is working normally.
You can install it both in a separate toilet house and in the house.
Tolerates freezing (if the plastic is frost-resistant).

Peat dry toilet for a summer residence: this is what a device for spreading peat looks like

Overall, a very good choice. Usually both the owners and neighbors are satisfied - there is no smell, no problems with processing. But you can’t do without minuses.

Flaws

The weak point of peat dry closets is the peat spreading device. Firstly, to ensure that the peat crumbles evenly, first turn the handle in one direction, then in the other. Secondly, it is not a fact that it will be scattered evenly. Often it is necessary to pour peat from the shovel reserve under the “hole”. This is where it gets worst of all, and all the waste is concentrated here. It is necessary to sprinkle them, so you also have to manually fill them.

Other disadvantages of peat toilets are:

The drain hose for draining liquid waste is located quite high. Until the required level of liquid is collected in the pan, a significant period of time passes. And liquid waste also smells. To reduce the smell, you can periodically drain “manually” by tilting the toilet towards the drain.
Solid waste accumulates under the hole. In order not to remove the tank ahead of time, the pile has to be moved aside. There is no particular smell, so it is not very uncomfortable.
The waste container is heavy. It's difficult to bear it alone. If there are no assistants, you need to choose a model that has wheels. This makes it easier to transport the container. Sometimes it is necessary to add peat manually
Need for ventilation. If this is a detached house, then even in the heat there are usually no problems - there are usually enough gaps in the structure for additional ventilation. If you install a peat dry closet in the dacha itself, in the house, you need a fan. In hot weather, it should work all the time to avoid smell.
This type of dry closet requires permanent installation. You can carry them if you wish, but this is not a mobile option.

If we talk about the degree of convenience, this is a good choice, but only if it is possible to place it somewhere permanently. You can move the device, but each time you need to install an exhaust ventilation pipe.

Continuous composting toilets

A composting toilet is more than just a storage unit. Feces are not processed in a compost heap, but specifically in the toilet unit. Storage tanks have sufficient volume and when one of them is filled, it is replaced with an empty one. The filled compost is put aside to allow the compost to ripen. The principle of operation here is batch , that is, while one container is being filled, the processing processes in the second are already ending.

There are several mechanisms for how composting toilets work. They are convenient to use in summer. In winter, such trips cause discomfort, so the design was improved, resulting in continuous composting toilets.

Compared to batch toilets, the new toilets do not need to be emptied - composting is continuous.

Before you start using it, add ready-made compost or garden soil with soil bacteria to the bottom of the container. All waste first goes into the bunker, after which it is covered with peat or sawdust. Feces do not accumulate, but move slowly down an inclined plane.

Inside the bunker there are ventilation channels - this is necessary for the life of processing aerobic bacteria. One of the advantages of this installation is that there is no smell. The bunker itself does not have to be installed outside - it can be placed in the basement or on the ground floor. The only difficulty you will have to face is that you need to take out the compost from time to time.

A complete sewage system in a summer cottage: mini-septic tanks

Agree that during the cold season or at night, no one particularly wants to get up and go somewhere outside to go to the toilet. Dry toilets and powder closets won’t help much either: after a while you’ll have to clean them and waste time on it. The most suitable option in such a situation would be to install a mini-septic tank on the site.

Types of mini-septic tanks

There are several types of mini-septic tanks, including both autonomous ones and those requiring a constant supply of electricity. Such septic tanks will be more environmentally friendly and safer for groundwater, since the filtration in them is much more thorough. The disadvantage of such a septic tank is the constant supply of electricity, which can lead to exceeding the limits when paying for electricity. Otherwise there are only positives. A mini-septic tank of this type will purify wastewater by 80-90%, which will allow it to be located near wells. You will also be pleased with the absence of an unpleasant odor.

An autonomous mini-septic tank will require pumping, so it will have to be located near the road so that the sewer truck can reach it with a 15-meter hose. Such a septic tank should not be located next to wells: there is a high probability of groundwater contamination.

Do-it-yourself autonomous mini-septic tank

Each summer resident can make an autonomous mini-septic tank with his own hands. To do this, you will need to buy 2-3 large barrels in the store (200-300 liters each, more is possible), as well as medium-diameter pipes. After this, you will need to make holes in the barrels for the barrels, as well as drill small holes in the bottom and in the walls so that the wastewater drains out faster. You can make holes only if there are no water wells nearby, and also if the groundwater lies at a depth of more than 5 meters. Then you should dig a hole for these barrels (tanks), at the bottom of which you will need to pour large pebbles and crushed stone to improve filtration. The next step is connecting the barrels together with pipes and burying them in the ground.

It is almost impossible to make an electric mini-septic tank yourself without specialized education. Therefore, it is better not to risk yourself and your loved ones - buy an electric mini-septic tank in a specialized store if it suits you better.

It is worth noting that a mini-septic tank is the most expensive option of all presented. You will also have to spend money on equipping the bathroom inside the house, as well as on bringing the pipes outside.

Where is the best place to install it?

Having decided to make a peat dry closet with your own hands, the first step is to find out where it can be built. Since the cesspool is not included in its design, groundwater contamination is excluded. The presence of odor is insignificant. Especially if the toilet is built according to the rules.

It is also not worth constructing such a structure in plain sight. Of course, if you know how to make a dry closet according to all the rules, you can install it in your home. The main thing is not to forget about ventilation and drainage. So, before choosing a mounting location, you need to take all these points into account.

An article dedicated to the implementation of the project for a country toilet with a shower is located here:

Which toilet is better: a backlash closet with a cesspool

If you still haven’t decided which garden toilet is best for you, then think about the next option in the form of a backlash closet. The backlash closet is a regular village toilet with a cesspool underneath, only it is a modified version of it. The main thing in a backlash closet is the correct ventilation system.

This type of toilet is built in the same way as old village toilets, so there should be no problems with it. What is its advantage over a regular village toilet? The backlash closet has ventilation directly from the cesspool, so there will be practically no unpleasant smell in the closet.

The disadvantage of such a closet is the constant need for cleaning, which can only be done manually, despite all the unpleasantness of this process. It will not be possible to pump out this mass with a special machine, because it is too viscous. It is recommended to clean it at least once a year, preferably 2 times, especially if it is constantly used by 3 or more people. When constructing a backlash closet, a ventilation pipe is removed from the cesspool; it must be covered with a lid. This is done so that water from rain and melting snow does not get into the sump.

Video description

See the video for the operating principle of one of the electric dry closet models:
In addition, electric dry closet models are available, equipped with a freezing chamber. These are expensive devices. Their price is 2-3 times more than the cost of a toilet with a combustion chamber.

In such devices, waste is frozen directly in the storage tank. This process occurs in the same way as in freezers. During freezing, no unpleasant odors spread. The proliferation of harmful microorganisms is also excluded.

Minuses

If the storage tank is overfilled, removing it can cause some problems due to the fact that it becomes heavier. This problem is solved by choosing a model whose lower tank is equipped with wheels for transportation.
The need for additional work to organize outlet openings for ventilation and the outlet pipe itself. Although, this problem can be solved by choosing a model with a drainage system.
When sprinkling waste, it is possible that a layer of peat is laid unevenly on it, as a result of which it is necessary to carry out an additional step to level the bedding using a scoop.