An autonomous bathroom needs chemical toilet liquid for normal operation. Booths with a chemical waste recycling system are actively used both in private households and in public places - at bus stops, train stations, markets, parks. However, to function, they require care and the use of special products.
Liquid for composting toilets - what is it?
Self-contained latrines consist of two tanks:
- Upper
(reception). It has a built-in toilet and a container of water for flushing. An electric motor or hand pump is responsible for pumping up pressure. - Nizhny
. It contains a receptacle for flushed waste. Solid fractions remain in the lower reservoir, where they decompose under the influence of biological products.
Liquid for a composting toilet helps process solid waste into a homogeneous, odorless mass. It works for 10-14 days. After this, the toilet must be cleaned. Liquid for dry toilets performs the following functions:
- Eliminates unpleasant odors.
- Prevents the spread of germs and bacteria.
- Speeds up the waste disposal process.
Depending on the type of liquid used for a bio-toilet for a summer residence, the contents of the storage tank are either disposed of in existing centralized drainage systems or directly into the soil. The frequency of maintenance of the dry closet of the lower section is once every 5-8 days, the upper section is once every 10-15 days. The cabins do not require connection to the water supply. They can be installed anywhere.
Advantages and disadvantages of liquids
Positive characteristics:
- Cleaning the tank from impurities and germs.
- Preventing the formation of limescale on the surface of the toilet bowl.
- Elimination of unpleasant odors, aromatization.
- Improved waste breakdown for faster drainage.
- Reducing water consumption.
- Preventing the formation of gases during waste breakdown.
- Creation of a protective film on the surface of the structure.
- Preventing clogging.
- Increased service life of the structure.
Disadvantages of biological fluids: regular use is required to obtain the desired effect. Also, you need to use special paper.
Liquid for dry toilet - types
It is important to know what kind of liquid is poured into the dry closet. Only special formulations can kill all harmful bacteria, thereby eliminating the formation of unwanted odors. Liquids for composting toilets process human waste and used toilet paper into a mass of uniform composition and color. Nowadays, several generations of such products are presented in the markets - formaldehyde, ammonium, biological.
Formaldehyde liquids for dry toilets
The chemical composition of formaldehyde-based chemical toilet liquid is very strong. It breaks down any organic matter using the phenomenon of molecular melting. Formaldehydes act with excellent efficiency, but after such treatment the wastewater becomes toxic. Their disposal involves only one thing - removal outside the site. Formaldehyde sanitary liquid for dry toilets has the only advantage - the combination of low price with ideal resistance to various cleaning and deodorizing compounds.
Ammonium liquids for dry toilets
Modern toilet liquid for dry toilets based on ammonium and nitrogen compounds decomposes fecal waste due to the fermentation of organic matter, enhanced by chemicals. It is very effective, but only works in an environment with a limited amount of oxygen. Often such liquids are poured into portable devices. Waste can be disposed of in compost. This product completely decomposes within seven days. It is relevant for summer cottages and portable cabins, but is unacceptable for public closets due to the long period of waste recycling.
Biological fluids for dry toilets
The most environmentally friendly liquids for dry toilets are biological.
- They are an ensemble of living bacteria.
- Effluent is processed using anaerobic fermentation.
- Non-toxic to humans and the environment.
Biological fluids for composting toilets transform waste into effective fertilizer. The contents of the lower tank are dumped into a compost pit and used after ripening. Bioliquids do not tolerate contact with chemicals, so users must purchase specific deodorizing compounds for the upper reservoir. Chlorine-containing preparations kill the activity of bacteria, and the reaction of waste breakdown stops.
Review of the most popular tools
Thetford
Everything is simple here: the recognized world leader in chemical toilet products is the Thetford company (Netherlands). Its products invariably receive positive and even rave reviews.
The company produces three types of liquids, which are easily distinguished by the color of the cap:
- Bottles with pink caps are for upper tanks (deodorizing solution).
- Bottles with green and blue caps are for lower tanks.
The product in bottles with blue caps is poisonous and is made from formaldehyde. Allows you to quickly disinfect sewage; treated products can be poured into a regular sewer. The product in bottles with green caps contains bacteria that safely convert sewage into neutral and useful fertilizer.
The main advantages of Thetford products:
- Complete neutralization of unpleasant odors.
- The product's own scent is subtle and not pungent.
- Withstands light frosts well.
- Child protection.
Protecting the bottle from children is a unique and very useful invention of the company. There have been cases when children accidentally drank some solutions containing household chemicals. To prevent this, the bottle is designed quite cleverly: to open it, you need to squeeze the neck and pull the cap up.
Buyers generally evaluate all types of products positively. For example, here is one of the reviews.
Tamara K., 35 years old, Kazan:
“We bought liquid with a green stopper Aqua Kem Green 0.375 l for our country dry toilet. At first I didn’t read the instructions and applied an overly strong solution, then it turned out that a much smaller volume was enough. I liked that the concentrate is not smelly and does not corrode your hands, and I was amused by the childproof lid. Completely neutralizes the smell of sewage and converts it into a neutral mass, which we use as fertilizer. You just need to remember to drain the contents every four days, or even better, every third day. We found no downsides, except for the high price. If we find some Russian analogue with a lower price, we’ll try that too.”
Biola
A Russian brand that has received many positive reviews in recent years. It has a simpler composition than the Dutch product, its consumption is higher, but it costs three times less, so it makes sense to try it. Sold in simple bottles without any special frills, there are two varieties available: for upper and lower tanks.
It does not allow you to make compost from sewage (however, this is unlikely to be important for many), but it effectively neutralizes unpleasant odors and quickly decomposes waste. Does not contain components hazardous to human health. Can be used to deodorize ordinary cesspools in villages.
Goodwin (Goodhim)
Refers to products made on the basis of ammonium, which converts sewage into useful fertilizer (compost). The disadvantages include the high price (twice as expensive as Biola), and a pungent, specific smell.
Live bacteria
A young Russian company that produces cheap products in economical packaging for the bacterial breakdown of sewage. Very cheap, suitable for large volumes of waste. 74 percent of respondents assessed it positively (Yandex Market data).
Bioforce
A Russian manufacturer that produces a wide range of household chemicals, liquid for dry toilets is just one of the many types of products produced. It is a biological product for the lower toilet cistern and is very economical in consumption: 50 milliliters of product per 10 liters of tank volume.
Septicsol
Canadian product for dry toilets. Reviews say that it quickly neutralizes odors and disinfects sewage, but many believe that the substance has too pungent an odor.
BIOwc (Bionics)
Production St. Petersburg. It has an extremely low price (approximately 550 rubles for a five-liter canister), and is highly concentrated: consumption of 50 milliliters of product per 10 liters of the volume of the lower tank. The packaging is nondescript, it is clear that the manufacturer sought to make the product as cheap as possible. Convenient, economical packaging that will last for a very long time. Due to the low price, demand exceeds supply and is difficult to find on sale. Of the minuses: it is afraid of even minor frosts.
What kind of liquid is needed for a dry toilet?
Proper operation of a dry closet involves the use of special means. According to their purpose, they are divided into two main groups:
- Liquids for upper tanks are flushing and deodorizing.
- Liquids for lower tanks are dissolving, splitting.
Liquids for the lower tank are often green or blue in color and should never be poured into the upper tank. For this purpose, there is a liquid for the toilet cistern with deodorizing properties - pink. A convenient and win-win option is to purchase disintegrators and antiseptics from one manufacturer so that the recycling process does not slow down. Then their action will not work through mutual exclusion, they will complement each other.
Fluid for composting toilet for the upper tank
It is important to know what liquid to pour into the upper tank of the dry closet. The drain tank is filled with ready-made compounds or water, which should wash away waste products. In the second case, some additives are poured into it:
- Deodorizing substances
. They eliminate unpleasant odors and inhibit the development of bacteria. - Cleaning agents
. They whiten the surface of the toilet and help rid it of urinary stones and limescale. - Antifreeze
is a winter liquid. The product lowers the freezing point of water in the upper tank. This liquid for the dry closet tank will help maintain the functionality of the system even in frosts down to -45°C.
Fluid for composting toilet for the lower tank
The dissolving liquid for the bottom tank of the dry closet must decompose the solid waste fraction. Such compositions have an active chemical and biological effect. They process or dissolve the waste, finally eliminating the odor and reducing the solid contents of the sump in volume. In addition, deodorizing substances and antifreeze can be added to the lower reservoir, which make it possible to operate the toilet in winter.
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 is a biologically active drug that increases the concentration of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria 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 liquid to choose for a dry toilet?
When deciding how to choose a liquid for a dry closet, it is important to know that consumables are selected depending on what type of closet design is installed:
- Ammonium
is suitable for closed toilets and ensures rotting of the waste material. - Formaldehyde synthesis
is used where there is sewage, since the formaldehyde used is a toxic poison. It perfectly decomposes waste and prevents pipe blockages. - Biosynthesis
is used in dachas and in the private sector, when waste is planned to be used in the form of fertilizers.
Mr. Summer resident advises: a dry toilet is easy and convenient
When using stationary and portable devices, no special knowledge is required. Servicing dry closets does not take much time. Timely change of scented and cleansing compositions will help to avoid problems caused by excessive dirt and unpleasant odors. If all rules are followed, the device can be used for a long period of time. You should not spare money when purchasing sanitary mixtures. The better quality they are, the higher the level of comfort and easier maintenance.
When servicing a dry closet, the following nuances must be taken into account:
- The lower containers are cleaned using special products. They disinfect the inner surface and protect the plastic, extending its service life.
- Once a year, all moving parts are lubricated with silicone compound.
- Do not use abrasive powders to clean the device.
The demand for products in this category is due to the presence of many advantages. Among them are ease of installation, accessibility, ease of use, absence of unpleasant odor, durability and versatility. Another advantage is the possibility of use in case of problems with water supply. Dry toilets operate without a pipeline, so there are usually no difficulties with their installation.
The disadvantages include the need for regular cleaning and the expense of purchasing consumables. Any buyer will be able to choose the right model for himself. The range of dry closets available from each manufacturer is quite extensive. For summer cottages, devices are usually purchased in which waste is processed using peat. They are environmentally friendly, low price and multifunctional. By using them, you can get organic fertilizers.
Liquid for composting toilet - rating
There are a large number of liquids for dry toilets on the market; when purchasing, you should pay attention to products from trusted manufacturers:
- Liquid for dry toilet ThetFord
. The Dutch manufacturer offers a wide range of effective consumables. Liquids for the lower tank Aqua Kem Green, B-Fresh Green, Aqua Kem Blue with aromas of citrus, pine needles, lavender slow down the growth of bacteria and the production of gases, convert waste, and are environmentally friendly. The green mixture is used if the waste material is poured into compost, the blue mixture if it is poured into the sewer. Pink consumables for the upper tank Aqua Rinse, B-Fresh Rinse form a film that protects it from the formation of plaque and prevents water blooms. - Septicsol
. The Canadian manufacturer offers high-quality liquids for the lower tank Septicsol-L. They can be used either separately or together with flushing agents for the Septicsol-R upper tank. The products will help get rid of the repulsive odor and process waste into an environmentally friendly substance that can be used as fertilizer. - Biola
. A domestic brand producing universal sanitary liquid. The biodegradable product is used in both the lower and upper tanks; it effectively breaks down waste, disinfects containers, and saturates the bathroom with aroma. The drug is environmentally friendly, can be used in residential premises, outdoors, and does not lose effectiveness at low temperatures.
What to look for when choosing
There are deodorizing liquids for the flush tank and liquid-splitting liquids.
A huge variety of products are sold on store shelves and online.
How to choose a remedy?
- Pay attention to the manufacturer . It is better to buy a product from a trusted manufacturer that has received good customer ratings. However, there may be products on the market from young, start-up companies that are not inferior in quality to products from well-known manufacturers, but are much cheaper.
- Price . You have to be careful here. The price per bottle says absolutely nothing, since the product is usually sold in the form of a concentrate, which must be diluted with water in certain proportions. These proportions are indicated on the label, so it will be useful to calculate how much ready-made solution can be made from a given bottle, and only then compare the price of a liter of ready-made solution.
Example
Remedy 1 . Price per liter is 1000 rubles, consumption is 100 milliliters per 10 liters of the volume of the lower tank. From this we see that to break down 1 liter of waste you need 10 milliliters of product worth 10 rubles.
Remedy 2 . Price per liter is 1600 rubles, consumption is 50 milliliters per 10 liters of the volume of the lower tank. For 1 liter of waste you will need 5 milliliters of product worth 8 rubles.
This shows that the second product is more profitable, although the price per liter is higher. In all cases, the product concentrate is first pre-dissolved in a small amount of water and then poured into the tank.
- Customer reviews . You should carefully read what users of the funds write. It’s no secret that there are a lot of custom reviews on the Internet (both laudatory and critical). Therefore, it is best to ask your friends or look on those sites where there is serious moderation of reviews (Otzovik, Yandex Market, etc.).
- Features of the action . Some products are effective only after four or five days of use, others after six days, some even require a week and a half to neutralize impurities.
The temperature range is also important: rarely, but still there are cases when dry closets are used in severe frosts. For these cases, you need a special non-freezing liquid that can withstand frosts down to minus 40 degrees Celsius.
DIY liquid for dry toilet
Compositions for the bathroom cost a lot; in extreme cases, you can make them yourself. For this you will need:
- Vinegar
– eliminates unpleasant stench and has an antibacterial effect. - Salt
– absorbs dirt. - Essential oil
– gives a deodorizing effect. - Starch
is a binding component.
How to prepare liquid for a composting toilet yourself:
- Mix 1 part salt and 3 parts starch.
- Pour 100 ml of water for every 100 g of dry mixture.
- Mix the composition until a homogeneous mass is formed.
- Heat the mixture over heat, stirring until it thickens.
- After the mixture has sizzled, it needs to be heated for another half a minute.
- After cooling, add vinegar to the antiseptic - 8 ml for every 100 g of mixture and essential oil - 3 drops for every 100 g of mixture.
- The composition for the tank is ready, you can pour liquid soap into it, it will increase its cleaning properties. The validity period of a homemade consumable is 1-2 weeks. In terms of effectiveness, the composition is inferior to professional products, but in case of its absence it will do its job well.
Liquid consumption for dry toilet
When using liquid, follow the recommendations on the packaging. The average consumption of sanitary compounds is as follows:
- Liquid for dry toilet, green or blue (in the lower tank) – 70-150 ml.
- Liquid for the upper tank is pink – 75-100 ml.
Whether the dry closet is used often or rarely does not matter, the liquid loses its properties after 1-2 weeks, so it needs to be systematically renewed - in the upper tank every 10-15 days, in the lower tank - every 5-10 days. According to information from manufacturers, a one and a half liter bottle of sanitary liquid lasts on average three months for an ordinary family of three people.
Conclusion
The industry produces numerous types of products for dry toilets. When choosing, you should focus on the criteria described above. In addition, we should not forget that household chemicals may contain toxic substances, so they should be kept out of the reach of children. Please note that most products are frost-resistant; for cold climates you need to choose special liquids. If money allows, it is better to buy expensive imported high-quality toilet fluids; if savings are important, then domestic products are also suitable.
How to fill a dry closet with liquid?
It is important to know where to pour sanitary products for the bathroom. Rules for using liquid for a composting toilet:
- The upper flush tank has a hole for filling water and deodorizing liquid. You need to unscrew the toilet cap, pour the pink preparation and water into the hole.
- Green or blue liquid is poured directly into the lower reservoir. You also need to add 2 liters of water to dilute the product.
How does the hygiene device work?
Operating principle of mobile and stationary dry closets:
- The toilet is located at the top. There is also a container where the liquid is poured. Flushing occurs using an electric motor or hand pump.
- Waste accumulates in the lower part, which is broken down under the influence of a special agent.
- To remove sewage, a waste pipeline can be connected to the lower tank of some models.
- To empty the lower tank, it is disconnected and the waste is dumped into a compost pit. Waste can be used as fertilizer if environmentally friendly products are used.
Where to pour liquid from the dry closet at the dacha?
The design is very simple to use:
- After using the toilet, you need to open the valve and press the flush pump 2-3 times.
- When the lower tank is full, you need to disconnect the top from the bottom and take the lower canister to the waste collection point.
- The drain pipe is turned and the contents are poured out carefully, without splashing.
The lower tank must be rinsed and filled with water with the addition of a disintegrating agent. After this, the structure is again ready for use. Where to pour liquids:
- If green liquid is used for a dry closet, the contents of the storage tank can be poured into the soil without fear of harming the environment. In air, such a substance becomes absolutely safe.
- Waste treated with ammonium liquid can be disposed of in a compost heap.
- If a formaldehyde dry closet is used, the instructions for using liquids prohibit the use of the contents of the storage tank as fertilizer; it can only be sent to the central sewer system.
How to replace liquid for a composting toilet?
A liquid bathroom is not a cheap pleasure; it will require deodorizing toilet liquid and disintegrating compounds, which you need to constantly buy. A cheap alternative is powder closet, which is available to almost everyone. Its main difference is that the waste container is masked with some kind of powder: dry soil, sawdust, ash; in a modern dry closet, peat is actively used. This design does not pollute the environment and does not require water to operate. The result is an effective natural fertilizer.