Pit Toilets And Vault Toilets: Pros And Cons - MicrobiaLogic

In our homes, it is common to install toilets connected to a well-designed septic system or a sewer. However, for campgrounds, recreational areas or remote nonresidential areas, installing a traditional toilet can be impossible because of the lack of waste facilities.

In places like parks and other remote areas, they use either vault toilets and pit toilets.

In this blog, we will be comparing these two along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Pit Toilets

Also known as pit latrine, is a type of toilet that collects human excreta in a hole in the ground. There is usually a toilet seat or squatting pan around the hole. It is usually constructed with three major parts: the hole, concrete slab (floor with a small hole) and the shelter.

Advantages of Pit Toilets:

 Its construction is very inexpensive

 It requires minimal upkeep.

 It doesn’t need to be emptied if the pit is large and deep enough.

 The wastes break down on its own

Disadvantages of Pit Toilets:

 When improperly ventilated, it can have a very foul smell

 When used very frequently, it can get full. In the event that the pit gets full everything has to be moved into another location.

Use these Simple Tips to Keep Your Portable Potties Clean.

Vault Toilets

This type of toilet is a non-flush toilet with a vault or a sealed container buried in the ground which collects the human excreta. The wastes are to be contained underground until it is pumped out.

Advantages of Vault Toilets:

 The plastic type vault toilets are portable making it easy to be transferred from one place to another. It is ideal to use this in special events and festivals.

 Depending on its construction, it offers privacy and comfort.

Disadvantages of Vault Toilets:

 It needs to be emptied, cleaned and sanitized regularly.

 A faulty ventilation system may also result to foul-smelling odors.