I have three small dogs and made one, works so well, no odour. We live in BC Canada and it lasted several years-never gets full-never stinks... We just moved and installed a new one.
hi Nancy, I made one a couple of months ago. We have a medium and one big dog. The big bucket is almost full, I add these 'enzymen' every week with a bucket of water. The poo doesn't go down at all.. What type of solution did you put in it? Thank you. Greetz from Belgium :)
Great video except when you go to put the Ridex solution into the septic bucket it looks like it's almost full. Before the bucket of Ridex solution the interior of the bucket is empty. Are we supposed to add soil to the bucket along with the feces or is this all feces that you've added? How often should the Ridex solution be added to the septic bucket? Is there a time measurement between solution or is it an accumulation measurement that determines adding the solution? Does the feces need to be submerged at all times or is it just a onetime contact and then even if it drains out the residue breaks down the feces? This is a project that I really would appreciate the details on as missing steps could be unpleasant to deal with over time. Thanks!
Nous sommes au Québec. On a installé ce genre de dispositif l’été dernier 2023 et on a cessé de s’en servir pour l’hiver. J’ai bien hâte de voir au printemps si tout aura bien fondu dans le sol.
This is a good idea.Thanks for sharing. I built one but not sure if the enzyme that breaks down the poop is breaking it down fast enough. It's called waste terminator. It septic gets to full any ideas what to do? Or if there is a better enzyme to use?
I was having an issue with slow breakdown as well. I added some more of the septic starter and added some water to help get things going again. The other day, when I checked it seemed to be working pretty well. I did end up using a stick to, I guess, stir it up a bit and push the stuff on the top down into the center of it. Part of our problem is that we don't pick up poop daily, we usually go out on the weekend and do it all at once, and I think it's overloading it a little bit. Part of me wishes I did a slightly bigger bucket to give more space, it's working ok, but I think it could be better.
@@maricruzandstevenzacharias6113 That’s because there’s no set measurement. I’ve had one for 15 years, and it’s 18 feet away from any edibles in my garden.
Would you be kind and make a video of how things are working out ? I'm in the process of doing one and I keep second guessing that this is not going to work. I feel like it's just going to get full and then I'm just going to have a shitty mess. Any suggestions?? would be appreciated
When I started out, I only put waste in the bucket. I originally did a couple doses of Rid X and haven't added any since. Things seem to be working pretty well. If you do run into some issues with it not breaking down fast enough, I have read some feedback from folks that have added some "Waste Terminator" that they've ordered on Amazon as a way to keep things going. I haven't done this myself yet, but I might experiment with it to see if it helps with the breakdown.
In that situation, I might not cut all of the bottom and out to leave more rigidity in the bottom of the barrel. I think if you carefully fill around the bucket you shouldn't have any problem, but a thicker walled barrel might be more sturdy.
I don’t know why, but after building my system, exactly as shown here and in other similar videos, and using both Doggy Doolie’s own brand and Ridex, all I have now is a bucket sunken into the ground, filled with dog excrement. Nothing is breaking down. There is very little if any liquifying of the solid waste. I add water frequently, and enzymatic powder, but again, the bucket is almost full and nothing is dissolving and draining away as it’s supposed to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Are you getting any drainage at all? Our bucket tends to stay pretty full, not fully liquid though. It's very finicky though, I find the temperature has a big impact and how frequently we fill it.
@@TheAmateurHobbyist No, there doesn’t appear to be any drainage at all. I’ve stopped adding any waste, or water. I have a bucket filled with Pooh sludge. My next attempt will be a totally different design that has constantly standing water and an overflow tube so only liquid waste flows out from the top, similar to how real septic tanks work.
You're timing is pretty spot on. Yeah, my wife just let me know that we're full right now. The system has been a little "off" lately. I'm not sure if I need to add more water or get better at adding additional bacteria to break things down faster. My concern is now with the cooler temps coming in, if I am going to "manually" need to empty this a bit to get it started again. Part of the issue, I think, it that we do a weekly yard cleanup and this might overload the system versus going out daily which would give more time for things to process.
It seems to be working well. My only really caution is making sure you're only getting the waste in there. We missed leaf clean up one weekend and accidentally added too many leaves which seemed to really slow things down. I cleaned out the leave (ew) and dropped in another batch of the septic starter and things look a lot better now.
I would be concerned about having this sit in a soggy puddle, as the contents are more likely to leach out and possibly come to the surface. I'm not a professional at all on this, but I'd err on the side of caution with this to avoid risking anyone getting sick. Thanks for the question!
Also, i don't have whatever kind of saw that is that you used. i do have a sawzall type of thing. would that work on the bottom? or should i enlist a friend with a... what is that saw? jigsaw maybe?
I used a jigsaw because it was a little easier to handle. You absolutely could use a sawzall to make this cut, but an extra set of hands will make it a lot easier and likely much safer!
i made almost same one… but water was draining way too fast, so i seal the bottom and left the holes on side alone. now its not draining and i have poop sludge in a bucket
I only added the septic starter and nothing else. I have been testing out the "Waste Terminator" that is sold on Amazon to see if it helps break things down faster and it does seem to be working a bit better than just the septic starter. It's pretty cheap as well, $18 for a years supply.
I've stopped using the rid-x and started using the product from Doggie Dooley - "Waste Terminator". I've started adding a couple small scoops every couple of weeks with a hit from the hose if it looks dry.
I added the septic starter just to get everything started. I've been regularly checking it and it seems like it's working well now. I'm sure.yoi could skip that step, it might just take a little longer to get going.
I'm going to lean towards no for that. Composting usually brings with it a high temperature which is usually required to really break down those bags. If you are interested in a possible solution that would work for those bags, I'd highly recommend checking out the book The Humanure Handbook. Keep in mind that you shouldn't use that compost on anything you'd eat or near any food crops. That book has a lot of solid information though and would be a great resource.
@@TheAmateurHobbyist Okay, I'll definitely look into that. Thanks! I typically used plastic bags on our walks when we were in a city because there were trash cans everywhere. But where we are now is removed from the city, so it gets very stinky in between the once a week garbage days. I wasn't sure if compostable bags in lieu of plastic would be appropriate.
@@raana9586 Yeah, I hear you with that. We went through a period of time where we were bagging the poo and tossing out weekly and we'd end up with that really gross bag hanging around. So far, this season, it seems like it's really working well.
hahaha, as much as I try to stay organized, I'm horrible at picking up after myself. I end up picking up before I work on a project, so in between, everything is chaos.
I have three small dogs and made one, works so well, no odour. We live in BC Canada and it lasted several years-never gets full-never stinks... We just moved and installed a new one.
hi Nancy, I made one a couple of months ago. We have a medium and one big dog. The big bucket is almost full, I add these 'enzymen' every week with a bucket of water. The poo doesn't go down at all.. What type of solution did you put in it? Thank you. Greetz from Belgium :)
Great video except when you go to put the Ridex solution into the septic bucket it looks like it's almost full. Before the bucket of Ridex solution the interior of the bucket is empty. Are we supposed to add soil to the bucket along with the feces or is this all feces that you've added? How often should the Ridex solution be added to the septic bucket? Is there a time measurement between solution or is it an accumulation measurement that determines adding the solution? Does the feces need to be submerged at all times or is it just a onetime contact and then even if it drains out the residue breaks down the feces? This is a project that I really would appreciate the details on as missing steps could be unpleasant to deal with over time. Thanks!
Very cool! As a new pupper Mama, I appreciate your video very very much🥰
I used a five gallon bucket from HD years ago. Was much sturdier. But I used to buy the expensive Doggie Dooley powder. I'll use Rid-X this time.
Nous sommes au Québec. On a installé ce genre de dispositif l’été dernier 2023 et on a cessé de s’en servir pour l’hiver. J’ai bien hâte de voir au printemps si tout aura bien fondu dans le sol.
This is a good idea.Thanks for sharing. I built one but not sure if the enzyme that breaks down the poop is breaking it down fast enough. It's called waste terminator. It septic gets to full any ideas what to do? Or if there is a better enzyme to use?
I was having an issue with slow breakdown as well. I added some more of the septic starter and added some water to help get things going again. The other day, when I checked it seemed to be working pretty well. I did end up using a stick to, I guess, stir it up a bit and push the stuff on the top down into the center of it. Part of our problem is that we don't pick up poop daily, we usually go out on the weekend and do it all at once, and I think it's overloading it a little bit. Part of me wishes I did a slightly bigger bucket to give more space, it's working ok, but I think it could be better.
How far away should it be from a vegetable garden and fruit trees? Thank you!
As far away as is practical for you.
That doesn't answer my question, but thanks anyway.@@kiwigirlNZ
@@maricruzandstevenzacharias6113 That’s because there’s no set measurement. I’ve had one for 15 years, and it’s 18 feet away from any edibles in my garden.
Would you be kind and make a video of how things are working out ? I'm in the process of doing one and I keep second guessing that this is not going to work. I feel like it's just going to get full and then I'm just going to have a shitty mess. Any suggestions?? would be appreciated
Same
This is perfect. Would you think this would hold up in cold climates?
The cold will slow down the process. I'm not sure at what temp it stops being effective though. Ours has definitely slowed down this winter in Mass.
@@TheAmateurHobbyist thanks, were in MN and was more curious if the actual unit will hold up from the ground freezing?
Oooh yeah. Absolutely. I don't think the unit will have an issue with a freeze / thaw cycle.
@@andy96supraalso in Mn. How did it work for you?
When you started, did you put soil inside or was that all waste? How often do you put Rid X in it? Just need more info.
When I started out, I only put waste in the bucket. I originally did a couple doses of Rid X and haven't added any since. Things seem to be working pretty well. If you do run into some issues with it not breaking down fast enough, I have read some feedback from folks that have added some "Waste Terminator" that they've ordered on Amazon as a way to keep things going. I haven't done this myself yet, but I might experiment with it to see if it helps with the breakdown.
I live in FL where the soil is very sandy. do you think i would need a sturdier receptacle, like a drum? i worry about collapse.
In that situation, I might not cut all of the bottom and out to leave more rigidity in the bottom of the barrel. I think if you carefully fill around the bucket you shouldn't have any problem, but a thicker walled barrel might be more sturdy.
Are these systems supposed to hold water all the time or just when you start them? I have one and it's always dry.
It likely won't hold water. Ours stays closer to a mud consistency. I've started hitting it with the hose when I add in some of the septic starter.
I don’t know why, but after building my system, exactly as shown here and in other similar videos, and using both Doggy Doolie’s own brand and Ridex, all I have now is a bucket sunken into the ground, filled with dog excrement. Nothing is breaking down. There is very little if any liquifying of the solid waste. I add water frequently, and enzymatic powder, but again, the bucket is almost full and nothing is dissolving and draining away as it’s supposed to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Are you getting any drainage at all? Our bucket tends to stay pretty full, not fully liquid though. It's very finicky though, I find the temperature has a big impact and how frequently we fill it.
@@TheAmateurHobbyist No, there doesn’t appear to be any drainage at all. I’ve stopped adding any waste, or water. I have a bucket filled with Pooh sludge. My next attempt will be a totally different design that has constantly standing water and an overflow tube so only liquid waste flows out from the top, similar to how real septic tanks work.
does this ever fill up?
You're timing is pretty spot on. Yeah, my wife just let me know that we're full right now. The system has been a little "off" lately. I'm not sure if I need to add more water or get better at adding additional bacteria to break things down faster. My concern is now with the cooler temps coming in, if I am going to "manually" need to empty this a bit to get it started again. Part of the issue, I think, it that we do a weekly yard cleanup and this might overload the system versus going out daily which would give more time for things to process.
How well is it working?
It seems to be working well. My only really caution is making sure you're only getting the waste in there. We missed leaf clean up one weekend and accidentally added too many leaves which seemed to really slow things down. I cleaned out the leave (ew) and dropped in another batch of the septic starter and things look a lot better now.
A whole bunch of maggots started to appear. Is that normal or expected?
I think it depends on how tight your lid is. I've had times when I've seen maggots / larvae in the bucket.
I’ve had mine for 15 years, and use Doggie Dooley 3116 Waste Terminator. A years supply costs less than $20, and there’s no sludge.
Any idea if an area of yard that stays "soggy" from rain water would be a good place to put this?
I would be concerned about having this sit in a soggy puddle, as the contents are more likely to leach out and possibly come to the surface. I'm not a professional at all on this, but I'd err on the side of caution with this to avoid risking anyone getting sick. Thanks for the question!
What size is that red bucket?
It's a 10 gallon bucket (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KD72CG)
Also, i don't have whatever kind of saw that is that you used. i do have a sawzall type of thing. would that work on the bottom? or should i enlist a friend with a... what is that saw? jigsaw maybe?
I used a jigsaw because it was a little easier to handle. You absolutely could use a sawzall to make this cut, but an extra set of hands will make it a lot easier and likely much safer!
@@TheAmateurHobbyist thanks for your terrific answers! i'm looking forward to getting it in the ground.
i made almost same one… but water was draining way too fast, so i seal the bottom and left the holes on side alone. now its not draining and i have poop sludge in a bucket
I find the system very finicky. I'm planning on putting some notes up soon in a pinned comment with some follow up since we've had it for so long now.
May I Ask what did you add, is it charcoal? Plus the rid thing?
I only added the septic starter and nothing else. I have been testing out the "Waste Terminator" that is sold on Amazon to see if it helps break things down faster and it does seem to be working a bit better than just the septic starter. It's pretty cheap as well, $18 for a years supply.
Thanks so much
How often do you add the rid-x to dog septic system you did?
I've stopped using the rid-x and started using the product from Doggie Dooley - "Waste Terminator". I've started adding a couple small scoops every couple of weeks with a hit from the hose if it looks dry.
Quite helpful. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Do you only add your pet waste to it and it breaks down or do you add septic starter periodically?
I added the septic starter just to get everything started. I've been regularly checking it and it seems like it's working well now. I'm sure.yoi could skip that step, it might just take a little longer to get going.
Can I put compostable dog poop bags in there after my dog's walks? Or is this meant just for poop?
I'm going to lean towards no for that. Composting usually brings with it a high temperature which is usually required to really break down those bags. If you are interested in a possible solution that would work for those bags, I'd highly recommend checking out the book The Humanure Handbook. Keep in mind that you shouldn't use that compost on anything you'd eat or near any food crops. That book has a lot of solid information though and would be a great resource.
@@TheAmateurHobbyist Okay, I'll definitely look into that. Thanks!
I typically used plastic bags on our walks when we were in a city because there were trash cans everywhere. But where we are now is removed from the city, so it gets very stinky in between the once a week garbage days. I wasn't sure if compostable bags in lieu of plastic would be appropriate.
@@raana9586 Yeah, I hear you with that. We went through a period of time where we were bagging the poo and tossing out weekly and we'd end up with that really gross bag hanging around. So far, this season, it seems like it's really working well.
I've read that they break down real slow and should be avoided in these.
thank you :)
I would have just dug a hole, then top with a bucket/waste bin lid.
The benefit of the bucket is that it keeps the hole from collapsing in.
No odor
I love my sloppy ass hoarded shop.....how do you people hopelessly lose your tools without it.
hahaha, as much as I try to stay organized, I'm horrible at picking up after myself. I end up picking up before I work on a project, so in between, everything is chaos.