In this blog we’re tackling a realistic factor of green domestic improvement: installing a composting lavatory. This choice is turning into more and more popular for the ones aiming to reduce water usage and limit their environmental footprint. Whether you’re becoming out a tiny domestic, making ready an RV for prolonged travel, or simply trying to make your family greener, a composting lavatory is a stable step forward. We’ll manual you through the installation procedure, from deciding on the right version to getting it operational.
Step-by-step guide: how to install a composting toilet
Pretty strange to think about, isn’t it? How a few small changes in our homes can really make a difference on our planet. This is the positive change you will see when you decide to introduce a composting toilet into your life. But it’s not just about saving water—it’s about living sustainably and showing our planet that some love is totally transformative. So, why not grab a glass of your favorite beverage, and go through this process together, breaking it down into simple and easy-to-follow steps.
1. Finding the perfect spot
First up, where’s this eco-gem going to live? Inside your home? Make sure it’s a spot where you’ve got enough room to be comfortable, but also consider convenience, like being close to a power outlet if your model needs one for a fan or heater. Thinking of placing it outside? Pick a spot that’s protected yet accessible, because nobody wants to trek too far in the middle of a storm!
2. Setting the stage
Got your spot? Great! Clear it out and get it ready. If it’s indoors, a level floor is your best friend. Outdoors might need a bit of extra prep, like a sturdy platform or a cozy shelter to keep your composting toilet safe from the elements.
3. Breathing easy with ventilation
Odor management is key, and that’s where ventilation comes into play. You’ll be installing a vent pipe to guide those smells away, ensuring your eco-friendly choice doesn’t become an olfactory challenge. Just follow the instructions to get it right.
4. Powering up
If your toilet model comes with techy bits like a fan or a heater, you’ll need to sort out the power. Safety first, so stick to the guidelines provided and you’ll be golden.
5. Assembly time
Now, the fun part—putting it all together. Attach the seat, lid, connect any ventilation bits, and get the composting chamber ready. The instructions are your blueprint to success here, so give them a once-over.
6. Dealing with excess liquid
Some composting toilets have a liquid runoff system that’ll need your attention. You’ll set up a drain pipe that responsibly deals with excess liquid, keeping in line with local regulations about gray water.
7. Kickstarting the composting process
Before the grand opening, layer the bottom of the composting chamber with a composting medium—sawdust, peat moss, or coconut coir are all great choices. This not only starts the composting process but also helps keep things smelling fresh.
8. Living with your composting toilet
Using it is easy, but remember to sprinkle some composting medium after each use. When the chamber’s full, switch it out, and let the magic of composting do its thing.
9. The final act: using your compost
After giving it enough time to compost, you’ll have a wonderful, eco-friendly product for your non-edible plants or other approved uses. Just remember to check how long it needs to sit, as this can vary.
A couple of parting tips
- Before diving in, make sure you’re clued up on any local rules about composting toilets and waste disposal.
- Think about your needs when choosing a model to ensure it can handle the usage it’ll get.
- Regular maintenance is your ticket to a happy, odor-free composting toilet experience.
Best composting toilet
Searching for a greener solution? A composting toilet. It’s perfect for people in tiny homes, RVs, or anyone living off the grid (or trying to). They’re all about sustainability, and that’s what we like to see. No water required, just pure transforming of human waste into compost. Which means you leave behind a smaller environmental footprint. Here are some top options when it comes to composting toilets:
- Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet
- Separett Villa 9215 AC/DC
- Sun-Mar Self-Contained Composting Toilet
- Reliance Products Luggable Loo
Want to know which one suits your lifestyle better? We got you. Check out our super in-depth guide on the best composting toilets. You’ll find everything you need from details and comparisons all way to recommendations.
How to Empty a Composting Toilet?
Here’s how to tackle emptying out the waste, both solid and liquid, without making a fuss about it. Read also our full guide on how to empty a composting toilet.
Emptying Solid Waste:
- Gear up: Before diving in, suit up with gloves and a dust mask. It’s all about keeping things clean and safe.
- Clean sweep: Grab a scraper and gently remove any compost clinging to the sides or the spindle of the toilet.
- Bag it: Carefully scoop the solid waste into a trash bag. If you want to keep things extra tidy, look for those special biodegradable bags designed just for this.
- Disconnect & dispose: Lift the lid and detach the chamber that’s holding the solids. Whether you’re adding it to your compost pile or taking it to a designated site, make sure you’re all geared up for the job.
Emptying Liquid Waste:
- Safety first: Even though it’s just liquid, wearing gloves is a good idea. And if someone’s helping, make sure they’re all grown up.
- Time to empty: If it’s just you and another person using it full-time, aim to empty it out every three weeks. Not using it as much? You might stretch it to two months.
- Proper disposal: Find a spot designated for such waste, like public restrooms or specialized dump stations.
How do composting toilets work?
We know right? It makes no sense at first but here is their method behind the madness.
Here’s the deal: instead of flushing waste away with water, composting toilets collect it in a special compartment where it breaks down naturally. This process is helped along by air flow from a vent system, which keeps everything odor-free and speeds up the decomposition. It’s not just about piling up; it’s about transforming waste into something useful with the help of microorganisms that thrive on oxygen.
As time goes by, your waste gradually transforms into compost. The frequency at which you’ll need to clear it out varies with the number of users – for some, it might be just a couple of times each year. The end product? A soil-like substance that can enrich the ground, ideally suited for areas where you’re growing ornamental plants rather than veggies or fruits.
Choosing a composting toilet means saving loads of water and reducing your environmental impact. It’s a practical solution for areas without conventional plumbing and a step towards a more sustainable living. Plus, it turns waste management into a proactive part of caring for our planet—straightforward and effective.
