| If you're preparing to install a composting toilet in | | | | odorless operation. I have yet to encounter a |
| your home, this is the article for you! We'll cover | | | | vent-free composting toilet that doesn't smell.) |
| the five important things that every DIY installer | | | | 4. Depending on the type of system you have, you |
| needs to know before beginning to put in a new | | | | may need to provide some water hookup to the |
| composting toilet system. Installing a professional | | | | toilet. If this is the case, and you are installing in a |
| composting toilet system may seem like a daunting | | | | building that does not have access to running water, |
| task, but for most homeowners with basic tools and | | | | you may be able to use gravity fed water from a |
| skills, it can easily be accomplished as a DIY project. | | | | roof tank, or possibly even a bucket of water in the |
| In this article, we'll cover five important things you | | | | wintertime when the roof tank freezes. This is |
| should know, or at least take into consideration, | | | | another important topic you should explore with the |
| before you begin installing a composting toilet in your | | | | manufacturer prior to installation. |
| home. | | | | 5. Many composting toilet systems also require some |
| | | | type of drain hookup. The reason for this is |
| 1. Always begin by reading the instructions. This | | | | because the evaporating capacity of the toilet can |
| may seem pretty obvious, but it is amazing how | | | | vary. For example, if you have purchased an |
| many people will begin a project of this magnitude | | | | electric unit, it probably relies of some type of heater |
| without having even opened the instruction manual. | | | | and/or fan to evaporate excess liquid. If the |
| Don't make this mistake; take the time to thoroughly | | | | electricity goes out for any extended period of time, |
| read the instructions before you begin. | | | | you would have a problem if your safety drain were |
| 2. Check with your local officials about building | | | | not hooked up. If you have access to a city sewer, |
| codes. The purpose of this step is to make sure | | | | this is usually the easiest and best option for the |
| your composting toilet will meet local building | | | | drain. Alternatively, you could use an old septic tank, |
| regulations. If you live in a city or county that hasn't | | | | leach field, or holding tank. Whatever you choose, |
| yet added composting toilets to its list of approved | | | | just make sure that your drain hookup is in |
| fixtures, don't worry. It's usually fairly easy to get | | | | compliance with your local building codes and |
| them approved. Take copies of the product | | | | regulations. |
| instruction manual and all testing information and | | | | Once you've taken these five steps into |
| product certifications to your local building | | | | consideration, you will be far more knowledgeable |
| department. They'll usually require a few weeks to | | | | and better prepared to begin installation. |
| review the information, and then you should have | | | | Remember, a smooth and easy installation always |
| your approval. | | | | depends on good preparation and proper planning. |
| 3. All composting toilets will require some type of | | | | And if you encounter problems during installation, |
| venting system to operate without odor. Installing | | | | don't hesitate to call the manufacturer or retailer who |
| the vent stack usually means that you'll have to run | | | | sold you the system; as they have trained |
| some lengths of PVC pipe up and out of the roofline | | | | professionals who are ready to assist you with any |
| of your house. (Important note: If you have | | | | questions or troubleshooting. With a little time and |
| purchased a unit that does not have any type of | | | | patience, you'll be well on your way to having your |
| vent, I would strongly encourage you to contact the | | | | new composting toilet installed. |
| manufacturer and inquire how the unit maintains | | | | |