Is a Composting Toilet Right for You? - 5 Important Questions to Ask Yourself

When deciding whether a composting toilet might be3. Would you personally be willing to perform any
a good option for your home, there are severalnecessary maintenance?  For the same reason that
critical questions to ask yourself.  We'll cover theit's difficult to find a professional installer, it may also
basics you need to know when making this importantbe difficult to find a repair person who is familiar
decision. Composting toilets are an alternative type ofenough with composting toilets to perform any
toilet that converts human waste into organic matter,necessary repairs or maintenance.  In most cases,
or compost, that can be added back to your gardenthe manufacturer will be happy to talk you through
soil.  While it's true that modern composting toiletsany potential repairs, provided that you are capable
are clean and odorless and relatively easy to install,of doing the work yourself.
they aren't necessarily the best option for4. Does a composting toilet meet code in your
everyone.  Buying a composting toilet isn't anmunicipality?  In many towns and cities across the
inexpensive venture, either.  For a good system,U.S., composting toilets are not mentioned in building
consumers should expect to spend anywherecode, and this is usually because no one has ever
between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the typeinstalled one yet.  Don't be afraid to be a trailblazer. 
of unit and capacity needed.  So how do youPrint out all the detailed specifications for the unit
determine if a composting toilet is right for youyou're interested in, take the information to your city
before spending the money?  We'll address the topcouncil or local building department, and request that
5 critical questions you should ask yourself beforethey review and approve the toilet as an acceptable
making this important decision.fixture.  Most cities will approve composting toilets
without any argument once they realize that they
1. Why are you interested in a composting toilet? are clean and sanitary systems.
For most people, their answer will fall into one of two5. Do you have a means of connecting the
categories: Either you are extremely eco-consciousemergency overflow drain?  Most composting toilets
and want to do your part to conserve water andhave some type of emergency overflow drain
help the environment, or else you are looking forhookup, so that if the unit is overused or cannot
cost savings.  There really isn't any incorrect answerevaporate liquids fast enough to meet usage needs,
to this question, and both of the reasons listedthe excess liquid will have someplace to go.  Again,
above are good ones.  Nevertheless, it's still a goodyou may have to check with your local building code
idea to evaluate your motives to be sure that ato see if you can connect the emergency drain to a
composting toilet is the best solution for you.sewer, leach field, french drain, or some other
2. Are you handy enough to be able to install the unitapproved facility.
yourself?  Because composting toilets are notFor many homeowners, a composting toilet is a great
extremely common, it may be difficult to find asolution for saving water and money and helping out
professional installer.  Most composting toiletthe environment in the process.  Once you've
systems are relatively easy to install, particularlyevaluated all the options and asked yourself the
self-contained units.  Before purchasing any systemquestions above, you should be prepared to make a
though, it's always a good idea to download thegood, informed decision about whether a composting
product installation guide and review all the steps sotoilet is right for you and your family.
you'll understand what is involved in installing the unit.