Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the questions people have asked us over the years.
Where can I install my toilet?
- Installation in a basement.
- Install in a crawl space.
- With a pump for the separated fluid, if the installation site is located below the level of the grey water sewer, the pump may be installed in order to pump the fluid to the grey water outlet.
- Separate house, pipe length can be as long as you need as long as you stick to the standard of a 75mm gradient per metre. Existing Enviro Toilet systems have reached up to 65m. Keep in mind that the more connectors you make along the pipe the more chance of build up occurring.
What is a “leach field”?
A leach field allows the treated fluids to be evenly dispersed into the ground. For more information on council regulation please visit this website: Auckland City council wastewater PDF
Where can I get more worms?
Worms are Available from Bunnings warehouse, We also collect containers of worms from a local school which will be available soon.
Have these been tested by a local council?
Yes, we have had multiple tests done and have had great results. Report of lab results from Rotorua Lakes District Council
Important things to keep in mind when you own a composting toilet
These tips apply to both the Aquatuti and Farmstyle composting toilet systems.
DO
Use the right worms
- The best worms for composting toilets are Tiger worms (Eisenia Foetida)
- Worms can be purchased from worm farms or garden centers all around New Zealand. Order 2,000 Tiger worms from your local worm farm or Bunnings Hardware.
- Worms should be placed in the main composting chamber within two weeks of the toilet being used.
- Place 2,000 worms directly into the composting chamber down through the toilet pan.
Lower the toilet seat
Keep the toilet seat closed when the toilet is not in use.
Add organic material
Placing organic materials, such as weeds, grass and leaves (NOT Oak Leaves) can and will assist with producing good compost and allow variety for the worms.
Place approximately one handful per day.
If no organic materials are available, add untreated wood shavings or untreated saw dust, i.e. one cup per day.
Check for insects
In the early stage of the composting cycle, tiles (similar to fruit flies) may be found in the composting chamber. This is very unlikely, but there can be sometimes be a small amount of spore in the peat moss. If this occurs, it can be rectified easily with organic insecticide or add some untreated fresh sawdust.
DON’T
Dispose of cigarette butts
DO NOT put cigarette butts or any other burning objects down the toilet.
This has nothing to do with gases; it is to do with the dry toilet paper catching on fire.
Add kitchen waste
If kitchen garbage (waste) is deposited into the toilet it will attract flies, as vegetable matter has fruit fly spores (in most cases) on it and they could hatch and flourish in the composting process.
Add inorganic materials
DO NOT put such materials as glass, metals and plastic into the compost chamber.
They will not damage the process but could be hard to retrieve from the compost and could prevent the composting material from moving down the air staircase as it is being processed.
Add sanitary towels or nappies
DO NOT put nappies or sanitary towels into the composting chamber.
Due to their plastic content and their size they will create the same problems as inorganic materials.
Operating and Maintaining an Enviro Composting Toilet
General guidelines for both systems
Air outlet filter
The filter that is located just under the air outlet flange needs to be checked and cleaned if required each twelve (12) months.
Fan control
The current fan is single speed and only needs to be “on” or “off” the current draw is only 1 amp at 12v about 1 quarter of the consumption of a 50-watt bulb! It is best to leave it running all the time.
This can be run by a small solar power pack. (currently being researched)
Cleaning the hygienic chute
The hygienic chute can be cleaned in the toilet pan by using a water spray bottle with a mixture of 1-part white vinegar to 6-parts water. Or dish washing liquid. These will not harm the composting process.
The hygienic chute can be removed and washed in a bucket of disinfectant and then washed down with clean water, before replacing the chute.
DO NOT dispose of the disinfectant water down the sink or basin. Dispose of it outside, maybe in the garden.
Compost removal
It is recommended that the compost is removed once every year.
For holiday homes that are only used for 3 months every year, it is recommended that the compost be removed within 3 years.
Removed compost
The compost (humus) is a resource to be used in your garden. It can be put on your vegetable gardens and/or flower gardens. To get the best advantage of the compost, dig it into the garden.
Recommendation
To avoid light shining down into the toilet chute place the toilet room light near the front of the room, as this will cast a shadow on the chute.
Failure of power supply
If the power supply is off for a longer period than 3 days, place GLAD® cling wrap or plastic over the hygienic chute and close the lid over the cover. Remove the wrap/plastic each time the toilet is required for use, repeat this procedure until the power supply is restored. This is to both stop fumes and any harmful air-born bacteria usually dispersed with the fan.
Maintaining the fan
Remove the fan every 3 years and clean off any dust that has built up on the fan blades. This can be achieved with ease with the use of an old toothbrush. Once cleaned, refit the fan.
Want More Information?
Complete the form
Complete the form and we’ll get back to you right away with more information, including pricing.
Call us now
Call us directly at 020-4003-3683 to talk to a composting toilet expert.
Read our resources
You can read additional information about composting toilets or answers to our most frequently asked questions on this website.