When trying to decide if a composting toilet is right for your home, there are many important factors to consider. Will your family and guests accept a different type of toilet system? Will your lifestyle and schedule accommodate a composting toilet? Are you able to easily maintain the unit on your own? But at the top of this list, you have to ask yourself if your home is equipped for the installation of a composting toilet system. There are some limitations and exceptions when it comes to installing these units that homeowners should be aware of.
First, if your home is on a slab foundation and you don’t have a basement or crawl space, you’re immediately going to be limited in the type of composting toilet system you can choose from. For example, central systems consist of a toilet in the bathroom and a central composting unit on a lower level. Obviously this won’t work if your home doesn’t have a lower level. The alternative option is a self-contained unit. Self-contained composting toilets are actually more popular than central systems for this very reason, and also because they are so easy to install.
When shopping for a compost toilet, you’ll also need to determine if the unit requires any type of plumbing connection. There are two types of connections that may be required: water inlet and drain outlet. The vast majority of composting toilets are flushless, meaning they do not require water pipes to be connected. However, there are some systems that feature low-flush toilets, which use a very small amount of water as a flushing fluid. In this case, you will need access to running water. If your home lacks running water, you obviously need to look only at those systems that do not have water.
Many systems will also require the connection of an emergency drain. Be sure to check with the manufacturer or retailer before purchasing a composting toilet, as this is an important thing to consider before making a purchase. An overflow drain is an important feature in those toilets that require it, especially if you live in a humid climate and do not have air conditioning in your home. Because the primary job of a composting toilet is evaporation, fluctuations in relative humidity can greatly affect the system’s ability to evaporate liquids. Having the drain connected will prevent any possible buildup of excess fluid. Drains must be connected in accordance with local or building codes. Possible connection options may include an old, unused septic tank, sewer line, drain pit, or holding tank.
Another consideration is ventilation. Most composting toilets have some form of ventilation system that helps keep them running odorless. The vent is usually made up of a 2- or 4-inch diameter PVC pipe that runs from the back or top of the unit to the outside. The direction the pipe should run will vary depending on the type of toilet, so be sure to read all installation materials carefully before selecting and purchasing a unit. In some cases, the vent chimney must run vertically, directly up from where the toilet is located. In some homes this can create a difficult or impossible installation.
In reality, there are very few homes where a composting toilet won’t work. The key is finding the right unit for your home and installation needs. A little research and thought before making your purchase can save you a lot of time and headache when it comes time to complete the installation.
