Frequently asked questions ... |
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Do they smell?
No. The aerobic process produces no odours, and the ventilation system continually extracts air from the room to ensure an odour free environment, so the toilet smells like the hallway.
No. The aerobic process produces no odours, and the ventilation system continually extracts air from the room to ensure an odour free environment, so the toilet smells like the hallway.
How often do you empty it?
CM units - Never! Clivus Multrum systems have a continuous process, so you only remove compost when the chamber gets too full to cope. In most cases this may be several years after you start using it. After that, you might take a bucket or two out once or twice a year and dispose of it in the garden. That's it!
Ecolet units - these vary depending on the model. Some have a tray you empty now and then, others require the chamber to be exchanged when full. Call us to discuss how each model works.
CM units - Never! Clivus Multrum systems have a continuous process, so you only remove compost when the chamber gets too full to cope. In most cases this may be several years after you start using it. After that, you might take a bucket or two out once or twice a year and dispose of it in the garden. That's it!
Ecolet units - these vary depending on the model. Some have a tray you empty now and then, others require the chamber to be exchanged when full. Call us to discuss how each model works.
What other maintenance do they need?
For the CM units, about once a month you should check the fan is working and that the excess fluid drain is not blocked. At the same time you should rake the top of the pile to level any peaks under the pedestal chute/s. All up about 10 minutes about once a month.
Maintenance for the Ecolet units varies according to model, but most only require 10-15 minutes every few weeks.
For the CM units, about once a month you should check the fan is working and that the excess fluid drain is not blocked. At the same time you should rake the top of the pile to level any peaks under the pedestal chute/s. All up about 10 minutes about once a month.
Maintenance for the Ecolet units varies according to model, but most only require 10-15 minutes every few weeks.
How much underfloor clearance do I need?
With a standard Clivus Multrum unit (like a CM10) about 1000mm is usually enough, but with a few tricks it can be much less. CM units have even been installed under slabs in a mini-cellar with exterior access. Talk to us about your project and we'll help make it work for you.
The new CM LP units can be installed with as little as 500mm underfloor clearance.
The Ecolet above floor models - none!
With a standard Clivus Multrum unit (like a CM10) about 1000mm is usually enough, but with a few tricks it can be much less. CM units have even been installed under slabs in a mini-cellar with exterior access. Talk to us about your project and we'll help make it work for you.
The new CM LP units can be installed with as little as 500mm underfloor clearance.
The Ecolet above floor models - none!
Will the council approve these systems?
Yes. Almost all our systems comply with AS1546.2 and are fully accredited with health and environment authorities in every state and territory, so there is normally not a problem unless there are special circumstances. Councils are a law unto themselves and can approve (or not approve) anything they like.
In fact, it's normally not the compost toilet they have an issue with - it's more often how you deal with your greywater. Click HERE for information on dealing with greywater.
If you come across any resistance from your council talk to us. We have dealt with many councils over 30 years and can guide you through the approval process, and even contact council on your behalf to explain the system in terms they are comfortable with.
Yes. Almost all our systems comply with AS1546.2 and are fully accredited with health and environment authorities in every state and territory, so there is normally not a problem unless there are special circumstances. Councils are a law unto themselves and can approve (or not approve) anything they like.
In fact, it's normally not the compost toilet they have an issue with - it's more often how you deal with your greywater. Click HERE for information on dealing with greywater.
If you come across any resistance from your council talk to us. We have dealt with many councils over 30 years and can guide you through the approval process, and even contact council on your behalf to explain the system in terms they are comfortable with.
Can I install the unit myself?
Certainly! The Ecolet systems are dead easy to install, and the CM units can be installed in less than a day by two novices with a few standard tools once the underfloor clearance is available. You may need a plumber to sign off on the installation to satisfy council conditions.
Certainly! The Ecolet systems are dead easy to install, and the CM units can be installed in less than a day by two novices with a few standard tools once the underfloor clearance is available. You may need a plumber to sign off on the installation to satisfy council conditions.
Can I have two pedestals?
Yes. All the CM models except the CM8 can accommodate two pedestals, although the pedestals need to be in adjacent rooms. The CM40 can accommodate 4 pedestals.
Yes. All the CM models except the CM8 can accommodate two pedestals, although the pedestals need to be in adjacent rooms. The CM40 can accommodate 4 pedestals.
With no water to flush it, doesn't the pedestal get dirty?
The pedestal chute on the CM units is much larger than the narrow neck of a flushing pedestal, so very little touches the sides. The interior of the chute is black, so soiling is not conspicuous and easily cleaned. We usually suggest people acquire a toilet brush with an extra long handle and disinfect surfaces with a swab.
The pedestal chute on the CM units is much larger than the narrow neck of a flushing pedestal, so very little touches the sides. The interior of the chute is black, so soiling is not conspicuous and easily cleaned. We usually suggest people acquire a toilet brush with an extra long handle and disinfect surfaces with a swab.
How do I clean the pedestal?
With water and little general purpose detergent. With the CM units you can splash around as much water and detergent as you like, and even pour some water down the pedestal.
To disinfect surfaces on any unit just swab them over with disinfectant on a cloth, but avoid getting disinfectant or bleach in the compost unit as it will kill the bacteria that does all the work.
With water and little general purpose detergent. With the CM units you can splash around as much water and detergent as you like, and even pour some water down the pedestal.
To disinfect surfaces on any unit just swab them over with disinfectant on a cloth, but avoid getting disinfectant or bleach in the compost unit as it will kill the bacteria that does all the work.
What can you see in the pedestal?
Very little. If you stare down the chute of a CM unit you may see some white toilet paper. The chamber is dark and the top of the pile is almost a metre below the pedestal. Most of the above-floor models have a chamber screen that closes when not in use.
Very little. If you stare down the chute of a CM unit you may see some white toilet paper. The chamber is dark and the top of the pile is almost a metre below the pedestal. Most of the above-floor models have a chamber screen that closes when not in use.
How much power do they use?
The CM units and Ecolet NE models only have a 4W x 12V fan, so almost nothing.
Some Ecolet models (25e etc) have a motorized mixing mechanism, a 305W thermostatically controlled heating element and a 50W ventilation fan. The heating element is thermostatically controlled, so only comes on when the room temperature drops below about 20 deg C. Total energy consumption is quite low (about 2-3kWh/day), but these units are not ideal for off-grid households as the short term load the heating elements draw may be incompatible with your battery bank.
The CM units and Ecolet NE models only have a 4W x 12V fan, so almost nothing.
Some Ecolet models (25e etc) have a motorized mixing mechanism, a 305W thermostatically controlled heating element and a 50W ventilation fan. The heating element is thermostatically controlled, so only comes on when the room temperature drops below about 20 deg C. Total energy consumption is quite low (about 2-3kWh/day), but these units are not ideal for off-grid households as the short term load the heating elements draw may be incompatible with your battery bank.
How quick can I have one?
In most cases your unit can be delivered within a week or so.
In most cases your unit can be delivered within a week or so.
