Sample Instruction Manual

© 2015 Katherine McCulloch and Cynthia Wiens

Composting Toilet

Installation and Maintenance Manual

PM Compostable

Toilets

MODEL: Excel NE

PM Compostable Toilets


All Rights Reserved

Courtesy of Sunmar Corp.


Table of Contents

Introducing the Excel NE ............................................................................................................................... 1

Installing Your Composting Toilet ................................................................................................................. 3

Venting Installation ................................................................................................................................... 5

Overflow Security Hose Installation .......................................................................................................... 5

Preparing Your Composting Toilet for Use ................................................................................................... 6

Operating Your Composting Toilet ............................................................................................................... 7

Maintaining Your Composting Toilet ............................................................................................................ 8

Rotating the Drum .................................................................................................................................... 8

Emptying the Drum into the Finishing Drawer ......................................................................................... 9

Emptying the Finishing Drawer ................................................................................................................. 9

Cleaning Your Composting Toilet ............................................................................................................ 10

Winterizing Your Composting Toilet ....................................................................................................... 10

Seasonal Start-Up .................................................................................................................................... 10

Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................... 12

Frequently Asked Questions ....................................................................................................................... 13

Parts and Materials ..................................................................................................................................... 15

Contact Information .................................................................................................................................... 15

List of Figures

Figure 1 Basic Toilet Design Courtesy of Sunmar Corp. ................................................................................ 2

Figure 2 Side View Rough-In Courtesy of Sunmar Corp ................................................................................ 4

Figure 3 Top View Rough-In Courtesy of Sunmar Corp. ............................................................................... 4

List of Symbols

Warning Symbol

Introducing the Excel NE

1 © 2015 Katherine McCulloch and Cynthia Wiens


A composting toilet is an environmentally-friendly toilet option for locations where no

plumbing is available or as an alternative option to conventional plumbing.

The Excel NE composting toilet is a low maintenance, non-electric, odourless, medium

capacity toilet.

The toilet consists of three chambers that separate

urine from feces. The urine is sent to an evaporation

chamber while the feces is held in a composting

drum where it begins to break down into

compostable matter. The composting matter is then

transferred into the finishing drawer to complete

the composting process. Once the composting

process is complete, the composted matter can then

be manually removed and recycled back into the earth.

Prior to opening the box ensure the following criteria can be met:

The toilet must be placed on a flat surface in a stationary location.

This model is not compatible for use in boats, RVs, etc.

The toilet must be placed in an area that can accommodate the following dimensions:

Toilet Width: 22 ½”

Toilet Depth: 46” (to ensure space for finishing drawer removal)

Toilet Height 33 ½”

The toilet requires ventilation. Ensure that a qualified ventilation expert installs the venting components.

The optional 12 volt fan must be installed if the toilet is:

Installed with any bends in the vent

Installed anywhere subject to downdraft

Used residentially

Used heavily

The toilet must be placed in a room that can maintain a minimum of 15 degrees Celsius if the toilet will be used frequently in winter months.

Medium Capacity:

Residential Use (two adults or

families of three)

Weekend and Vacation Use

(five adults or families of

seven)



How Your Composting Toilet Works

1. Opening for Vent Stack

2. Toilet Seat and Lid

3. Rotating Drum

4. Drum Handle

5. Stepping Stool

6. Finishing Drawer

7. Mesh Screen

8. Evaporation Chamber

Urine and feces enter the drum (3) through the opening in the toilet seat (2). The drum

contains compost and the toilet paper and feces add to the compost. The urine is filtered

through the mesh screen (6) into the evaporation chamber (7). The compost stays in the

drum until the drum is one half to two-thirds full. Some of the compost is emptied into

the finishing drawer (5) where it will continue to compost for a minimum of four weeks.

After four weeks, the finishing drawer can be removed and the compost emptied.

Figure 1 Basic Toilet Design Courtesy of Sunmar Corp.

Installing Your Composting Toilet



The Excel NE composting toilet comes fully assembled in the box. This toilet requires

the installation of a vent stack and the installation of an overflow security drain.

Included in the box

Installation and Maintenance Guide

Warranty card

Assembled Excel NE composting toilet

PVC Thinwall vent pipe (8 feet of 4 inch diameter)

PVC Thinwall connectors (x 2)

Diffuser vent cap

Overflow drain hose (10 feet of 1 inch diameter)

Stainless steel hose clamp (x 1)

Compost Sure peat mix (30 litre bag)*

Compost Quick enzyme (300 millilitre spray bottle)*

Microbe Mix (1 packet)*

Rake

*These items will need to be reordered when they have been depleted.

Not Included in the Box

Pamphlet: Using and Maintaining Your Composting Toilet (included free upon request)

12 volt fan

Venting elbows

Guidewires



Rough In Dimensions

Figure 2 Side View Rough-In Courtesy of Sunmar Corp

Figure 3 Top View Rough-In Courtesy of Sunmar Corp.



Venting Installation

Contact a qualified ventilation expert to install the vent stack in your home using the following guidelines:

Do not connect the vent stack to the existing plumbing vent.

Install the vent stack vertically. Do not install any part of the vent stack in a horizontal position.

If this is not possible, use no more than two 45 degree bends in the pipe. With bends in the vent stack the optional fan (not included)

must be installed.

Extend the top of the vent stack 60 to 90 centimetres above the peak of the roof to prevent a downdraft.

Secure the vent stack with guidewires (not included).

Install the diffuser on top of the vent stack

Overflow Security Hose Installation

Follow municipal bylaws for determining how to treat excess liquid.

Connect the 10 foot long 1 inch overflow security hose to the overflow security drain.

Insulate and heat the toilet if it will be used more than once a week in temperatures colder the 15 degrees Celsius.

Install insulation around all pipes to prevent them from freezing.

Heat the area that contains the toilet to at least 15 degrees Celsius.

Tips!

For more information on operating your toilet in cold weather conditions contact PM

Compostables Toilets.

Preparing Your Composting Toilet for Use


Preparing Your Composting Toilet for Use

Before using the toilet for the first time, you need to prepare the toilet by starting your

compost in the drum.

1. Spray the evaporation chamber with Compost Quick (included).

2. Spray the drum with Compost Quick.

3. Add 12 to 15 litres of Compost Sure (included) into the drum.

4. Add ½ of the Microbe Mix packet (included).

5. Sprinkle two litres of warm water into the drum.

6. Coat the evaporation chamber in Compost Quick.

7. Pull out the handle out of the recess below the toilet seat and rotate the drum clockwise four to six complete revolutions.

8. Push the handle back into the recess.

When the drum is in the correct position after being turned, the handle will fit easily back into the recess.

9. Plug in the optional fan if it has been installed.

10. Remove any loose peat moss from the evaporation chamber with the rake (included).

Loose peat moss may fall through the mesh vent until the compost is active.

Compost Quick is a liquid enzyme

that accelerates the composting

process.

Compost Sure is a bulking agent

consisting of coarse peat moss and

chopped hemp stalk.

Microbe Mix is a bacteria that

increases the compost’s bacterial

population to boost composting

activity.

Operating Your Composting Toilet


Operating Your Composting Toilet

Operating your composting toilet is similar to using a regular toilet except the

composting toilet does not flush; instead you will add Compost Sure (bulking agent) to

the toilet and rotate the drum.

Supplies needed

You can use any type of toilet paper in the composting toilet. The toilet paper aids in the

composting process. The only extra supply you need to operate the composting toilet is

Compost Sure or your own mixture of bulking agent.

Operating steps

1. Lift the toilet lid.

2. Use the step stool to help position yourself over the toilet.

3. Relieve yourself.

4. Use the same amount and type of toilet paper your normally would.

5. If you have a bowel movement add 250 millilitres (two handfuls) of Compost Sure.

6. Close the lid when you are finished.

Maintaining Your Composting Toilet



The following steps are required to maintain your toilet:

Rotating the drum

Emptying the drum

Emptying the finishing drawer

Cleaning your composting toilet

Winterizing your composting toilet

Start-up after extended periods of non-use

Rotating the Drum

Rotating the drum supplies air to the compost. The extra air makes the composting

process odour free. It also reduces the moisture content within the compost to increase

the speed of the composting process.

1. Pull the handle out of the recess.

2. Turn the handle clockwise four to six complete revolutions.

When the drum is turned clockwise, the drum door remains closed preventing the compost from spilling into the finishing drawer.

3. Put the handle back into the recess.


Drum Rotation Frequency

Everyday Use

When the toilet is used every day, rotate the drum every other day.

Seasonal Use

When the toilet is used on weekends only, rotate the drum at the end of the

weekend.



Emptying the Drum into the Finishing Drawer

When the drum is one half to two thirds full, you need to empty some of the compost

into the finishing drawer.


2. Pull the lock pin located near the finishing drawer.

If the pin is not pulled, the drum will not rotate counter-clockwise.

3. Rotate the handle counter-clockwise one complete revolution.

The drum door opens allowing compost to drop into the finishing drawer.

4. Leave some compost in the drum.

If the drum is emptied completely, the initial start-up steps must be repeated to create a new batch of active compost.

5. Put the handle back in the recess.


6. Push the lock pin back in place.

Resetting the lock pin will lock the drum door back in place.

7. Rake the contents of the finishing drawer.

Emptying the Finishing Drawer

The finishing drawer can be emptied after the contents have been in the finishing

drawer for a minimum of four weeks. Empty the drawer when space is needed to empty

the drum. With regular use, this will be every three or four months. With seasonal use, it

should only need to be emptied once a year at seasonal start-up.

1. Pull the finishing drawer out from the base of the toilet.

2. Carry contents to the recycling location and dump contents out.

3. Return drawer to toilet and slide drawer fully in.

4. Wash your hands.

Tips

If the compost appears dry, add approximately two litres of warm water to the drum after

putting the handle back in the recess.

We suggest recycling the composted matter into garden beds containing shrubs or under trees.

Do not recycle the composted matter into any gardens that contain plants that humans will eat.



Cleaning Your Composting Toilet

Do not use chemicals to clean the toilet bowl.

Do not clean the drum or the finishing drawer. If the drum is cleaned the initial start-up steps must be repeated to create a new batch of active compost.

The only parts of the toilet that will require cleaning is the toilet bowl, the lid and

outside of the toilet.

Approved Cleaning Methods:

Clean the toilet bowl with Compost Quick.

Or sprinkle baking soda (or vinegar) on a cloth. Dampen the cloth with water. Use the cloth to wipe down surfaces and clean inside the bowl.

Winterizing Your Composting Toilet

You can safely leave your compost in the drum and the finishing tray of the toilet during

winter months. You can use the toilet occasionally during winter months with no extra

steps. The compost will freeze at colder temperatures and will thaw when the weather

warms up. If the toilet is used more than once a week the room must maintain a

temperature of 15 degrees Celsius.

Seasonal Start-Up

There are a few simple steps to get your toilet into operating condition after a seasonal

shut down.

1. Empty the contents of the finishing drawer.

2. Clean out any material that has fallen into the evaporation chamber using the rake. Focus on the back corners of the chamber.


4. Pull the lock pin located near the finishing drawer.

Tips

To speed up the composting

process you can add some

Microbe Mix, Compost Quick or

an unsterilized black earth from

a garden center to the drum.

Tips

Use a non-abrasive cloth when

cleaning to prevent unwanted

scratches.



5. Rotate the handle counter-clockwise one revolution to empty some of the contents into the finishing drawer.

6. Leave some compost in the drum.

If the drum is emptied completely, the initial start-up steps must be repeated to create a new batch of active compost.

7. Put the handle back in the recess.

8. Push the lock pin back in place.

9. Rake the contents of the finishing drawer.

10. Sprinkle two litres of water into the drum.

Troubleshooting


Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Issue Solution

Drum contents are too dry

Heat Waves Add water or add some morning coffee grounds to moisten the contents.

Extended periods when the toilet was not in use over summer months

The handle won’t retract

The handle is not in the correct retracting position

Rotate the handle clockwise until the drum reaches a full cycle and then retract handle.

The handle is bent or damaged

Contact PM Compostable Toilets for solutions. Internal parts are worn and need replacement

The optional fan is not working

The fan wires are not connected to the battery properly

Ensure the fan wires (red wire positive, blue wire negative) are connected to the matching battery outlets (+/-).

The optional solar panel wires are not connected to the battery properly

Ensure that the fan wires and the solar panel wires are connected to the battery properly.

The battery is dead or damaged

Check the battery for any leakage or damage and replace if necessary.

Insects N/A

Ensure the toilet lid is closed when not in use.

You can add a screen over the vent in warm months to deter insects from entering the vent.

Add two cups of natural Diatomaceous Earth to the compost in the drum. Diatomaceous Earth can be purchased at most hardware stores.

Compost is excessively wet

Users with loose stool Add some Compost Sure to offset the moisture. If using an alternative bulking agent ensure it is a standard peat moss with no additives.

Users may be adding other leftover liquids from meals

Other liquids such as soups or food scraps can be added, but add Compost Sure to the drum to offset the excessive moisture. If food scraps are being added rotate the drum every day to deter rodents.

Urine is entering the drum

Inspect the top of the wire mesh for any blockage.

Toilet is leaking onto the floor

The overflow hose is damaged or disconnected

Inspect the connection points and refasten if required. Inspect the hose: if the hose is damaged patch it until a replacement can be ordered.

Frequently Asked Questions



Can you install the toilet for me?

Some dealerships will install the toilet for an additional charge. If you are unable to

locate a qualified ventilation expert to install the toilet, contact us or the dealership

and we will refer you to an installer.

Can I merge this vent with my plumbing vent?

No. If the toilet is connected to existing plumbing vents ammonia odours can occur

in any of the connected device (sinks, etc.).

How many bends can I put in the vent pipe?

No more than two 45 degree bends. More than two bends will disrupt airflow. If

bends are put in the vent pipe the optional fan must be installed.

I’ve attached the overflow security hose to the drain pipe. Where does the

other end of the hose go?

The overflow security hose needs to lead to an approved recycling bed (examples:

old septic system, holding tank or drain pit). Drain pits are easy to create, but

ensure you contact your municipality for any specification they require.

What does the diffuser do?

The diffuser prevents:

Most rain and snow from entering your stack

Urine odour in the bathroom

Where do I get Guidewires from?

Guidewires can be purchased at any hardware store.

If I make modifications to the toilet will my warranty be void?

Contact us directly at 1-800-584-9898 (extension 4740) prior to making any

modifications to the toilet. Modifications approved* by PM Compostable Toilets

(us directly, not a dealer) will not void your warranty. *This approval will be sent in

a letter and must be kept with the original warranty card.



How often do I empty the drawer?

When the drum is one half to two thirds full you will rotate the drum

counter-clockwise to transfer matter into the finishing drawer.

After four weeks in the finishing drawer, remove the drawer and transfer the

contents to the recycling location.

What do I do with the contents of the drawer?

The contents of the drawer can be recycled into gardens that do not contain plants

that humans will eat. The suggested recycling locations are garden beds containing

shrubs or adding the composted matter to the soil under trees.

Should I wear gloves when I empty the drawer?

You do not have to wear gloves, but there is a small chance that bacteria could be

present in the drawer. Always wash your hands after handling the drawer.

How do I clean the toilet?

Do not use chemicals to clean the toilet.

The only parts of the toilet that will require cleaning is the toilet bowl, the lid and

outside of the toilet. Sprinkle baking soda or vinegar on a cloth then dampen the

cloth with water. Use the cloth to wipe down surfaces and clean inside the bowl.

How do I get rid of insects?

Keep the toilet lid closed when not in use.

If the toilet is installed in a location with a high insect population, consider

installing a screen over the vent.

In extreme situations add two cups of natural Diatomaceous Earth to the compost

drum. This will kill and deter any future infestation. Diatomaceous Earth can be

purchased at most hardware stores.

Parts and Materials


Parts and Materials

The Excel NE composting toilet (PMEX-NE000401) will require replacement materials

and can, over time, require replacement parts.

To order parts or materials contact the service department at the number listed below.

Replacement Parts and Materials

Parts Order Code

Diffuser Vent Cap CPVT-DF006571 Drain Hose (10 feet of 1inch diameter) HS-DR0001001 Drum Handle DR-HD000141 Fan 12 volt FN-PM0000012 Finishing Drawer DR-FN000165 Hose Clamp Stainless Steel CLMP-SS001895 Mesh Screen SC-MS005858 Rake PM-RK006466 Rotating Drum DR-RT006767 Stepping Stool STP-PL0078781 Toilet seat and Lid TS-ST000575 Vent Elbow ELB-VT007621 Vent Pipe PVC Thinwall (8 feet of 4inch diameter) PIPE-VT000804 Vent Pipe Connector PVC Thinwall CON-VP048488

Materials

Compost Quick Enzyme in Spray Bottle(300 millilitres) COMP-QE000300 Compost Sure in Bag (30 litres) COMP-SB000030 Microbe Mix in packet COMP-MM000100 Pamphlet: Using and Maintaining your compostable toilet PMEX-NE000212

Contact Information

For General Inquiries:

Call our toll free number 1-800-584-9898

Visit our website at [email protected]

For The Service Department (Ordering Parts and Materials):

Call our toll free number 1-800-584-9898 Extension 4747

Order online at [email protected]/ordering

mailto:[email protected]

Sample Instruction Manual

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