I am from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana and my name is Rick. I've watched your videos of your bungalow and I am very impressed. I want to tell you that I admire you for your great work. I especially enjoyed your girl's music, they are so very talented. I'm a 61yr old retired man who would love to build me a tiny house. Just for myself, and you've inspired me to start seriously thinking about doing just that. I've subscribed and will be watching more of your videos. Thank You and God Bless you and your family. Rick,
Thanks so much for the kind words, Rick!! I sure hope you do get to build yourself a little place. Easy to hear and cool and easy to clean, cuz it's small. I am working on a house on my hill--nothing big, but a little more room than the bungalow. I'll post a video once my internet is back up. Had a storm that blew down some trees. Thanks again! If I can help, please don't hesitate to ask!
In my camper I use composted wood chips that still have a little moisture in them. I also sprinkle a little Rid-X (septic tank additive) directly onto the poo before I cover it with the compost. No fan. I dared my sister to lift the lid and take a sniff. When she took the challenge......she asked for some of my Rid-X and compost for her horse trailer with living quarters. I dump the bucket into a plastic bag lined garbage can to compost for 6 months and then reuse the compost. The only change you might want to make is use a bigger bucket like the guy in New Zealand and drill holes in the bottom for increased air flow.
Jon, Cut a round disc the I.D. of the toilet vent fan mounting PVC reducer fitting. (I'm thinking a peanut can or oatmeal can plastic lid would be ideal and free.) Then cut a round hole in it the diameter of the fan blade. Use a few dabs of RTV to hold it in place in front of the fan, as close as possible to the suction side of the fan frame. This will create more efficient, higher velocity air flow. And will help prevent the ceiling mounted vent fan from causing a backdraft into the toilet and bathroom. To prevent the ceiling mounted vent from lowering the efficiency of the toilet vent fan, just cut 1/4" off the bottom edge of the bathroom door. Just tape it with masking tape before the cut to eliminate splintering. Great progress and innovative concepts and techniques in this project.
Ha! You're a mind reader. Left a gap under door when I installed....and been looking for a plastic lid that fit-- didn't think about the peanut can! Thanks!
...upon watching with disappointment your few mistakes; i totally changed my mind about you after hearing you play the fiddle ; that was the icing on the cake! great job!
You Sir have fixed my problem of needing my bucket and urine separator in the same place but I can't cut out any holes in the bucket. Thank you so much for sharing because I would have never considered putting the bucket below the urine separator.
thanks so much. I have just bought a urine diverting seat and having the Menonites build me a box for the pail. I am off grid so I liked the idea of the 12 volt fan. Went on ebay to check them out. There are many silent computer fans. I had the Menonites build me a tiny house. They thought that was pretty funny. I did lots of trades with them. Sold them horses, and gave them massages as I am a massage therapist. Fun stuff. Not sure what kind of fan to get . They range in rpns from 120 to 3000. Any advice would be appreciated.
Great Vid! The only thing I'd add is to route the front leading edge of the top, for comfort, and you'll need something to stir the bucket contents, as you go, so to speak. I'll definitely make this for my tiny home! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thankyou very much-- this has worked well-- and since there are 4 people using it, it gets emptied about every 8 days. Stirring would have no effect at all because not enough time elapses. Good luck on your project!
Actually, you don't need to stir. This creates additional cleanup messes. Some peat moss on top, light amount, plus van venting out gasses and lid in place should be enough.
From my experience wood ashes are great for totally removing the smell from the compost toilet. I sprinkle them in from the fire when we are camping. It neutralizes the urine smell.
Actual composting toilets (the expensive ones) have an air intake and exhaust line so it sucks air from outside and exhausts that same air with any poo smell so the toilet has equal venting instead of sucking air from the home/RV and exhausting that, which would mean it's sucking outside air from some other crack/crevice in the home/RV.
That is noy true for all models. Even though we have a relatively small space, after over a year, it has worked wonderfully and helped keep the bathroom fresh.
Great stuff. I save my urine for use in my garden. I dilute it at the ratio of 10:1, which seems to be the consensus. A few years ago people said it should be 20:1.
Why would 8 thumbs-down ??? I'm #321 on the thumbs-up list, but I will put the fan switch on the top or front side (in process of getting an old village house near Tatarbunary Ukraine).
Thank you for this video. I've seen a lot of DIY composting toilet videos and for me, yours is the best. It's fantastic how you break down and film the process. You filmed this really well for comprehencsion and that's helped me a great deal, thank you! Even though my plan is for making humus toilets is slightly different, I will still be using the urine diverter because I like the idea of separating urine which can be sterilized for other uses!
Loved it! This was sorely needed and you explained it so well. I liked the soft closing lid and the diverter install fine points. The supports for bucket footing, the hinges, placement of diverter and giving it enough room, so many small details. Also the framing support for where you sit, was something I would not have thought of. Great job! Love the folding ladder in background. Model?
Going to use your exact same plan in an outhouse while the kids & I do our shed to home conversion! I wonder how often it would need to be emptied? And what do we do just cover it with a locking lid and let it finish composting down for the garden? Oh boy! The more I get into homesteading stuff the more i learn and find ways to SAVE MONEY!
Well...with 4 of us, it's once a week. You can buy composting bags and just switch out the full bag and add it to yoir compost heap -- no mess. I love the excitement I hear! Yes --it's fun and a great way to go!
Nice job on the video, I wonder if it would be more efficient if you you had the air flow coming directly from the top, or upper back of the bucket instead of randomly from the box ? Or maybe even adding inward vent holes half way up your bucket would in courage better air flow , quicker drying time, and less smell ? I need to build one and I greatly benefited from your video and nice touch with the violin. Thanks
Enjoyed your build series. In case you hadn't already discovered a great and inexpensive absorbent material for your toilet is hardwood pellets made for pellet stoves.
Harvesting peat moss is not a sustainable practice. It takes thousands of years for peat moss to develop, and harvesting it requires digging up bogs, which destroys the potential for regeneration of the swamp. Peat moss is being banned in some countries to protect rare plants and animals in peatlands and prevent the release of half a million tons of greenhouse gases from disturbed bogs each year. Hope you stick with the coffee grounds. They are great to recycle.
Nooo... That would actually be bad. There is NO odor. None. The computer fan keeps a constant airflow out, so we have no smells :) If we had a seal on top of the bucket, the fan couldn't draw air from the bucket!
I had looked into building one of these for may cabin in NL but ended up selling the place. Haven't found a new spot yet but I'm keeping your video for this project. At least we got got a bit of tune this time around. the bungalow is looking great. I'm going to have a nice place to stay when I come to visit. HA!!!
Using the urine as fertiliser works extremely well for lawns. It makes them very lush and green but do remember to dilute it; five parts water to one part urine works well.
Love your ideas! Now that you've spent some time with your composting toilet is there anything you would have changed or any tips or trick for those about to build and use one?
Thanks-- good question -- Overall, it has been a resounding success. I followed the model of the Separette Toilet. Compostable bags are the only way to go, for ease of use and sanitation. An "s" trap (like under a sink) somewhere would prevent occasional odors from popping up. I am adding an extension to the exterior vent, because when the breeze blows a certain way, some odor can get in the bedroom window-- maybe the fan should have been more powerful! My vent will extend to the peak and actually increase airflow because it should act like a chimney. Thanks for asking!!!
One thing I would change, would be to not have a full/flat front, with nowhere for your feet to move to (during "clean-up"). Keeping your feet directly below you assists in stability and mobility. I'd opt for a curved enclosure for the containers, allowing the feet to move back in alongside.
That makes sense. I had never thought of it....no one who's used it has said anything either. The center of gravity would be different as you went to rise.
Haha! We are living in it now, while we build a house. YES! We have instructed several guests so far. Aim is the big deal for girls...and sitting to pee for boys....or just use the woods!
Very good Jon, you need a little more of your compost material in bucket ,but very nice install. I wish I had seen you vid before I spent $1000 on Nature's Head unit ,which is a very good unit but not $900 better than yours. I need to make another toilet, do you have plans?
Thanks, Aaron. Because we're not stirring anything, we don't need a bunch of compost material-- Having 4 people here shortens the time I have to change things out. No actual composting can really occur in the toilet. I looked at all the top designs and didn't want to blow $1000+ for something so simple -- although I came really close! No, there are no plans. Thanks for writing!!
Interesting and very informative video. Thanks much. QUESTION: why put the fan switch inside the toilet box and not outside the box so it can be easily used?
Thankyou! Haha! Well, first....the switch was an afterthought...and I thought the outlet I was installing would be far less accessible. You would not ever want to have the fan off (I know this for sure now!) unless you were servicing it -- i.e. cleaning the blades or replacing it. I have a spare fan in a zip lock hanging inside just in case. So far this has worked wonderfully and is completely odor free (unless the fan is off!).
I would of put the fan switch on the outside of the box , & now all you have to do is make the complete box bug/spider/fly proof, you could use truck bed camper foam strip around base of toilet seat, to eliminate a bug problem, & as well around box lid, also, screen on fan vent pipe, to keep bugs / bees/ spiders out, you possibly could use a flapper type clothes dryer vent attached to the cabin with screen for bugs , & caulk everything, & won't yours ,& other guys tool always be resting on the pee separator, lol, just sayen
Turns out, I never want to shut off the fan, haha. The switch was simply sitting in my toolbox with a fuse, so I used it. No, we don't have any bugs at all. I do have a screen outside. There is no smell and it works great. There is enough clearance so we aren't hitting any body parts. Yeah...I did think of that.... ;)
That was great, I wouldn't have bothered with the pee separator though, just my opinion. I have my own home made composting toilet at my off grid cabin. An over the toilet commode chair set over the bucket and you are good to "GO"
Thanks--- there are 4 of us now (I'm the only male), so the bucket itself wouldn't last very long! My grandkids slept over last night...same thing. Yeah, simpler is often better. I get a week between bucket changes.
@@grandpasmountain What liners are you using? I was considering this: www.amazon.com/dp/B077MWKYG9/?coliid=I22I9V6FFZZB57&colid=14A95WSBQSMDD&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1
So how's it supposed to churn? It 💩needs to be be turned over🤔😨 to keep it moving, right? All the other ones I've seen do that with a paddle type churn. So maybe not required🤔. Well it looks really nice.🚽 Nice job saved u some💸💰💵💳👍2😉
Hi, Debbie-- it doesn't need to churn. If it were maybe just one or two people, and it was only emptied once a month, churning would have some purpose. Stuff doesn't break down that fast, honestly. With 4 of us, I empty about every 7-8 days. It's just a 5 gal. bucket, and it gets emptied when 3/4 full. Actual composting takes months....like 6-12 months. One gadget "churns" simply to bury the poops so they don't stink. We have no odor issue because we ventilate. Look up the Separette composting toilet. It costs about $1200 and is the #1 potty out there. My design essentially copies it.
Currently have a mini septic tank. Urine is sterile and can safely be run into the ground. A pit filled with rocks works, or a container buried with holes in it. Some people save it, dilute it and water their bushes!
@@ankersman i would imagine he has it with a fall, septic fields hav 1 1/4 inch for every ten feet so gravity works to use the flushing water and solids moving them. Since it's only liquid any fall will work, no solids to move. It runs about ten feet behind his building into a rock filled hole, where the ground absorbs it so no liquid in pipe to smell. With the fan, any wafting odor from the dry pee coating the pipe will be exhausted, and if you wanted you could use a one to one vinegar water mix to spray pee diverter, some add a little fragrant dish soap to the mixture for a clean fresh smell.
Yes, there is a screen over the outlet pipe. Yes, the fan runs continually. It draws immeasurably little power and maintains a constant negative pressure, so odor free and dries out the poo.
The cheap little chinese fans only last so long (6-9 months) and I only use the little switch (which I had laying around) to change out the fan. I could have simply unplugged the thing....but I didn't know if the outlet was going to be easily accessible.
Tips: Never wait until the bucket is full to decompose and dry out the waste. Between 1/3 full; not even 1/2 is best, if you are blessed with a 30 to 45 degree decline on the Sunny side of a hill it will speed up drying the waste and converting it to fertilizer. Waiting until the bucket is full before dealing with it will lead to unforeseen results for example: When the bucket hits the edge of a patio, porch or bench or maybe we trip over a stumbling block that that wasn't there before or we hit or trip over a tree root there would be a high likely hood of wearing the bucket and it's contents. I noticed a lot of homeless people living in the woods usually hang their butts over a log and the ones that care 1 or 2% buy a rake and the ones that don't care 98 to 99% let it pile up and shit on everyone and everything in the World. A turd on the surface becomes it's own eco-system.
Composting toilets are great! Add 1 scoop of shavings when you go #1, and 2 for #2 and you shouldn’t have any smells(easy to remember lol) I bet you could use shavings from a hand plane, once you get to building another fiddle too!
It's on all the time. Always sucking a little air out. No smell that way, and it dehydrates things. The Separette toilet works that way. I stole their idea :)
Everything overall has been great. Had 1 fan burn out, but I already had a spare. Salts from urine built up in pipe I used and slowed things down. Just switched to 1" pvc pipe. Other than that-- it has been a success! Thanks for asking!
Great job however I question your design as many other compost toilets just have both urine and pee go into the bucket together and are covered by sawdust after each use and this design does not have a fan. They all claim there is no smell. They also claim that the urine moisture is needed to start the composting process. They empty the bucket when 3/4 full into an outside compost pile using straw. two years later you have usable soil... What do you think of this simpler design?...
After much research, I decided on this design. A chemical reaction takes place when urine and feces are combined that I wished to prevent. Urine by itself is sterile and actually useful for fertilizing plants, and at the very least is harmless to the environment. Feces, while containing whatever bacteria born by the depositor, when dry, has no smell. When the decomposition begins and temps climb, bacteria dies and it becomes safe for the environment here. Then there is the question of volume. How often would I have to empty these buckets with 4 adults? How much sawdust or other material would I need to have on hand? ALOT. My current design is not my own. It is based on the best European designs and works well. When I say "no smell" -- I'm not kidding. NO SMELL, no matter what you deposit -- unlike traditional toilets. In a small home, this is an amazing blessing. Now it is shocking to use a "normal" bathroom and have the terrible odor (and embarrassment) associated with it. Hope that helps. It's been nearly a year. One computer fan burnt out. Other than that, a massive success.
The violin tune was priceless.. I hope it’s your signature on all your videos
You're too kind! Thankyou!
A bucket in the garage, some old spent compost to cover the shit in the bucket and a dalek composter to rot it down in is all you need.
I am from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana and my name is Rick. I've watched your videos of your bungalow and I am very impressed. I want to tell you that I admire you for your great work. I especially enjoyed your girl's music, they are so very talented. I'm a 61yr old retired man who would love to build me a tiny house. Just for myself, and you've inspired me to start seriously thinking about doing just that. I've subscribed and will be watching more of your videos. Thank You and God Bless you and your family.
Rick,
Thanks so much for the kind words, Rick!!
I sure hope you do get to build yourself a little place.
Easy to hear and cool and easy to clean, cuz it's small.
I am working on a house on my hill--nothing big, but a little more room than the bungalow. I'll post a video once my internet is back up. Had a storm that blew down some trees.
Thanks again! If I can help, please don't hesitate to ask!
You were very entertaining & informative, great job...and thank you for you time making and sharing this video.
Thankyou so much!
Thanks for this ! Was looking for a good way to make one. Love the fiddle too lol.
In my camper I use composted wood chips that still have a little moisture in them. I also sprinkle a little Rid-X (septic tank additive) directly onto the poo before I cover it with the compost. No fan. I dared my sister to lift the lid and take a sniff. When she took the challenge......she asked for some of my Rid-X and compost for her horse trailer with living quarters. I dump the bucket into a plastic bag lined garbage can to compost for 6 months and then reuse the compost. The only change you might want to make is use a bigger bucket like the guy in New Zealand and drill holes in the bottom for increased air flow.
Jon, Cut a round disc the I.D. of the toilet vent fan mounting PVC reducer fitting. (I'm thinking a peanut can or oatmeal can plastic lid would be ideal and free.) Then cut a round hole in it the diameter of the fan blade. Use a few dabs of RTV to hold it in place in front of the fan, as close as possible to the suction side of the fan frame. This will create more efficient, higher velocity air flow. And will help prevent the ceiling mounted vent fan from causing a backdraft into the toilet and bathroom. To prevent the ceiling mounted vent from lowering the efficiency of the toilet vent fan, just cut 1/4" off the bottom edge of the bathroom door. Just tape it with masking tape before the cut to eliminate splintering.
Great progress and innovative concepts and techniques in this project.
Ha! You're a mind reader. Left a gap under door when I installed....and been looking for a plastic lid that fit-- didn't think about the peanut can! Thanks!
...upon watching with disappointment your few mistakes; i totally changed my mind about you after hearing you play the fiddle ; that was the icing on the cake! great job!
Sorry. Not sure what I did that was dissapointing.
Thanks for the comment on the fiddle. I'm not very good, but enjoy learning.
I want to spend the night in your tiny home. Good work! Some day I'm going to build one after I buy some land
Lol! Come to TN -- it's on Airbnb in the summer!
If I can be helpful, let me know.
Best composting toilet video on here! thank you clever man
Your're are very kind :)
So glad you liked it!
@@grandpasmountain I ended up watching your whole home build. Awesome. Got a twin brother lol
Thanks again!
Busy building another house right now. Just got to top of hill. Working on 1st floor deck today.
You Sir have fixed my problem of needing my bucket and urine separator in the same place but I can't cut out any holes in the bucket. Thank you so much for sharing because I would have never considered putting the bucket below the urine separator.
thanks so much. I have just bought a urine diverting seat and having the Menonites build me a box for the pail. I am off grid so I liked the idea of the 12 volt fan. Went on ebay to check them out. There are many silent computer fans. I had the Menonites build me a tiny house. They thought that was pretty funny. I did lots of trades with them. Sold them horses, and gave them massages as I am a massage therapist. Fun stuff. Not sure what kind of fan to get . They range in rpns from 120 to 3000. Any advice would be appreciated.
This what I bought from ebay:
60mm x 60mm 6015 12V 2pin Cooling Fan PC
Great Vid! The only thing I'd add is to route the front leading edge of the top, for comfort, and you'll need something to stir the bucket contents, as you go, so to speak. I'll definitely make this for my tiny home! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thankyou very much-- this has worked well-- and since there are 4 people using it, it gets emptied about every 8 days. Stirring would have no effect at all because not enough time elapses.
Good luck on your project!
Actually, you don't need to stir. This creates additional cleanup messes. Some peat moss on top, light amount, plus van venting out gasses and lid in place should be enough.
From my experience wood ashes are great for totally removing the smell from the compost toilet. I sprinkle them in from the fire when we are camping. It neutralizes the urine smell.
Easiest most practical set up I have seen , like the urine diverter.
Thanks-- been working good!
Really cool set up, love urine pipe going into the ground, will it cause a foul smell in the future?
ooh, love the pvc strap heat-molding idea!
The slow seat coming down gave me a chuckle 🤭
Awesome build video, thanks so much! I'm looking to do the exact same toilet.
Actual composting toilets (the expensive ones) have an air intake and exhaust line so it sucks air from outside and exhausts that same air with any poo smell so the toilet has equal venting instead of sucking air from the home/RV and exhausting that, which would mean it's sucking outside air from some other crack/crevice in the home/RV.
That is noy true for all models.
Even though we have a relatively small space, after over a year, it has worked wonderfully and helped keep the bathroom fresh.
Great stuff. I save my urine for use in my garden. I dilute it at the ratio of 10:1, which seems to be the consensus. A few years ago people said it should be 20:1.
BothThumbs up! Thanks for kindly sharing your project!
Thankyou....and...you're welcome!
I just love how you toggle all this stuff together. Looking forward to hearing from the happy campers!
Thanks so much, Jim! The girls all gave it a try...they seem to be happy!
Why would 8 thumbs-down ??? I'm #321 on the thumbs-up list,
but I will put the fan switch on the top or front side
(in process of getting an old village house near Tatarbunary Ukraine).
Thank you for this video. I've seen a lot of DIY composting toilet videos and for me, yours is the best. It's fantastic how you break down and film the process. You filmed this really well for comprehencsion and that's helped me a great deal, thank you! Even though my plan is for making humus toilets is slightly different, I will still be using the urine diverter because I like the idea of separating urine which can be sterilized for other uses!
Thanks, Chandra!
Awesome!!! And you play the fiddle!!! Wow!!!👠🚌👠
Thanks Grace :) you made my day!
awesome advice, building a tiny home. thank you!
Thank - you! for the nice comment :)
Good job! I think I'm going to do mine like yours.
Let me know how it goes.
@@grandpasmountain I will! Haven't gotten to it yet
Loved it! This was sorely needed and you explained it so well. I liked the soft closing lid and the diverter install fine points. The supports for bucket footing, the hinges, placement of diverter and giving it enough room, so many small details. Also the framing support for where you sit, was something I would not have thought of. Great job!
Love the folding ladder in background. Model?
Going to use your exact same plan in an outhouse while the kids & I do our shed to home conversion! I wonder how often it would need to be emptied? And what do we do just cover it with a locking lid and let it finish composting down for the garden? Oh boy! The more I get into homesteading stuff the more i learn and find ways to SAVE MONEY!
Well...with 4 of us, it's once a week.
You can buy composting bags and just switch out the full bag and add it to yoir compost heap -- no mess.
I love the excitement I hear! Yes --it's fun and a great way to go!
your going to safe a lot of water Woody great dyi video loved the violin.
It really does save a "crap-ton" of water, lol.
Thanks a lot!!
Nice job on the video, I wonder if it would be more efficient if you you had the air flow coming directly from the top, or upper back of the bucket instead of randomly from the box ? Or maybe even adding inward vent holes half way up your bucket would in courage better air flow , quicker drying time, and less smell ? I need to build one and I greatly benefited from your video and nice touch with the violin. Thanks
Enjoyed your build series. In case you hadn't already discovered a great and inexpensive absorbent material for your toilet is hardwood pellets made for pellet stoves.
Thanks! Great tip!
In my experience, peat moss mixed with coffee grounds is best.
Great tip, thanks! Free grounds at Starbucks and Costco.
have you tried coco coir?
Harvesting peat moss is not a sustainable practice. It takes thousands of years for peat moss to develop, and harvesting it requires digging up bogs, which destroys the potential for regeneration of the swamp. Peat moss is being banned in some countries to protect rare plants and animals in peatlands and prevent the release of half a million tons of greenhouse gases from disturbed bogs each year. Hope you stick with the coffee grounds. They are great to recycle.
Sand
How about coffee grounds and sand? Or cedar chips?
3 links from a bike chain with one joint tacked makes a good hinge.
I would never have thought of that!! :)
I stand corrected I wrote that last comment before I finished viewing video that is excellent!!!!
Haha. Thanks-- there were several options. This one has worked well.
Great job!
I can't believe you immediately touched that metal you heated up, lol.
:)
Great job and awesome fiddling. You're #1in #2business. Keep it up. You go boy! (pun intended). Thanks for the great vid.
Haha-- Thankyou. You are very kind.
Thanks for this video. Very good explanation
Thankyou for the nice post!
Wondering if u thought about adding a pool noodle cut slid around top of bucket help keep tighter seal help with odor?
Nooo...
That would actually be bad. There is NO odor. None. The computer fan keeps a constant airflow out, so we have no smells :)
If we had a seal on top of the bucket, the fan couldn't draw air from the bucket!
I had looked into building one of these for may cabin in NL but ended up selling the place. Haven't found a new spot yet but I'm keeping your video for this project.
At least we got got a bit of tune this time around.
the bungalow is looking great. I'm going to have a nice place to stay when I come to visit.
HA!!!
Haha! Once I get the house up, the guest house will be open!
You may have to shorten the distance from the top of the bucket to underside of toilet seat in case of a Taco Bell blowout. Lol
Ha, ha, ha! First time that I saw the value in shitty advice!
I can tell you from experience that you want the bucket as close as you can get it...
Great job on your build! ...where did you buy the urine diverter?
Using the urine as fertiliser works extremely well for lawns. It makes them very lush and green but do remember to dilute it; five parts water to one part urine works well.
Thankyou!
(Wish MY grass would stop growing!)
What adapter would I need for the computer fan? Great vid!! Amazing music
I bought a 12v fan so it could run off a battery if necessary, and ordered a random 12v adapter online for it.
Thanks :)
If you paint outside pipe black you'll get a natural air convection from sun hitting it.
Thanks! Great idea!
Love your ideas! Now that you've spent some time with your composting toilet is there anything you would have changed or any tips or trick for those about to build and use one?
Thanks-- good question --
Overall, it has been a resounding success. I followed the model of the Separette Toilet. Compostable bags are the only way to go, for ease of use and sanitation.
An "s" trap (like under a sink) somewhere would prevent occasional odors from popping up.
I am adding an extension to the exterior vent, because when the breeze blows a certain way, some odor can get in the bedroom window-- maybe the fan should have been more powerful!
My vent will extend to the peak and actually increase airflow because it should act like a chimney.
Thanks for asking!!!
One thing I would change, would be to not have a full/flat front, with nowhere for your feet to move to (during "clean-up"). Keeping your feet directly below you assists in stability and mobility. I'd opt for a curved enclosure for the containers, allowing the feet to move back in alongside.
That makes sense. I had never thought of it....no one who's used it has said anything either.
The center of gravity would be different as you went to rise.
Thia is a great tutorial, thanks.
Thankyou very much, Tammie!
if that is a 12 volt fan you can reverse the direction by reversing the power and ground wires🏕
9:24 Oh! If only our drill sounded like yours!
Hahaha!
Since it's a guest house, you may want to write out directions and post them on the wall near the toilet.
Haha! We are living in it now, while we build a house. YES! We have instructed several guests so far. Aim is the big deal for girls...and sitting to pee for boys....or just use the woods!
Over all great video i have a good idea to do this one, but 1 thing missing, is the plastic bag in the bucket before you add compost...😁
YESSSSSS...... You are right!
Bag in bucket helps
I use food grade marinating bags that are designed to fit a 5 gallon bucket.
I want to see how you vented on the outside! You said there's a bend... but then is there a cap?
Curious as to what you do with the toilet paper?
It composts just fine along with everything else!
I've seen videos of permaculture homesteads collecting the urine to use as a fertilizer for the garden.
Very nice fiddlin!
Haha. Thanks.
Fiddle while you shittle.
With that echo your fiddle sounded almost like the beautiful bagpipes.
@@SteamvilleQuintet you're very kind! I do like fiddle music that has a drone note in it like the bagpipes!
Look up Bonaparte's Retreat!!
I would vent it up near the roof you shouldn't need a fan then.
You do need a fan for negative pressure. I did run the vent up top.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Very good Jon, you need a little more of your compost material in bucket ,but very nice install. I wish I had seen you vid before I spent $1000 on Nature's Head unit ,which is a very good unit but not $900 better than yours. I need to make another toilet, do you have plans?
Thanks, Aaron. Because we're not stirring anything, we don't need a bunch of compost material--
Having 4 people here shortens the time I have to change things out. No actual composting can really occur in the toilet.
I looked at all the top designs and didn't want to blow $1000+ for something so simple -- although I came really close!
No, there are no plans.
Thanks for writing!!
Nice job!
Interesting and very informative video. Thanks much. QUESTION: why put the fan switch inside the toilet box and not outside the box so it can be easily used?
Thankyou!
Haha! Well, first....the switch was an afterthought...and I thought the outlet I was installing would be far less accessible.
You would not ever want to have the fan off (I know this for sure now!) unless you were servicing it -- i.e. cleaning the blades or replacing it.
I have a spare fan in a zip lock hanging inside just in case.
So far this has worked wonderfully and is completely odor free (unless the fan is off!).
maybe a screen over the outward air vent will keep insects out. they'll be trying to reach the maple flavored poop.
Haha! Yup! Did that!!!!
every thing else is great as well as video thanks
I would of put the fan switch on the outside of the box , & now all you have to do is make the complete box bug/spider/fly proof, you could use truck bed camper foam strip around base of toilet seat, to eliminate a bug problem, & as well around box lid, also, screen on fan vent pipe, to keep bugs / bees/ spiders out, you possibly could use a flapper type clothes dryer vent attached to the cabin with screen for bugs , & caulk everything, & won't yours ,& other guys tool always be resting on the pee separator, lol, just sayen
Turns out, I never want to shut off the fan, haha. The switch was simply sitting in my toolbox with a fuse, so I used it.
No, we don't have any bugs at all. I do have a screen outside. There is no smell and it works great.
There is enough clearance so we aren't hitting any body parts. Yeah...I did think of that....
;)
You're pretty talented! Do you play with a bluegrass band?
No. I'm not really talented.....I am learning all the time. Thankyou for the compliment
PLEASE can you put a link for. Ordering the urine diverter ( I am visually impaired and cannot see your shot.)
It is on eBay!!
Great video where did you get the urine divider
On ebay!
That was great, I wouldn't have bothered with the pee separator though, just my opinion. I have my own home made composting toilet at my off grid cabin. An over the toilet commode chair set over the bucket and you are good to "GO"
Thanks--- there are 4 of us now (I'm the only male), so the bucket itself wouldn't last very long! My grandkids slept over last night...same thing.
Yeah, simpler is often better. I get a week between bucket changes.
You are awesome
Lol. I don't know about that...but I truly appreciate the pat on the back!
How are you planning to control flies?
Never had any, in two years!
very good but you need a liner... who's emptying and wash'in the bucket
Yes! We ARE using a liner--- MUCH better!
@@grandpasmountain What liners are you using? I was considering this: www.amazon.com/dp/B077MWKYG9/?coliid=I22I9V6FFZZB57&colid=14A95WSBQSMDD&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1
Nice work! I built one for my van!
Sweet. Did you vent it? It would be great for camping.
@@grandpasmountain Yes, I have not used it yet.
just here for the violin
Great ideas. How much did the whole thing cost you?
Never added it up.... about $75, I'd say.
So how's it supposed to churn? It 💩needs to be be turned over🤔😨 to keep it moving, right? All the other ones I've seen do that with a paddle type churn. So maybe not required🤔. Well it looks really nice.🚽 Nice job saved u some💸💰💵💳👍2😉
Hi, Debbie-- it doesn't need to churn.
If it were maybe just one or two people, and it was only emptied once a month, churning would have some purpose.
Stuff doesn't break down that fast, honestly.
With 4 of us, I empty about every 7-8 days. It's just a 5 gal. bucket, and it gets emptied when 3/4 full.
Actual composting takes months....like 6-12 months.
One gadget "churns" simply to bury the poops so they don't stink.
We have no odor issue because we ventilate.
Look up the Separette composting toilet. It costs about $1200 and is the #1 potty out there. My design essentially copies it.
I hope the diverter isn't splashy LOL
Ha! No -- it's pretty good, actually. The females had to learn to aim, haha.
Talent
Okay, hope someone can address where the "plumbing" (attached to the diverter) leads to? The ground? A separate tank? Thank you!!
Currently have a mini septic tank. Urine is sterile and can safely be run into the ground. A pit filled with rocks works, or a container buried with holes in it.
Some people save it, dilute it and water their bushes!
Does the urine just sit in those horizontal pipes and create a smell?
@@ankersman i would imagine he has it with a fall, septic fields hav 1 1/4 inch for every ten feet so gravity works to use the flushing water and solids moving them. Since it's only liquid any fall will work, no solids to move. It runs about ten feet behind his building into a rock filled hole, where the ground absorbs it so no liquid in pipe to smell. With the fan, any wafting odor from the dry pee coating the pipe will be exhausted, and if you wanted you could use a one to one vinegar water mix to spray pee diverter, some add a little fragrant dish soap to the mixture for a clean fresh smell.
Curving the edges would work
I.ll have ago .. fabbo .. in fact i might build one for my toyota coaster bus ...what could possibly happen ...good one matey ..😁
The urine can run out the bottom as you drive....
Where did you get the urine diverter?
Through Ebay-- It came from Australia in about 5 days for half what I can get it in the USA.
Cost
@@juliadawnyel4331 www.we-pee.com/product/urine-separator-for-composting-toilet-copy/
I didn't see you put a screen over your fan opening. Does your fan run continually? What about insects? Have you had any issues?
Yes, there is a screen over the outlet pipe. Yes, the fan runs continually. It draws immeasurably little power and maintains a constant negative pressure, so odor free and dries out the poo.
No bugs.
Put the switch outside the box?
The cheap little chinese fans only last so long (6-9 months) and I only use the little switch (which I had laying around) to change out the fan.
I could have simply unplugged the thing....but I didn't know if the outlet was going to be easily accessible.
Tips: Never wait until the bucket is full to decompose and dry out the waste. Between 1/3 full; not even 1/2 is best, if you are blessed with a 30 to 45 degree decline on the Sunny side of a hill it will speed up drying the waste and converting it to fertilizer. Waiting until the bucket is full before dealing with it will lead to unforeseen results for example: When the bucket hits the edge of a patio, porch or bench or maybe we trip over a stumbling block that that wasn't there before or we hit or trip over a tree root there would be a high likely hood of wearing the bucket and it's contents. I noticed a lot of homeless people living in the woods usually hang their butts over a log and the ones that care 1 or 2% buy a rake and the ones that don't care 98 to 99% let it pile up and shit on everyone and everything in the World. A turd on the surface becomes it's own eco-system.
How did you take your survey Or was that percentage just a of what you felt was true
All it needs is a lid while carrying bucket to the disposal area.
Bravo!
Composting toilets are great! Add 1 scoop of shavings when you go #1, and 2 for #2 and you shouldn’t have any smells(easy to remember lol) I bet you could use shavings from a hand plane, once you get to building another fiddle too!
That's a pretty good rule of thumb! One benefit of the diverter is no pee to absorb.
Thanks for the tip!!
Wondering whether compost worms would eat human waste.
Yes, they do very well.
If you plant a fruit tree by that urine-soaked gravel, it will go crazy.
Haha!!!
Or you could have moved the hinges to the end instead of the back. It would have solved your clearance issue.
True!!
But doesn’t the user want to turn it on?
It's on all the time. Always sucking a little air out. No smell that way, and it dehydrates things.
The Separette toilet works that way. I stole their idea :)
How is it working now that you had had it a while?
Everything overall has been great.
Had 1 fan burn out, but I already had a spare.
Salts from urine built up in pipe I used and slowed things down. Just switched to 1" pvc pipe.
Other than that-- it has been a success!
Thanks for asking!
Thats cool
Thanks for the info man #lovehut4life
Great job however I question your design as many other compost toilets just have both urine and pee go into the bucket together and are covered by sawdust after each use and this design does not have a fan. They all claim there is no smell. They also claim that the urine moisture is needed to start the composting process. They empty the bucket when 3/4 full into an outside compost pile using straw. two years later you have usable soil... What do you think of this simpler design?...
After much research, I decided on this design.
A chemical reaction takes place when urine and feces are combined that I wished to prevent.
Urine by itself is sterile and actually useful for fertilizing plants, and at the very least is harmless to the environment.
Feces, while containing whatever bacteria born by the depositor, when dry, has no smell. When the decomposition begins and temps climb, bacteria dies and it becomes safe for the environment here.
Then there is the question of volume.
How often would I have to empty these buckets with 4 adults? How much sawdust or other material would I need to have on hand?
ALOT.
My current design is not my own. It is based on the best European designs and works well.
When I say "no smell" -- I'm not kidding. NO SMELL, no matter what you deposit -- unlike traditional toilets. In a small home, this is an amazing blessing.
Now it is shocking to use a "normal" bathroom and have the terrible odor (and embarrassment) associated with it.
Hope that helps.
It's been nearly a year. One computer fan burnt out. Other than that, a massive success.
The switch SHOULD have been installed so that one does NOT have to LIFT the LID to turn it on.
Nonsense
Why is this so big?
Bigger is better :)
I wanted it to fit the entire space.
yeahhhhhhhhhhh, a mini latrine ,um hummmmm.
Hahahahaha!
👍
Wow!!
Is this actually a composting toilet or simply a separating toilet, seperating pee and poo and that is about it.?
Look up some composting RV toilets and see they are the same. This one will be easier and lighter to empty and clean at a fraction of the cost
Fiddle! Lol!
Yeah! Haha!