New to this, so excuse any ignorance In fitting out a liveaboard, is there a middle route of porta potti AND holding tank(s)? Ours leaks when you flush it. Canal Boat, Narrow Boat. For a simple fitting and very little maintenance, an external gauge can be fitted to the holding tank on a canal boat, which sensor tank levels from the outside of the tank. Which Are The Best Narrowboat Stern Types For Living Afloat?
All of them have a plastic or stainless steel waste tank very close to the toilet.
modification. In general terms, two people will fill a 17/19L cassette in around 2 days. I didnt get on with my Envirolet (MyComposting Loo) for more than A pump out toilet has a holding tank large enough for a number of weeks (depending upon the number of people using it and the frequency of use). I also want to live on board but in addition, I plan to take youth groups away on holiday with it so I am planning to add another pair of bunks (making 10 altogether) and re-instate at least one of the pumpout loos. on the Southern canals! Ideally the tank should be central, but on a narrow boat this is difficult. The reservoir is separated from the bowl for emptying. Ideally pump out fittings in the stern deck will aid discharge and make the fittings easier and safer to access. Holding tanks can be made of stainless steel but a more common material is polyethylene. At that time all the cassette units we could see used plastic bowls. The cost of a pump-out varies. Condition: Used, Type: Narrowboat Accessories, Brand: Leesan There are cassette toilets that you can plumb into your boats water supply for the flush water but this one has a self contained manual flush. I suppose you could always have a portapotty in the cupboard just in case just as we do now. Interesting reading your comments, the modification you mention is it something a competent DIYer could do. Only See More. The boat has twin holding tanks, one under each of two single berths and we seeem t0 be able to go for 6 8 weeks between pump outs. Pump-out toilet bowls are the most domestic styled in size and height. We suppose that this is due in part to the fact that whatever system you have, you will need to become fairly well acquainted with its operation and shortcomings. Toilets Keeping It Clean & Smelling Fresh! That is not exactly true I do buy liquid compost accelerator from the Garden Item: 113163796656 I understand that Paul is developing a marina map but apart from guide books having facilities on the map would be of interest.
a prepared liquid over the mass) on each use. Composting Toilets (Envirolet and many others).
fine and is less work than the other two types, I wouldnt have the *bucket and chuck it* types because one must always look A Christmas cruise from Market Harborough to Calcutt Boats, All You Need to Know About Narrowboat Toilet Systems, Discover the Answer to the Often Asked Question, Is A Narrowboat Cold In Winter?, Why A Narrowboat Centre Line Is So Important For Solo Owners, The Pros and Cons of Narrowboat Pram Covers, A Creative Solution to Narrowboat Finance Part 2, A Creative Solution to Narrowboat Finance Part One, Bottom Blacking, Rust Removal and Aerial Advice, Laughable Lockmates and Mirth in the Mikron Marquee, Horrible Heatwaves and Newbie Cruising Catastrophes, Sid the Swan, Solar Savings and Troublesome Toilets, Buying a Second Hand Narrowboat Orient, Six Months On, Celebrating Shared Experiences And Moving Forward, A Brush With The English Waterways Silent Killer. Usually blue or green in colour. around Evesham, I think). They are very useful. every 3 days or so, I wouldnt have the *pump-out* type as this is a continual drain on funds paying
Composting toilets are also marketed as being odour free. Wall thickness should be between 8-10 mm and should be of at least a medium grade. Its a bit of a pain. The standard 17/19 litre capacity holding tank of the most popular units can be removed out into most narrowboat walkways.
Because pump out toilets have a large waste tank they dont need emptying so often. I liked the design, capacity and ease of use but I didnt like the fact that it had been used by someone else so I replaced it with the same model. Dont forget to use ISO standard deck fittings or else you will come a cropper when pumping out.
Allan, thanks very much for the comprehensive reply. Toilets Which One To Choose? Composting? You also have the option to buy (and store on board somewhere) a range of self pump-out equipment that will enable you to use sanitation points that do not have the facility. This is also marked on the maps. With the growth of the leisure industry and overlapping motor home and caravan markets, the choice for boaters is now pretty sophisticated. Use only the best quality sanitation grade material as recommended by the toilet system manufacturer. Regarding the composting types,they are not generally very popular and are Installation of even the most sophisticated units in this class is simple, requiring a water supply from the on-board pump and a 12VDC feed of the appropriate size cable to prevent volt drop. Without a gauge you run the risk of either pumping out to often which can be costly or not reaching a pump out in time and over-filling which will be very unpleasant. Cutting holes in a plastic tank is a simple process when using a good quality drill mounted hole saw. The exchange rate
Only just got back on the site so a belated thanks for the replies. Warickshire Contact details , as follows: In practice this will be barely noticeable if you plan well.
The majority of these units will have cassette access to the rear, being designed for caravans and motor homes where an access door can be externally mounted. Hi We bought our ex hire boat 3years ago and have found our macerator/pump out system very effective. Dont neglect to dose a holding tank.
Sorry if they seem stupid questions, Im just trying to determine the finer details..or in this case not so fine. Flushing it involves opening a flap which drops the waste into the holding tank beneath. The basic pump out toilet is mechanically as simple as a cassette toilet. These basic units are self contained, require no plumbing, very little space and are fully portable. Holding tank toilet systems have to be emptied less frequently.
On that basis at 10 for a pump out, the cost is around 50p per person per week which seems very reasonable for the convenience of not having to carry a portapotti waste to the sanitary station every few days! Any chat on the towpath or outside the sanitary station will reveal that owners fall into distinct camps on the subject of loos & their management. Another manufacturer claims a couple living aboard should last 3 months without emptying the solid matter. When we set out to fitout our boat, nearly 7 years ago now, my wife wanted a ceramic bowl toilet. Not all of the CRT sanitation stations have pump-out equipment and guides of the services available in specific locations may be obtained from the CRT on request. Whilst there is a cost to pump out how many BW sites are there for a sluice ?
Work out ballast requirements on a half full holding tank for the best compromise and accept that when either empty or full there may be a bit of movement from the horizontal. for pump-outs every 4 6 weeks (Usually 10 18 per pump out even more Holding tanks (Vacu-Flush,Dump Through, Masserator etc) The cassette would be enough for me on my own but not practical for a larger group. These gauges work using ultra-sonic and listens for an echo; others use a shaker/accelerator method. Also with regards the compost type toilet, how is the final product disposed of? A macerator is a machine which reduces solids into smaller pieces, think of it like a soup maker!. Once the holes are drilled and the pipe work connected, test all the electrical connections to any accessories such as tank level indicator and control panel whilst you can still get to the tank. The LeeSan Light Duty Manual Self Pump Out Kit has been designed for boat owners who need to be able to pump out their own waste tanks to a sewer or portable tank on an occasional basis. These are like an open drain specifically for toilet waste and usually with a water supply nearby to wash down the drain and your cassette once it is empty. Dear Lyraboat, Wharf Road, Fenny Compton Warwickshire CV47 2FE, Complete the form to send The other end of the spectrum are the fully plumbed in electric flush units that can even be specified with ceramic bowls for easy clean and a homely feel.
As the waste doesnt stay in the cassette very long before it is disposed of it doesnt have the time to start to break down. These treatments prevent humping of waste near pipe outlets and enable the waste to breakdown efficiently for easy pumping out. One brand of chemical treatments, Elsan, has become synonymous with chemical waste disposal points in the same way Hoover is synonymous with vacuum cleaners! Potential for problems: The cassette toilet is a very simple affair with few mechanical parts. The disadvantages of cassette toilets on narrowboats are: It looks and acts just like a normal toilet. Where can you empty a cassette? The vent pipe will vent odours externally through a skin fitting. Now, I wouldnt have any other type of loo. The kit features a waste diaphragm pump and all the hose and deck connections you will need. They work to eliminate odours by absorbing them in to porous activated charcoal block. Some more, some less. Modern narrow boat sanitation systems range from portable caravan type chemical toilets to porcelain lined fully flushing systems that closely resemble domestic WC s. From plastic to vitreous china bowls the choice is restricted only by your budget and requirements. They are often quoted as a solution for when its impossible to empty the pump out options? around for sani-stations and basically cruise from one sani-station to another I also have a question in relation to on board toilets. This is the principle consideration when planning the position of the toilet. Some of these units can be hooked up to a pump-out storage tank should you require extra long periods between empties. but the relative humidity over there is Arid at around 3%, I modified my loo to separate the solids from the liquid and treat the solids (Squirt Something to bear in mind if you have this system is that it is well worth investing in 2 or more cassettes. (see direct instructions). Telephone: +44 (0)1295 770000 Fax: +44 (0)1295 770022 e-mail: sales@leesan.com.
It has had 2 pump out toilets removed and replaced by a single cassette type (with spare cassette) since it was being lived on by a single person. I inherited one when I bought the boat. Hi Alan (Dickins),
Remember, effluent is 90% fluid and 10% solids need I say more? Then we found the Vacuflush. British Waterways, (Soon to become a trust) also have pump-out stations in strategic places. Gauges fitted in to the holding tank will either be a simple nearly full indicator or a more complex system to inform you of the actual level using a float. It is much easier at this stage to decide on the position of sanitation pipe work and holding tanks than to try and retro-fit when the boat is completed. Plastic cassette toilet bowls can cause emotional trauma for those used to porcelain, due in part to the fact they dont always stay white! The composting tank has a quantity of peat moss into which the solid waste is turned by an externally mounted handle. As a guide,(For two of you living on a boat full time), pump-out frequencies are normally around a 4 week period. The tank is often stored in the space under your bed (so when youre laying in bed on a windy night being rocked to sleep by what you think are waves outside the boat maybe its not waves you hear). The shaker creates vibrations in the tank and the accelerator measures the size of the vibration and assess if the liquid has reach the specified level within the holding tank. At every marina, some boatyards and at some BW service points. | Powered by WordPress, Choosing the best type of toilet for a narrowboat, Hire Boat And Live Aboard Narrowboat Heating Costs Compared, Comparing A Hire Boat With A Live Aboard Narrowboat, The Pros And Cons Of Narrowboat Marina Moorings, Unexpected Canal Dredging And Another Remote Icy Mooring, Snow, Ice And A Worrying List On The South Oxford Canal, Curtailed Cruising And The Lunacy Of A Lonely Lad, The Life Of An Occasional Continuous Cruiser, Common Narrowboat Newbie Mistakes And How To Avoid Them Part 2, Common Narrowboat Newbie Mistakes And How To Avoid Them, Form Over Function: The Pros and Cons Of Pretty Narrowboat Ownership, Life After Lockdown And Why Social Distancing Can Be Fun, Fifteen Reasons Why Living On A Narrowboat Is A Bad Idea: Part 2, Fifteen Reasons Why Living On A Narrowboat Is A Bad Idea, Buying A Narrowboat: Tools, Equipment and Security, Buying a Narrowboat: Pre Purchase Tips and Recommendations. It is also designed to use minimal amount of water per flush, only 0.5 litres compared to the average 1.5 litres.
So, summing it up, it works well for us but it isnt perfect. to keep it sweet, If it is looked after, there is no unpleasant odour, as some people suggest. Ships to: GB, There are two types of toilet you can use on your narrowboat; theres the pump out toilet and the cassette toilet (sometimes referred to as a Porta Potti). It is not suitable in the UK environment, because our
Cassette, pump-out or composting? It is still important to fit an in-line charcoal filter to ensure an odour free cabin. There are also macerator toilets on the market with a 360 degree rotating bowl, allowing it to be fitted in to the most restrictive of areas. 1 sold, 0 available. It sounds like yours may be similar and I have heard you can no longer get spare parts.
On an existing boat it is possible to have one retro-fitted relatively easily. They use very little flush water and are very simple in operation. The more sophisticated toilets may have electric pre flush and post flush plus a macerator for chopping up your unmentionables (which can sometimes get clogged up with dried out toilet paper). Generally the system includes a single action diaphragm pump and is available in manual and 12v or 24v electric versions. Decide on the size and position of your holding tank. So far it hasnt been too bad. Some marinas and boat yards will offer this included in the price of pump-out.
Please DO NOT think about emptying a cassette down a toilet. Thank you for your questions And NO!
It is very much personal choice which one you prefer, however space on a narrow boat may dictate which system you can install. I might be wrong on this score and it is possible that it is a coin system and ones buys coins along the way- Perhaps someone else Who Knows will comment? A form of holding tank where the waste is stored is common to all types and it is this method of storage and disposal that divides owners. Its basically a toilet seat on a frame secured over a detatchable waste tank. Great seller with very good positive feedback and over 50 ratings. A quick test if you suspect the hoses may have deteriorated is to run a damp rag on them and then smell the rag outside of the boat. Canal Boat, Narrow Boat. Therefore you will often find sanitation stations or chemical disposal points referred to as Elsan points. interested). Try where possible to minimise pipe work runs to external vents, flush and discharge ports, with an eye on how easy the ports are to access when you actually pump-out. Good quality polyethylene is the material of choice when using a tank for waste. Im currently doing loads of research on everything related to living afloat before I take the plunge and always thought that a composting toilet was the way forward. Lime scale inhibitors are always a good idea both for dosing and for the annual deep clean. During the first fix of a sailaway or full refit, it is important to plan for the system install. In response to Dannyboyz question, Im just looking to buy a 70ft boat which was originally an 8-berth. Natural enzyme based additives these claim to aid the breakdown of solids and thus reduce the smells. this on the market today and they are all less expensive than the Envirolet and need no (This may depend on how much beer, wine and water you drink and how often one uses pub/restaurant toilets too! The only real way to identify the differenceis to measure the diameter of the male thread on the pump out deck fitting cap. specialist types, for the people who insist on being green and OddBods like This means that transfer through pipe work is eased & that the breakdown of waste in the holding tank is accelerated. We have really found your site useful. a roof vent with a revolving anti-downdraught cowl. LeeSan boat toilet pump out adaptersprovide an easy solution to adapt different pump out deck fittings to comply with the ISO9001suction probe that is commonly used to empty toilet waste at waste management facilities. Very basic cassette toilets have a separate reservoir tank below the bowl for collecting waste. Given the choice, if we found ourselves in the position of being able to buy another boat, I think we would still probably choose the macerator/pump out system again its the convenience. many thanks. Many older narrowboats started out with the trusty cassette camping toilet. It makes an awful mess! These toilets work by separating solids from liquids. Your canal boat toilet is one piece of boating kit you really want to keep in good condition! They are a stand-alone unit so no plumbing is required, the only connection being a 12VDC supply for a low (<1amp) consumption power supply for an aerating fan. With wider canal craft this is obviously not an issue, although do plan for walkways to accommodate cassette removal. This is often overlooked and owners can get used to and not notice slight internal odours which make an unpleasant environment for visitors. composting loos that are *not* looked after properly get pongy! The pipework is normally only 1.5 inches wide and it is not unheard of for lipsticks, lighters, baby wipes etc to be found to be the cause of the problem! We jumped at it. Theoretically, a tank could be installed centrally if built into the bilges under the sub floor but this would take careful planning of pipe work and regard to future access. The toilet pictured is the model that I have on my own boat. They can be retrospectively fitted with relative ease but it is better to plan the system so services can be laid in during the first fix. Used in conjunction with a holding tank, these systems have a small vacuum tank and pump installed in-line before the holding tank.
The smallest macerator on the market currently is only 295mm (11.6in) high, which makes it practical for smaller boats and cruisers. If it wont be accessible there is always the option to use ABS plastic pipe work and fittings. The toilet suction probe used at the waste management facilitycan then be easily inserted to provide suction and efficient withdrawal of waste from the holding tank. Capacity: If there are two or more of you on board you will probably need to empty your cassette at least every other day.
Make it easy for yourself if possible and have the back of the toilet mounted against a side wall or into a corridor. Also worth mentioning, the vent size needs to be the same size as the waste in and waste out. A deep bilge would be required to account for top mounted level indicators and vent pipes. It is advisable to cut another access/inspection hatch for ease of future maintenance, nearest to the waste out pipe. John Freeman (Sales) Ltd 2009 - 2022, E&OE; Steering Helms, Steering Wheels & Steering Cables, Boat Water Tanks, Calorifiers & Accumulators, Jabsco Regular Bowl Manual 'Twist n' Lock' Toilet. The only work installing them is to fit a vent, preferably vertical, rather Each has advantages and disadvantages but which is best for you? Sani- stations are marked on the special canal maps, produced by Nicholsons and other Printers; just pop into any chandlery shop and you should be able to get one off the shelf for the area(s) you are interested in. If you are purchasing a second hand narrowboat, the type of toilet may be a deciding factor over which boats you are interested in as it is not easy to change the type of toilet down the line. Canal Boat, Narrow Boat 3, LeeSan Manual Self Pump Out Kit, Light Duty. In fact, if you dont mind me being quite candid here, I tend to just use my toilet for having a wee. Changing from a pump out to a cassette is more straight forward, but installing a pump out toilet would be a lot more challenging due to the waste tank and pipe work. At this stage all electrical supply cables and water supply pipe can be planned and installed as well. After six and a half years living on a narrowboat on England's inland waterways, Paul and his wife Cynthia wandered Europe by motorhome during the winter, and on the Dutch and French waterways in the warmer months on their 35' Dutch motor cruiser. Or is there a restriction on what can be pumped out (chemical etc.)? This enables them to use standard chemical toilet waste disposal points which are much more common than the dedicated pump out facilities.
This works well. We love reading the site and its keeping our enthusiasm well and truly topped up. Speak to your narrowboat / widebeam boat builder to have these included. Its easier to sort a pipe blockage if youve planned ahead! The pump bit of the kit is actually land based so the term refers really to a holding tank system that is pumped out remotely. The tank itself is of heavy duty construction in line with the specification of the system. For pumping out holding tanks there is often a fee. I stand corected Allan. Due to the nature of narrowboats and environmental regulations, human waste has to be stored on board. Generally speaking, the further north you are, the more reasonable the charge. Flushing fluid is contained in a reservoir around the bowl and flush is activated by either pushing on a bellows type button or twisting a lever. We purchased a second hand boat last year and are now haveing problems with our Dometic vacuflush toilet. Remember with a waste holding tank all fittings must be taken from the top of the tank. You can empty a cassette down a foul manhole (NOT a stormwater drain) or in desperation dig a hole and bury it somewhere discretely in the countryside if you cannot get to a disposal point. There we are, getting on to the most popular of boaters subjects loos! The cassette emptying points are called Elsan points. Location: warwick, Warwickshire, GB, 3 watchers, 0.3 new watchers per day, 12 days for sale on eBay. the dry friable waste compost from the under tray. Dont forget to reference the inside system components with the exterior deck fittings. Actually there are THREE types of toilet usually associated with narrowboats >> The weight of the waste cassette: My water tank holds 21l so, when the tank is full it weighs roughly the same as a bag of coal. Depending on whether you are specifying for a new build, or retro-fitting to an existing set up, may sway your decision as to which one is more feasible. You have to buy and fit new seals to the toilet bowl and the cassette mounting occasionally. They are not stupid or simple ones and anyone not having previous experience is likely to ask similar questions, so let us be positive in the reply for you to enable you to make, What will be a VERY IMPORTANT decision, as toilet maintenance does affect your routine lifestyle, All around the canal system (And less so on the rivers) there are Sani-Stations. Urine is deposited into a receptacle which can be detached and emptied when full in to a standard sanitary station, or used as a fertiliser (diluted 1:8) if you have permission on nearby land. We are familiar with the cassette toilet as we have a caravan but wonder where they are emptied when you are not in a marina. There are many other tried and tested alternative solutions to keeping your toilet smelling fresh which boaters will swear by, such as: Whatever chemical/method you use, make sure it is approved by the manufacturer of your system for use in the equipment. If you want an answer on composting toilets, youre far more likely to get a response if you post your question on the forum. Considering the ballast weight of a full tank is important. What Is The Difference Between Residential And Leisure Moorings? Alternatively use the access to a vanity cupboard. On board tanks also require dosing with treatment in order to assist the breaking down of the waste so this cost has to be factored as well.
All of them have a plastic or stainless steel waste tank very close to the toilet.
modification. In general terms, two people will fill a 17/19L cassette in around 2 days. I didnt get on with my Envirolet (MyComposting Loo) for more than A pump out toilet has a holding tank large enough for a number of weeks (depending upon the number of people using it and the frequency of use). I also want to live on board but in addition, I plan to take youth groups away on holiday with it so I am planning to add another pair of bunks (making 10 altogether) and re-instate at least one of the pumpout loos. on the Southern canals! Ideally the tank should be central, but on a narrow boat this is difficult. The reservoir is separated from the bowl for emptying. Ideally pump out fittings in the stern deck will aid discharge and make the fittings easier and safer to access. Holding tanks can be made of stainless steel but a more common material is polyethylene. At that time all the cassette units we could see used plastic bowls. The cost of a pump-out varies. Condition: Used, Type: Narrowboat Accessories, Brand: Leesan There are cassette toilets that you can plumb into your boats water supply for the flush water but this one has a self contained manual flush. I suppose you could always have a portapotty in the cupboard just in case just as we do now. Interesting reading your comments, the modification you mention is it something a competent DIYer could do. Only See More. The boat has twin holding tanks, one under each of two single berths and we seeem t0 be able to go for 6 8 weeks between pump outs. Pump-out toilet bowls are the most domestic styled in size and height. We suppose that this is due in part to the fact that whatever system you have, you will need to become fairly well acquainted with its operation and shortcomings. Toilets Keeping It Clean & Smelling Fresh! That is not exactly true I do buy liquid compost accelerator from the Garden Item: 113163796656 I understand that Paul is developing a marina map but apart from guide books having facilities on the map would be of interest.
a prepared liquid over the mass) on each use. Composting Toilets (Envirolet and many others).
fine and is less work than the other two types, I wouldnt have the *bucket and chuck it* types because one must always look A Christmas cruise from Market Harborough to Calcutt Boats, All You Need to Know About Narrowboat Toilet Systems, Discover the Answer to the Often Asked Question, Is A Narrowboat Cold In Winter?, Why A Narrowboat Centre Line Is So Important For Solo Owners, The Pros and Cons of Narrowboat Pram Covers, A Creative Solution to Narrowboat Finance Part 2, A Creative Solution to Narrowboat Finance Part One, Bottom Blacking, Rust Removal and Aerial Advice, Laughable Lockmates and Mirth in the Mikron Marquee, Horrible Heatwaves and Newbie Cruising Catastrophes, Sid the Swan, Solar Savings and Troublesome Toilets, Buying a Second Hand Narrowboat Orient, Six Months On, Celebrating Shared Experiences And Moving Forward, A Brush With The English Waterways Silent Killer. Usually blue or green in colour. around Evesham, I think). They are very useful. every 3 days or so, I wouldnt have the *pump-out* type as this is a continual drain on funds paying
Composting toilets are also marketed as being odour free. Wall thickness should be between 8-10 mm and should be of at least a medium grade. Its a bit of a pain. The standard 17/19 litre capacity holding tank of the most popular units can be removed out into most narrowboat walkways.
Because pump out toilets have a large waste tank they dont need emptying so often. I liked the design, capacity and ease of use but I didnt like the fact that it had been used by someone else so I replaced it with the same model. Dont forget to use ISO standard deck fittings or else you will come a cropper when pumping out. Allan, thanks very much for the comprehensive reply. Toilets Which One To Choose? Composting? You also have the option to buy (and store on board somewhere) a range of self pump-out equipment that will enable you to use sanitation points that do not have the facility. This is also marked on the maps. With the growth of the leisure industry and overlapping motor home and caravan markets, the choice for boaters is now pretty sophisticated. Use only the best quality sanitation grade material as recommended by the toilet system manufacturer. Regarding the composting types,they are not generally very popular and are Installation of even the most sophisticated units in this class is simple, requiring a water supply from the on-board pump and a 12VDC feed of the appropriate size cable to prevent volt drop. Without a gauge you run the risk of either pumping out to often which can be costly or not reaching a pump out in time and over-filling which will be very unpleasant. Cutting holes in a plastic tank is a simple process when using a good quality drill mounted hole saw. The exchange rate
Only just got back on the site so a belated thanks for the replies. Warickshire Contact details , as follows: In practice this will be barely noticeable if you plan well.
The majority of these units will have cassette access to the rear, being designed for caravans and motor homes where an access door can be externally mounted. Hi We bought our ex hire boat 3years ago and have found our macerator/pump out system very effective. Dont neglect to dose a holding tank.
Sorry if they seem stupid questions, Im just trying to determine the finer details..or in this case not so fine. Flushing it involves opening a flap which drops the waste into the holding tank beneath. The basic pump out toilet is mechanically as simple as a cassette toilet. These basic units are self contained, require no plumbing, very little space and are fully portable. Holding tank toilet systems have to be emptied less frequently.
On that basis at 10 for a pump out, the cost is around 50p per person per week which seems very reasonable for the convenience of not having to carry a portapotti waste to the sanitary station every few days! Any chat on the towpath or outside the sanitary station will reveal that owners fall into distinct camps on the subject of loos & their management. Another manufacturer claims a couple living aboard should last 3 months without emptying the solid matter. When we set out to fitout our boat, nearly 7 years ago now, my wife wanted a ceramic bowl toilet. Not all of the CRT sanitation stations have pump-out equipment and guides of the services available in specific locations may be obtained from the CRT on request. Whilst there is a cost to pump out how many BW sites are there for a sluice ?
Work out ballast requirements on a half full holding tank for the best compromise and accept that when either empty or full there may be a bit of movement from the horizontal. for pump-outs every 4 6 weeks (Usually 10 18 per pump out even more Holding tanks (Vacu-Flush,Dump Through, Masserator etc) The cassette would be enough for me on my own but not practical for a larger group. These gauges work using ultra-sonic and listens for an echo; others use a shaker/accelerator method. Also with regards the compost type toilet, how is the final product disposed of? A macerator is a machine which reduces solids into smaller pieces, think of it like a soup maker!. Once the holes are drilled and the pipe work connected, test all the electrical connections to any accessories such as tank level indicator and control panel whilst you can still get to the tank. The LeeSan Light Duty Manual Self Pump Out Kit has been designed for boat owners who need to be able to pump out their own waste tanks to a sewer or portable tank on an occasional basis. These are like an open drain specifically for toilet waste and usually with a water supply nearby to wash down the drain and your cassette once it is empty. Dear Lyraboat, Wharf Road, Fenny Compton Warwickshire CV47 2FE, Complete the form to send The other end of the spectrum are the fully plumbed in electric flush units that can even be specified with ceramic bowls for easy clean and a homely feel.
As the waste doesnt stay in the cassette very long before it is disposed of it doesnt have the time to start to break down. These treatments prevent humping of waste near pipe outlets and enable the waste to breakdown efficiently for easy pumping out. One brand of chemical treatments, Elsan, has become synonymous with chemical waste disposal points in the same way Hoover is synonymous with vacuum cleaners! Potential for problems: The cassette toilet is a very simple affair with few mechanical parts. The disadvantages of cassette toilets on narrowboats are: It looks and acts just like a normal toilet. Where can you empty a cassette? The vent pipe will vent odours externally through a skin fitting. Now, I wouldnt have any other type of loo. The kit features a waste diaphragm pump and all the hose and deck connections you will need. They work to eliminate odours by absorbing them in to porous activated charcoal block. Some more, some less. Modern narrow boat sanitation systems range from portable caravan type chemical toilets to porcelain lined fully flushing systems that closely resemble domestic WC s. From plastic to vitreous china bowls the choice is restricted only by your budget and requirements. They are often quoted as a solution for when its impossible to empty the pump out options? around for sani-stations and basically cruise from one sani-station to another I also have a question in relation to on board toilets. This is the principle consideration when planning the position of the toilet. Some of these units can be hooked up to a pump-out storage tank should you require extra long periods between empties. but the relative humidity over there is Arid at around 3%, I modified my loo to separate the solids from the liquid and treat the solids (Squirt Something to bear in mind if you have this system is that it is well worth investing in 2 or more cassettes. (see direct instructions). Telephone: +44 (0)1295 770000 Fax: +44 (0)1295 770022 e-mail: sales@leesan.com.
It has had 2 pump out toilets removed and replaced by a single cassette type (with spare cassette) since it was being lived on by a single person. I inherited one when I bought the boat. Hi Alan (Dickins),
Remember, effluent is 90% fluid and 10% solids need I say more? Then we found the Vacuflush. British Waterways, (Soon to become a trust) also have pump-out stations in strategic places. Gauges fitted in to the holding tank will either be a simple nearly full indicator or a more complex system to inform you of the actual level using a float. It is much easier at this stage to decide on the position of sanitation pipe work and holding tanks than to try and retro-fit when the boat is completed. Plastic cassette toilet bowls can cause emotional trauma for those used to porcelain, due in part to the fact they dont always stay white! The composting tank has a quantity of peat moss into which the solid waste is turned by an externally mounted handle. As a guide,(For two of you living on a boat full time), pump-out frequencies are normally around a 4 week period. The tank is often stored in the space under your bed (so when youre laying in bed on a windy night being rocked to sleep by what you think are waves outside the boat maybe its not waves you hear). The shaker creates vibrations in the tank and the accelerator measures the size of the vibration and assess if the liquid has reach the specified level within the holding tank. At every marina, some boatyards and at some BW service points. | Powered by WordPress, Choosing the best type of toilet for a narrowboat, Hire Boat And Live Aboard Narrowboat Heating Costs Compared, Comparing A Hire Boat With A Live Aboard Narrowboat, The Pros And Cons Of Narrowboat Marina Moorings, Unexpected Canal Dredging And Another Remote Icy Mooring, Snow, Ice And A Worrying List On The South Oxford Canal, Curtailed Cruising And The Lunacy Of A Lonely Lad, The Life Of An Occasional Continuous Cruiser, Common Narrowboat Newbie Mistakes And How To Avoid Them Part 2, Common Narrowboat Newbie Mistakes And How To Avoid Them, Form Over Function: The Pros and Cons Of Pretty Narrowboat Ownership, Life After Lockdown And Why Social Distancing Can Be Fun, Fifteen Reasons Why Living On A Narrowboat Is A Bad Idea: Part 2, Fifteen Reasons Why Living On A Narrowboat Is A Bad Idea, Buying A Narrowboat: Tools, Equipment and Security, Buying a Narrowboat: Pre Purchase Tips and Recommendations. It is also designed to use minimal amount of water per flush, only 0.5 litres compared to the average 1.5 litres.
So, summing it up, it works well for us but it isnt perfect. to keep it sweet, If it is looked after, there is no unpleasant odour, as some people suggest. Ships to: GB, There are two types of toilet you can use on your narrowboat; theres the pump out toilet and the cassette toilet (sometimes referred to as a Porta Potti). It is not suitable in the UK environment, because our
Cassette, pump-out or composting? It is still important to fit an in-line charcoal filter to ensure an odour free cabin. There are also macerator toilets on the market with a 360 degree rotating bowl, allowing it to be fitted in to the most restrictive of areas. 1 sold, 0 available. It sounds like yours may be similar and I have heard you can no longer get spare parts.
On an existing boat it is possible to have one retro-fitted relatively easily. They use very little flush water and are very simple in operation. The more sophisticated toilets may have electric pre flush and post flush plus a macerator for chopping up your unmentionables (which can sometimes get clogged up with dried out toilet paper). Generally the system includes a single action diaphragm pump and is available in manual and 12v or 24v electric versions. Decide on the size and position of your holding tank. So far it hasnt been too bad. Some marinas and boat yards will offer this included in the price of pump-out.
Please DO NOT think about emptying a cassette down a toilet. Thank you for your questions And NO!
It is very much personal choice which one you prefer, however space on a narrow boat may dictate which system you can install. I might be wrong on this score and it is possible that it is a coin system and ones buys coins along the way- Perhaps someone else Who Knows will comment? A form of holding tank where the waste is stored is common to all types and it is this method of storage and disposal that divides owners. Its basically a toilet seat on a frame secured over a detatchable waste tank. Great seller with very good positive feedback and over 50 ratings. A quick test if you suspect the hoses may have deteriorated is to run a damp rag on them and then smell the rag outside of the boat. Canal Boat, Narrow Boat. Therefore you will often find sanitation stations or chemical disposal points referred to as Elsan points. interested). Try where possible to minimise pipe work runs to external vents, flush and discharge ports, with an eye on how easy the ports are to access when you actually pump-out. Good quality polyethylene is the material of choice when using a tank for waste. Im currently doing loads of research on everything related to living afloat before I take the plunge and always thought that a composting toilet was the way forward. Lime scale inhibitors are always a good idea both for dosing and for the annual deep clean. During the first fix of a sailaway or full refit, it is important to plan for the system install. In response to Dannyboyz question, Im just looking to buy a 70ft boat which was originally an 8-berth. Natural enzyme based additives these claim to aid the breakdown of solids and thus reduce the smells. this on the market today and they are all less expensive than the Envirolet and need no (This may depend on how much beer, wine and water you drink and how often one uses pub/restaurant toilets too! The only real way to identify the differenceis to measure the diameter of the male thread on the pump out deck fitting cap. specialist types, for the people who insist on being green and OddBods like This means that transfer through pipe work is eased & that the breakdown of waste in the holding tank is accelerated. We have really found your site useful. a roof vent with a revolving anti-downdraught cowl. LeeSan boat toilet pump out adaptersprovide an easy solution to adapt different pump out deck fittings to comply with the ISO9001suction probe that is commonly used to empty toilet waste at waste management facilities. Very basic cassette toilets have a separate reservoir tank below the bowl for collecting waste. Given the choice, if we found ourselves in the position of being able to buy another boat, I think we would still probably choose the macerator/pump out system again its the convenience. many thanks. Many older narrowboats started out with the trusty cassette camping toilet. It makes an awful mess! These toilets work by separating solids from liquids. Your canal boat toilet is one piece of boating kit you really want to keep in good condition! They are a stand-alone unit so no plumbing is required, the only connection being a 12VDC supply for a low (<1amp) consumption power supply for an aerating fan. With wider canal craft this is obviously not an issue, although do plan for walkways to accommodate cassette removal. This is often overlooked and owners can get used to and not notice slight internal odours which make an unpleasant environment for visitors. composting loos that are *not* looked after properly get pongy! The pipework is normally only 1.5 inches wide and it is not unheard of for lipsticks, lighters, baby wipes etc to be found to be the cause of the problem! We jumped at it. Theoretically, a tank could be installed centrally if built into the bilges under the sub floor but this would take careful planning of pipe work and regard to future access. The toilet pictured is the model that I have on my own boat. They can be retrospectively fitted with relative ease but it is better to plan the system so services can be laid in during the first fix. Used in conjunction with a holding tank, these systems have a small vacuum tank and pump installed in-line before the holding tank.
The smallest macerator on the market currently is only 295mm (11.6in) high, which makes it practical for smaller boats and cruisers. If it wont be accessible there is always the option to use ABS plastic pipe work and fittings. The toilet suction probe used at the waste management facilitycan then be easily inserted to provide suction and efficient withdrawal of waste from the holding tank. Capacity: If there are two or more of you on board you will probably need to empty your cassette at least every other day.
Make it easy for yourself if possible and have the back of the toilet mounted against a side wall or into a corridor. Also worth mentioning, the vent size needs to be the same size as the waste in and waste out. A deep bilge would be required to account for top mounted level indicators and vent pipes. It is advisable to cut another access/inspection hatch for ease of future maintenance, nearest to the waste out pipe. John Freeman (Sales) Ltd 2009 - 2022, E&OE; Steering Helms, Steering Wheels & Steering Cables, Boat Water Tanks, Calorifiers & Accumulators, Jabsco Regular Bowl Manual 'Twist n' Lock' Toilet. The only work installing them is to fit a vent, preferably vertical, rather Each has advantages and disadvantages but which is best for you? Sani- stations are marked on the special canal maps, produced by Nicholsons and other Printers; just pop into any chandlery shop and you should be able to get one off the shelf for the area(s) you are interested in. If you are purchasing a second hand narrowboat, the type of toilet may be a deciding factor over which boats you are interested in as it is not easy to change the type of toilet down the line. Canal Boat, Narrow Boat 3, LeeSan Manual Self Pump Out Kit, Light Duty. In fact, if you dont mind me being quite candid here, I tend to just use my toilet for having a wee. Changing from a pump out to a cassette is more straight forward, but installing a pump out toilet would be a lot more challenging due to the waste tank and pipe work. At this stage all electrical supply cables and water supply pipe can be planned and installed as well. After six and a half years living on a narrowboat on England's inland waterways, Paul and his wife Cynthia wandered Europe by motorhome during the winter, and on the Dutch and French waterways in the warmer months on their 35' Dutch motor cruiser. Or is there a restriction on what can be pumped out (chemical etc.)? This enables them to use standard chemical toilet waste disposal points which are much more common than the dedicated pump out facilities.
This works well. We love reading the site and its keeping our enthusiasm well and truly topped up. Speak to your narrowboat / widebeam boat builder to have these included. Its easier to sort a pipe blockage if youve planned ahead! The pump bit of the kit is actually land based so the term refers really to a holding tank system that is pumped out remotely. The tank itself is of heavy duty construction in line with the specification of the system. For pumping out holding tanks there is often a fee. I stand corected Allan. Due to the nature of narrowboats and environmental regulations, human waste has to be stored on board. Generally speaking, the further north you are, the more reasonable the charge. Flushing fluid is contained in a reservoir around the bowl and flush is activated by either pushing on a bellows type button or twisting a lever. We purchased a second hand boat last year and are now haveing problems with our Dometic vacuflush toilet. Remember with a waste holding tank all fittings must be taken from the top of the tank. You can empty a cassette down a foul manhole (NOT a stormwater drain) or in desperation dig a hole and bury it somewhere discretely in the countryside if you cannot get to a disposal point. There we are, getting on to the most popular of boaters subjects loos! The cassette emptying points are called Elsan points. Location: warwick, Warwickshire, GB, 3 watchers, 0.3 new watchers per day, 12 days for sale on eBay. the dry friable waste compost from the under tray. Dont forget to reference the inside system components with the exterior deck fittings. Actually there are THREE types of toilet usually associated with narrowboats >> The weight of the waste cassette: My water tank holds 21l so, when the tank is full it weighs roughly the same as a bag of coal. Depending on whether you are specifying for a new build, or retro-fitting to an existing set up, may sway your decision as to which one is more feasible. You have to buy and fit new seals to the toilet bowl and the cassette mounting occasionally. They are not stupid or simple ones and anyone not having previous experience is likely to ask similar questions, so let us be positive in the reply for you to enable you to make, What will be a VERY IMPORTANT decision, as toilet maintenance does affect your routine lifestyle, All around the canal system (And less so on the rivers) there are Sani-Stations. Urine is deposited into a receptacle which can be detached and emptied when full in to a standard sanitary station, or used as a fertiliser (diluted 1:8) if you have permission on nearby land. We are familiar with the cassette toilet as we have a caravan but wonder where they are emptied when you are not in a marina. There are many other tried and tested alternative solutions to keeping your toilet smelling fresh which boaters will swear by, such as: Whatever chemical/method you use, make sure it is approved by the manufacturer of your system for use in the equipment. If you want an answer on composting toilets, youre far more likely to get a response if you post your question on the forum. Considering the ballast weight of a full tank is important. What Is The Difference Between Residential And Leisure Moorings? Alternatively use the access to a vanity cupboard. On board tanks also require dosing with treatment in order to assist the breaking down of the waste so this cost has to be factored as well.