Winterize Your Low Flush Toilet
For those of you in colder climates with Low Water Remote Systems, it is now time to start thinking about preparing your SeaLand® low water toilet for winter. Here are some things to do, in an un-heated bathroom:
• Drain (flush) all water out of the toilet before you leave.
• Wipe the bowl area dry with a paper towel or cloth before you leave. This includes the ceramic bowl area and the rubber seal.
• SeaLand® suggests removing the brass ring on the water valve. Removing the brass ring should protect against damage from part expansion temperature changes. Or, you can completely remove the water valve. Both of these suggestions will extend the life of the water valve, the most commonly replaced item on a SeaLand® low flush toilet. (If you do need one ever, get it from us. You will find out price for this item to be the cheapest you will find.)
One thing not to do is to add any type of anti-freeze. Some people do this with low flush toilets connected to septic tanks or holding tanks, but doing this with a composting toilet will harm the composting process.
Nothing has to be done with the actual composting unit. It is built to withstand freezing temperatures. That is why it has a Lifetime Warranty.
If you plan on using a low water system in the winter months, be sure to insulate all drain comnnections. Anywhere water travels needs to be insulated. Also, the composting unit or tank should also be protected and insulated in a winter box. A winter box can be as simple as a plywood box with Styrofoam insulation. Speak to a customer service rep if have questions.
Waterless systems do not require any winter preparation. There is no water, so no freezing to worry about.
how do I drain the water in the toilet bowl? The drain pipe goes down through the basement and out to a septic tank. I currently pour anti-freeze into the bowl. This probably is not good for the septic tank process of decomposition in the spring. We have tried not heating for the first time during the winter months when we are not there. I am not sure the anti-freeze is good for the entire winter from October until April - May. The temperature this morning in NS was with wind chill -22 C. Thank you.
You have to diosconnect your water supply and then flush. Then, you want to wipe the bowl dry.
With a composting toilet system anti-freeze is a definate no-no. It will harm or kill the composting process.