Is A Composting Toilet Right For You? 5 important questions to ask yourself
Website design By BotEap.comComposting toilets are an alternative type of toilet that converts human waste into organic matter, or compost, that can be added to your garden soil. While it is true that modern composting toilets are clean, odorless, and relatively easy to install, they are not necessarily the best option for everyone. Buying a composting toilet is also not a cheap undertaking. For a good system, consumers should expect to spend between $ 1,000 and $ 3,000, depending on the type of unit and the capacity needed. So how do you determine if a composting toilet is right for you before you spend the money? We will address the 5 most important critical questions to ask yourself before making this important decision.
Website design By BotEap.com1. Why are you interested in a composting toilet? For most people, your answer will fall into one of two categories: either you are extremely environmentally conscious and want to do your part to conserve water and help the environment, or you are looking for cost savings. There really is no wrong answer to this question, and the two reasons listed above are good. However, it is still a good idea to evaluate your motives to ensure that a composting toilet is the best solution for you.
Website design By BotEap.com2. Are you skilled enough to be able to install the unit yourself? Because composting toilets are not extremely common, it can be difficult to find a professional installer. Most composting toilet systems are relatively easy to install, particularly self-contained units. However, before purchasing any system, it is always a good idea to download the installation guide for the product and review all the steps so that you understand what is involved in installing the unit.
Website design By BotEap.com3. Would you personally be willing to perform the necessary maintenance? For the same reason that finding a professional installer is difficult, it can also be difficult to find a repair person who is familiar enough with composting toilets to perform necessary repairs or maintenance. In most cases, the manufacturer will be happy to explain possible repairs to you, provided that you are able to do the work yourself.
Website design By BotEap.com4. Does a composting toilet meet the code for your municipality? In many towns and cities in the US, composting toilets are not mentioned in the building code, and this is usually because no one has installed one yet. Don’t be afraid to be a pioneer. Print out all the detailed specifications for the unit you are interested in, take the information to your city hall or local building department and ask them to review and approve the toilet as an acceptable accessory. Most cities will approve composting toilets without any argument once they realize they are clean and sanitary systems.
Website design By BotEap.com5. Do you have any means of connecting the emergency drain? Most composting toilets have some type of emergency overflow drain connection, so if the unit is overused or cannot evaporate liquids fast enough to meet usage needs, the excess liquid will have a place to go. Again, you may need to check with your local building code to see if you can connect the emergency drain to a sewer, leach field, French drain, or some other approved facility.
Website design By BotEap.comFor many homeowners, a composting toilet is a great solution to save water and money and help the environment in the process. Once you’ve evaluated all your options and asked yourself the questions above, you should be ready to make a good, informed decision about whether a composting toilet is right for you and your family.