So you have finally decided to install a waterless toilet in your home and you can’t wait to reap all the benefits that come with it.

However, you are aware there are green toilet do’s and don’ts and you are wary that it might malfunction should you do something wrong.

In this article, we look at the best way to troubleshoot waterless toilets for possible malfunctions.

But before we do that you need to understand a few things on how to use, clean and maintain a waterless toilet.

Using a Waterless Toilet

Most people find conventional toilets easy to use given the fact that they have been commonly used in urban settings.

Waterless toilets and not difficult to use either. The only difference from the modern flush toilets is that instead of the usual water that people are used to in Water Closets, waterless toilets, for example, the composting toilets use ash or wood shavings.

The innovative waterless toilets function using different mechanisms. How you use a waterless toilet will largely depend on the technology applicable.

Most waterless toilets just like the conventional flush toilets use toilet paper. However, the Nanomembrane toilet does not.

Once you are through doing your business, you will have to find the nearby rubbish can to dispose of the used waste paper.

The thought of used toilet paper irks most people but the toilet developers are working to devise better ways that the waste paper can be disposed of.

To properly use a waterless toilet, follow the user manual from the developers. It will help you to take the necessary safety precautions and hygienically maintain it to keep illness-causing pathogens at bay.

This will largely depend on the toilet design and the technology behind it.

Cleaning and Care of a Waterless Toilet

Many people are skeptical about the hygienic conditions in waterless toilets and the health implications they would have on users. And rightly so.

Waterless toilets, if not well cleaned and maintained can pose grave health dangers to a household.

Not forgetting the waterless toilet stinks that would emanate from the facility chocking the users and causing discomfort.

All the information about cleaning a waterless toilet is available in user manuals where manufacturers give detailed instructions on the care for waterless systems. In some cases, the developers provide step-by-step guides to help you avoid mishaps with waterless systems.

Though some instructions might seem pretty obvious, don’t take them lightly. For instance, cleaning the restroom without the necessary protective clothing is risky as it exposes you to harmful pathogens that can cause serious infections and affect your health.

Using hard bushes, abrasive cleaners or towels may damage the surfaces and failure to remove foreign objects from the toilet can lead to clogging of the waterless toilet.

Avoid liquid spills on surfaces and keep the areas dry. A Johnny mop will be sufficient for this. Misting toilet surfaces can be done using an all-purpose cleaner before drying them out with a wet cloth.

Some waterless systems are built with cylinders containing sealant. Care should be taken to prevent flushing out the sealant by not pouring soiled water down the trap of the waterless toilet.

Maintenance of a Waterless Toilet

A waterless toilet is maintained according to its type and design. How you maintain an incinerating toilet will vary from a Nanomembrane toilet or a composting toilet.

A poorly maintained toilet emits a fouls smell, something that is most user’s nightmare. For composting toilet odor control, strictly follow the manufacturer’s laid down maintenance procedures.

If there are any leaking fixtures, you must ensure they are promptly repaired. Old toilet parts or those that are worn out after long periods of use should be replaced.

You don’t want to use a composting toilet whose container is too old to hold any more waste. That would be a horrifying experience.

Regular checkups will help in spotting broken down toilet fixtures for replacement and rectify weak spots in the waterless system before they become fully fledged malfunctions.

Troubleshooting For Possible Malfunctions

The first step to avoiding a possible waterless toilet malfunction is the correct installation of fixtures following procedures based on the developer’s instructions.

Sometimes, overlooking simple things would make a waterless toilet to malfunction such as failing to empty a toilet as soon as it fills up.

Allowing water or high moisture content in waste leads to a poorly drained pile that is a potential breeding ground for pests and illness-causing pathogens.

If it is a composting toilet, the compost will not effectively decompose.

When something goes wrong and your waterless toilet malfunctions the best thing to do is to apply the kick-starting and troubleshooting module as soon as possible.

You will identify a waterless toilet malfunction from foul smells emanating from the system, the presence of leaks, or broken down parts.

Another tip for troubleshooting a waterless toilet that has malfunctioned is to check the ventilation and ensure it is well aerated by fixing the vent pipes and any unplugged fans.

Foreign matter and insects tend to block the airways so to unclog the fans and vent pipes you have to dust the fans.

Also, the operation manual clearly indicates the appropriate methods you can apply to drain a pile or dispose of residual moisture.

If your waterless toilet malfunctions, this would be a good place to start.

Safety Precautions for Waterless Toilets

Sometimes, when your toilet malfunctions and you have tried every possible rule in the book but it still doesn’t work right, it is better to consult an expert.

Waterless toilets are a bit sensitive when it comes to installation, care, and maintenance, and one wrong move could cause you the biggest nightmare.

The waterless toilet requires more attention than a modern flush toilet for it to work right. Therefore, you must be keen with the waterless toilet care and maintenance. If you are not sure about the system it is better to seek a professional’s help.

Ensure your toilet has the right working conditions depending on the type and design you settle on.

Wrapping Up

The rates of contamination are much higher with the waterless toilets, therefore, the use, cleaning, and maintenance of the system are fundamental.

There’s no cause for fear of these toilets having a possible malfunction if you do everything just right. In fact, you’d be surprised by the experience you would derive from a waterless toilet.