benhowarth27 Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Morning All, I know there is debate over various toilet systems and which is best / awful but after searching I cant seem to find the answer I am looking. Long story short, I am in the process of moving onto a narrowboat, using it as a liveaboard. It currently has a dump through pump out toilet system (system has a few issues, potentially leaking tank ) I want to remove this system and replace with a composting toilet, something like the nature's head most likely. Does anyone here have any experience removing these systems. In my head I think I should be able to get the holding tank clean(ish), seal up the hole from the WC and then leave it vented and in situ. As the composting toilet requires no plumbing it can sit where the pump out toilet used to sit. Tank is steel construction, not sure if it is integrated into the hull or not. It would require a considerable about of deconstruction particularly of the bathroom and floor to remove the tank. Any thoughts? suggestions? or input? Many thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Use a peg for de nose when cleaning. Best to wear some long gloves as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbo Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 One note is that compost loos tend to be high, if this pump out is one where the loo is over the tank then you may have to remove the tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackrose Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 (edited) If you're leaving the tank in situ, after pumping out, flushing and pumping out again, I would get a wet vac tube through the hole where you've removed the bowl and get any remaining wet stuff out. Then chuck the wet vac away! Stick a fan over the hole and try to dry it out before sealing it up. I know you're leaving it vented but you still want the tank as dry as possible before sealing it up. Maybe chuck some cat litter or nappies down there before sealing it? Not sure if that's a good idea or not? Edited August 4, 2017 by blackrose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chewbacka Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 Thinking aloud, but if the tank is completely sealed then once all the oxygen has been used up, rusting will stop, so may be better to seal it rather than venting it as condensation will encourage rusting etc. I would not put nappies or cat litter in without removing it as it will hold wetness against the steel. If you are going to seal it, you could put a big dish of desiccant in there to soak up any moisture so as to keep the steel dry, but as above, if sealed, once the oxygen is used up rusting will stop, but if there are any very tiny air leaks, the desiccant should last for years. If you do seal it up, the tank may make the occasional noise as the air inside expands and contracts with temperature and the tank flexes. Still thinking, but if you don't want it sealed, then I would consider using a desiccant breather, and change the desiccant from time to time, that way there will only be dry air in the tank. Finished thinking now, and need a rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackrose Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 What's the difference between a dessicant and cat litter? Won't they both soak up moisture and hold it against the steel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chewbacka Posted August 4, 2017 Report Share Posted August 4, 2017 1 hour ago, blackrose said: What's the difference between a dessicant and cat litter? Won't they both soak up moisture and hold it against the steel? But I did say put the desiccant in a dish so as to keep the soggy stuff of the dry steel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Featured Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now