How to Maintain a Portable Chemical Toilet

Your trip seems wonderful. You've already put many miles behind you and finally have made it to the wilderness. After setting up camp, it is time to take a few minutes to yourself and finish that unfinished business from the last rest area. Wait, you flush and nothing seems to be working right. Now you wish that you would have listened to your neighbor when he was trying to tell you how to maintain that chemical toilet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Antifreeze
• Place to empty the toilet
• Cleaning products that are nonabrasive and meant for plastic
• Cleaning tools
• Bleach
• Silicon spray
• Gaskets (new)

1. Empty the holding tank as soon as it becomes full. Remove the holding tank of the toilet and empty it into an appropriate receptacle, usually a regular toilet.
2. Check the temperature of where you will use the toilet. If the temperature falls below freezing, make certain to add antifreeze to the water in the water-supply tank.
3. Clean the toilet frequently with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner suitable for plastic. Check to see if you can snap off the lid and seat for easier cleaning.
4. Rinse the holding tank out with a solution of 1 cup of household bleach per gallon of water, or a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer, prior to storing the chemical toilet.
5. Lubricate the holding-tank sealing valve with a silicon spray if it begins to stick. Check the unit for any old gaskets. Always clean the slots where the gasket was prior to replacement, and then wet the new seal surface.