How to Maintain a Tiny House Composting Toilet

'Home Diagnosis' co-hosts Corbett and Grace have gotten hundreds of questions about the bathroom in their tiny house on wheels, and 'how it all works'. This. This is how it works. Feast your brain on some serious pee and poop management demonstrations. Not for the faint of heart.
More about this amazing house and the first TV series about building science at: HomeDiagnosis.tv

[@zschudrowitz155]

I pee outside b/c it brings joy to my life. LOL!

[@Sub-Zero-Homes]

He did say life and not wife didn't he.

[@DMused]

2:51

[@Robertjustice101]

Just don't pee in view of any neighboring houses. I pee behind a barn or shed and surrounded by bushes.

[@bryanhumphrey4072]

I subbed just because of that sentence.

[@HomePerformance]

Haha, thanks Bryan!

[@acornhomestead3575]

Brilliant. Thanks for letting us know how to deal with our waste. This is the first video I've watched that actually showed that you just dump the bucket somewhere away from your regular compost..

[@HomePerformance]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@mainkannon800]

I actually really appreciate the honesty, I’m starting my journey to building a tiny home and I wasn’t sure what step I wanted to take in this situation but now I know. Thank you!

[@HomePerformance]

Rock on. Please do check out our course on designing the performance properly, it’ll save you heartache later.

[@NWforager]

not sure what you meant by "you can not diy a composting toilet ." .Maybe a vid on diy composting toilets vs manufactured /pros & cons . 🚽🧻

[@ricky2706]

You expkained so well detailed and with such a clear voice , instructions that you deserve my attention and like from now on . I like people like you . Thanks for sharing yourself with others. 👍

[@HomePerformance]

Thankyouverymuch Ricky

[@makaylaforbes6719]

Thank you so much 🙏 I definitely wanted to see this before moving, as the place I'm getting has this system, and you have actually taken away my doubts and fears about using this type of bathroom fixture.

[@HomePerformance]

Hooray

[@northavealum]

great video - very useful content. I've always wondered about the "maintenance" part of having a composting toilet. Maybe watching this video will change her mind. Thanks for sharing. BTW - I'm anxious to see what you do with the eaves on the house.

[@HomePerformance]

Thanks as always

[@mspeir]

As someone who is considering one of these, and as someone with IBS where diarrhea is a weekly occurrence, what steps should I personally take?

[@justincroteau8848]

I too would like to know the answers to this question

[@HomePerformance]

Ah yes, the problem here is moisture. But like managing any compost you need to find balance. So pine pellets that you can get in bulk from a feed store or at a local pet store is your answer to helping balance the compost and keep you from a soupy mess. If you keep a mason jar of it nearby you can sprinkle a few in with each BM. Be sure to agitate and monitor if you need to add more of less. You will probably need to fully change the mix more regularly but the pine pellets should help you find balance.

[@paigetriplett807]

The most informative composting toilet video I've seen yet! Thanks for sharing.

[@HomePerformance]

Thanks Paige

[@mystinenkorppi6464]

This wasn't gross on any level, You're very Professional & informative.

[@HomePerformance]

Thankyouverymuch

[@juliajeffries9719]

the grossest part is him setting the toilet down on his kitchen counter beside his dishes.

[@HomePerformance]

I bet you don’t have kids if you think that’s the grossest part. The kids are always the grossest part.

[@skinnygirlBwatchinU]

1:20 i know you say it's not a litter box but it still feels like a litter box with trap doors to me. In fact, when i eventually get my own tiny house, i am going to put a little sign on the bathroom door. Instead of the man/woman symbol, it will say "litterbox" 😂 and then, whenever i see that sign, I'll laugh and pee myself a little before i can make it to the toilet. That would bring joy to my life!

[@HomePerformance]

Laughing anf peeing yourself is a special joy. We only live once, we should all pee in our pants a little more.

[@steverobinson6198]

Truly informative. Well done. To the point and no fluff. I love videos like this. Thanks for not making me listen to how your kids are, how many you have, etc or some loud obnoxious music. Those things are ok if I am looking for entertainment. This time I was looking for information. Thanks again.

[@HomePerformance]

Happy you found us, Steve- hope you stick around for more.

[@charleslaughton8092]

Bravo, well done. These practices should be taught to everyone at some point in their lives, if not for future need or use, then for common sense education. When it comes to such practices, I like the old saying "Don't Panic, its Organic". Thanks again.

[@derekcraig3617]

As with anything you should do your own research and testing because they've got the humanure composting all wrong. you don't just dump your turds on the ground and walk away. your turd pile should be kept at the correct moisture and temperature level for at least a year before it can be considered soil. furthermore, the whole thing about medications in the compost should be tested fully. if a substrate is fully composted then those medications should have been broken down into soil. these people talk a good game about their 'scientific methods' but I'm not seeing a whole lot of science here.

[@SleepySquid]

Thanks for sharing, that was very helpful. What happens if you forget to add the compost starter at the end?

[@kylaren6337]

One night a tiny house video popped up on my KZbin. I’ve watched 100 of these videos on Tiny Houses with these types of toilets and never really knew what a composting toilet really is. I’ve watched this video and now I know. I’m never getting a tiny house or a composting toilet. However, this info is top tier.

[@HomePerformance]

Hey, thanks very much! High praise from someone who’s done so much research elsewhere on YT!

[@missryanswers773]

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! I've been a suburb dweller all my life. Yet, a few months ago, I purchased a property with 3 different buildings on some acreage for my therapy and volunteer work for others w/ animal and art therapy. But one heated art bldg came with an already installed composting toilet. There is a fan that works in the bathroom. Since it's the dead of winter, I've not bothered with it, yet. For now t's a spooky room with large spiders and not cleaned in eons. I hoped to find information to prepare me for cleaning then setting it all up as needed. And, I DID!! You've greatly reduced my anxiety and fear. :) Now I know what I am going to face when I go in there to A) clean in out and B) get in working. Thanks again.

[@HomePerformance]

Excellent! Knowledge is power.

[@missryanswers773]

@@HomePerformance Empowering oneself, then others, is one of the best gifts to give.

[@kylereed4259]

This is awesome. I have been thinking about buying a piece of land and putting a tiny house on the land for a get away, but had the question "what about the lav?!?!" Now it makes me want to do it even more now! Thank you for the helpful video!

[@HomePerformance]

Glad to be part of your process, Kyle- do it!

[@alan_whoneedstiedye]

Thank you. Considering the composting vs regular for an upcoming travel trailer.

[@EllieM_Travels]

We use composting cat litter and it makes things SO much cleaner and easier! This doesn't look much different as far as maintenance goes, and I can vouch for the fact that compost does NOT allow odors to escape. Thanks for the video! I'll subscribe and watch more that comes in from you.

[@Uri18]

I use wood pellets for my cats litter box. It turns into sawdust with humidity. You may be able to get away with using sawdust directly. Sawdust is cheaper and a renewable resource. Cat litter has to be mined and will not decompose wherever it ends up. 😁

[@anglee795]

Sadly cat litter in nature is 5x more harsh in smell over human waste, aside from rabbit urine, they need to be taken out more often, unlike human waste in a composting toilet. It also depends on what they are fed as well, feeding them fresh foods produces less smelly waste over store bought and process foods. Most human waste doesn't smell in a composting toilet, unless people eat too much processed foods, and with coco coir substrate medium and a turnable composting bucket, with an exhaust fan running while you are doing your thing, it shouldn't smell, unless your power goes out, there could be a small odour.

[@vivianfox3794]

Thank you so much for satisfying my curiosity. Im debating between compost toilet or regular toilet for my van build

[@HomePerformance]

I’m not so sure you have a choice, Vivian- you’d need to be connected to unlimited water supply and sewer each time you used a real porcelain toilet in your van, and it might crack from all the shaking.

[@katelinares1217]

Àwesome job! Most ppl don't realize how backward our "modern" sewer systems are. Thank you so much.

[@HomePerformance]

Rock on, Kate. Thanks for watching.

[@lauriehuffstetler6751]

Very interesting and informative. Thank you!

[@HomePerformance]

With pleasure, Laurie

[@Kristenoyinbo]

Thankyou for this video. I am building a tiny house soon and was confused as to what to do; this has explained everything.

[@HomePerformance]

Good luck Kristen

[@lukewarm2075]

Great Video thanks I have been researching composting toilets its good to get an unbiased review are you going to use composting toilets in your new house

[@HomePerformance]

Absolutely not in our new house- too much work if you have proper plumbing. But for an off-grid tiny house or sailboat, it’s a billion times better than a sewage tank.

[@UnMusical]

Thank you sooooo much for this, very instructive and funny😂

[@heatherrenton2086]

Great video. Thanks for the detailed info and a couple of good laughs 😃

[@HomePerformance]

Aw thanks Heather, glad you found us.

[@carolduvall111]

You are fantastic for giving us the true facts thanks so much

[@HomePerformance]

With pleasure, Carol, glad it helps!

[@franktaccetta784]

Great information! Thanks!

[@HomePerformance]

Glad you found us, Frank

[@antmanv05]

I bought a Laveo dry flush toilet for my RV Van and am happy I did. I only use toilet when a real toilet is not available or in bad weather. There's trade offs for anything. Just do your research and decide which type of toilet is best for YOU. Happy trails!

[@bigskyvid]

Hilarious and very informative video. Thank you.

[@HomePerformance]

HEY THANKS!

[@user19603]

Thank you very informative. Not that gross. Love your explanations.

[@dc1bamf]

When asked why I pee outside all the time I respond with I advocate for water conservation

[@HomePerformance]

Your micturations are saving the planet

[@DMused]

@@HomePerformance That's a $10 word there.

[@HomePerformance]

I learned it from the big lebowski

[@DMused]

@@HomePerformance kzbin.info/www/bejne/inTKlpSEm8iqY9k

[@marymaier9091]

Excellent video, thank you for being so straightforward with your delivery of information. Can I ask what model of toilet you're using? I live on the Big Island of Hawaii and I have not been able to find an affordable model. Home Depot is the only store here that carries any and they only carry one complicated type for $2300. I'm hoping I can have one shipped here, but don't know what brand or type to search for.

[@HomePerformance]

Airhead, $1000 last I checked

[@CJ.Hamblin]

Thanks for your insights in this video. I am curious about ventilation. As I understand it, it is best to not have additional ventilation in the room the dry toilet is situated as it can compete with the toilet's own ventilation and draw odour back into the room. At the same time, one wants to ventilate the bathroom itself. I was considering installing something like the Lunos or Blauberg HRV with one unit in the living space and a second unit in the bathroom. Would this still be the best option if I had a dry toilet in the bathroom with its own ventilation fan? Also, where would be the best outlet position for the toilet's fan on the exterior? As high as possible?

[@HomePerformance]

Good Q, CJ. You are absolutely right, but in a tiny home the exhaust doesn’t have to be in the bathroom to fight the toilet exhaust. Be very careful to equalize your entire enclosure’s pressures. Watch this: Ventilation Testing the Best Performing Tiny House on Wheels in the World kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqqXgKmgeslmf6c

[@clarkenicholson9358]

Good job on the video.

[@TrevorBodogh]

Good overview! Did I hear correctly you only empty the solids once per month, between two adults? And which model toilet do you use? Cheers from Niagara Falls!

[@HomePerformance]

Hey Trevor- Yes, and Airhead. Niagara Falls rules (Canada side).

[@christinavanoosten2399]

Thanks for this...I think this will be fine for the hubby and me. However, I am still concerned about when we have guests over especially having to tell men to sit down to pee without it seeming weird. How do you handle educating guests who aren't into tiny house living and are used to regular toilets?

[@HomePerformance]

Tell them to go outside and water the plants, Christina. Most visitors are very excited/very anxious to use this toilet. Be the tiger mom and tell your male guests exactly how and where to point their peepee. They will appreciate and obey in 99% of cases, and the other 1% you can kick out and never invite back.

[@rileyesmith]

When you turn on the bathroom fan or the kitchen fan, does air get pulled in from the toilet's vent pipe?

[@carladalton6220]

Great video. I'm interested in the compost starter mix you used. I've watched quite a few videos on CT's recently and no one has even mentioned that. I believe Nature's Head have an enzyme spray, but that's about it. If you're leaving a bit of compost/poop in after emptying, would that be enough to kick start the process each time?

[@HomePerformance]

Thanks for watching, and I would never intentionally bring poop back into my home- compost starter is worth it.

[@FreeLeonardPeltierNow]

Thank you for this

[@carolekorade1792]

Very informative we appreciate you

[@HomePerformance]

Aw thanks Carole!

[@charlesbates7664]

Is there a more Sustainable option to use as the substrate in the Mixing base?

[@ranibearsilva5883]

So cool to listen to you !

[@HomePerformance]

Thank you mr. bear

[@abel5925]

Would installing this on an off the grid home be an issue when it’s left alone for a few months when we aren’t there? Probably getting power from solar

[@HomePerformance]

Nope- longer you leave it, drier it gets. Better for it, and you have to reset much less often if you’re not ‘depositing’ every day.

[@cheriesomerville7516]

Interesting video...can you tell me what brand of accelerate/enzyme you're using? Get ready to switch to an Airhead after 22 years of Joseph Jenkins Humanure style set up, just 'cuz I'm getting old & want something less labor intensive.

[@HomePerformance]

Thanks for watching, Cherie. We use Ringer brand, and best of luck with your upgrade!

[@senumi2126]

Helpful tips thank you

[@HomePerformance]

Always welcome

[@aimeelee8282]

Good job!! 👍

[@HomePerformance]

Thanks Aimee

[@missmangle]

How do you get a month out of it? Partner and I go maybe twice a day for number two. I'd say we'd get a week in a bucket that size

[@HomePerformance]

Maybe eat less

[@kurtd6818]

Very good video thank you

[@justinjdcruz]

yeah man this was great

[@amandayantos2978]

Good content. However, viewers, do your research. It is 100% safe to pee and poo in a 5 gallon bucket IF managed properly. NOT at all like the “ raw sewage” you showed in the portopotty. Raw sewage and portopotties are hugely problematic because of the imbalance of pee to poo, but LARGELY has to do with the water and other chemicals that are added that make the situation anaerobic, breed bad bacteria and cause problems. Typically the problem with the 5 gallon bucket is that an individual produces too much urine vs. feces and have an unbalanced system. However, there are countless ways to manage this situation. I urinate in 1 vessel and poo in a 5 gallon bucket with coconut coir with NO ODOR, NO PROBLEMS. I bag it and dispose of it in the trash but It also can be composted on-site if left to “ cure “ for roughly 1 year. Then you have priceless compost to use in your yard. People refrain from talking about it in case people dump raw sewage or a compost toilet system gone south directly onto the soil. Yes, this would be a problem. Do your research viewers. Content creators, you have half the information. To really propel this movement forward, let’s dive a bit deeper into the subject. It’s a huge subject. A huge problem and we can tons of progress can be made if it was known $1,200 doesn’t have to be spent on a composting toilet that has a fancy handle to turn and you don’t have to cut a hole in the side of your home to vent. Just a good old bucket and some good information.

[@marchawthorne2479]

Hi guys, what brand toilet do you have? Thanks for your time and info

[@HomePerformance]

Airhead

[@DOMJULY]

thank you so much

[@karirocco5993]

What brand is your toilet? I bought a Natures Head toilet a few months ago and am not happy with the design and function. The one you show here seems to have a much better design. Thanks for the video! :-)

[@HomePerformance]

Sorry to hear, Kari- it’s an Airhead

[@chelseamag3125]

I just moved into my tiny home and woke up this morning scared to poop…. Thank you for this 🙏🙌

[@HomePerformance]

Haha best way to learn is the hard way Chelsea

[@BlissBlissBliss720]

Thank you.

[@HomePerformance]

With pleasure

[@annemariedepagnier1574]

omg this video is amazing

[@HomePerformance]

☺️

[@spicher40]

This is great.

[@user-cd3op5ks1o]

I have this very same compost toilet. How do you clean the pee area and the calcification?

[@HomePerformance]

Vinegar works

[@emilyh4892]

You’re my hero.

[@HomePerformance]

Haha thank you?

[@robertvincent4847]

I love the idea of tiny house living and do wish I had the money and place to build I also love composting toilets but I'd rather have worms in my composting toilet so when you clean out it is already to use

[@somechanel]

Thanks

[@HomePerformance]

Welcome

[@JJShaw1210]

I'm haven't my garage converted to a studio like apartment. There is NO water in that part the house. Is this something I could put in there as long as I can vent it??

[@HomePerformance]

Yes

[@Usonian7]

I want to know about the greenhouse!!!!!!!

[@HomePerformance]

Haha- here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaDGe4yZp6dpgpI

[@mikejohnson7768]

Could you telle the dimensions of the lower half of the toilet- poop bucket, thanks

[@HomePerformance]

You can easily find it at AirHead’s site

[@InDeepPudding]

The coco coir has a high carbon footprint because its grown on the other side of the planet, why not just use sawdust or something similar? Also wouldn't leaving some poop in the bucket make it so that there's a bit of the beneficial bacteria already present and make it unnecessary to add "compost starter"?

[@odd_shoes]

I was going to ask if/say that using coconuts was sustainable. Thank you.

[@tonyedwards6369]

@@odd_shoes I use vacuum shredded Bay leaves otherwise a nuisance as take an eternity to break down they also prevent smell

[@grandepatron]

"See these filters don't put them in your mouth." Where did that even come from? Really no no umm...."poop" ! LOL

[@charleslaughton8092]

As the saying goes, "Common sense is no longer common". That is why on all non-edible produces sold today, they all say "do not put this in your mouth", that's so when they eat it and try to sue the company, they can say "we told you so" …...sad but true...…. LOL

[@HomePerformance]

Just covering my bases, like Charles says

[@HomePerformance]

Just covering my bases, like Charles says

[@RobertSmith-gl5vs]

What is the name brand you use?

[@HomePerformance]

Your bride was just asking too- looks like yall need a toilet asap. It’s an Airhead

[@serenityfarmsprepping2267]

On the kitchen counter?

[@HomePerformance]

Only after it’s been cleaned

[@saveinbccanada9090]

what is the brand/model of this composting toilet?

[@HomePerformance]

Airhead

[@pagkalalakingnagpupumiglas9368]

"I pee outside because I can and it brings joy to my life" 😁

[@ShirleiBarnes]

Love it

[@renabee8246]

What about the handle on the side. What’s it for?

[@HomePerformance]

Trapdoor for your solids

[@ChrisMilton74]

I would love a tiny house one day but I’m not doing that

[@pauljohnson1524]

makes my trip to the dump station with my rv be so bad

[@nick_john]

Even though I don't have to, I always sit down. Not into the mist thing.

[@HomePerformance]

100%

[@GHE2005]

Why would I say "don't put the filter in ur mouth" of the loo? Thx u for that step by step process with ur loo. 👍🏽

[@HomePerformance]

It’s a joke, Li. Thanks for watching.

[@Robertjustice101]

When you empty the toilet instead of taking the whole toilet outside you could use garden trowel to shovel it into a bucket then just take the bucket outside to dump it in your compost bin. This way you won't have to re install the toilet every time.

[@HomePerformance]

Thx Robby, but that’s the easiest part of the whole process already

[@odd_shoes]

And take the risk of dropping some poo during shovelling?

[@phylwilton1827]

That is obviously a commercially made toilet. Who made it and how do I buy one?

[@HomePerformance]

Airhead. You can buy direct I believe.

[@kalleleman]

If you wanna go diy you could get a bucket, some sawdust and make composting station

[@vanvorst1999]

I'm really surprised you didn't wear any gloves during the whole process.

[@HomePerformance]

I like it raw

[@vanvorst1999]

@@HomePerformance I just shivered LOL

[@charleslaughton8092]

Don't panic, it's organic.....LOL

[@lexiebiggs]

I loved the video information.....except the last part with you sitting the toilet on the counter next to your kitchen sink and stove.

[@HomePerformance]

Don’t worry, there was nary a poop or pee in sight

[@donnasmith5697]

What is the brand name on this toilet?

[@HomePerformance]

Airhead

[@donnasmith5697]

Thank you!

[@Robertjustice101]

Reliance.

[@fivesacredlaw838]

Where can I hire an agent who can help me build a bio toilet ?

[@angelinajolie3427]

This is like old fashioned

[@michaela.9723]

I wish I watched this video before I put them in my mouth.

[@HomePerformance]

NOOOOOOO

[@estherwhite2957]

Thank you for sharing. So far, this is the most " civilized "way to handle the human waste when you don't have a regular flushing toilet. I hate "Outhouses". Totally disgusting! I think they should be completely redesigned🤭🤭🤭.

[@HomePerformance]

Thx Esther

[@frankgall6]

Loving the beard

[@HomePerformance]

🙅🏻‍♂️

[@TJackSurvival]

Graphic content? Wahoo sign me up!

[@HomePerformance]

Ok, dropping a shipment in the mail now

[@TJackSurvival]

@@HomePerformance BOOM! Nice channel. I’ll be getting myself a garden toilet like this for sure.

[@HomePerformance]

Cool brother, thanks for watching so enthusiastically

[@DeannasDailys]

What kind of composting toilet is that????

[@HomePerformance]

It’s an Airhead!!!!

[@dancudworth4940]

Dumped into a compost pile for a year or more is safe to put on gardens

[@talori5417]

Ok. First off, I thought a composting toilet was a homemade bucket, so there’s that. 👌🏽

[@HomePerformance]

Glad to show you the light of truth

[@odd_shoes]

It can be both.

[@selmasherar1562]

i dont wanna buy the membership dawg i just wanna buy the toilet 😭

[@waqarahmed4728]

We do have quite better composting toilets ideas without clearing the area for years in Pakistan, people are using that way from decades.

[@Trustee-of-The-Most-High]

2:50 🤣👍

[@Trustee-of-The-Most-High]

4:20 there's already a trash can that smoke the toilet paper which is more productive that sending it to some random dumpster

[@Trustee-of-The-Most-High]

6:00 so the composting is basically free if you eat coconut and know the technique.

[@HouseOfBane79]

Peeing outside is one of the best things about being a man! 🙌

[@user-cr6ki4qs4y]

A good DIY or modified version is the ONLY way to go IMO. IDK about taking out the entire toilet outside. Why not just poop in a bag with a little composting material and toss it? Taking out the urine daily sounds like a royal pain. Why not modify it so it dumps urine into an under-mounted larger tank for less dumping? You could also use a one way trap to contain the odors.

[@HomePerformance]

As a married man, I’d bet cash money you cannot make that work to my wife’s comfort and satisfaction AND spend less than it cost to buy and maintain this unit.

[@jamrockcaribchick3838]

Ok composting toilet off my list going to stick to flush toilet

[@HomePerformance]

Happy to help light the path my friend

[@skooliecatwilderness6346]

Funniest vid on toilets.

[@HomePerformance]

Thankyou

[@dianaapo3776]

Honest conversation: What about when your woman/daughter has her period? Is that a liquid or a solid? Why does no one address this natural monthly occurrence?

[@HomePerformance]

GRACE HERE- Actually I’ve seen this addressed in other videos but heres the short. Its both. 👍🏻 don’t worry about it. Diarrhea has a bigger impact than your period will. Definitely don’t add tampons or pads to the mix. I reccommend cups. Silicone ones are the best. I dump it into the solids. And don’t worry about too much of it getting into the liquids. 🙌🏻💃🏼

[@What2B]

@@HomePerformance 👸TY