Everything you need to know about the chemical toilet for your caravan
The chemical toilet is an essential element in the caravan, especially if we have small children who wake up in the middle of the night to pee. For this reason, it is important to know the types of devices that exist, as well as their fundamental characteristics, since in this way it is possible to choose the product that we can best adapt to our needs.
Although some caravans include a portable toilet, most of the small ones do not, which is why it is convenient to put aside shyness and dare to ask everything related to the control of fecal waste during a road trip, either in couple or in a larger family.
Learn about the different types of chemical toilets
In general terms, it is a toilet made of plastic, which in turn has a tank where a specially prepared liquid is introduced to speed up the decomposition process of organic matter, while aromatizing to prevent the accumulation of unpleasant odors. inside the caravan. A first classification can be fixed and portable chemical toilets.
Fixed chemical toilet
Caravans that include a bathroom usually have a fixed WC installed, which can have a capacity of approximately 20 L. The tank is extracted from the outside of the vehicle to empty it, so it has a mechanism through a hatch similar to that of gasoline. In the same way, the additive is placed in the tank from the outside of the caravan, through a plastic tube with a lid.
These toilets can have different designs depending on the make and model of the caravan, as well as different sizes and comfort levels for the user. Furthermore, they can be used by both men and women for any of the basic needs. In this sense, they are usually versatile, resistant and durable furniture.
One of the advantages of the fixed WC of a caravan is that it can have capacity for a full weekend, if it is a family of 4 people. In this way, it is not necessary to empty it daily.
portable chemical toilet
The portable toilet has less capacity than a fixed one, generally a maximum of 15 L, however, it is usually smaller and more practical, which is why some people also use it inside tents and campers. In this case, it is necessary to disassemble the container inside the caravan.
Some of the best portable toilets have a button that serves as a flushing mechanism after each use. In addition, they have a lid so as not to give off any odour, keeping the space clean. In this sense, it is recommended to empty the tank before it reaches the maximum level indicated by the manufacturer.
This type of portable toilet can be filled in just a day or two. For this reason, it is recommended to use it only at night or very early in the morning and the rest of the day use other alternatives, such as the campsite WC.
Discover the parts of a chemical toilet and how to use it
The chemical toilet is composed of two fundamental elements; the black water tank, which functions as a waste receiver and the tank tank, where the pink liquid that aromatizes and disinfects when flushing the chain is deposited, to keep the device clean.
On the other hand, the hatch that divides the sewage compartment with the entrance is also important, in this way, it is possible to keep the strong smell of chemicals at bay. However, it is advisable to open the lid of the toilet only when it is going to be used and close it immediately afterwards.
In general, the chemical toilet has a light or colored plastic that indicates when the tank is reaching its maximum capacity. It is important to pay attention to this element to empty it on time, in this way we can avoid unpleasant accidents.
The use of these devices is very simple, to start, you have to place the clean water and the blue additive liquid in the black water tank, to help break down the waste. Likewise, it is important to fill the cistern with the pink substance that serves to perfume and clean the cup. If you have already carried out these basic steps, then you can open the hatch that serves as a separation between the toilet bowl and the tank, so that the excrement can fall inside.
Once the needs are done, it is time to pull the chain, pressing the corresponding button depending on the model. Some expert users recommend flushing the chain before using the toilet, since the cleaning liquid helps to prevent excrement from sticking to the bowl, making subsequent cleaning easier.
How to empty a chemical toilet?
This is the process most feared by beginner users, due to indirect contact with its content, however, it is good to know that due to the chemical additives and the cleaning substance, these fecal residues do not have the characteristic odors, therefore, it is much less unpleasant than some think.
However, it is essential to take into account certain care when emptying the waste. First of all, it is advisable to use rubber gloves, because the chemicals used to break down organic matter are very toxic to the skin. This is one of the reasons why WC tanks should only be emptied in places designated for this purpose, such as service areas and campsites.
It is good to note at this point that some tanks can weigh 20 kg or more, therefore, the participation of two people will be necessary to move it to the place of emptying. However, some models have wheels to facilitate transport.
A chemical toilet drain is easy to recognize, as it is similar to a bidet, so it has a hose and in some cases it also has a metal element to help empty the tank. In this way, you only have to unscrew the cap of the tube and proceed to turn the mouth of the container towards the drain.
