Does the Separett toilet function well for women? 

Yes. The urine bowl has been tried and tested by both older and younger women to ensure that the urine is separated into the right place. Furthermore, an extension for the urine bowl is included in the Separett Villa. The Weekender model does not include the extender for the urine basin as does the Villa. Women using the Weekender may need to take more care while urinating. 

Does the Separett toilet function well for small children? 

Yes. A urine separating Child seat that is included with each Separett Villa. This seat does not properly fit our other models. Our experience shows that children quickly learn how to sit correctly.

How often should the Separett Villa be emptied? 

If four people are using the toilet on a daily basis, then a container will last about 3-4 weeks, depending on how much toilet paper is being used. Since the final composting is done outside of the Separett toilets, they do not actually have a total capacity limit as other composting units do. If you have an event or times or a lot of use - you simple empty the liner of the holding chamber more frequently. The Separett Villa comes with two containers and a stock of ten compostable liners. Additional containers and liner bags can be purchased if required.

How is it possible that the Separett container with solids so rarely has to be emptied?

Urine accounts for about 85% of the waste volume and is routed separately away from the toilet. This increases the storage capacity for solids greatly. The container is easily replaceable and if the number of users increases one only change containers more often. The Separett Villa comes with two containers. Additional containers can be purchased if required giving the toilet virtually unlimited capacity. 

Should I add anything to the Separett solid waste container?

In the container inside the toilet, the contents should be left to dry and lose volume. Never add bark or anything since it may contain larva which can develop problems with flies. We recommend putting a Separett Absorb in the bag inside the container, since it keeps the contents dry and thereby odorless.

What do I do when the Separett container is full?

Put the lid over the container, tilt the container towards you and use the sliding surfaces to remove the container from the toilet. Place the container in a suitable location outdoors. A few shovels of soil are added, and the lid replaced, but with a slight opening that allows the solids to vent. Leave like this for six months. 

Why use Separett compostable waste bags?

Yes. We recommend using Separett Compostable waste bag since it designed to endure the conditions inside the toilet and during the storage period. It will slowly disintegrate in the ground or in a composter. Each toilet ships with a roll of ten bags. Additional bags are available on our website. You might also check local resources for compostable bags, which are becoming more available in the general marketplace.

Are there unpleasant odors indoors with Separett toilet? 

No. By separating the urine from the solid waste and venting with the fan which helps to dry the solid waste and vent any odor - there will be no unpleasant odors in the room. When installing the toilet, make sure that the venting pipe is properly sealed with silicone. The easily accessible fan filter should be cleaned regularly as well as the insect net at the end of ventilation pipe.

Are there unpleasant odors outdoors? 

Because the urine and feces are not mixed, there is never any latrine-type odor from a Separett toilet. A certain amount of odor may be present outdoors however, when and shortly after the toilet is used. If the venting can be routed to the back of the house, it is usually to just route it straight through the wall. If the venting pipe must be routed through the gables or to the front of the house, it should be extended upwards or routed through the roof. A tack or vertical vent going through the roofline is always the preferred installation for venting. Air over the top of the vertical vent will aid in the venting, where a horizontal vent may be needing to overcome an opposing breeze. 

Are there unpleasant odors from the leaching bed/soak-away? 

No. It does not smell since the urine is let out in the ground and diluted with rain. If a holding tank is used for the diverted urine, it is important to have a vent on the holding tank. This is normal for a gray water tank. I the tank is not vented, any developing odor has not where to escape except back through the toilet. The fan will help to vent this - but may not overcome the odor of a large holding tank. If using a gray water tank - it is advisable to at a p-trap not the run of the urine drain between the toilet and the tank, just as other sinks or showers would have between the devise and the holding tank. This will assure that any odors from the tank will not back up to the toilet. 

Should the fan operate continually in Separett? 

Yes. This keeps the housing dry and extends the lifetime of the fan. If the fan must be switched off, place the lid on the container and remove it. Otherwise, bad odors will spread indoors, and flies can easily enter and lay eggs.

Which is the best method for routing the Separett venting pipe, through the roof or straight through the wall?

It is always easier to go straight through the wall, however venting through the roof is always the preferred method. If venting horizontally - remember not to route the venting pipe to the house entrance or other places where people gather.

How much electricity do the Separett fans use?

Villa 9215 AC/DC 
Voltage/Wattage:  12 DC/2.5 W /210 mA
Power consumption: 0.06kWh/24 hrs

Where do I lead the urine in Separett Toilet?

You have several options for the urine outlet: 
1) Connect the hose to the gray water system or holding tank 
2) Make a simple leaching bed/soak-away or 
3) Use a tank which stores the urine for use as a garden fertilizer. ( You should inquire with your local Code or Building departments about the rules applicable to your area.)

Can I change the side of the Urine Outlet on the Separett Villa toilet? 

The urine drain on the Viilla model is set to the left rear side and exits approx. 7 inches off the floor. The casing for the toilet is designed so that the urine tube could be changed from a left to right exit. We do not recommend that homeowners attempt to convert the urine tube as the releasing the tube from the housing is difficult and leads to frequent breakage of the tube. If your installation requires a change in the urine tube, please contact us directly prior to attempting the change. 

Can I extend the Separett urine outlet? 

Yes. If you need to extend the included 2-meter (6.56 feet) hose; a pipe is preferable. With a hose it is difficult to ensure a drop for the entire length. Indoors, we recommend wastewater pipes with a diameter of 32-40 mm (1 1/4"-1 1/2") and outdoors pipes with a diameter of 50-75 mm (2"-3"). 

Does the urine waste freeze in the winter? 

Not under normal circumstances. Urine freezes at about -5ºC (23ºF). Ensure that the urine waste pipe has a drop along its entire length and use at least 50 mm (2") pipe outdoors. It may also be a good idea to insulate the piping sections that run outdoors.

 Do I need to obtain permission from the authorities before installing the toilet? 

The approvals for building, plumbing and composting may vary between cities, provinces, states and countries. Details concerning the need of permissions can be given by your local environment and health office.

Can I install the toilet myself? 

Yes. There are not usually any problems for the average DIY-interested person.