We’ve created some maintenance information that can be easily saved, or printed off and kept close to your Sun-Mar toilet.

This is not intended to replace your owner’s manual. If you have any questions, call our customer service department at 1.888.341.0782, option 4.

Operating a Sun-Mar is easy. There are two things that you have to do on a routine basis – rotate the drum every other day that the unit is in use, and add bulking material at the rate of one (1) cupful per person per day of use.

When it comes time to remove compost, you are never dealing with fresh waste; when the drum is 1/2 to 2/3 full, you will pull the drum locker button to release the drum locker and while holding the button out, rotate the drum in reverse for one (1) revolution*. This will drop compost into the finishing drawer where it will be isolated from new material. Leave it there to finish composting for 3-4 weeks.

For specific information on where the drum locker on your toilet is, or any other questions regarding maintenance of your Sun-Mar toilet, please refer to your owner’s manual, or call our customer service department at 1 888 341 0782, option 4.

Daily Use Information

Click the following link for a printable version of CENTRAL unit initial start-up instructions.

Click the following link for a printable version of Self-Contained unit initial start-up instructions.

Click CENTRAL unit on-going maintenance for printable instructions.

Click Self-Contained On-going maintenance for printable instructions.

Winter Preparation Information

Click here for information on preparing a Self-Contained toilet for winter usage.

Click here for information on preparing a CENTREX toilet for winter usage.

Initial Start Up Steps

  • Step 1 – Spray Compost Quick in the Finishing Drawer, the Bio-drum TM and the Evaporation Chamber
  • Step 2 – Add Compost Sure Green or Blue into a bucket; the necessary mixture and amount is stated in the Initial Start-Up section of your owner’s manual. Add 2 quarts of warm water. Add 1/2 of the Microbe Mix packet, or two tablespoons from the jar, into the bucket. Allow the Compost Sure to absorb the water.
  • Step 3 – Scoop the Compost Sure mixture from the bucket into the Bio-drum™. Rotate the drum to mix. Specific directions are found in your owner’s manual. The Composting toilet is now ready for use.
  • Step 4 – For electric toilets only: The fan should run continuously 24 hours per day when installed in a primary residence. If a Non-electric toilet has an optional 12v fan installed, this fan must be receiving continuous power when the toilet is in use to ensure proper ventilation.

Routine Maintenance

Daily

One cup of Compost Sure Green or Blue, depending on your composting toilet, should be added per person per day of use.

Every Second Day

Every second day before turning the handle, spray 3-4 sprays of Compost Quick on the surface of the compost. Compost Quick is an enzyme that will speed up the composting process.

Turn the handle in a clockwise direction to mix and aerate the compost. When mixing, make sure the drum rotates the appropriate number of complete revolutions. Based on the size of the drum, this number varies by composter. Consult your owner’s manual for exact information pertaining to your composter.

Every Two Weeks

Add one scoop (tablespoon) of Microbe Mix to the Bio-drum™ to ‘recharge’ the pile. This will help to ensure your microbe colony stays constant and healthy.

Every Three Months

Rake the evaporation chamber: Remove the finishing drawer. Rake any solid debris from the floor of the toilet under the drawer (evaporation chamber), paying extra attention to the two back corners of the toilet as this is where debris may accumulate. Remove and dispose of the solid debris.

Twice Per Year

Clean the drum screen. Spray the Bio-drum™ screen with Compost Quick and let sit for 15 minutes (this will help to loosen the debris if the screen is not too encrusted). Scrub the screen vigorously with a wire brush. If residential use is expected, this may need to be done more frequently.

Periodic Maintenance

Remove compost from the Bio-Drum™. When the Bio-drum™ is half full (even with the middle of the drum hub at the front of the Bio-drum™) it is time to remove compost.

Seasonal Use and Spring Start Up

Empty Compost From Last Season

Following the instructions in your owner’s manual, remove compost from the Bio-drum ™ into the finishing drawer. Repeat the process as many times as needed until there is only 4-6” of compost in the drum. This will be your starter base for the coming season.

Rake

Remove the finishing drawer and use the rake tool to rake any loose material from the floor of the toilet. Pay careful attention to the back two corners of the toilet (near the safety drain). Do not dig or chip into the build up, as this can damage the toilet.

Add Water and Microbe Mix

Add 1 cup of warm water to the remaining compost, to ensure that it is moist. Add Sun-Mar Microbe Mix (two scoops) to the compost pile and rotate the drum several times to “kick-start” the microbes. If your composting toilet is electric, plug it in and use for another season.