Hi, I'm Liz from Caravan Guard insurance.
Using your caravan or motorhome's on-board facilities, such as the toilet
will allow you to visit more campsites where facilities may be limited,
as well as go off-grid.
For many, the thought of a number two on the loo
might be an absolute no-no,
but sometimes you just might not have any choice,
and if you're new to caravanning, you might be slightly confused by
the large number of toilet additives available,
as well as being unsure how to use them.
In this video, we'll show you how to prepare, use, empty and maintain
your caravan or motorhome's toilet cassette.
You might also find this video useful if
you're about to start using your on-board facilities for the first time,
and you're worried about smells and hygiene.
So, let's start with the basics.
What is a chemical toilet?
Unlike most toilets at home, chemical toilets do not flush into a sewer system.
Instead, toilets in caravans, motorhomes, and some boats
empty into a cassette, which is then removed and emptied
at a chemical waste point.
These are sometimes known as Elsan points.
Toilet cassettes are prepared with chemicals before use,
and if you visit a caravan accessories store,
you'll see many chemicals are on the shelf for the toilet.
So what do these different chemicals do?
There are two common coloured chemicals. These are blue and pink.
The blue chemical is used in the toilet cassette
to help break down any solids and to neutralise any odours.
Pink chemicals are used in the flush tanks of some caravans.
This helps keep the toilet fresh and smelling pleasant.
You'll also notice various other colours, including green and purple.
Green chemicals are an alternative to the blue additives,
and they're ideal for environmentally conscious campsites
or those that use septic tanks.
More and more campsites now require the use of green toilet fluids
as they try to limit their environmental impact on the surrounding areas.
It's worth checking with your campsite before you visit
to see if they have any limitations on which chemicals to use.
There are other chemicals you'll see on the shelf, and we'll cover those later.
But right now, let's go through how to prepare the chemical toilet.
Each toilet chemical will have instructions and guidance
on the strength and dilution of the additive.
Remove the toilet cassette from the housing and unscrew the cap.
Inside the cap will be clear markings for measuring out the blue or green chemical.
Once measured, pour in and add the correct amount of water to the solution.
Then simply replace the cap, and reinsert the cassette into the caravan or motorhome.
On some caravans, you can also top up the flush tank.
Fill with water and add the flush additive here.
If your caravan does not have a flush tank
but you'd still like to use the flush additive,
simply mix up a small amount in an old drinks bottle,
and keep next to the side of the toilet.
You can buy a ready-mix spray bottle for the same result.
The toilet is now ready to use,
but like anything else in the caravan,
there are some top tips for using the toilet.
To use the toilet, start by opening the hatch lever on the side of the bowl.
Use the toilet, and press the flush button on the top for about 5-10 seconds.
Once all the water has flushed away,
simply close the hatch and close the toilet lid.
When it comes to toilet paper, you can buy special paper
that breaks down easily in the cassette.
However, cheaper brands from the supermarket will do just as well.
If you're worried about any mess,
other items on the market can make clean-up really easy.
Bowl liners fit into the toilet bowl,
and can be flushed into the cassette, where they break down.
This'll keep the toilet bowl nice and clean.
Another solution is to use toilet paper,
and layer the paper in the bowl in the shape of a lotus flower.
To keep the toilet clean, don't be tempted to use bleach
or harsh chemicals you find around the house.
Over time, these chemicals can make plastics brittle,
perish the rubber seals,
and they can lose the shiny surface of the plastics.
Instead, use cleaners specifically designed for plastic surfaces,
and caravan or motorhome bathrooms.
Never flush anything like wet wipes, antiseptic wipes,
kitchen towels or sanitary products into the cassette.
These items can usually clog up the insides when emptying the cassette.
Which brings us on to when and how you should empty the toilet cassette.
Of course, how often you empty the cassette depends on how much you use it.
As a rough guide, for a family of four using the toilet
expect to empty the cassette at least every 1 1/2 days.
Thankfully, there should also be a handy indicator on your toilet
that will show when the cassette needs emptying.
To empty the toilet cassette, make sure the hatch lever is closed.
You won't be able to remove your toilet cassette without doing this.
Then pop outside and remove the cassette from the housing.
Some people like to wear gloves to keep hands clean.
Take the cassette to the nearest service point or chemical waste point.
Extend the neck of the cassette and remove the cap.
Now place the cap in a safe place away from the drain.
You'll be amazed how many are lost at this point.
Press the small button that allows air into the cassette
and gently pour the contents out.
Once empty, refill with water and gently agitate the contents.
Try not to be too aggressive!
Empty the cassette, and repeat this process until the water runs clear.
The cassette is now ready to be prepared as before.
Remember, after emptying the toilet cassette always wash your hands thoroughly,
as well as after using the loo.
At the end of your holiday, empty the cassette as normal,
and also make sure the flush tank is emptied too.
Depending on your flush tank will depend on how to drain it down,
so look at your user manual for more information.
It's important that the flush pump is run
to remove any liquid from inside the pipework,
and this will also reduce any frost damage during the winter months.
If you do have lots of flush liquid left over in the tank, don't waste it.
Instead, empty the flush into an old water bottle,
and this will be perfect to re-use on your next holiday.
There are just a couple of areas that need maintenance.
Firstly, the rubber seal on the cassette.
Periodically spray this seal with some silicon lubricant to keep the seal supple.
Also in winter, and when the caravan is in storage,
keep the hatch seal open to reduce the seal from sticking to the cassette lid.
Another area of maintenance is occasional cassette cleaning.
Again, there are products on the market
that will help with the cleaning of the cassette.
Simply pour in the required amount and fill with water,
allowing the chemicals to do their job.
So there you go, that's it.
If you do feel squeamish about these things, don't worry,
if you're a dog owner or a parent, you've probably dealt with much worse things.
Also, by the time you come to empty the toilet cassette,
the contents have been broken down by the chemicals,
and it's really not as bad as you might think.
We hope you've enjoyed watching this video,
if so, please like and share,
and happy caravanning and motorhoming.
Thanks for watching.