PLANNING FOR YOUR
CLIVUS MULTRUM SYSTEM

1. CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZED SYSTEM
The larger the compost tank is, the greater is its usage capacity. However selection of the most appropriate Clivus Multrum model is dependent on several factors:

• Average and peak usage rates
• The number of pedestals required
• Climate and site installation characteristics

For domestic use the smallest and most popular model is the CM8, suitable for households of up to 5 persons. The slightly wider CM10 will readily accommodate 2 pedestals, as do the larger CM14 and CM20. Where the available height under the floor is limited, the CM14 offers the lowest profile if the tank can be partially buried. Local government regulations in your area may determine the model acceptable for your requirements.

In public use facilities, all models have proven successful when generously sized for the projected use. This approach allows for high peak loadings and for future growth in patronage, and reduces the frequency of required servicing.

(Minimum clearances are at front of tank when buried)

2. TAKING CLIMATE INTO ACCOUNT
The capacity of any composting toilet is affected by temperature. The compost heap will generate its own heat, and if this heat can be retained in the tank the process will be more efficient. The cooler the temperature of the air around and entering the composting chamber, the slower the rate of decomposition will be and this in turn may lower the number of users a system can serve.

In regions where the annual mean temperature is below 18ºC, we recommend that a larger Clivus unit be installed or that special installation provisions are made for warming the tank.

Warming the compost tank or the air flowing into it can be done in several ways:

• Facing the building basement toward the sun so the air in the basement is heated naturally;
• Piping warm air from inside the building to the air intake of the tank;
• Insulating the tank or basement; or
• In extremely cold locations, heating of the basement by solar air heaters or other means may be warranted.

3. INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
When planning to install a Clivus into a dwelling there are a few things to take into account.

Is more than one toilet required?
Toilet rooms that are side by side can usually be served by the one compost chamber, although with the CM8 there is less flexibility. As the toilet pedestals are connected by vertical chutes to the compost tank, pedestals that are some distance apart will need a separate tank each.

Is there access beneath the toilet room?
Because the compost tank must be positioned under the toilet room, there needs to be access to this area. On a sloping site, partial excavation as shown below can be used to obtain the clearances needed to install and service the tank ( see table ). Alternatively, a cellar or retaining walls can be built as shown on page 10.
Locating the tank adjacent to an exterior wall can make access easier for servicing it.

Does the ground slope away so the excess liquid can be removed?
It is important that the tank always has good drainage and does not flood from surface water or with rising ground water. The drain pipe for excess liquid from the tank must slope down to its discharge point into a soakage trench or other disposal method.
The volume of excess liquid will depend on several factors, but should not exceed 1 litre per person per day. In domestic installations there is frequently no excess liquid at all. Clivus Multrum can also provide reliable pump-out systems if natural drainage cannot be achieved.

Can toilets on the first and second story of my house connect into the one compost chamber?
Yes, but the chutes must be vertical. Extra lengths of chute will be necessary for the second floor toilet and a longer ventilation pipe will be needed.

What if there is no power at my site?
Some units are run successfully with no power and just a turbo ventilator. In these instances Clivus Multrum cannot guarantee continual odourless operation, and the toilet may need to be installed outside the house.

If mains power is not available a solar power package can be supplied to run the fan either 24 hours a day or just during daylight hours. Clivus Multrum can also provide solar kits for house lighting and remote public buildings.

4. THE VENTILATION SYSTEM
The Clivus Multrum is designed so that the ventilation system draws air in through the compost tank and also down the toilet chute whenever the seat is lifted. This keeps odours out of the toilet room and makes the use of a separate room exhaust fan unnecessary. A small, heavy duty electric fan is installed in the vent pipe in a special housing that gives easy access for cleaning or replacement.

On request a wind driven turbo-ventilator can be supplied instead of the standard rain cover. This provides back-up to the vent fan especially when choosing the Daytime Solar option. The PVC vent piping can be provided by your installer to suit your particular installation, or as an optional item from Clivus Multrum.

There are three fan options normally available:

1 Standard 12V (5 Watt) heavy duty fan.

2 A 12V (2.5 Watt) fan for low-budget solar installations.

3 A 240V fan for high use commercial installations.

For the standard installation, a normal 240V power point is required in a weatherproof location near the fan housing. The 12 V transformer may then be simply plugged in and connected to the fan without need for an electrician.

5. THE TOILET PEDESTAL AND CHUTE
The standard toilet pedestal we supply with the Clivus system is made of impact resistant high-gloss polymarble in white, ivory or grey. In appearance it is much the same as a regular toilet - without the cistern of course.

The seat and lid are high gloss plastic, with a premium quality wooden seat available on request. The toilet chute connects the pedestal to the tank, and is specially shaped to suit the pedestal base. The chute comes in one metre long sections, and depending on the height of your floor from the tank extra chute lengths may be required.

The seat and lid are high gloss plastic, with a premium quality wooden seat available on request. The toilet chute connects the pedestal to the tank, and is specially shaped to suit the pedestal base. The chute comes in one metre long sections, and depending on the height of your floor from the tank extra chute lengths may be required.

6. TREATING HOUSEHOLD GREYWATER
There are many effective ways to deal with your greywater from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. These vary depending on the local government regulations and the area you live in, so we recommend you check on requirements firstly with your local Council.

Clivus Multrum can advise on various methods available. Our Greywater Pre-filter is designed for use as a part of various disposal methods.

7. WORMS ARE AN OPTION
Many people like the idea of using worms in their composting toilet. Whilst the Clivus process is based on microbial decomposition, it is also well suited to the use of worms. Use of compost worms will also increase the effective capacity of the compost tank, particularly useful in colder climates.

Being a higher life form, worms need more care; for instance ensuring correct carbon/nitrogen rations and pH are maintained, that they have adequate moisture at all times and plenty of food. As our aim is to provide our customers with the most trouble free system we can, we do not actively promote the use of worms. However, if this care is given then worms are a valid addition to the Clivus system.

AND THERE'S MORE…

In addition to the Clivus composting toilet system, we also have a range of all-in-one units that are ideal for holiday homes, boats, sheds or caravans.

The Ecolet range of toilets is particularly suitable where the building you wish to install your toilet in is on a concrete slab, as they don't require a compost chamber below the toilet room floor.

We also have a compact, low budget alternative for intermittent use in that shed or weekender.

So wherever you need to put your toilet, Clivus Multrum Australia can help you choose the one that is best for you.