MECHANICAL TROUBLE SHOOTING
Symptom Cause Remedial Action Prevention
Urine Odour in
Washroom
Occasional
Urine Odor
Outside
Strong
Sewage
Odor
Fan Noisy
Horizontal runs or
downward slopes on
vent pipe
Fan has failed
Downdraft
Competing appli-
ances
1. Vent stack not
installed above
peak of roof.
2. If vent stack is
installed above
roof line, natural
obstructions,
such as tall
trees, being
located in a
valley or close to
a hill may be
causing
downdraft.
Compost is
anaerobic
Fan damaged in
shipping or bearings
are beginning to
wear.
Re-install the vent so there are no horizontal or low
points where condensation can collect.
Have your serial number ready and call SUN-MAR for a
replacement. Instructions are included with the replace-
ment fan.
If you believe that there may be a downdraft outside of
the building, it may be a good idea to remove your fan
assembly prior to installation and set the fan gate to ‘0’
to prevent urine odor in the bathroom. (electric)
Install a 12 volt fan in vent pipe. (NE)
Wood stoves or furnaces installed in a tightly sealed room
with the composting toilet may draw air in causing a vacu-
um in the room. This will draw air down the vent pipe.
1. Check that the vent is installed above the peak
of the roof. If not, extend the vent. Guide wires
may be necessary.
2. Add lime to the evaporation chamber - as much
as you think necessary. You will have to rake
more often if you do this.
3. SUN-MAR has a filter box available which will filter
the ammonia out of the vented air in a downdraft
situation. Call SUN-MAR for details.
Begin following: “Compost Troubleshooting” suggestions.
1. If it is rattling, it may need to be cleaned or the
bearings are worn and the fan needs to be
replaced.
2. A hum is the normal sound the fan will make.. If
you are in a very quiet setting it will be more
noticeable. If this is the case, consider purchasing
a fan speed control so that the fan may be turned
down.
Install wall brackets on vent pipe
to prevent settling. DO NOT
install horizontal runs as liquid
will collect and block ventilation,
causing odour.
The fan is a constantly moving
part and has a finite service life.
Install an air intake to the com-
peting appliance from the out-
side.
Downdraft is dependent on wind
direction as well as natural
obstructions etc.
Initially, install the vent above the
peak of the roof. If symptoms
occur, add lime or a filter box.
Follow “Ongoing Maintenance”
and use proper bulking material.
Clean the fan with a small brush
and/or compressed air nozzle
once a year. To do this, remove
the fan assembly by taking off
the snap cap covers and
unscrewing the screws which
hold it in.
The entire assembly will then sim-
ply slide out. This will prevent
wear and lengthen the life of your
fan.
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