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Winter Use
Because "Sun-Mar" units are made largely of fiberglass
and high grade stainless steel, freezing temperatures
will not damage the composting unit. Composting action
decreases as the temperature drops, so for continuous
use, the composting unit should be kept constantly at or
above 55-60 degrees F (13-15 C). All exposed vent
stack should be insulated (right up to 2" or 5cm below
the diffusor) to minimize the condensation in the pipe
and avoid ice blockages. Drain pipe should be insulat-
ed or, in extreme temperatures, heat tape used to pre-
vent ice blockages.
In extreme temperatures, an additional source of heat
will also be required.
If the compost is frozen in the drum, the unit may be
used periodically as a "holding tank", until the compost
warms up and the microbes emerge from dormancy.
Space should be made in the drum prior to freezing to
accommodate winter use. The drum should NOT be
rotated when the compost is frozen.
Make sure that the composting unit is protected from
snow and ice accumulation to ensure that moisture
doesn't get into the heater base. It is a good idea to
put a tarp over the composting unit to protect it from
snow.
In Electric or AC/DC units, air is pulled through intake
holes at the rear of the unit; over the evaporating
chamber, and up the 2” (50mm) vent stack which exits
from the front of the composting unit when AC power is
being used.
When using the NE or AC/DC units and AC power is
unavailable, natural draught caused by the chimney
effect combined with a 12 volt fan draws air into the unit
and up the 4” (100mm)vent stack.
In Electric or AC/DC units using the AC mode, the evap-
oration process is further assisted by a thermostatical-
ly controlled heating element in a separate sealed com-
partment under the evaporating chamber. This heater
is largely on when there is liquid in the evaporating
chamber, and largely off when the chamber is dry. The
heating system maintains warmth in the evaporating
chamber, and the indirect warmth assists the compost-
ing process, without the compost drying out. An safety
drain exits from the left side of the composter which
drains off any excess liquid to a cess pool, recycling
bed, old septic bed or other approved facility.
Basic Maintenance Instructions
Sealand toilet and 'Centrex 3000 Family' Central Units
The toilet is porcelain and should be cleaned with 'Compost Quick' or Baking Soda can be used diluted in
hot water.
Three times a week weekly maintenance (every second day when in use):
Turn drum to reveal waste inlet hole through access port and add Compost Sure Blue at the rate of @ 1
cupful (250ml) per person per day.
Rotate handle clockwise to mix contents of Bio-drum and give 10 complete revolutions of the drum - (60
rotations of the handle). Ensure that the drum door opening is in the vertical position at the end after
hearing the 'click' of the catch.
Spray 'Compost Quick' into the drum before and after mixing - also once a week in base of unit and fin-
ishing tray.
Check compost volume and condition in Bio-ddrum and:
If the waste in the Bio-drum is too wet add wood shavings to improve aeration.
If composting is too slow add one scoop of Microbe Mix every second week, and ensure that the drum is
not more than 1/2 full. If it is, follow the instructions for the emptying cycle.
Monthly maintenance and emptying cycle:
Rake out evaporation chamber with rake provided. The black evaporating tray should be removed, solid
matter tipped into the finishing tray and then replaced beneath the drum screen.
Empty out the collection chamber when full so it is ready to receive fresh material.
Clean the drum screen. Remove the finishing drawer, the drum screen is to the left of the drawer on the
bottom of the drum. Spray the 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 the wire brush.
If brushing the screen does not clear it and liquid is still not draining through the screen, use a screw-
driver or nail to puncture each hole in the drum screen.
Attention: The composting unit must remain plugged in to an electrical outlet continuously to function
odorlessly. The AC/DC units should have both fans running while used in electric mode to prevent recircu-
lation between vent stacks. If you will be away from the residence where the composting unit is installed
for longer than three days, the power may be disconnected while the composting unit lays dormant.
