NATURE'S HEAD Self-Contained Composting Toilet Guide
NATURE’S HEAD
Self-Contained Composting Toilet
Installation Manual and User’s Guide
®
Saving Our Water for Tomorrow
Nature’s Head, Inc.
www.NaturesHead.net
Sales
PO Box 250
Van Buren, OH 45889
Phone: 251-295-3043
Email: [email protected]
Corporate
535 Bayou Sara Avenue
Saraland, AL 36571
Made in the USA
Page 1 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
Nature’s Head®Composting Toilet
Congratulations on your acquisition of a NATURE’S HEAD®
composting toilet! Although the concept of a composting head (toilet) is
not a new one, the unit which you have purchased is the freshest of the
new generation of this kind of product.
We saw a need for an improved design and more user-friendly product.
and more affordable alternative to other products. While designed
to withstand the rigors of the boating environment, the NATURE’S
HEAD® toilet is well suited for many other applications.
Wherever you choose to install your new NATURE’S HEAD®toilet, it is
sure to provide you with years of worry-free sanitation solutions without
the hassles, inconvenience, expense, and odors of other sanitation
systems.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
1) Your new NATURE’S HEAD®composting toilet
2) Liquids Bottle and Cap
3) Basic installation kit:
• 5 feet of 1½ inch inside diameter hose with ends
•
• agitator handle
• 2 mounting brackets and knobs
• "
•6’ single pin cable for 12 volt fan
• fuse holder and fuse for direct battery attachment
• Allen wrench for installation of spider handle
4) Instruction manual
5) Warranty Card
Note: The exhaust fan for the head was installed before shipment.
Page 2 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
INSTALLATION
ITEMS YOU MAY NEED TO COMPLETE YOUR INSTALLATION
Your NATURE’S HEAD® composting toilet comes with most of the
items necessary for completion of your installation. The outside vent is
not included because each application is different and many will require
a different vent. Also the 12V to 110V Power Transformer (AC Adapter)
is not included because all installations do not require this.
What might I need to install Nature’s Head...
... for My Tiny House installation?
If you are using 110 volt house power, you will need our Power Trans-
former (AC Adapter). If using 12 volt, batteries and or solar, the toilet
comes with the necessary parts. Our PVC vent assembly is an easy way
... for My RV installation?
The toilet comes with the 12 volt parts needed.You will need our Power
Transformer (AC Adapter) to plug into an outlet to power the fan ONLY
if using 110 house power. The mushroom vent is an easy way to vent
venting.You may already have an existing vent to connect to.
... for My Tiny House or Cabin installation?
The toilet comes with everything for a 12 volt system. If using 110,
house power you will need our Power Transformer (AC Adapter) to
plug into an outlet to power the fan.The PVC vent is a good way to vent
... for My Boat installation?
The toilet comes with the 12 volt parts needed. The venting, you can use
the mushroom vent for cabin side or roof. It can also be used over an old
Page 3 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
INSTALLATION, continued
Hose Length
Some installations may require increased hose lengths which may
be purchased on a per foot basis. PVC pipe, available at most home
improvement or hardware stores, may also be substituted for longer
hose sections.
Floor Construction
bolt may be required. If the installation is on
customers have found it convenient to mount the toilet to a section
of plywood rather than trying to drill masonry. The plywood can be
Electrical Requirements
If regular household current is available (110 volts), the head can be
powered by a 12 volt Power Transformer (AC Adapter). These may be
purchased from Nature’s Head, Inc.
Composting Medium
Some type of composting medium is required.
Sphagnum Peat Moss: The most commonly used material is sphagnum
peat moss (organic) which is available at most
garden stores or home improvement stores. It is
usually available in a shrink-wrapped 3 ft cubic bale
for $8 to $10. This quantity of sphagnum peat moss
should sustain use of the head for a year or longer.
The sphagnum peat moss should be organic, no
additives. DO NOT use MIRACLE-GRO peat
moss, as it is enriched with plant food.
Coconut Coir: Coconut
coir brick) is also an acceptable composting
medium. However, it is more costly and
less readily available. It may be obtained at
hydroponic gardening outlets or online. The
bricks on the left weigh 250 grams (a bit more
than ½ pound each). Coir bricks can be placed in a plastic bag: add 5
measuring cups of water per brick and let sit for 12 hours. This brick will
expand to just a little more than 2 ½ gallons.
Example
Example
Page 4 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
INSTALLATION: Dimensions
1 ”
12½”
20”
2 ”
9 ”
13”
3”
19”
6”
Note:
Dimensions can vary up to 4% due to the rotational moulding of polyethylene plastic.
Please note as stated in our instructions the following.
• Allow approximately 1.5 inches behind toilet if against a bulkhead or wall
for the bowl to tilt for servicing.
•To disengage the bowl from the base, face the toilet. The bowl slides to
the left 2 inches to disconnect from the slip hinge
• Handle and agitator, as well as the fan housing, can be switched to either side.
Page 5 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
INSTALLATION: Dimensions
13”
2”
5”
Standard Handle: 21”
Spider Handle 19 ”
Standard Handle
Spider Handle
12 ½”
Page 6 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
When selecting the location for your new Nature’s Head®, be certain to
allow enough space behind and on both sides for the toilet to function
and be serviced.
Be sure that the lid will open fully. You
must also be certain that the bowl has
enough room to tilt rearward to allow for
its removal and for the removal of the
liquid tank.
If mounted against a wall or bulkhead,
allow a minimum of 1½ inches between
the toilet and the wall.
It is necessary to allow adequate room for the hose connection and
agitator handle. Both of these may be relocated to the opposite side of
the unit if needed. In some space-restricted areas it may be necessary to
offset the toilet to one side or even turn the toilet slightly to one side to
allow for extra clearance.
With the standard handle attached, the
width of the unit is 21 inches.
'
spider handle decreases the width to
17 ¾ inches. Two inches, to the left
side of the head (as you face it), is
required to slide the bowl off the slip
hinge for servicing the base.
+
the toilet away from the mounting location may be a more desirable
method of servicing the unit.
INSTALLATION: Location
Page 7 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
INSTALLATION: Mounting
It is necessary to secure your toilet to
The normal mounting is to position
the L-brackets under the base in the
recesses in the toilet, as shown on the
left. Counter sunk mounting screws
are included for installing to a wood
previously selected location. Attach the L-brackets to the toilet with the
knobs provided. If you choose to mount the L-brackets facing out (not
a pencil for drill locations. If you choose to mount them under the toilet,
carefully trace around as much of the outline of the bracket as possible.
Measure the distance between the bracket and the lines you drew.
Now remove the brackets from the toilet and move the toilet out of the
way. Carefully position the L-brackets inside of the lines that you drew
walls, be sure you know what is behind them! The holes in the brackets
are for #12 countersunk bolts or screws. If you are using the screws
provided you will need to drill a 1/8 inch pilot hole in the drill marks you
If you are uncertain if your brackets are positioned correctly, drill and
mount just one bracket. Then reposition the toilet and mount to the one
attached bracket. Check the positioning of your other bracket and marks.
If all looks good, proceed with drilling and mounting the other bracket.
If your markings are off, adjust your lines and proceed with mounting
frequently, a small amount of sealant should be placed in the holes before
installing your screws. Attach your toilet and check to be sure everything
Do not over tighten the hold down knobs as you will
damage the threads in the base!
Page 8 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
INSTALLATION: Venting
The unit must be vented to the outside of your cabin whether it is a
boat, RV, truck, or vacation property. This helps keep your bathroom
facilitates the composting process.
installation. The average do-it-yourselfer should be able to easily
accomplish this if one is familiar with and has the proper tools.
Depending on the type and placement of your vent, you may be required
handyman to do this for you.
Due to the variety of ventilation choices
available, the external vent has not been
provided. Mushroom vents, solar vents, and
our PVC Vent Assembly Kit are commonly
used for venting to the exterior. All of these
can be purchased from Nature’s Head.
The unit may be vented vertically through the
roof, or most common horizontally through
and other permanent structures the venting can be placed horizontally
through the wall with our PVC Vent Kit.
is used beneath a mushroom vent or solar
vent and connects directly to the hose.
Page 9 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
INSTALLATION: Venting
Attaching the Handle
The toilet is shipped with the agitator handle unattached and must be
installed before use. The standard handle is attached with a collar and
hairpin clip, while the spider handle attaches with an allen set screw
and locknut. In the event that the handle must be moved to the opposite
site of the base, the agitator must be manually removed, reversed, and
reinstalled. A Video showing how to reverse the agitators can be found
on NaturesHead.net/Installation
Reversing the Fan and Filter Housing
If installation of the ventilating hose is more favorable on one side of
?
#
the components and their respective housings. A Video showing how
@F#?
Installation.
Page 10 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
INSTALLATION: Venting, continued
If a sharp 90 degree turn from the
fan housing is needed, a 1¼ inch
PVC street elbow (not provided)
may be used to achieve a proper
#
Installations on boats and RV’s are
easily managed with the stainless
steel mushroom vent with the built-
in screen and adjustable top which
is self-sealing.
+
#J
the mushroom vent mounted over the existing hole. The venting hose
provided with the unit will attach directly to the adapter.
Clamping the hose to the fan housing is not necessary on the connection
for the head, and normally not necessary on the exterior connecter. With
depending on the amount of support provided for the vent hose. If the
hose is supported properly, you will probably not need a clamp. The vent
hose must be attached to the housing which has the fan inside it. The unit
is designed to pull fresh air through the head and ventilate it outside. If
you disassemble the fan housing, always check to be certain that the fan
is blowing out of the vent before re-attaching the vent hose.
Attaching a mesh fabric or screen (not provided) over the opening is
necessary to prevent the entry of insects into the system. Any mesh fabric
such as window screen or nylon netting will provide an adequate insect
barrier.
Page 11 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
INSTALLATION: Venting
Page 12 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
INSTALLATION: POWER CONNECTION
As with all electrical
connections, be sure your
head is on a fused circuit.
The fuse should be no less
than 2 amps and no more
than 5 amps (12V). A fuse
holder and fuse are provided
for use in a non-protected 12
volt system such as direct
attachment to a battery.
The fan may also be powered by a 110 volt source with a Power
Transformer (AC Adapter) that reduces the power to 12 volts. If the
system is being powered by the 110 volt Power Transformer (AC
Adapter) disregard the fuse, fuse holder and single pin cable as they are
intended for use ONLY with a 12 volt power source. No fuse is required
when using the Power Transformer (AC Adapter).
These Power Transformers (AC Adapter)
are available through Nature’s Head,Inc.
Assistance
If you are unsure about your wiring system or requirements, consult an
electrician.
If you are unsure of a particular step in the installation of your Nature’s
Head, please check the FAQs for Installation on our website, www.
natureshead.net. If you are unable to resolve the issue, send us an email
giving your name, phone number, address, distributor name, and a brief
description of how we may help.
Page 13 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
USING YOUR NATURE’S HEAD
The waterless, urine separating design contributes the extraordinary
holding capacity. The composting section holds approximately 60 to 80
uses.
The time frame to empty the solids bin varies with number of people
and the time period. The toilet is designed for 1 to 4 people full-time.
Generally, two people full-time people’s usage will require emptying
approximately every 3 weeks; additional people will shorten the time. If
using just on weekends with 2 people, that can extend time to 2 months
or more. Just a couple of days of non-use extends the period of time.
Usually, the level of the compost will not increase; if it does it will be
minimal.
The urine bottle holds 2.2 gallons and will require more frequent
emptying; two people might need to empty after 3-4 days.
Before use, it is necessary to add compost
material to the base of the unit. Gallon size
“ZIPLOC®” type bags are an inexpensive
one-gallon bags of pre-moistened sphagnum
toilet. The sphagnum peat moss should rise to
the level of, or cover, the agitator bar in a horizontal position.
The sphagnum peat moss should be damp and crumbly, never wet or
amount of water. When not in use, the lid of the toilet should be in the
closed position, preventing the entry of insects and allowing proper
ventilation. The peat moss must be regular/organic sphagnum peat moss,
no additives. DO NOT use MIRACLE-GRO peat moss.
Do not add additional medium after solids usage. Doing this will result in
too much sphagnum peat moss or coconut coir in the unit and will limit
your time of usage before emptying.
The primary concept of our composting toilet is the separation of liquids
and solid wastes! Be sure to inform your guests as to the proper use of
your head. This will allow proper composting action and assist your
guests in feeling comfortable with a new piece of equipment.
Page 14 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
USAGE, continued
unpleasant odor and prevent proper compost action.
Seated usage is recommended. While seated, the unit may be used with
the trap door in the open or closed position. Whether male or female, the
user’s liquids and solids will be directed to the correct locations from this
position. With any bowel movement, the trap door must be open. Male
stand-up usage is less acceptable as splatter may result. In the event that
the unit is used in a standing position, the trapdoor must remain closed in
order to prevent mingling of liquid and solid wastes.
Toilet paper is typically placed in the toilet. Since paper products do not
decompose as quickly as solid wastes, they will be visible long after the
solid matter has broken down. Any type of toilet paper is acceptable;
less substantial brands (such as marine or RV paper) will compost the
quickest.
Diapers, wipes and tampons should not be placed in the solids bin. Many
brands of these items are made from a mix of rayon and non-organic
cotton, and are commonly chlorine-bleached. These will not decompose.
water and 2
oz of white vinegar nearby to spray off the bowl in the event that some
solid waste adheres to the bowl. Spritzing of the bowl also assists in
cleansing the urine passages.
All urine has an odor. It will not be noticed with normal use. It will be
present when the storage container is open to the air for emptying. For
persistent urine odors in the container, add a few ounces of white vinegar,
and/or a few drops of Dawn dishwashing soap to reduce this odor.
must be agitated 2-3 revolutions slowly in order to mix the waste into
the compost and promote the composting process. Contents of the solid
waste container must be kept moist, not wet, and remain separated from
the liquid waste.
Page 15 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
USAGE, continued
When the toilet is functioning correctly, the composted matter will have a
musty or soil-like odor and the visual appearance will be very similar to
that of the original sphagnum peat moss. It is not normal for the compost
to be wet or for there to be odor problems
If the compost is staying wet and you have odor problems, the solids tank
is becoming contaminated with urine and steps must be taken to prevent
this. If this persists, and you are unable to determine how it is becoming
contaminated, please contact us for help.
Vomiting and diarrhea, if not persistent, are unlikely to affect the head
function. If increased wetness of the compost results, the situation may
be corrected with the addition of a small amount of dry compost medium.
USAGE: Emptying
The liquid waste vessel will contain approximately 2.2 gallons of urine.
The translucent material of the container allows easy visualization of the
liquid level.
To empty the liquid waste container:
1) Release the latches located at both front
sides of the unit which secure the bowl to
the base, 2) Raise the bowl to an angle of
approximately 45 degrees, install the cap,
and remove the bottle, 3) Dispose of the
contents in an appropriate manner. The urine bottle maybe emptied into a
conventional toilet or other appropriate facility. Many books and articles
This may also be part of your environmental plan for disposing of wastes
in a cabin situation.
excessive. The liquid tank should be emptied frequently and rinsed with
water with detergent or vinegar added. Allowing urine to remain in the
storage container for extended periods is unwise as this will result in
increased odor production. If the toilet is used in combined bathroom/
shower, you may wish to drill a drain hole in the urine tank holder if
water accumulation becomes a problem.
Page 16 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
USAGE: Emptying
With the bottle assembly removed, lift the
seat unit several inches and slide it to the
left to disengage the slip hinge. (You may
need to unhook your vent hose and power
supply if it is necessary to move the bowl
to the side.) Remove the knobs from the
mounting brackets at each side of the base
and the base is now ready to empty.
One of the simplest methods to
empty is to place a 13 gallon
kitchen bag over the opening of
the base (NOTE: the bag does
NOT go in the base.) The bag
and allow you to invert the base
and empty the contents into
the bag without spillage. This
is especially useful when the
toilet is used for boats and other
mobile units, as removing the
toilet is unnecessary.
It is unnecessary to clean the interior of the solid waste container as
composting will continue from the residual matter clinging to the sides.
Cleaning the base unit, especially with any chemicals, may inhibit its
ability to generate the good bacteria that is breaking down the solid
wastes. Simply empty, put in more sphagnum peat moss, and re-assemble
your toilet.
It is best you do not leave the liquid wastes in the tank for extended
periods. While everyone is different, some urine will smell bad if
allowed to sit for extended periods.
Page 17 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
USAGE: Disposal
The recommended procedure for disposing of the contents of the solid
waste tank is placing it in a proper composting bin to allow it to fully
decompose. When traveling in a boat or RV, this may not be practical.
The contents of the solid waste tank may be safely placed into a
conventional dumpster if it has been allowed to compost fully. When
fully composted, the solid wastes may be used to fertilize non-ingestible
plantings. Placing human waste compost on edible plants or vegetables is
not recommended.
Full-time users have some special circumstances to deal with. Full-time
use does not allow enough time for the solid wastes to compost. The
most recent waste, although mixed with the already composted material,
will not be decomposed. This also means that the fecal bacteria (present
in fresh human wastes) may still be present. We recommend taking
precautions such as the use of gloves if you may come into contact with
waste material. It is advisable that you delay emptying the solid waste for
6-8 hours after the last use.
Another method for dealing with non-composted wastes (if space allows)
is to purchase the “extra base” option and swap out the bases. The extra
base comes complete with all the necessary hardware, agitator, and bottle
holder. It also comes with a vented lid so the contents can be set aside
and allowed to compost. A storage bin utilizing the trash bag method of
emptying, placing the bag into a small plastic bucket, ventilating the lid,
contents could be emptied into a traditional compost bin and allowed to
not suitable for use on ingestible plants.
Page 18 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
CLEANSING & MAINTENANCE
A quick spray of water and white vinegar or a natural cleaner from
asquirt bottle is all that is needed to keep your NH fresh between uses. If
necessary, a moistened paper towel (no synthetics) is excellent for
cleansing the interior (as well as the exterior) of the head.
For more intensive cleansing or dried-on matter, a paper towel moistened
with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water may be used, and disposed of, in
the same manner, after cleaning. Bleach, ammonia, and other commercial
cleaning compounds should never be added to your composting head
as they will interfere with the composting process and may lead to
unpleasant odors. These cleaners maybe used to clean the exterior
surfaces.
Maintenance requirements for the head are very minimal. All metal
parts (bolts, hinges, latches, knobs, agitator, and trapdoor components)
are either stainless steel or brass. Filters on each side of the base should
be removed and cleaned yearly or when emptying the solid wastes.
the bolts, clean and replace. Caution should be taken so that the fan is
The full-size molded-in seat of the head is designed for safety and
comfort and requires no special care.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
We are committed to providing our customers with outstanding
service. If you need assistance please email us, giving us your name,
address, telephone number. Approximate date of purchase and name of
distributor would be helpful.
Contact Us.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 251-295-3043
We periodically send newsletters to our customers and friends in order
to share ideas and solutions suggested by our customers, to alert you to
new developments and to provide other relevant information. If you have
never received one of our newsletters, we invite you to sign up by clicking
the link in the footer of our webpage: www.natureshead.net
Page 19 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Find more troubleshooting and FAQ information online at natureshead.net/
Fan not working. If using 12 volt battery, check for voltage. Be sure the
wire marked positive is attached to the positive from the battery. Check
the fuse. Check to see if the single pin hookup is making contact. If using
the 110 to the 12v Power Transformer (AC Adapter), check voltage at the
outlet. Verify the single pin connection.Try unplugging and reconnecting.
When the fan is running, make sure the fan is blowing outward. If the fan
is still not working, contact Nature’s Head or your distributor for a free
replacement.
Compost seems too wet. If too wet due to prolonged diarrhea, add
a small amount of sphagnum peat moss. If wet due to excessive
condensation, also add a little spagnum peat moss. Make sure excessive
wetness is not due to someone urinating directly into the compost
section. This can also contribute to an unpleasant odor. The compost
area should have only a musty smell. If a sewage odor is present, please
contact Nature’s Head for consultation.
Compost seems too dry. If the compost is dry or hard, add some water
and turn the agitator after the sphagnum peat moss has absorbed the
moisture.
Cold Conditions. Composting works from 55 degrees and warmer.
The warmer it is, the faster it composts. When the temperature drops to
freezing, the compost will be dormant until heat is introduced to the area.
natural Diatomaceous Earth to the compost. This can be purchased at
swimming pool supply stores or hardware stores. You may also want to
try Gnatrol, following packaging directions. If neither of these work,
please call us.
If the compost gets dry, the
handle may not turn easily. Adding used coffee grounds results in added
moisture and keeps the compost loose so that it mixes better.
FAQs
We update our Frequently Asked Questions regularly on our web-
suggestions and solutions that will be helpful to you.
Page 20 © 2017 Nature’s Head. Inc.
OPTIONS
For enhanced capacity and convenience, consider these options for
your NATURE’S HEAD®Composting Toilet. All items are avail-
able for purchase on our website www.NaturesHead.net, from our
distributors, or by phone at 251-295-3043.
EXTENDED CAPACITY
Extra Liquids Bottle
Bottle with cap.
Extra Base, with Lid
Complete with lids for storage allow for further
composting and to extend the use of the unit. Bases
have the agitator and hinge pre-installed for rapid
change out. Handle is included.
Lid for Solids Bin
Vented lid for use when transporting solids bin is
necessary.
Power Transformer (AC Adapter)
Optional 110 V adapter, used only when using
110V (house) power.
VENTS
Mushroom Ventilator
Polished 304 sheet stainless steel with a screw down
knob to open and close the vent. Includes a stainless
steel mesh mosquito screen.
PVC Vent Assembly for Structures
Screened vent assembly for through-the-wall installation
in structures such as cabins, homes, workshops, barns.
Fits 1 5/8 inch opening. 16" connector pipe can be
shortened as required. Can be installed horizontally or
Nature’s Head®Composting Toilet
NATURE’S HEAD, INC.
PO Box 250
Van Buren, OH 45889
251-295-3043
www.NaturesHead.net
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