Sun-Mar EXCEL User manual

Serial No.______________
SELF CONTAINED TOILET
OWNER’S MANUAL
EXCEL EXCEL NE COMPACT
Certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 41
Certified for liquid containment,
odors, and solid end products in
both residential and cottage use

RATED CAPACITY
Residential & Continuous Use
EXCEL 3 Adults or a family
EXCEL NE 2 Adults or families of 3
COMPACT 1 Adult
Weekend & Vacation Use
EXCEL 6 Adults or families of 8
EXCEL NE 5 Adults or families of 7
COMPACT 3 Adults or families of 4
Models for which the manual applies:
CSEL-01001 Excel Bone 115 V
CSEL-01001W Excel White 115 V
CSEL-01001-230 Excel Bone 230 V
CSEL-01001W-230 Excel White 230 V
CSNL-01101B Excel NE Bone
CSNL-01101W Excel NE White
CSEM-01400B Compact Bone
CSEM-01400WB Compact White
CSEM-01400BB Compact Bone - 230 V
CSEM-01400WBB Compact White - 230 V

TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Self Contained Toilet
The Patented Bio-drum™
Compost Finishing Drawer
Evaporation Chamber
How Composting Works
What’s In The Box?
Parts And Functionality
Installing The Excel Footrest
Installation FAQ
Rough-In Diagrams
Installation Specifications
EXCEL And COMPACT
EXCEL NE
Space Required And Other
Considerations
Vent Pipe Installation
EXCEL And COMPACT
EXCEL NE (Non-Electric)
Inlet Coupling
Diffuser Installation
Drain Installation
Effluent Handling
Initial Start-Up And Use
Ongoing Toilet Maintenance
Removing Compost From The Bio-drum™
Seasonal Usage And Spring Start-Up
Winter Use
1
1
1
1
2
3
3
3
4
5
6
6
6
6
7
8
8
8
9
9
10
11
12
13
Compost Troubleshooting
Compost Too Wet
Waste Not Breaking Down
Lumps In Drum
Bio-drum™ Too Full
Strong Odor
Flies Present
Mechanical Troubleshooting
Urine Odor In Washroom
Occasional Urine Odor Outside
Fan Noisy
Fan Not Working
Liquid Build-Up In Evaporation Chamber
Liquid Overflow
Heating System Not Working/
Lack Of Evaporation
Liquid In Finishing Drawer
Drum Will Not Turn
Drum Door Not Opening/Closing
Properly
COMPACT Explosion Diagram
Wiring Diagram/Electrical Specifications
EXCEL & EXCEL NE Explosion Diagram
Wiring Diagram/Electrical Specifications
Composting Toilet Accessories
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
15
15
15
16
16
16
16
17
18
18
18
19
20
21
THE SUN-MAR SELF
CONTAINED TOILET
Do NOT stand on the toilet.
Electric toilets must be installed so that
electrical components of the toilet are
protected from rain, flooding and
melting snow.
Do NOT power wash electric toilets.
Using metal tools for cleaning purposes
will damage the toilet.

The SUN-MAR SELF CONTAINED TOILET
The key to the success lies in its three chamber design. Each of the three chambers; patented Bio-drum™, compost
finishing drawer, and evaporation chamber, have their own independent environments for optimum efficiency. The
electric version has a thermostatically controlled heater and fan assembly to help evaporate liquid and should be
used where there is a constant electrical supply. The non-electric version is for use where there is no continuous
electric supply, and has no fan or heater.
The Patented Bio-Drum™
Unique to Sun-Mar, the patented Bio-drum™ provides the necessary mass to maintain good compost and allows
easy aeration of the compost by simply turning the drum. Excess liquid will exit through a screen in the bottom of the
drum into the evaporation chamber. Mixing compost in the Bio-drum™ is accomplished by rotating the handle in a
clock-wise direction. Compost is removed from the drum by pulling out the drum lock button and rotating the handle
in a counter clock-wise direction.
The Compost Finishing Drawer
The compost finishing drawer sits below the Bio-drum™ of the toilet. Compost in the drawer is isolated from mixing
with new waste while resting for 4 weeks so that it can finish composting.
The Evaporation Chamber
The evaporation chamber is the floor of the unit under the
compost finishing drawer. This is the area where any
excess liquid will gather for evaporation.
1

HOW COMPOSTING WORKS
Composting is the natural process of decomposition that can be assisted by providing the ideal
conditions to help your composting toilet work at peak performance. The ideal conditions for
decomposition to occur depend on several factors: oxygen, temperature, moisture content, and the
carbon/nitrogen ratio.
Oxygen
Oxygen is very important in composting. Your compost should be aerated in order to encourage
aerobic bacteria growth. Aerobic bacteria are bacteria that grow and live in the presence of oxygen
and are very efficient in breaking down waste. To aerate the compost and encourage the growth of
these bacteria, the compost drum should be turned three times per week (6 complete turns of the
drum).
Temperature
Temperature is another important consideration when composting. Optimal composting
temperatures range between 70-90° F/20-30° C. Decomposition will slow significantly or stop
completely if the compost becomes too cold (below 55° F/13° C). If you are in an area that
experiences temperatures below 55° F/13° C additional heat is required if the composting toilet will
be used continually or frequently. If used for intermittent cottage application (3 - 4 weekends
throughout the cold season) no additional heat is required. The toilet will function as a holding tank
until the temperature warms up.
Moisture
Moisture is necessary to achieve good compost. Your compost should always be damp, like your
garden after you have lightly watered it. This moisture allows the bacteria to travel around in the
compost so that they can speed decomposition by digesting the waste. If the compost is too dry, the
bacteria cannot survive and decomposition will slow or cease. When adding moisture to the
compost, you are aiming for damp compost, not saturated. Too much liquid in the compost limits the
amount of oxygen that aerobic bacteria require to survive. If normal urination is not enough to
maintain the correct moisture level in the compost, you may need to add additional water to the
drum.
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio
Almost all organic material will compost with the proper amounts of carbon and nitrogen. In order to
maintain a good balance between carbon and nitrogen, only carbon-rich materials (SUN-MAR
Compost Sure Green) and nitrogen-rich human waste should be added to the composting toilet.
2

What’s in the box?
EXCEL EXCEL NE COMPACT
1-Owner’s Manual
1- Warranty Card
1- Rake
4 - 2”x31” Vent pipes (PVC
Central Vacuum Tubing)
1- 4” Diffusor
1- Compost Sure Green
1- Hardware Kit
1- Bowl Liner
1- Footrest
1- Owner’s Manual
1- Warranty Card
1- Rake
3 - 4”x31 Vent pipes (PVC)
1- 6” Diffusor
1- Compost Sure Green
1- Hardware Kit
1- Bowl Liner
1- 1” x 8’ Drain Hose
1- Footrest
1-Owner’s Manual
1-Warranty Card
1-Rake
4 - 2”x31” Vent pipes (PVC)
Central Vacuum Tubing)
1- 4” Diffusor
1- Compost Sure Green
1- Hardware Kit
1- Bowl Liner
Parts and Functionality
Familiarize yourself with your new toilet
1) Turn the drum handle clockwise to rotate the Bio-drum™ for mixing and aeration. (The drum
rotates counter-clockwise and the drum door closes). This is how you will rotate the drum during
regular operation.
2) Pull the drum locker button, (located on the front of the toilet above the finishing drawer), hold it out
and turn the handle counter-clockwise to simulate removal of compost from the Bio-drum™ to the
finishing drawer. This is how you will remove compost during regular operation.
Note: Compost will not drop into the drawer automatically; the drum locker must be pulled out
and held while the handle is being turned counter clockwise to remove compost. There should be
no resistance on the handle when turning.
3) Plug the toilet’s electrical cord (Electric) into a standard three-prong electrical outlet, and feel the air
movement from the vent outlet at the back of the unit to ensure the vent system is working properly.
4) Pull out the compost finishing drawer at the bottom front of the toilet. After the toilet has been plugged
in for ten minutes, place a hand on the floor of the evaporating chamber (the area under the finishing
drawer) to check it is warm to the touch, and that the heater is working properly.
5) The toilet must be installed so that the base is protected from weather. The rubber “u” channel at the
bottom of the unit is well-sealed, but if the toilet is sitting in water, has snow melting against it, or rain
pouring on it, this may eventually wear through and short out the heating element. This seal is water
resistant; it is not water-proof.
Note: The composting toilet should be placed on a level surface, or sloping slightly toward the
safety drain assembly to ensure drainage of effluent. Do not install the unit in a pit where water
can accumulate around the toilet.
6) Attaching and Detaching the footrest (EXCEL units)
The footrest attaches to the unit with the metal track above the finishing drawer
opening. To attach the footrest, incline the footrest at a 45° angle to the floor as
shown. Insert the round top edge of the track on the footrest into the round top
edge of the metal track on the unit and then lower the footrest to the floor.
Note: Footrest must be correctly attached before use.
3

Installation FAQ
1) Must I install the vent?
Yes, in order to ensure odorless operation.
2) Vent pipe leading out of the toilet
When you are installing the vent pipe,
completely avoid any downward sloping or
horizontal runs, no matter how small.
3) How many bends can I put in the vent
pipe?
Electric toilet: No more than four 45° bends.
There should not be any horizontal runs (no
matter how small) or downward slopes of the
pipe. Fasten your pipe with the supplied
brackets to prevent settling.
Non-Electric: No more than two 45° bends. If
elbows are used, a 12v fan is available for
purchase from Sun-Mar and if necessary,
should be installed.
4) Can I merge the toilet vent with an
existing plumbing vent?
No. We realize that this will make your
installation easier, but if the toilet is not installed
with its own vent, it will hamper the airflow, and
will lead to odors. In addition, other plumbing
fixtures connected to the same vent will start to
smell of ammonia. The toilet needs to be
installed with its own vent in order to
function odorlessly.
5) Where does the diffuser go?
On top of the vent stack.
6) I have a metal roof, an obstruction or a
steeply pitched roof. Must I have the vent
above the peak of the roof?
Yes. If the vent ends under the eave, the air
from the vent may downdraft over the property,
possibly causing a urine smell to occur. The
vent should be installed 24-30 inches above the
peak of the roof to prevent downdraft. See
pages 7 and 8 for complete instruction.
7) How will I secure the stack if I need go to
24-30 inches above the peak of the roof?
Guy wires. These should be available at your
local hardware store.
8) Can I use venting other than what is
supplied?
No, always use the recommended venting.
Schedule 40 venting has a smaller inside
diameter that will reduce venting capacity, and
may result in odor. Flexible venting should
not be used in any application, as this will
result in odor around the toilet.
9) Do I need to plug in my electric toilet?
Yes. Your composting toilet should be plugged
in continuously unless it will not be used for 3
or more consecutive days.
10) Will I need a safety drain on the
Excel, Excel NE, or Compact?
The Excel and Compact toilets are designed to
evaporate all liquids when used according to
their rated capacity. As a precautionary
measure Sun-Mar recommends that the safety
drains on all toilets be connected. For Excel
NE toilets the safety drain must be connected.
11) Do I really need a safety drain with a
non-electric toilet?
Yes. You will have overflow liquid, even with
limited usage. If the drain is not connected,
the evaporation chamber will overflow.
12) What should the safety drain be
connected to?
Collect and/or treat excess liquid in an
approved facility such as a recycling bed, old
septic system, holding tank or drain pit.
All installations should conform to local
regulations.
13) My bathroom can get below 55° F/13
°C at times. Will this affect composting?
Yes. If the toilet is being used continuously,
you will need to install an additional heat
source, or leave the heat on in the area where
the toilet is located. If you are only using it
three or four weekends during this time, see
page 13 for further details.
4

Installation
EXCEL AND EXCEL NE ROUGH IN DIMENSIONS
COMPACT ROUGH IN DIMENSIONS
5

Installation Specifications
EXCEL and COMPACT
Space Required and other Installation Considerations
1) Ensure that the toilet is installed on a level surface or sloping slightly towards the safety drain.
2) Compost will be removed from the finishing drawer. Ensure that there is at least 15” in front of the
EXCEL or COMPACT toilet so that the drawer may be removed from the unit. (See page 12)
3) Install the toilet in a location where the safety drain hose can be connected if required. The safety drain
exits from the back of the toilet and must slope downward at all points. (See page 9)
4
)
Install in a location where the vent pipe can b
e attache
d as per the instructions
.
(See page
7
)
5) To ensure proper ventilation, install in a location that is not air tight. The toilet must be vented to ensure
odorless op
eration.
6) The fan will run continuously 24 hours per day while in use. A ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuit is
recommended for any toilet installed. If you are in an area where you experience power fluctuations,
you may wish to use a surge protector.
The 230V models have an over current protection device on the heating element circuit, which is
intended to
p
rotect the fuse
and is loca
ted on the electri
c box.
EXCEL NE (Non-Electric)
Space Required and other Installation Considerations
1) Ensure that the unit is installed on a level surface or sloping slightly towards the safety drain.
2) Compost will be removed from the finishing drawer. Ensure that there is at least 15” in front of the
EXCEL NE toilet so that the drawer may be removed from the unit. (Page 12)
3) Bends in the vent, downward or horizontal runs, installation near hills, or overhanging trees may cause
downdraft. A 12V fan may be required.
4) Competing appliances (ie. wood stove) may need an air intake installed from the outdoors. The EXCEL
NE has a passive vent. Competing appliances draw a lot of air and may cause your composting toilet
vent to draw air into the building rather than venting to the outside. A 12V fan may be required.
5) The safety drain is required in all installations of the EXCEL NE. Install the unit in a location where the
safety drain can be connected. The safety drain exits from the back of the unit and must slope
downward at
al
l points.
(See page 9)
6)
Ins
tall in
a location where t
he v
ent pipe can be attached
as per the in
structions
(See page
8
)
7) To ensure proper ventilation, install in a location that is not air tight. The toilet must be vented to
ensur
e
odo
rless
operatio
n
.
6

Vent Pipe Installation – EXCEL and COMPACT
If running a vent through a wall, it should only be done at a 45° angle to prevent condensation
from accumulating in the pipe, causing a constriction. Venting should only be installed vertically.
Limit bends in the vent stack to no more than four that have a combined total of 180°. Use
silicone caulking to seal the connection between the vent and the toilet, all other connections may
be sealed with PVC cement. DO NOT INSTALL WITH HORIZONTAL, FLAT OR DOWNWARD
SECTIONS OF VENT, NO MATTER HOW SMALL.
A 4” diffuser is included with the EXCEL and COMPACT. This is meant to be installed at the top
of the vent stack to encourage updraft. (See page 8 for installation instructions)
INSTALL VENT SO THAT IT TERMINATES 24” - 30” ABOVE HIGHEST PEAK OF THE
ROOF. If there is more than 30” of vent, including diffusor, needed above the roof line, use guy
wires to secure the vent above the roof.
All vent pipe that is exposed to the outside or in a non-heated space should be insulated if using
the
toilet
durin
g
cold weather.
The vent must be installed separately from ALL other household vents. Venting cannot be
merged with other, pre-existing venting. Doing so will prevent the toilet from operating
odorlessly.
All connections in the vent pipe should be sealed. Use silicone caulking to seal the connection
between the vent and the toilet. A sealant such as PVC cement may be used for all other vent
connections.
The vent stack should end approximately 24” - 30” above the peak of
the roof to allow for proper ventilation of odor, and to encourage
updraft. Where the pipe is taken through the roof, a roof flashing may
be required. If you have a steeply pitched roof, or are in an area
where snow shear is a danger, you may wish to install a heavier pipe
around the vent pipe where it exits from the roof. If you do choose to
install in such a manner, ensure that the area between the pipes is
sealed with a waterproof substance to prevent leaks.
Possible venting configurations for the 2” electric vent pipe.
When it is necessary to lead the vent through a wall, connect one 45° elbow
on the vent outlet on the unit. Using a 2” hole saw or other appropriate tool,
cut a hole through the wall board behind the unit so that the vent pipe can be
inserted into the 45° elbow. Cut a similar hole on the other side of the wall that
is slightly higher than the inner hole so that the vent pipe will be angled
upward at 45°. If installing through an exterior wall, waterproof sealant will be
required around the vent pipe where it emerges from the building.
7

Vent Pipe Installation – EXCEL NE
INLET COUPLING: Place the vent inlet coupling into the hole behind the toilet seat,
so that the 1” of smaller diameter pipe is inserted into the hole on the top of the
toilet. This is the first piece of the venting. Once you have finished assembling the
vent, you should seal using silicone caulking where the inlet coupling meets the top
of the toilet to prevent odor from escaping.
The EXCEL NE does not have a built-in fan and operates with passive venting. Due
to this, bends in the vent stack must be limited to no more than two 45° bends. All
additional vent pipes should only be vertically installed. THERE CAN BE NO
HORIZONTAL, FLAT OR DOWNWARD SECTIONS OF VENT, NO MATTER
HOW SMALL.
*An optional 12volt fan may be necessary if there are competing appliances, or due
to climactic conditions. This fan is available for purchase from Sun-Mar.
INSTALL VEN
T SO THAT IT TERMINATES
24”
-
3
0
” ABOVE HIGHEST PEAK
OF THE ROOF. If there is more than 30” of vent, including diffusor, needed above
the roof line, use guy wires to secure the vent above the roof.
The vent must be installed separately from
ALL
other household vents. Venting
cannot be merged with pre-existing venting. Doing so will prevent the toilet from
operating odorlessly.
All connections in the vent pipe should be sealed. Use silicone caulking to seal the
connection between the vent and the toilet. A sealant such as PVC cement may be
used for all other vent connections.
The vent stack should end approximately 24” - 30” above the peak of the roof to
allow for proper ventilation of odor, and to encourage updraft. Where the pipe is
taken through the roof, a roof flashing may be required. If you have a steeply
pitched roof, or are in an area where snow shear is a danger, you may wish to
install a heavier pipe around the vent pipe where it exits from the roof. If you do
choose to install in such a manner, ensure that the area between the pipes is
sealed with a waterproof substance to prevent leaks.
Diffusor Installation
The diffusor provided with the toilet is a simple device to be
installed at the top of the vent stack with the larger pipe
protruding above the smaller. To install, simply glue the
diffusor vertically on the topmost section of vent pipe. The
diffusor design encourages updraft, and discourages wind
and weather from going down the vent stack. We do not
recommend installing anything else on the top of the vent as
it could impede the venting. Unlike wind turbines, diffusors
are less likely to freeze in winter, and are more effective in
calm weather.
8

The Safety Drain Hose
For EXCEL NE units, the safety drain hose must be connected. The safety drain is to remove excess
liquid that is not evaporated from the evaporation chamber.
Connecting The Safety Drain Hose
*The safety drain is gravity fed, and so, must slope downward at all points. Do not merge sinks, bathtub, or any
other drains to the safety drain.
1) EXCEL NE: The safety drain assembly (Fig. 1), has a cap
on one end, and the other end will be uncapped to facilitate
the connection of the drain hose (Included with NE unit).
The cap can be removed, and placed on either side of the
safety drain assembly as applicable, for convenience of installation. Fig 1.
EXCEL OR COMPACT: The safety drain assembly (Fig 2)
is supplied plugged on both sides. These toilets are
designed to evaporate all liquids when used according to
their rated capacity. As a precautionary measure, Sun-Mar
recommends that the safety drains on all toilets be
connected . The drain hose is not supplied with these toilets. Fig. 2.
If connection is required, a good quality hose of appropriate
length and 1” SS hose clamp should be obtained from a
local building center or DIY store. The inside diameter of
the drain hose for the EXCEL is 1” and for the COMPACT is
¾”.
2) Remove one drain cap, or place the cap on end of the safety Fig. 3
drain assembly that will NOT have the drain hose connected
(NE).
3) Place the 1” SS hose clamp over the end of the hose that will
be connected to the safety drain assembly. Carefully push
the drain hose over the barbed end of the drain assembly
where the cap has been removed (Fig 3) so that the drain
hose will overlap the drain assembly by 1”. Tip: heating the Fig 4.
hose where it will be connected to the safety drain will help
facilitate the connection.
4) Move the 1” SS hose clamp on to the section of the hose
that is covering the end of the drain assembly. Use a flat
head screwdriver to tighten the 1” SS hose clamp (Fig 4), until Fig 5
the drain hose is firmly affixed to the safety drain assembly.
5) The safety drain assembly is gravity fed, ensure that the drain hose is
lower than the drain assembly at all points (Fig 5). This may
necessitate clamping the drain to the floor in some installations.
Effluent Handling
The following are possible options to take care of the liquid:
- Feed into a lined pit filled with gravel and sand. Such a
recycling bed also ensures a closed loop system.
- Feed into a small cesspit or “French drain”.
- Plumb into an existing septic or holding tank line.
Installation should be in accordance with applicable local regulations.
9

Initial Start-Up
Follow these steps when starting up your toilet for the first time, or if you have emptied the Bio-
drum™ and need to re-start the compost.
Step 1:
Spray Compost Quick: Remove the finishing drawer
and spray the whole inner floor of the toilet (evaporation
chamber) under the finishing drawer. This will help to
prevent organic material from hardening on the floor of
the toilet. Spray Compost Quick into the patented Bio-
drum™ and the inside of the finishing drawer.
Step 2:
Pour 1/2 bag of Compost Sure Green (EXCEL &
EXCEL NE) or 1/3 bag of Compost Sure Green
(COMPACT) into a bucket and add 2 quarts of warm
water. Add 1/2 of the Microbe Mix packet (2
Tablespoons) to the bucket. Allow the Compost Sure
Green to absorb the water (about an hour).
Step 3:
Scoop the Compost Sure Green mixture into the
patented Bio-drum™ through the hole under the toilet
seat on the toilet. Rotate the drum to mix.
Ensure that the opening in the drum remains open
under the toilet seat. The toilet is now ready for use.
Step 4:
For electric toilets only: The fan should run
continuously 24 hours per day when installed in a
primary residence.
115 Volt Use: Plug in to a three-pronged electrical
outlet.
230 Volt Use: The toilet must use a main plug with an
earth connection.
Replacement of electrical components (including the
power cord and main plug) must be performed by a
qualified person to avoid electrical hazard.
Once installation and initial startup has been completed, the toilet may be used immediately. Please note that when
first used it will take approximately 6 weeks at optimum temperatures (70-90° F/20-30° C) before you will have
sufficient microbial cultures in the drum to achieve good compost. During this time, the contents of the Bio-drum™
start out as Compost Sure Green and waste. Over the first 6 weeks, you will notice that the compost will hold
moisture and will become more uniformly dark in color.
During the first 6 weeks, you may notice that some Compost Sure Green has fallen through the drum screen onto
the evaporation chamber to the left of the finishing drawer. This should be raked out and removed with the rake tool
provided with the toilet. NOTE: Regular toilet paper may be used. Toilet paper is a good source of carbon for
your compost.
10

Ongoing Toilet Maintenance
Once your toilet is installed and you have gone through the initial start-up procedure, follow the steps outlined below
to keep your toilet working optimally.
Daily Even if you only use the toilet for urination, at least one cup of
Compost Sure Green should be added per person per day of
use. Add the Compost Sure Green through the hole under the
toilet seat.
When in use, the opening in the Bio-drum™ must be
centered under the toilet seat, ready to receive waste at all
times.
Every second day Every second day before turning the handle, spray 3-4 sprays of
Compost Quick on the surface of the compost. Compost Quick is
an enzyme that will speed up the composting process.
Turn the handle in a clockwise direction to mix and aerate the
compost. When mixing, ensure that the drum rotates 6 complete
revolutions (42 turns of the handle).
Every two weeks Add one scoop (tablespoon) of Microbe Mix to the Bio-drum™ to
‘recharge’ the compost. This will help to ensure your microbe
colony stays constant and healthy.
Every three
months
Rake the evaporation chamber: Remove the finishing drawer.
Rake any solid debris from the inside floor of the toilet under the
drawer (evaporation chamber), paying extra attention to the two
back corners of the toilet as this is where debris may accumulat
e.
Remove and dispose of the solid debris.
Twice per year Clean the drum screen. Spray the Bio-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 a wire brush. If brushing the screen does not
clear it and liquid is still not draining through the screen, you may
have to use a screwdriver or nail to clear the holes in the drum
screen. (See page 17), “Liquid in Drawer” for details.
Periodic
maintenance
Remove compost from the Bio-drum™. When the Bio-drum™
is half full (level with the middle of the drum hub at the front of the
Bio-drum™) it is time to remove compost. To remove compost
from the Bio-drum™, see the section of manual titled, “Removing
Compost from the patented Bio-drum™.” (See page 12)
CAUTION
1) Do NOT add chemicals, plastics, glass, metals, diapers or feminine hygiene products to the compost.
2) Do NOT add plastic, glass, metal, cleaning fluids, cigarettes. Add only waste and Compost Sure bulking material.
3) Kitchen or garden waste, are NOT recommended.
4) Do NOT add baby wipes, diapers or feminine paper as they will not compost.
11

Removing Compost from the Patented Bio-drum™
The level of compost in the Bio-drum™ should never be more than half full. When the Bio-drum™ is half full (level
with the middle of the drum hub at the front of the Bio-drum™) it is time to remove compost. Compost may be
removed from the drum by following the steps outlined in this section.
Pull the drum
lock
button
The drum locker button
is located on the front of
the toilet above the
finishing drawer.
Pull the button out
approximately 1/2” and
hold.
Do NOT push the
button in.
The drum locker button is
attached to a bar that sits in a
molded depression in the
drum. When the button is
pulled, the bar is pulled out of
the depression, which allows
the drum to turn counter-
clockwise.
Turn the
handle
counter-
clockwise
While holding the drum
lock button out, turn the
handle counter-
clockwise for three
revolutions of the
handle. Release the
drum lock button and
continue to turn the
handle counter-
clockwise until the
handle hits a hard stop.
The drum door will stay open
allowing compost to fall into
the finishing drawer. Now
composted material has been
deposited into the finishing
drawer.
Level the
compost
in the drawer
Open the finishing
drawer and use rake to
level the compost.
Leveling the compost will
prevent compost from soiling
the patented Bio-drum™.
Allow the
compost
to rest
Compost should now be
allowed to rest in the
finishing drawer for 3 - 4
weeks to finish the
composting process.
This compost will be isolated
from any new waste and
should be left in the drawer for
a minimum of 3-4 weeks or
longer to finish composting.
Compost may be removed at any time that you need more space in the Bio-drum™ and will need to
be removed more frequently for heavily used units or where the toilet is the primary residential toilet.
12

Springtime Start Up [Seasonal Users]
Empty Compost from Last Season
Before your first use of the toilet, extract compost from the Bio-drum™ by releasing the drum locker (located above
the drawer opening), then rotate the handle counter-clockwise giving the drum one complete revolution only.
Compost from the drum will drop into the finishing drawer. Empty the drawer and repeat this procedure until most of
the compost is removed, leave 4-6” of compost. This will be your “starter base” for the coming season.
Rake
Remove the finishing drawer completely and use the rake tool to rake any loose material from the floor of the unit.
Pay careful attention to the back two corners of the unit (near the safety drain), to ensure that your safety drain does
not get clogged.
Add Water and Microbe Mix
Add some warm water to the remaining compost, enough to ensure that it is quite moist. Also, add some Sun-Mar
Microbe Mix (two scoops) to give the compost a “kick-start” and rotate the drum several times to mix. If your
composting toilet is electric, plug it in and use for another season.
Winter Use
No Winter Use
Add a few cups of water to the Bio-drum™ before closing the cabin/cottage for the season. Soak the compost in the
drum to prevent it from drying out before Spring. Make sure to unplug the toilet if it is electric. If you have a non-
electric toilet, it may be a good idea to place something over the diffusor to prevent animals (who are looking for a
home at this time of year) from getting in.
Occasional Winter Use
If the toilet will be used for 3-4 weekends throughout the winter season then it is considered occasional use. All of
the same considerations as above [No Winter Use] should be taken with these toilets to winterize them. When the
temperature dips below 55° F/13° C, composting activity will slow dramatically. These toilets do not need to be kept
warm and will act only as a holding tank during the winter months until they warm up enough in the spring to begin
composting again. During the winter, the compost will freeze into a solid mass so the drum should not be turned as
it may damage the toilet. With this in mind, it is a good idea to remove enough compost before it gets too cold to
make room in the drum for Winter Use.
Heavy or Residential Winter Use
These units should be kept in a heated area and all winterization tips listed below should be followed:
1) Vent Pipe - electric models; all 2" vent pipe should be insulated if they are exposed to the outside
or in an unheated area. If you are in an area that experiences extreme winter conditions, we
recommend that heat tape should be applied to the exposed vent pipe to prevent ice blockages.
2) Safety Drain - all models; as a precautionary measure we recommend that the safety drain should be installed
and insulated above the frost line. There will be less evaporation in the winter so this will help with any excess
liquid. If possible, heat tape can be applied to the safety drain to prevent ice blockage.
3) Keep it warm; If the toilet is used frequently in the winter then the toilet should be kept in a warm
place. Below 55° F/13° C, composting activity will slow dramatically so if it is in a place that falls below this
temperature, a source of heat should be provided for the toilet so that it can keep up with constant use.
13

Compost Troubleshooting
Symptom Cause Remedial Action Prevention
Compost Too
Wet
Compost porosity is
poor
Ensure that Compost Sure
Green is being used.
Use Sun-Mar Compost Sure
Green
Drum screen clogged Spray the drum screen with
Compost Quick. Scrub the
drum screen with wire
brush.
When toilet is in use, turn the
Bio-drum™ every other day, for
six (6) revolutions of the drum.
W
aste
N
ot
Breaking
Down At All
(the drum will
fill up quickly)
AND/OR
Large Lumps
In Compost
Insufficient microbes Add Sun-Mar Microbe Mix. Be sure to add the Microbe Mix
packet at start up and a scoop
e
v
ery couple
o
f weeks.
Room temperature
below 55° F/13°C
Install heat source to
increase temperature.
Temperature should be
above 55° F/13°C
constantly to ensure
composting does not stop.
Install toilet in warm area. The
warmer the area, the better
your compost will be!
Compost too dry/
Insufficient Moisture
Add 1/2 to 1 gallon of warm
water to compost in order
to bring it up to appropriate
moisture level. Remove or
break
any
lumps apart.
A moisture content of 40-60%
is ideal for aerobic microbes.
Drum Too Full Compost not emptied
into finishing drawer
in a timely fashion
Remove compost until
drum is only half full or
less. Rotate compost
thoroughly to aerate, and
add compost accelerant
(Compost Quick and
Microbe Mix)
.
Do NOT let drum get above 1/2
full. This will lead to a lack of
aeration, and the possibility of
an anaerobic compost.
Strong Odor Compost anaerobic
See “
Co
m
post
To
o
We
t
”,
“Drum Screen Clogged”
and “Drum Too Full”
Follow “
Ongoing
Toilet
Maintenance” and use
Compost Sure Green.
Flies Present Kitchen/Garden
w
aste added
D
o not
add kitchen waste
or garden scraps.
D
o
n
ot
add kitchen waste or
gard
e
n
scraps
.
Compost too dry
OR
Foreign material
added
Applying pesticides such
as pyrethrin, or any locally
permitted equivalent safe
for garden use, to your
compost is an immediate
remedy. Please contact
Sun-Mar for assistance.
The alternative to using
pesticides is to completely
clean the toilet out, and
wash the inside of the drum
with soap and water.
IMPORTANT:
If using pesticides, avoid
spilling on the outer shell of
the composter.
Keep compost moist. It should
have a slight gloss or shine. If it
does not, add warm water to it
until it reaches this
consistency. Fungus gnats
tend to be attracted to the
fungus which forms on
compost when it dries out.
Moist compost will not be
attractive to flies.
Do not add topsoil from the
ground, composted matter, or
kitchen scraps to the toilet.
These may carry or attract
flies.
14

MECHANICAL TROUBLESHOOTING
UNPLUG THE TOILET BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY MAINTENANCE
Symptom Cause Remedial Action Prevention
Urin
e Odor
I
n
Washroom
Horizontal runs or
downward slopes in
vent pipe
Re-install the vent pipe so that
there are no horizontal or low
points where condensation can
collect.
D
O NOT
install horizontal
runs; liquid will collect and
block ventilation, causing
odor.
Fan has failed Have your serial number ready
and call SUN-MAR for a
replacement. Instructions are
included with the replacement fan.
Competing
appliances
OR
Downdraft
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. (This is specific to the
electric
models.
)
Install a 12volt fan in vent pipe.
(EXCEL NE) Wood stoves or
furnaces installed in a tightly
sealed room with the toilet may
draw air down the vent pipe.
Downdraft is dependent on
wind direction as well as
natural obstructions etc.
Install the vent so that it goes
above the highest peak of the
roof.
Occasional
Urine Odor
Outside
1) Vent stack not
installed above the
highest peak of the
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.
1) Check that the vent is installed
above the highest peak of the roof.
If not, extend the vent pipe. Guy
wires may be necessary.
2) Add lime to the evaporation
chamber – Contact Sun-Mar for
specific instructions. You will have
to rake more often if you do this.
3) SUN-MAR has a filter box
available (electric units only) which
will filter the ammonia out of the
vented air in a downdraft situation.
Call Sun-Mar for details.
Follow instructions on page 7
& 8.
15

Fan Noisy Bearings
beginning to wear,
OR
Dust/debris
gathering on
blades
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 low “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
speed may be turned down.
The fan is a continuously
moving part and has a finite
service life.
Clean the fan with a small
brush and/or compressed
air nozzle once a year. This
will prevent wear and
lengthen the life of your fan.
Fan not
Working
Debris in fan, or
Mechanical failure
resulting in loss of
power
Remove the fan assembly from
the toilet and vacuum any dust
out of the fan blades.
Check the power source (ie.
breakers, fuses). If this does not
remedy the problem, have your
serial number ready and call
SUN
-
MAR
The fan is a continuously
moving part which will
eventually have to be
changed.
Liquid
Build
Up In
Evaporation
Chamber
Increased usage The amount of liquid varies
substantially between
installations. The safety drain
needs to be
in
stalled.
As a precautionary measure
install the safety drain.
Climatic
conditions
Evaporation rates vary
substantially with climatic
conditions. Expect faster
evaporation rates during warm
dry w
eat
her.
Mineral salts may
have accumulated
in the evaporation
chamber, reducing
evaporation rates
Fill the evaporation chamber
with very hot water and 1/3
bottle of Compost Quick
enzyme liquid. Leave overnight,
and rake gently the following
day to remov
e
.
Rake evaporating chamber
at spring startup for
cottage/cabin use, and once
every other month for
residential use.
Liquid
Overflow
The Safety Drain
is blocked
1) Check drain line for kinks,
blockages or upward bends.
Remove and flush if blockages
present; un-kink if bent and
ensure that the drain pipe is
sloping downward. If your drain
pipe is in order, proceed to step
2.
2) Rake any solid materials
away from the safety drain.
This is the “build up” area. If
drain is still clogged, proceed to
step 3.
1) A clogged drain is not
very likely to happen if
evaporating chamber is
raked every 3-4 months.
2) Use premium 1”ID
(EXCEL & EXCEL NE) or
¾” ID (COMPACT) hose for
the drain line. A good hose
will be less likely to kink.
Use elbows or fittings
around bends to prevent
kinks. Hose is provided with
the EXCEL NE toilet.
16

3) Use a wire to clear any
blockage out of the safety drain
assembly. A brown spot may be
visible through the opaque
safety drain.
Drain all liquid through the
safety drain by tipping the toilet
back (making sure safety drain
is hooked up first)
3) Use Compost Sure
Green as a bulking material.
Safety drain not
connected
Connect safety drain.
Toilet tipped
forward
Check and ensure that the toilet
is level.
Heating
System Not
Working/ Lack
Of Evaporation
Test to determine
whether failure
has occurred
Pull finishing drawer out and put
your hand in the evaporation
chamber (NOT in the liquid).
This heat can be felt if there is
liquid in the chamber. If there is
no warmth rising from the floor
of the toilet, your heating
element is not working. It is
most commonly the thermostat
that has failed.
If you notice a lack of
evaporation, but there is still
warmth in the evaporation
chamber, see “Liquid Build Up
In Evaporation Chamber” for
solutions.
A surge protector is
recommended to protect
your toilet from power
surges that could cause
your heating system to
malfunction.
Thermostat failure Have your serial number ready
and call SUN-MAR for a
replacement. (Detailed
instructions are included with
the replacement part)
Heating element
failure
Fan failure coinciding with a
lack of heat, or the breaker
supplying power to the heating
element beginning to trip
indicates a problem with the
element.
Have your serial number ready
and call SUN-MAR for further
diagnostic instructions or to
order replacement parts.
1) Install toilet with a ground
fault interrupter and/or a
surge protector,
2) If you remove the toilet
from the bathroom for
cleaning, DO NOT use a
water hose to clean the
toilet. The base is water
resistant, NOT water proof.
3) Install according to
manual guide
lines.
Blown fuse
(230V toilets
ONLY)
Check fuse located in the
electric box to ensure that it is
functioning correctly, if the wire
in the fuse is charred or broken,
replace the fuse. Have your
serial number ready and call
SUN-MAR for a replacement.
(Detailed instructions are
included with the replacement
part)
Power surges can cause
the fuse to blow. If this is a
possibility in your area, a
surge protector is re-
commended.
17