If you have ever been out for a drink with a few tiny house owners and enthusiasts, you know it’s only a matter of time before the toilet topic comes up.
“Which one do you have?”, “How is it working for you?” and “Have you heard of this or that new toilet?” are common questions whenever tiny house people come together – and it’s often one of the biggest and most daunting questions faced by those considering going tiny.
But fear not. We’re here to help. Over the following five issues of the Tiny Living Magazine, we will take a closer look at the different toilet options and their pros and cons.
We will cover:
• Composting toilets
• Incinerating toilets
• Cassette toilets
• Standard flush toilets
• Other, less common options
While composting and incinerating toilets are the most popular options for off-grid tiny house dwellers, cassette toilets could be an attractive alternative for some.
Cassette toilets are portable, self-contained systems commonly found in motorhomes, caravans and boats. They consist of a toilet bowl and a removable wastewater storage tank, known as the cassette. The cassette can be detached/removed for emptying into a standard toilet or designated dump station. The need for somewhere to empty the cassette regularly is probably a key reason why they are not more common. However, they do offer several advantages
THE ADVANTAGES OF CASSETTE TOILETS IN A TINY HOUSE
Low-cost: Cassette toilets tend to be significantly cheaper than incinerating toilets and most composting toilets.
Portability: Cassette toilets are designed to be easily transportable and removable, which can be beneficial in a tiny house.
Space efficiency: These toilets are compact and require minimal space, making them a practical choice for tiny house dwellers.
Water conservation: Cassette toilets utilise a minimal amount of water for flushing, contributing to efficient water usage and sustainability.
Easy installation: Cassette toilets are relatively straightforward to install, given they require no plumbing work.
Flexibility: The portable nature of cassette toilets allows for greater flexibility in terms of positioning within the tiny house layout.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF CASSETTE TOILETS IN A TINY HOUSE
Frequent emptying: Most cassette toilets holding tanks are relatively small and need to be emptied frequently (often several times a week if multiple people use it).
Regular maintenance: Cassette toilets require periodic maintenance, including cleaning the cassette, which some individuals may find inconvenient or unpleasant.
Odour management: While cassette toilets often feature odour traps, managing odours can be a concern if proper care is not taken during maintenance.
Disposal access: Emptying the cassette requires access to a standard toilet or designated dump station, which may be limited in certain locations or off-grid setups.
Don’t want to wait till the next issue of the Tiny Living Magazine to learn more about the other toilet options? No problem. Head on over to the Tiny House Hub and download our Guide; Which Toilet is Best for Your Tiny House?
