Laveo Dry Flush Commode

[PennBruce]

I recently installed a Laveo Dry Flush toilet. The Laveo is an electric toilet that encapsulates the waste for disposal in the trash. Each cartridge is good for about seventeen "flushes".

This replaced the toilet in the fore head. Its primary use will be for guests so they don't have to deal with a marine head.



It's a simple install. I opted for the AC version. The AC version has no battery and comes with an AC/DC adapter. I've wired it to the boat's 12 volt system eliminating the adapter. The DC connecter is a standard 5.5mm x 2.1mm male plug.

There is an optional mounting bracket kit for securing the head. One bracket attaches to the bottom of the commode:



The other two brackets attach to the mounting surface and mates with an existing bracket on the commode and the bracket installed on the commode.

Here's the template on the mounting surface setup per the instructions:



The brackets installed:



The template positions the commode two inches from the wall. I took 1.75 inches of the template and reinstalled the brackets which placed the commode 1/4 inch from the wall.



You do need enough space on each side to be able to tighten the wing nuts that secure the commode to the mount.



I've been looking for a fold up foot rest but can't find anything that will work.



The guests will have to make do with a foot stool.

The Laveo is not for everyone but it suits my needs.

Bruce

 

[CharlieO.]

Enlighten me on how this toilet works, not sure I get it. Thanks

I will also add I'm not sure I really understand composting toilets either.

 

[O C Diver]

Interesting concept, although it didn't sound very quiet on the manufacturer's website video.

Ted

 

[PennBruce]

Lots of videos to answer most questions here:

https://dry-flush.com/owners-tips-tricks/

It's quieter then manually pumping a head.

Bruce

 

[CharlieO.]

Ok, watched the video, interesting. So, when disposing of the cartridge it just goes in the trash?

I'm looking for a simple head for our forward cabin, but it would mostly be used by a 10 year old boy.

 

[mvweebles]

Enlighten me on how this toilet works, not sure I get it. Thanks

I will also add I'm not sure I really understand composting toilets either.

Laveo appears to be a fancy bucket with a liner bag. I gave up trying to figure out any magic behind that after 4-5 screen clicks. I would think mixing liquids and solids in the same container would create a lot of odor so maybe I missed something in my haste.

Compost heads. First, compost is a misnomer. Dessicating head is a better description. Magic there is urine diverting head - pee goes into a jug of some sort so men must urinate sitting down. Poop goes into a slightly moist inert media, coco coir, peat moss, etc. Peggie Hall refers to Compost Heads as a litter box which is understandable, though separating urine keeps the solids relatively dry which is thr magic. In use, the solids are less odiforous than the urine container. Obviously, there is a learning curve and for many, a mental block.

Here is decent description from Gone with the Wynns when they were RVers

https://youtu.be/_E2xOoNov9s

Peter

CharlieO - compost heads have a devoted following but I have heard issues with children - especially boys who don't want to pee sitting down - making the dry container wet and creating a stinky cesspool. Not a good situation to recover from. But if the user can follow instructions, might be a good solution for you.

 

[CharlieO.]

Laveo appears to be a fancy bucket with a liner bag. I gave up trying to figure out any magic behind that after 4-5 screen clicks. I would think mixing liquids and solids in the same container would create a lot of odor so maybe I missed something in my haste.

Compost heads. First, compost is a misnomer. Dessicating head is a better description. Magic there is urine diverting head - pee goes into a jug of some sort so men must urinate sitting down. Poop goes into a slightly moist inert media, coco coir, peat moss, etc. Peggie Hall refers to Compost Heads as a litter box which is understandable, though separating urine keeps the solids relatively dry which is thr magic. In use, the solids are less odiforous than the urine container. Obviously, there is a learning curve and for many, a mental block.

Here is decent description from Gone with the Wynns when they were RVers

https://youtu.be/_E2xOoNov9s

Peter

CharlieO - compost heads have a devoted following but I have heard issues with children - especially boys who don't want to pee sitting down - making the dry container wet and creating a stinky cesspool. Not a good situation to recover from. But if the user can follow instructions, might be a good solution for you.

Thats where my misunderstanding comes in, that my lunch I ate yesterday I can put into grandmas garden today? And she'll be delighted about me adding compost the garden for her?

Sorry for the thread drift. Just looking for options for the forward head refit.

 

[mvweebles]

Thats where my misunderstanding comes in, that my lunch I ate yesterday I can put into grandmas garden today? And she'll be delighted about me adding compost the garden for her?

Sorry for the thread drift. Just looking for options for the forward head refit.

Given the nature of the Laveo, I don't think it's thread drift.

There are some distinct benefits and some important cautions/disadvantages to a compost head. They are not for everyone.

CAUTIONS/CONCERNS:
1. Ick Factor. A lot of people find the notion of a "litter box" gross. If you find this process being too intimate with your byproducts, a composting head is not for you. If you grew up on a farm, probably not an issue.
2. Not for large groups. Couples, perhaps a small family of 4 report they work fine. If you routinely have company, probably not the right choice.
3. Urine disposal is more of an issue than the poop. Reported use cycle for a couple cruising is urine jug needs to be emptied every couple days. Poop bin every few weeks.
4. Although it's legal to pee overboard, it is not legal to dump pure urine overboard.
5. It's not a true composting process - the poop is not broken down over time with heat. Dessicating is a more apt term. The product is a deep earthy product.
6. Although toilet paper can be disposed into the solids bin, most users keep a separate trash bin for toilet paper.
7. Dissicated solids can be disposed of in gardens, though not vegetable gardens intended for human consumption. Risk of bacteria propogation is very low, but not zero.
8. Most users dispose of solids in a plastic bag and into trash or dumpster, just as the Laveo likely is (though Laveo is more sewage given pee and poo are mixed).
9. You must carry media with you. Bricks of coco-coir, peat moss, or wood shavings used as animal bedding.
10. There is a very vocal anti-compost crowd who are quote vociferous about how evil they are, including how garbage men who might handle a plastic bag with dessicated solids are at extreme risk. I totally understand the ick-factor folks, but this crowd is over the top. I suspect they were severely traumatized as a toddler during potty training.

BENEFITS:
1. NDZ. Except in a very few local jurisdictions, composting heads are considered compliant with NDZ laws. In actuality, dumping urine overboard is still not allowed.
2. Simple, no maintenance.
3. No pumpouts
4. Recovered storage from removed holding tank
5. Relatively easy install. Screw it down, run a vent. Done.
6. Relatively affordable. The top brands are close to $1000, about what a Marine Elegance cost, but you don't need anything else - no tank, no macerator pump, nothing.

I hope this helps.

Peter

 

[PennBruce]

It goes in the trash.

Here's another version of an encapsulating toilet:

https://www.setechnologiesltdusa.com/wrappon

Bruce

Ok, watched the video, interesting. So, when disposing of the cartridge it just goes in the trash?

I'm looking for a simple head for our forward cabin, but it would mostly be used by a 10 year old boy.

 

[PennBruce]

Composting

I had considered composting toilets. However, the urine diversion is a problem for some users.

Bruce

 

[CharlieO.]

Thanks for the links Bruce, they are an interesting unit and I can see what advantages they can present. Same with the composting toilets, I can see the advantages they present also.

 

[David Griffiths]

Looks like a heavy "single use" plastic system.
Does it really need to be double wrapped? a clever modification would be to make the inner liner the only throw away.

 

[Marcy]

We have had a DryFlush by Laveo for over 9 Years after discovering them at the Newport Boat Show. Our forward head on our Albin 34 had a long run to the holding tank (in fact it was slightly uphill) and we were looking for an alternative system for that head. This head doesn't receive daily use but is a great alternative if you can't get pumped out or experience a malfunction in the primary toilet. Ours is battery operated and goes a long time without a recharge. We call it our "Jiffy Pop" because it looks like those old popcorn makers when you flush and the foil liner rises up, twists and then collapses, ready to be used again. It's worked flawlessly over the time we've had it. The new owner of Laveo sent us their new product "Pee Powder", it crystalizes the urine and you can flush a lot less. There is absolutely no smell, even after a long stretch between uses. It just looks like you're emptying your trash when you dispose of it. Several boating friends wanted a picture of Ron walking down the dock with his special"bag" when we first got it.

Marcy K
A 34 1986
Paumanok

 

[PennBruce]

We call it our "Jiffy Pop" because it looks like those old popcorn makers when you flush and the foil liner rises up, twists and then collapses, ready to be used again.

You're right, it does!

Do you use a foot stool with it or what do you use to make it more convenient for those of us that are under 6' 6"?

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[Marcy]

Hi Bruce,
Ours was placed on a raised built-in area where the former Jabsco toilet was located, there is a molded step in front of it, so we have no issues.

Marcy

 

[thecurioustraveler]

Here's a thought. I have three of these Thetford units onboard, replaced a worn-out VaccuFlush system. After a little initial skepticism, none of my guests have had a problem with them. Everything goes into a holding tank in the base with enzymes that break it all down. I empty mine about every four days, but have gone as long as 10 days. In port I can dump it in a toilet; at sea, I rigged a pump to put it in the holding tank. Literally takes 10 minutes. Dump it, rinse it, put in the enzymes with a little water, refill the flush tank, done. And if one of them craps out (so to speak), they're cheap. The last Atlantes Freedom I had, the circuit board alone was >$300.



https://www.thetford.com/product/porta-potti-565e/

 

[Comodave]

We have had a DryFlush by Laveo for over 9 Years after discovering them at the Newport Boat Show. Our forward head on our Albin 34 had a long run to the holding tank (in fact it was slightly uphill) and we were looking for an alternative system for that head. This head doesn't receive daily use but is a great alternative if you can't get pumped out or experience a malfunction in the primary toilet. Ours is battery operated and goes a long time without a recharge. We call it our "Jiffy Pop" because it looks like those old popcorn makers when you flush and the foil liner rises up, twists and then collapses, ready to be used again. It's worked flawlessly over the time we've had it. The new owner of Laveo sent us their new product "Pee Powder", it crystalizes the urine and you can flush a lot less. There is absolutely no smell, even after a long stretch between uses. It just looks like you're emptying your trash when you dispose of it. Several boating friends wanted a picture of Ron walking down the dock with his special"bag" when we first got it.

Marcy K
A 34 1986
Paumanok

Wouldn’t Jiffy Poop be more appropriate???

 

[Marcy]

Ha!
I think the JP may have a re-naming ceremony!

Marcy