Composting heads - remove thru-hulls?

Ranthra · #1 (**permalink**) 02-14-2011

First, thanks for all the comments in other threads about composting heads. We've decided to go with a Nature's Head. The old head and hoses have been removed already.

For those who've gone this route, did you remove the thru-hulls or just leave them? Our valves are currently closed ( obviously ) and plugged, but I'm thinking of having them glassed over. Any suggestions ?

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 02-14-2011

If you're sure you're not going to need them, I would definitely glass them over.

LauderBoy · #3 (**permalink**) 02-14-2011

Just put my Nature's Head in last weekend which freed up 1 through hull. I might use it for an internal AC/heater. But however much my carryon AC annoys me, I've heard internal AC's can be a PITA, so I may just nix that idea and glass it up.

pdqaltair · #4 (**permalink**) 02-14-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranthra

First, thanks for all the comments in other threads about composting heads. We've decided to go with a Nature's Head. The old head and hoses have been removed already.

For those who've gone this route, did you remove the thru-hulls or just leave them? Our valves are currently closed ( obviously ) and plugged, but I'm thinking of having them glassed over. Any suggestions ?

I would wait a year. Friends of mine just took their composting head back out after about 6 months. Then do what you like.

DulceSuerna · #5 (**permalink**) 02-14-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdqaltair

I would wait a year. Friends of mine just took their composting head back out after about 6 months. Then do what you like.

Any idea why they took it out or what they didnt like about it?

pdqaltair · #6 (**permalink**) 02-14-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by DulceSuerna

Any idea why they took it out or what they didnt like about it?

Their reasons are posted on their blog, here:
More pottie talk | Zero to Cruising!

I was not trying to say whether this was right or wrong, only that it might be reasonable to leave the holes intact until the next haul-out.

chrisncate · #7 (**permalink**) 02-14-2011

Just read the write up, never considered insects as a problem..

We almost pulled the trigger on one, we decided to stick with out normal head though. Good blog post that is worth the read either way.

LauderBoy · #8 (**permalink**) 02-15-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisncate

Just read the write up, never considered insects as a problem..

Yeah. That's not the first post I've read about insect problems either. I think it's something you need to take in account with a composting toilet install and maintenance.

I think with any system you're trading one set of problems for another set of problems. It's mostly a matter of what problems you prefer to deal with.

sailingdog · #9 (**permalink**) 02-15-2011

Be aware that in some areas, you may run into legal issues with a composting head. The way some of the laws are written, the composting heads can fall into strange grey areas.

travlineasy · #10 (**permalink**) 02-15-2011

Sounds like a disaster. And, from the writeups, the operation of the device sounds similar to an ordinary septic system, which is slow even when enzymes are added regularly. Guess I'll stick with the holding tank and pump-outs.

Gary