FAQs
What is different from a flush toilet?
How does the holding tank get emptied?
The main difference is how waste is moved. Traditional flush toilets use water to push waste away, while the Solarid Toilet uses a mechanical piston to do the job without any water.
This approach results in a lower environmental footprint and significantly reduces upfront costs because it eliminates the need for a septic tank or leach field.
What is different from an incinerator toilet?
The Solarid Toilet and incinerator toilet work very differently. An incinerator toilet burns waste into ash, which requires significant energy and has higher operating costs.
In contrast, the Solarid Toilet uses a mechanical flush system to move waste into a pit, chamber, or tank, with much lower energy use, fewer moving parts, and lower overall operating costs.
Does Solarid Toilet smell?
Unpleasant odors are a concern with any type of toilet. The odors from a Solarid Toilet are no different than those from a water flush toilet for a simple reason: The odor producing gases are released into the air before any solid waste reaches the water.
Once the toilet has been flushed, the system is completely sealed off from the waste tank and is odor-free. The tank has a separate exhaust to vent gases.
Can I install the Solarid Toilet with a composting system?
Yes. The toilet ends with a standard 6" PVC coupler. Most composting or holding tanks either have a 6" or smaller opening, or can be modified to fit this connection.
Are special chemicals needed to maintain?
No chemicals required.
If you're using the toilet in an RV or enclosed space and need to add enzymes to help control tank odor, you may still continue to do so with the Solarid Toilet, though this isn't necessary for normal operations.
What do I need to know to use this toilet?
Step on the foot petal, wait a few seconds, and the internal piston system pushes the waste away into a sealed holding tank.
It’s simple, intuitive, and waterless. For additional information, check out:
User Guide – Perfect for first-time users. It walks you through how to use the toilet, step by step.
Owner’s Manual – A comprehensive reference covering troubleshooting, how the system works, cleaning best practices, what to do in a power outage, warranty information, and more.
What can I "flush" in the Solarid Toilet?
While the Solarid Toilet is more forgiving than a standard flush toilet, it’s best to follow the same rules about what can be flushed.
To keep the system running smoothly and avoid clogs:
Do not flush items that could clog the pump truck’s hose, such as diapers, cans, bottles, or other bulky objects.
Avoid flushing dirt, sand, or gritty materials, as these can get trapped between the piston head and the waste chute, potentially causing damage.
How often do I empty the holding tank?
The emptying frequency depends on the type and size of the containment system connected to your Solarid Toilet — such as a pit, composting chamber, or holding tank.
We recommend consulting your specific containment system manufacturer for guidance tailored to your setup.
As an example, a typical household of 2 adults and 2 children, where one adult does not work at home, using a standard 250-gallon waste tank, will want to have the tank emptied an average of once per year.
The holding tank is emptied in the same manner that the solid sludge in a septic tank is removed, which is by a septic pump truck. The emptying frequency depends on the type and size of the containment system connected to your Solarid Toilet — such as a pit, composting chamber, or holding tank.
We recommend consulting your specific containment system manufacturer for guidance tailored to your setup.
How long do I have to wait to flush the toilet again?
You’ll need to wait about 28 seconds between flushes for the standard model and 16 seconds for the compact model.
That’s how long it takes for the piston system to complete its cycle. Once the motor stops running, the toilet is ready to be used again.
Note: The toilet cannot be used while flushing. A pressure sensor in the seat prevents the piston from activating if someone is sitting, helping avoid accidents.
Can I use solar energy?
Yes! The Solarid Toilet can be powered by solar energy or any power source that provides stable 12 vdc power.
You'll need to pair your solar panels with a battery system to ensure consistent operation. This allows the toilet to function reliably even when the sun isn’t shining.
It’s a great option for off-grid setups, cabins, or mobile homes.