One of the main tasks is the installation of the vent stack, which is included with all units.

The vent kits included in the shipping carton are sufficient for installation in most single story buildings. If more is needed they are normally easy to find. All vent pipes are thinwall PVC.

The drawing at left illustrates some of the more common vent stack configurations for self-contained system installations.

• Electric units with 2" stacks should have the minimum number of bends, should use 45° elbows where possible, and should not have bends totalling more than 360°.

• 3" SpaceSaver/Ecolet Mobile vents and especially 4" Non-Electric vent stacks should be installed as straight as possible. If 45° elbows are needed in a 4" vent stack then a 12 Volt fan should be included in the installation to assist airflow.

• Merging a Sun-Mar vent with other existing vents risks interference and is not advised.

• The diffuser included with all units is a simple but effective device originally patented by Sun-Mar principals to aid updraft, resist winter freeze-up, and protect the vent from downdraft and weather.

• As shown in the drawings they should be installed 2-3 feet above the peak of the roof for best performance. This prevents downdraft.

• Vent joints within the bathroom should be siliconed, vent joints outside should be glued with CPVC glue.

• It is very important that self-contained model vent systems do not contain ANY horizontal runs or downward slopes on the pipe.

• See the Winter Use section for additional tips on protecting your vent stack in the winter

Detailed Vent Stack Installation Instructions

Electric Unit (2" and 3") Piping Installation
Piping can be installed up the inside wall; through the wall at a slight angle and up the outside wall. The choice depends on ease of installation, visibility, and (especially if the toilet is to be used consistently through a cold winter), the necessity of insulating all exposed vent pipe.

Piping and fittings are of standard 2” PVC thin wall tubing. Additional pipe or fittings are easily available should you need them, from a building supply dealer. If you cannot find them near your location, they are available in 30” lengths directly through us.

i) Minimize the number of sharp angles as each reduces vent efficiency. If it is
necessary to have angles in the vent pipe, it is recommended that 45 degree angles are used whenever possible. (90 degree elbows may be used as long as no horizontal vent results - pipe may be bracketed at a slight upwards angle to prevent this)

ii) Do not lead the vent pipe downward or horizontally at any point. This may lead to the vent pipe being blocked by condensate which would cause a urine smell in your bathroom.

iii) All connectors in the vent pipe should be sealed. Use silicone for the connection of the vent stack to the toilet in case the toilet has to be moved or you have to access the fan. PVC cement may be used in the rest of the stack installation if desired.

iv) All exposed vent pipe should be insulated with the foam insulation supplied with the toilet. This is especially important for winter or residential use.

Non-Electric Unit (4") Piping Installation
Piping can be installed up the inside wall; through the wall at a slight angle and up the outside wall (with this configuration a 12 volt fan is necessary). The choice depends on ease of installation, visibility, and (especially if the toilet is to be used consistently through a cold winter), the necessity of insulating all exposed vent pipe.

Piping and fittings are of standard 4” PVC thin wall tubing. Additional pipe or fittings are easily available should you need them, from a building supply dealer. If you cannot find them near your location, they are available in 30” lengths directly through us.

i) The vent stack should be installed as near to vertical as possible.

ii) Silicone caulking should be used for the connection of the vent stack to the toilet because at some time the toilet may have to be moved or your may wish to install a 12 volt fan in the vent stack.

iii) The Sun-Mar 12 Volt fan is fitted inside a 10” length of 4” vent pipe for easy installation, should it be needed. It is installed by either cutting out a section of the vent immediately above the composting unit, or by raising the vent stack off of the composting unit and inserting the fan section. The fan can be used with a solar panel and 12 volt battery, or by purchasing a 12 volt adapter
from your local hardware store and simply plugging it into the wall.

iv) If a 12 Volt fan is installed it should operate continuously, since otherwise it forms a partial blockage in the vent stack. To install, you can either use PVC connectors or a rubberized connector.

v) All connectors in the vent pipe should be sealed.

Leading the Vent Through The Roof (All Units)
As shown in the installation, the vent stack should end about 20” above the peak of the roof so that it is less subject to downdraft. Where the piping is taken through the roof, the roof flashing provided may be used to seal the installation or if a new roof is being installed, the roof flashing should be laid underneath the new roofing material. DO NOT install horizontal sections of vent pipe to avoid leading the vent through the roof.

The Diffuser (All Units)
The diffuser provided with the unit is a simple device to be installed at the top of the vent stack with the larger pipe protruding above the smaller. The diffuser design encourages updraft, and discourages wind and weather from going down the vent stack. Unlike wind turbines, diffusers are less likely to freeze up in winter, and are more effective in calm weather.

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