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Outhouse (privy) operation
May 27, 2020, 09:24 AM
old rugged crossOuthouse (privy) operation
So what i really am looking for from those in the know is what is the best way to keep you hole composting/biodergading with limited use so that is stays useful over a long period of time.
What they did wias sprinkle lye or lime. Is that still applicable?
Thanks
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May 27, 2020, 09:30 AM
h2oysWe sprinkle lime in the ones we have out at our Shooting Clubs property. They typically get used 3 times/year.
May 27, 2020, 09:35 AM
P250UA5Lime here as well. Far S TX camp, used in the fall/winter mostly.
The Enemy's gate is down. May 27, 2020, 09:58 AM
RGRacingI was a Day Camp worker back in the 60's and used to clean the Outhouses and add a chunk of Yeast to each one daily.
May 27, 2020, 10:02 AM
MikeinNCAdd yeast.
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lastmanstandingWe rent the Porta Johnnies at the lake place. Here it's $90 a month. They come every Tuesday and pump it out and refill with whatever chemical that breaks everything down and keeps it smelling half way decent, refill the toilet paper rolls and clean it. Money very well spent.
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May 27, 2020, 10:05 AM
old rugged crossLMS, that is not an option. yeast is an interesting thought. What does it do?
"Practice like you want to play in the game"
May 27, 2020, 10:16 AM
Agliftercharcoal/wood shavings.
May 27, 2020, 10:50 AM
signewtmy recollection circa 1956 when the last one I helped dig was still in operation, an essential was literally "Sears catalog".....
I was the only one in my 6th grade class than had the advantage of a personal family outhouse.
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May 27, 2020, 12:07 PM
ohioupI've heard of people putting yeast in their privy pits to promote waste breakdown. I've also heard that some folks use yogurt. I've never tried either of those methods. Some have recommended wood chips (especially cedar) or sawdust. Ashes from wood fires are another old standby. I don't think adding lime or lye does much to promote waste breakdown, but is good for reducing the unpleasant odors. The pit privy at our UP camp only gets about 60 days of use by two people each year. We're more concerned with having a pleasant experience than waste decomposition so I've been sprinkling in a pound of lye per week when it's in use. The current pit ought to last another 15 or 20 years at the rate we use it. The outhouse has two 2'X 2'sliding windows and the pit is vented. Rather than a wooden bench, we have a fiberglass toilet seat riser. We put nothing into the pit but human waste and toilet paper. As outhouses go, it is quite civilized.
May 27, 2020, 12:42 PM
FlashlightboyPutting in yeast seems like it wouldn't work. Yeast works on starches and poop isn't really at that starchy, especially fiber.
Many other things in poop beside starch and yeast doesn't have a specific reaction to them. I'm not poo expert but most yeast suggestions say to use a baking yeast and those are starch oriented.
May 27, 2020, 01:00 PM
P250UA5quote:
Originally posted by ohioup:
I've heard of people putting yeast in their privy pits to promote waste breakdown. I've also heard that some folks use yogurt. I've never tried either of those methods. Some have recommended wood chips (especially cedar) or sawdust. Ashes from wood fires are another old standby. I don't think adding lime or lye does much to promote waste breakdown, but is good for reducing the unpleasant odors. The pit privy at our UP camp only gets about 60 days of use by two people each year. We're more concerned with having a pleasant experience than waste decomposition so I've been sprinkling in a pound of lye per week when it's in use. The current pit ought to last another 15 or 20 years at the rate we use it. The outhouse has two 2'X 2'sliding windows and the pit is vented. Rather than a wooden bench, we have a fiberglass toilet seat riser. We put nothing into the pit but human waste and toilet paper. As outhouses go, it is quite civilized.
Sounds similar to ours. We don't have the windows, but did have a lamp in it for some heat.
Has been rebuilt a few times, as the particle board (sides & throne structure) breaks down.
The Enemy's gate is down. May 27, 2020, 01:01 PM
cparktdPerhaps a purpose made product, Rid-X, or other...
I found this in a quick google.
A type of lime called calcium hydroxide, available at feed stores, can be dropped down the hole to reduce odor. But lime might halt decomposition. Ash from a wood-burning stove is better for decomposition, but less effective on odors.
Endeavor to persevere. May 27, 2020, 01:22 PM
rat2306All of which reminds me of my childhood days...
https://youtu.be/xyZcqnZ8aM8May 27, 2020, 04:39 PM
casPoop is one of the most biodegradable substances on the planet.
It's the paper that's the problem (same as any system).
My family members used to add lye.
I've wondered if things like Rid-X would actually help, since there isn't any real water down in the one's I'm talking about.
My family members used to add lye... which doesn't mean they were right. lol Lots of people put stupid stuff down there. I've known a few people who said to get road killed animals and throw them in your cesspool because it adds bacteria. (like there's any place in the universe with more bacteria than you're cesspool.)
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May 27, 2020, 06:34 PM
12GAWe use lime in our camp outhouse. It keeps the odor down and we only needed to move it twice in 20 years.
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May 27, 2020, 07:11 PM
mesabiTwo pounds of Mentos and two gallons of Diet Pepsi. Make sure you film it.
May 27, 2020, 07:32 PM
SOTARAs others have said yeast is a good way to go.
If you want to do it the really easy way. A couple of cans of beer. The yeast in the beer will go to work on the waste. Note your outhouse will very much smell like beer.
The more beer in the more it will go to work.
Also, segregate urine out of solid waste. pee in a bucket. Liquid waste evaporates or can be absorbed into the soil much easier than solid waste.
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another alternative is an above-ground house on top of a 50-gallon barrel.
- Pull it out, mix in RP-1 (kerosene) and burn it.
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