| Living on a narrowboat draws you closer to | | | | is attached to draw the waste out. A hose is also |
| nature and the pleasures of a simple uncluttered | | | | attached either to an external rinse point or |
| life. Unfortunately the simple life also brings you | | | | directly into the toilet bowl if there is no external |
| closer to your toilet and its contents. It's one of | | | | point. The rinse water is introduced to help swill |
| the few unpleasant aspects of life on board but | | | | out the holding tank but MUST NOT be turned on |
| you soon get used to it. | | | | until the waste removal hose has started drawing |
| There are two types of toilet on a narrowboat. | | | | out the waste. If your tank is full to start with |
| The cassette toilet (often referred to as a "Porta | | | | and you turn on the rinse hose before the |
| Potti") and the "pump out" toilet. | | | | pumping out has started, you will flood your boat |
| The cassette toilet has a conventional toilet bowl | | | | with waste. You have been warned! |
| where you sit or stand to deliver your waste and | | | | There is a sight glass on the pump out head hose |
| a removable container beneath the toilet which | | | | which allows you to check whether waste is still |
| collects the waste. With this type of toilet you | | | | being drawn out of your boat. As the hose draws |
| simply keep an eye on the level of the waste in | | | | the waste out faster than the rinse water goes |
| the container and then remove it to empty the | | | | in, you will eventually see through the glass that |
| contents in a dedicated disposal point either by | | | | the liquid has ceased flowing. At this point you |
| the side of the canal or in a marina or boatyard | | | | turn off the flow on the waste hose but leave |
| which offers waste disposal. | | | | the rinse water to flow into the holding tank for a |
| The pump out toilet is more like a conventional | | | | few minutes. If you rock your boat gently at this |
| house toilet. The liquid and solid toilet waste is | | | | stage you will swill the rinse water around the |
| stored in a large (sealed) holding tank on your | | | | holding tank. Turn the flow on the waste hose |
| boat which requires emptying every two to three | | | | back on and check the sight glass. If the liquid is |
| weeks depending on how much you use it. | | | | clear the tank is clean(ish) and you have finished. |
| Most marinas offer a pump out facility and will | | | | If the liquid is still dark, repeat the rinse process |
| charge from about £10 for a self service pump | | | | several times. |
| out to £15 or more for a pump out by one of | | | | The whole process should take no longer than |
| their staff. | | | | 10-20 minutes depending on the volume in the |
| The process is straightforward but must be | | | | tank. You'll soon get used to it. Just remember to |
| adhered to. A hose attached to a powerful pump | | | | wash your hands when you've finished! |