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Sun-Mar Excel model composter detail page - click here for main chapter
After installing and servicing self contained composting toilets for
nearly two decades, we now only sell SunMar - because they work!

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SunMar Excel was the first self-contained composting toilet in the world to be tested and certified by the National Sanitation Foundation. NSF standard #41 (waterless toilet) certification is all that's required by most local health departments for installation approval. First introduced over 30 years ago, the Excel's three-chamber, Bio-drum™ continues to be the most functional design, period. Unlike the big catalog companies, we sell no other self-contained composter for a very good reason: we service what we sell, and the Sun-Mar Excel is the most dependable, easiest to maintain, and is the only self-contained composter large enough to conveniently handle full-time residential usage. Our home and office has had two Sun-Mar Excel composters in continuous usage for well over twelve years now, without a problem. We know these units "inside and out", trust me, technical assistance before AND after the sale is our specialty.

SunMar composter kits include all the pipe & fittings you will need for the average installation, including roof flashing, draft inducing vent terminus, starter bulking material and cleaner. The following tools and supplies are typically all that you need supply: saw for cutting a hole in the roof, roof cement for reapplying shingles and flashing, silicone caulk for sealing around inside of roof hole, PVC cement and primer for vent pipe, screwdrivers, hammer, and tools and supplies for installing the liquid effluent solution (drain pit or capture container). Take a dry run through the installation before you start and call us with any questions at 800-563-9720 or email natural@colorado.net.

Installation and operation are covered quite well in their manuals, but here's one point worth highlighting:

Attaching the liquid overflow hose directly to an exterior drainfield is recommended with ANY composter. Even those capable of evaporating normal usage (Excel AC or Compact). If a drain pit is not initially possible, a collection container in the crawlspace is one option. A red gas can (to encourage people to respect it) with the overflow hose leading into its spout is very common. Local health codes will typically require you to empty collected effluent liquid into a septic system, city sewer, camper toilet dumping area or similarly approved human waste disposal site. Be very careful when handling effluent - use the same precautions as those taken with any other type of septic waste.

Left click here or on any picture for the main composting toilet chapter

Leave the pipe joint at rear of composter unglued to allow moving the unit later without having to cut the pipe. Be sure to run the exhaust pipe at least 20" above the roof peak and insulate the exterior exposed pipe with the provided foam insulation. It is best for draft to keep vent pipe inside the home and terminate closer to peak of roof. Always run the exhaust vent as vertical as is possible. If you must angle the vent, use only 45 degree and 22.5 degree fittings (not 90’s). Angled vents will need a fan.

Highlights and things not mentioned in the installation manual

Always insulate the floor underneath - retaining heat inside the unit will help maintain efficiency of the composter. If you install on a concrete floor, place a layer of foam insulation, or better yet, a 3x6 insulated 2by4 wood platform underneath to act as a thermal break. Be sure to install the unit on a flat surface or slightly tilted towards the rear (never to the front) - up to 1/4 inch slope/drop.

Start the composting toilet bed with the enclosed peat moss mixture and topsoil. A note on topsoil - it needs to be insect egg free. Even if the topsoil is bagged and labeled insect free, we would recommend sealing the dirt in an airtight black plastic garbage bag, moistening the soil well and leaving it out in direct sunlight for a couple of days to bake (turning and shaking to mix).

As you use the composter, add one quarter to half cup of bulking material per bowel movement (enough to cover your feces). Adding material regularily, so that the fecal matter layers in with the bulking material is key. It allows the compost to "breathe", trapping air inside the pile. Place a small wastebasket full of bulking material atop the unit to ensure it is regularly added.

The Sun-Mar provided Compost Sure bulking material is a mixture of sphagnum peat moss and hemp stalk. You can make your own by combining pine planer shavings (sold as horse bedding at ranch supply stores) and sphagnum peat moss. The typical ratio is 60/40 spagnum peat moss to planer shavings (not sawdust!) available at any feed store (marketed as horse bedding). But many clients use straight pine planer shavings, adding peat moss occasionally when the compost is too dry - peat will allow it to better retain more moisture. As you switch to nearly full planer shavings, you are adding more bulk at the expense of less composting action. We tend to prefer keeping the compost light and airy (more shavings) to reduce the possibility of the compost having an offensive septic odor (sodden compost). You do end up removing finish compost more often, but it is a trade-off. If the compost is "clumping" then you have added too much peat moss or maybe the planer shavings have a high sawdust content or perhaps you are not covering every bowel movement with bulking material. Do not use any cedar, redwood or treated wood shavings that would harm the compost health.

"Good" compost can take at least a couple of weeks to get properly started - give it time to mature. If the compost is way too moist (pudding), not enough bulking material is being added and oxygen can not penetrate the pile. The compost may then go septic and have an offensive odor. If this happens, add a gallon or more of planer shavings to help dry it out and get air back into pile. Composting stops if the pile is allowed to dry out completely - you then need to add peat moss and warm water. Compost accelerant "Microbe Mix" should be periodically added to ensure optimal composting. Be certain to avoid getting accelerant product in your eyes and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. You can also add dry bread (not moldy) as the yeast culture also helps accelerate composting action.

Let the material in the finishing drawer sit for at least a week and be totally dehydrated before removal and then immediately back-tumble another drawer full. Keep the tumbler as full as possible for maximum moisture retention and to ensure carefree operation. It is important to note that you should tumble the composter very well (many times) before back tumbling (quickly) into finishing drawer. And then you let the material set in the finishing drawer until the next time you have to remove a load. In that week or two of time, the material in the finishing drawer will completely dehydrate. Check with local health codes, but finished compost can be added to an exterior compost pile (best), then later tilled into ornamental plantings. Or simply thrown in the landfill or buried a foot underground. Take proper health precautions when handling the finished compost (same rules apply to septic tanks) - avoid direct contact.

Tumble the compost no more than three times a week - rotate drum completely two or three full rotations. Excessive tumbling will actually hinder the composting action by compacting the material and driving out air. Be sure to leave the compost tumbler bin in the full upright position after tumbling.

Healthy composting toilet material is not an environment favorable to insect life - hot, active compost, being tumbled three times a week. But, if you have small flies inside your home now, they will eventually find the composter later. You have to rid the home of insects to ensure the composter can have a chance of being insect free. Then, discourage insects from returning by spraying the air intake screen, under the seat, around the bowl and at the base. A heavy rug thrown over the top of seat (cover whole toilet top) is a very effective tool to seal off.

Should you ever get a small fly infestation - kill them, if you want them gone. A recent client commented that she had been spraying the inside for a month and they were "still leaving" every time she sprayed them. While it is prudent to avoid spraying the compost itself with harsh insecticides, there must be enough insecticide left clinging to the outside of the barrel and inside of composter body to discourage those wishing to wander back in. It is important to note that insects are not breeding in the compost itself - they are generally outside the drum, on the inside of the composter body. Start by removing the toilet bowl and cleaning any material stuck to side of drum, then spray well. You can try natural pyrethrins or step up to a more powerful aerosal spray and "bomb" the composter for a day or two. Turn off the fan and wrap/seal all openings with saran wrap after spraying for best results. After you stop the infestation, spray the air intake areas and under toilet seat with pesticide to discourage future visitors.

We suggest installing surge protectors on any electrical appliance - especially at sites remote from the power station and those running on generator power. Preventing electrical power surges from reaching electronic devices is key in some areas. All 120 volt AC composters have an electric fan for constant venting and a thermostat that controls the evaporation mat in base.

Always install the emergency overflow hose to a containment vault/tank or a leach pit / drywell, as per installation plans. Even if the unit is capable of evaporating all liquid, you should always install an emergency overflow - you never know. Units ship with one side of the overflow hose plugged - the other side open and ready to hook up.

The liquid in the bottom of the composter will dehydrate and/or go out the back of unit through the overflow hose. There is no need to try to remove it. If it is not evaporating, you likely have a skim-coat of oil atop the liquid preventing naturally evaporation. You can squirt a healthy amount of liquid dish soap/detergent atop the liquid in base to break up the oil coat and get evaporation back on track. You should also check to make sure the air intake vent grate(s) on bottom front of unit are clean. Dust and debris can clog the air intakes, preventing cross draft from evaporating liquid properly. When you remove the finish drawer material and find the base dry, it is a good time to rake out any debris. Excess liquid amount in the base is another pro/con of using too much planer shavings for bulking material. While light and fluffy, a heavy planer shavings mixture will allow the urine to pass through more readily.

Dimensions for the Excel AC, NE, & AC/DC

Sunmar waterless toilet is the finest self-contained composting toilet on the market today

Left click here or on any picture for the main composting toilet chapter

* Family numbers include adults and small children ** Additional 12V 120 Watt evaporation heater avaiable as option

The SunMar® Excel at 32 inches deep and 22 inches wide, is a natural for adding a toilet to your garage, workshop, or cabin that lacks the basement needed for a Clivus Multrum® or Sun-Mar Centrex central composting toilet system (see below). These durable units are great for job sites too! Why pay rent for a portapotty chemical toilet when you can own something so much better? The Excel composting toilet sits directly on your restroom floor, so installation simply involves cutting a hole in the roof for the vent, gluing a few pieces of pipe together, connecting the emergency overflow hose to a small drywell or holding tank, and then plugging the unit into an electrical outlet. The time-tested, high capacity SunMar Excel composting toilet has a VERY convenient tray for removing finished compost material. Keep this feature in mind when you're looking at other manufacturers' composters. Other brands are difficult, at best, to remove finished material from; some have way too many moving metal parts; and most others are way too small for full or part time residential use. The bigger the composter, the smaller your periodic maintenance needs.

SunMar Excel composter installation page

click here or on any picture for the main composting toilet chapter

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Pickup a SunMar here in Silverthorne, Colorado - save time and money
We stock the Excel AC and Excel NE (bone color only) and one white Compact for pickup by local clients. Our technician takes the time to acquaint you with operation and installation procedures, ensuring a trouble-free process once you get home with it. You receive many free extras when picking up in person: we pay the sales tax for you, variable speed control (installed on Excel AC units - $40 value), extra bags of bulking material, extra jar of microbe mix, and assorted fittings that your unique installation might require. Total savings amount to almost $200! Email natural@colorado.net for stock confirmation, invoice, and appointment time. Composter shipping crate is 36 inch by 28 inch by 36 inch tall and weighs less than 100 pounds. Kit fits easily in the back of an SUV or can be taken out of box to ride on back seat of a sedan (Excel unit is 33" by 22-1/2" by 33" tall). Please note that we offer standard installation within 100 mile radius for $495 (with purchase of unit).

We have operated, installed, and serviced a lot of self-contained composters over the last twenty years, but we now only sell Sun-Mar. Unlike the big catalog companies, we sell no other self-contained composter for a very good reason: we service what we sell, and the Sun-Mar Excel is the most dependable, easiest to maintain, and is the only self-contained composter large enough to conveniently handle full-time residential usage. Our home and office has had two Sun-Mar Excel composters in continuous usage for well over fourteen years now, without a problem. We know these units "inside and out", trust me, technical assistance before AND after the sale is our specialty. Just in case you find a lower price from some internet discounter that doesn't know the product and can't supply you with service after the sale, let us try to match their price first. We'll do our best to match anyone's verifiable written delivered price quote, plus, give you the kind of service after the sale the others don't even pretend to offer! If you're from out-of-state (Colorado) or installing the kit yourself, we supply all the toll-free advice you'll need to get the job done right the first time! In-state, we offer hand delivered, experienced installation and on-site service for composting toilet systems. Please note that we feature the Excel, Compact, SpaceSaver, and Mobile self-contained composting toilets, but Sun-Mar central composters are also available from us. Take this link straight to Sun-Mar's website and then e-mail us at natural@colorado.net for a personal consultation and/or quote on any model of Sun-Mar composter you do not see listed here. If you would like additional composting toilet product information, we can mail a half hour Sun-Mar DVD video and 24 page Sun-Mar color brochure. Drop us a note with your mailing address for a free copy: E-mail natural@colorado.net to request Sun-Mar video and brochure.

Left click here for SunMar Excel composter installation page

Excel AC $1579* FREE shipping and handling!
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Residential, crated and palleted motor freight delivery
normally ships 1-2 weeks manufacturer direct

The SunMar Excel AC model composting toilet (shown installed at left) comes as complete kit with everything you'll need to start it up and install it in most situations: starter bed material, compost accelerant, vent pipe, fittings, draft improving vent cap, roof flashing and a 110 volt AC fan built right into its sleek fiberglass chassis. A low power usage carbon fiber heating mat (no moving parts to fail) is part of the base and is outfitted with a thermostat to help speed composting and liquid evaporation. These NSF standard #41 certified units were tested for six continuous months at their maximum residential capacity of four adults. They passed with flying colors, meeting all applicable health codes for installation in residential or light commercial situations. The fan is very quiet, but you may choose to have us install an optional speed control switch for $40. Please note that installation can add a week, or more, to lead time. A "marinized" version is available for $200 (month lead) - internal baffles to prevent liquid spills from motion (RV, bus, or ship).

Excel AC/DC $1659* with FREE shipping and handling!
Sorry, no APO/FPO, HI, AK, PR, or Canada
Residential, crated and palleted motor freight delivery
normally ships 1-2 weeks manufacturer direct

click here for Excel model details

The Excel AC/DC model is exactly the same kit as the AC version, but includes the very handy addition of a 4" vent stack (shown at right) and an in-line 12 volt DC fan. With the AC/DC Sun-Mar Excel composter, you have the flexibility to connect different vents depending upon your installation. For instance, you can shut off the AC power when you leave for an extended period of time and use the 4 inch vent stack (non-electric draft or 12 volt DC fan assisted) instead.

Excel NE $1439* FREE shipping and handling!
Sorry, no APO/FPO, HI, AK, PR, or Canada
Residential, crated and palleted motor freight delivery
normally ships 1-2 weeks manufacturer direct

The Excel NE ("non-electric") model, shown at right, lacks all electrical features: recirculating exhaust fan and heating/evaporation mat (and they can't be added later). Please note the 4 inch vent pipe rising straight out the top (they wallpapered the pipe to hide it from view in this photo). A single, four-inch vent pipe, fittings, and vent stack to improve draft are included along with starting material and cleaning solution. Should you wish to add a blower for improved venting, an optional 12 volt 3.4 watt DC in-line fan is $50 dollars.

These 17.6 ounce (500 gram) jars of Microbe Mix™ ship for free via US Priority Mail (no international orders) for $26 each. Microbe Mix contains dried aerobic microbes and enzymes specially selected to help break down waste in Sun-Mar composting toilets. This composting accelerant bacteria culture has citronella added to discourage attention from insects with a nice clean scent. Add a 15ml scoop (included in jar) over the compost every couple of weeks just before rotating the drum. The jar should last at least a year at that rate.

click here or on any picture for the main composting toilet chapter

!!! FREE compost accelerant and sign with every Sun-Mar order !!!
$26 retail value Microbe Mix FREE with every Sun-Mar composter
500 gram (17.6 ounce) jar of microbes and enzymes to initiate and accelerate composting
Plus, a sign to hang near composting toilet reminding guests of the do's and dont's

Left click here or on any picture for the main composting toilet chapter

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Sun-Mar Excel model composter detail page - click here for main chapter After installing and servicing self contained composting toilets for nearly two decades, we now only sell SunMar - because they work!

Sun-Mar Excel model composter detail page - click here for main chapter
After installing and servicing self contained composting toilets for
nearly two decades, we now only sell SunMar - because they work!