FEATURE 31

Chemical toilets are acceptable and do require monitoring to ensure the sewage is moving away from the user and correct amounts of chemicals are used to ensure the toilet functions correctly . The lid , for example , when not in use must be kept closed with a 25mm gap between seat and pan . This eliminates insects from entering while allowing for ventilation . The emptying of the closet / container must be done regularly .

The Ventilated Improved Pit toilet ( VIP ) relies very much on the correct construction , positioned correctly , with a location away from any building and where permanent must be at least 2.75m away from the erf boundary .

SANS 10400 Parts B , C , K , L and O provide the construction conditions for the closet . While VIP toilets are part of the solution reference must be made to Agrément SA ’ s publication ACTMAP3 which addresses the social acceptance of such toilets by communities .

As with all non-water borne means of removal of waste essentially by local authorities and private companies commissioned to do so , must be regular and with no spillage at all .

References to such sanitation disposal can be found in SANS 10400 , Agrément SA , CSIR and the Department of Water and Sanitation .

Clearly there are environmental concerns as such units are subject to high rainfall ( flooding ) and excessive additives produced by some manufacturers damage the organisms that assist the biodegrading of the waste . Consumers must be made aware that disposing nondegradable items serves to block the system , causing problems and affecting the health and safety of the occupants . PA

“ Water and sanitation are intrinsically linked …”

Tusa chemical .

Tusa - SNanson Pixabay

Plumbing Africa wishes to correct the omission of the Sunridge HDPE listing in the Pipes and Fittings matrix which appeared in the February issue . Below is the correct listing .

March 2023 Volume 29 I Number 1 www . plumbingafrica . co . za