How to Empty a Vault Toilet: The Complete Guide

As a home renovation specialist, I‘ve worked on all kinds of bathroom upgrades and repairs over the years. But few projects test your skills quite like maintaining an off-grid vault toilet. Keeping these eccentric yet eco-friendly toilets clean and odor-free takes some work. But with the right gear and techniques, emptying a full vault is a satisfying DIY job any homeowner can tackle.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll walk through everything involved in pumping out a vault toilet, from start to finish. With some handy tips and the right equipment, you can keep your remote restroom running smoothly for years on end!

What Exactly is a Vault Toilet?

Let‘s start with the basics: what is a vault toilet, anyway?

A vault toilet consists of a standard toilet located above a large watertight storage container known as a vault. This sealed tank under the toilet collects all solid and liquid waste, eliminating the need for water and sewer connections.

Vault toilets operate by gravity, with waste falling directly from the toilet bowl into the holding vault below. This buried vault can hold waste for an impressively long time – anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on capacity and usage.

Once full, the tank must be pumped out and cleaned by a septic professional or portable sanitation service. But don‘t worry – with proper maintenance, a quality vault toilet can operate for decades with minimal fuss.

Vault toilets are the perfect setup for remote, off-grid restrooms. You‘ll find them at rural parks, campsites, cabins, tiny homes, and other locations where flush toilets are impractical.

Fun fact: There are over 213,000 vault toilets operating in US National Forest Service facilities alone!

Advantages of Vault Toilets

What makes vault toilets so popular for off-grid bathroom needs? Here are some of the key benefits:

• Water-free operation – No need for plumbing or sewer hookups. This makes installation simple and low-maintenance.
• Odor control – Tightly sealed tanks prevent smells from escaping. No more holding your breath!
• Groundwater protection – Closed tanks keep waste from leaking into the ground and contaminating groundwater. Much more eco-friendly than a basic pit toilet.
• Comfort height – Many models have ADA-compliant bowl heights around 17" high. Far more comfortable than primitive pit toilets.
• Less frequent pumping – Vaults can hold much more waste than portable toilets. Many only need annual or bi-annual pump outs.
• Frost-proof – Because vaults are buried, they are unlikely to ever freeze during cold weather.

Signs It‘s Time to Empty the Vault

How often you‘ll need to empty the vault depends on its capacity and usage levels. But in general, plan on an annual pump out at minimum.

Watch for these signs that your vault toilet is due for emptying:

• Noticeable odors escaping from toilet
• Difficulty flushing waste down
• Liquid visible at the base of the vault
• Waste accumulating above normal level
• Toilet paper/solids collecting higher than usual
• Approaching the tank‘s maximum waste capacity

Waiting too long risks blockages, damage from overfilling, and foul odors permeating the bathroom. A good rule of thumb is to schedule a pump out as soon as the waste level rises over half the height of the tank.

Equipment You‘ll Need

Emptying a vault toilet isn‘t a glamorous job, but having the right gear makes the process much smoother.

Here‘s the essential equipment you‘ll need:

• Waste tank pump – A heavy-duty pump designed for thick waste. Must have at least a 4" opening.
• Pump hoses – At least 50 ft of durable, leak-proof flexible hose.
• Face mask & gloves – Protect yourself from unsanitary waste and harsh cleaning chemicals.
• Disinfectants – Commercial cleaners made specifically for waste tanks and toilets.
• Scrub brushes – For scrubbing inside tank walls and toilet bowl.
• 5-gallon buckets – For capturing any spilled waste.
• Shovel and rake – Helpful for clearing access panels buried in dirt/mud.
• Replacement supplies – Have fresh toilet paper, deodorizers, and other necessities ready.

Always refer to your toilet manufacturer‘s instructions for any specific equipment recommendations. Certain chemicals and tools may damage components like seals and valves if used improperly.

Step-By-Step Process for Emptying the Vault

Once you‘ve gathered the necessary supplies, follow these steps to safely empty a full vault toilet:

Prepare the Area

Pick a level ground area around the vault toilet with plenty of room to work. Lay down a tarp below the waste tank access point to catch any spills.

Stage your pump, hoses, cleaning supplies, PPE, and tools nearby. It‘s also wise to place a 5-gallon bucket within reach in case you need to manually remove any solid waste.

And of course – use the bathroom one last time before you start, since the toilet will be out of order for a while!

Detach and Uncover the Waste Vault

Locate the access panels or manway cover for the buried waste vault. You may need to clear away dirt or vegetation first.

Use bolts, screws or latches to detach the access panels or lid. Set panels aside carefully to avoid scratching.

With the vault exposed, visually inspect inside for any cracks, leaks or damage. Also take note of how full the tank is. This will give you an idea of how much waste needs pumping out.

Connect Pump and Hoses

Insert one end of your pump hose down through the tank‘s cleanout opening. Make sure it reaches all the way to the bottom.

Secure the hose opening firmly in place so it forms an airtight seal. You don‘t want any waste leaking out around the hose.

Run the outlet hose to an approved waste disposal point. This might be a sewer cleanout, septic tank, or portable tank provided by your pumping service.

Turn on Pump and Empty Waste

With hoses fully connected, turn on your pump. Let it run until the tank is completely empty.

Expect the pumping process to take 30 minutes or longer depending on tank size. Make sure the pump remains fully submerged – never let it suck air.

Watch the flow from the outlet hose to ensure waste is emptying smoothly. If flow slows, there may be a clog in the hose.

Once the tank is empty, turn off the pump and disconnect both hoses for cleaning.

Thoroughly Clean and Disinfect Tank

Next comes the messy part. Use a long handle scrub brush and commercial tank cleaning solution to scrub down the entire interior of the waste vault.

Remove any clinging debris, mineral deposits, or remains of leaked toilet paper/waste. Give special attention to corners and crevices where residue collects.

Once scrubbed, thoroughly rinse tank walls with a garden hose or pressure washer. Avoid splashing yourself with old waste!

Finally, spray interior tank surfaces with a commercial RV holding tank disinfectant. Allow disinfectant to sit for 10+ minutes before rinsing again.

Scrub and Disinfect Toilet Bowl

With the tank clean, move up top to clean the toilet bowl itself.

Fill a bucket with a bathroom disinfectant cleaner. Use a toilet wand to vigorously scrub the bowl.

Remove all visible stains and mineral buildup. Pay special attention to the underside of the bowl rim where waste can collect.

Rinse the bowl thoroughly with clean water once disinfecting is complete. Refill the bowl with fresh water so it‘s ready for use again.

Reinstall Waste Vault

Carefully lower the cleaned waste vault back into the empty hole. Make sure the tank is level.

Replace any access panels or lids and re-attach all hardware securely. All seals should fit tightly with no gaps or cracks.

Shovel dirt back around the vault and smoothe back into place. Add a bit of landscaping to hide signs of digging.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Transport all waste removed from the vault to an approved disposal site. Septic professionals will handle this, or you can take it to a municipal facility.

Always follow local regulations and guidelines for proper disposal. Never dump vault waste illegally into the environment or a storm drain!

Add Maintenance Supplies

Before putting your vault toilet back in service, restock essential supplies:

• Toilet paper
• Toilet deodorizing packets
• Tissue paper (for females)
• Hand sanitizer
• Trash bags
• Extra seals, lubricants, etc.

And that completes the vault toilet pump out process! Not exactly glamorous work, but very rewarding when you see that shiny clean tank.

Handy Tips for Vault Toilet Upkeep

To maximize time between pump outs, follow these vault toilet care tips:

• Add RV holding tank deodorizer packets monthly to control odors.
• Visually check waste levels monthly to monitor fill rate.
• Stock toilet paper conservatively to avoid clogs from excess paper.
• Clean toilet bowl regularly with a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner.
• Annually check vault exterior for any leaks, cracks or damage. Reseal as needed.
• Always keep vault properly secured and all access panels tightly sealed.
• Avoid putting any solid items (hygiene products, paper towels, etc) into vault.

Following the manufacturer‘s care guidelines is also essential. This includes using only approved cleaners and lubricants. Harsh chemicals can damage valves and seals over time.

Troubleshooting Common Vault Toilet Problems

Even with good maintenance, issues can pop up between tank pump outs. Here are some common vault toilet trouble spots and how to remedy them:

Clogged Toilet: Use a closet auger (flexible rod with screw tip) to detach stubborn clogs. Avoid flushing excessive toilet paper or any other solid items down the toilet.

Leaking Vault: Check the main vault seal for cracks or deterioration allowing waste to leak out. Replace the seal if damaged. Also check for leaks around any access panels and doors. Re-seal as needed.

Slow Flushing: Limited water flow into the bowl often means the holding tank is becoming too full. Arrange for a waste removal service to come pump out the vault.

Odor Leaks: Make sure the main vault lid is properly closed and latched. Also check any other access panels for gaps allowing smells to escape. Keep vault deodorizer packets fresh.

Noisy/Humming Pump: Indicates blockage in pump outtake hose. Disconnect hose and clean out any debris clogging hose line. Replace pump if humming persists after thoroughly cleaning hoses.

Knowing a few DIY troubleshooting tips will save you from panicked late-night calls to the plumber!

Top Vault Toilet Manufacturers

For anyone looking to install a new vault toilet, these brands consistently produce quality, durable models:

PolyJohn – Sturdy roto-molded polyethylene vaults at lower price points. Popular for park restrooms.

MaxxRoyal – Known for larger-capacity fiberglass vaults. Used in commercial settings.

Eljen – Offers compact modular tanks for tight spaces. Ideal for tiny homes.

Armstead – Provides customizable vault systems. Used in remote resorts/lodges.

Satellite – Manufactures ADA-height units with residential style bowls. More comfort for guests.

No matter which brand you choose, look for a minimum 5-year warranty and vaults made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials.

Key Specs to Compare

• Tank capacity – 50 gallons and up. Larger is better for reducing pump outs.
• Toilet type – Standard household bowl or commercial flushometer style?
• Bowl height – Standard 12" or ADA compliant 17"?
• Material – Polyethylene, fiberglass, concrete, stainless steel? Each has pros and cons.

Taking time to properly empty and care for your off-grid vault toilet is well worth it for the convenience and eco-friendly benefits they provide. Just be sure to have the right equipment, follow safe practices, and dispose of waste properly.

Hopefully this guide gives you everything you need to know to keep your vault toilet running smoothly for years on end. Let me know in the comments if you have any other vault toilet tips or tricks!