I have algae in the top tank of my portable toilet / porta potti.  How can I treat this?

If you have leaf like pieces of algae appearing in the portable toilet bowl on pump flushing, you may have developed a mild case of algae in your flushing tank.  Any sediment build up in your toilet system will eventually cause the slides etc. to jam.

Even if you have used the correct concentration of chemicals, this still may occur and is quite easy to eradicate.

If the toilet cassette manufacturer warns against the use of bleach or other powerful cleaning agents you could try using 1 tablespoon of Woolworths Nappy Treatment Plus dissolved in 500 ml of water and added to the top tank.

Method to remove and clean tank

1. Empty the bottom tank and rinse until clean.
2. Empty the top tank and operate the pump several times to expel any top tank mix that may still be in the pump suction and pressure lines.
3. Add a mixture of bleach and water to the top tank. (Usually 1/2 cup of bleach to 1L water). Put the cap back on the top tank and shake/swirl so that all sides, top and bottom have been coated with the bleach/water.
4. Refit the top tank to the bottom tank and operate the pump so that the bleach mix is drawn into the pump and lines.  Continue pumping all the mix from the top tank is in the bottom tank. Ensure all the mix is cleared from the pump.
5. Remove the top tank and invert it so that any excess mix can drain away.
6. Shake/swirl the bottom tank so that all sides, top and bottom and also drain tube have been coated with the bleach mix. Drain and invert to dry.
7. The unit is now ready for use or storage.  All traces of algae should be removed. If storing for a length of time, store in a dark environment.  This will also be beneficial as algae needs light to thrive.

Toilette Cassette - Cleaning and Maintenance

Hopefully, your caravan, motorhome or 5^th wheeler supplier provided you with a manual for the type of toilet cassette you have installed.  The manual will have instructions for your model portable toilet cassette.  If not, some supplier websites may have an instruction manual you can download.

The Thetford Cassette manual recommends the waste tank seal, the automatic pressure release vent seal and the cap seal to be cleaned regularly.  If you are regular travellers or living full time in your RV monthly cleaning should sufficient.

Thetford say never to use household cleaners (bleach, solvents or other powerful cleaning agents) as they may cause permanent damage to the seals and other toilet components.

Rub the seals and valve blade with olive oil and then wipe them over with a piece of cloth or toilet paper.  Thetford say never use Vaseline or any vegetable oil.  Use only olive oil.

If the toilet cassette is not be used for some time, after emptying, clean and coat the seals lightly with olive oil before storing away.

And last, but not least, wash your hands properly after emptying or maintaining the toilette cassette.