I sure miss my trips to Richwood and Summit Lake. The beauty of WV and the fishing is unbeatable. Troy it looks like in time your going to have a really nice camp.
@@RedToolHouse yep i remember going there as a young lad right after it first opened up back in the mid 60's. The camp ground was on the other side of the lake then. Just a gravel road and very primitive camp sites perfect for young boyscouts. Bears was also a more common sighting back then than now. To be honest i think the fishing was better also. The lake has been used as a water source so much dropping its level in summer that the lake bottom has become full of water grass and algae. No longer can use the methid of fishing that was so successful back in the day.
Troy, thank you so much for taking us on this build. Guess what? Our HOA home is now under contract! WOOHOOO! I'm praying for a smooth closing and taking that giant step to homesteading. Like you, we'll be buying undeveloped land and starting from scratch. A vermicompost system might just be something my husband and I can use. I just wish I'd done it 20 years ago, but better late than never. Now....which tractor do I need to buy? 😆 😆 😆
@Tonisuperfly We sold the HOA house and moved to North Idaho. Bought twenty acres of undeveloped woods, there was about two acres opened up to build on. Currently we're renting in a farmhouse property also on twenty acres. A lot of life and complications have set in, covid, crazy high lumber prices, deaths in the family, injuries, surgeries...basically we haven't built our home yet. We have three pigs up on our property that I tend to a few times a week. On the rental property we currently have 26 goats (mamas gave birth and doubled the herd size.) Also at least thirty birds, mostly chickens.
Would love to have an update on this one in a few months. Very interested in trying this in the next year or two and would find it invaluable to hear your thoughts.
Looks like it ought to work. Obviously you done a lot of research on this Troy, i hope it works great. With the elevations it should work well. In order for a septic system to work you gotta have elevations. With this method you shouldn't need near as much.
Won't the waste be too acidic for the worms? They need a PH neutral environment. Will the woodchips provide enough balance. Also when the waste composts it will get too hot and the worms won't able to get away as they would in an outdoor bin until it cools off a bit. I'll be interested to see if this works. It would have huge implications for parts of India where the soil is very poor
Thank You for your time making this video. I have a property in the country in Southern OR. I am considering a similar waste system. If you have a minute, could you update on the IBC tote how they are performing and is your system still functioning satisfactorily? Do you have any sugeestions for someone like me jsut starting to build one? thanks again!
Just got back from our camp. All is still working well. If you are going to use it daily with several people, you will have to watch for filling up the tank. I have seen others use multiple tanks with diverted to switch between.
I would love to know more about the actual mulch you put in the tank. If I was to use oak wood chip they would be very acidic and I feel as if it may affect the decomposition process. I wonder what the difference would be between the decomposition process of pine chip vs. oak chip.
You gave me an idea for our camp near Slatyfork, WV. We've been using those bag showers for years, that you have to lay out in the sun to warm the water or heat the water before you put it in the bag. Then you have to lift it up to a nail on the front porch and hope no one comes up the road while you are showering. If we built a setup like yours, I know where you can get an on demand water heater that runs on a 20# propane tank for $120.
I've found that the typical fill valve located inside the tank of a typical toilet requires at least 30 PSI of water pressure to properly shut off the flow. At less than 30 PSI, they just continue to flow and will empty a well or cistern. Please let us know what you find that works with the low pressure from your drum. Good luck!
I would think that an RV toilet would be the way to go, where you can control how much water will be used to flush and used to make an odor free seal after the dump flush!
We have used the typical float valve in a toilet for over 30 years at our friends camp (I have a video several years ago on it) that fills the same way. The float ball is enough to close the valve.
Very very interesting and something for me to add to the list to learn after finishing the Humanure Handbook, for my new place. My only thing is, unless the products get hot, have a thermophilic process, is it really "compost"? The product from the vermaculture, would be worm castings, not compost. "A new, more complete definition of compost was adopted by the American Association of Plant and Food Control Officials recently, after several years of deliberation. Supported by the US Composting Council (USCC), this definition is important, because it re-enforces best practices and quality product standards that have been developed, and differentiates compost from other products often confused as compost, such as biochar, mulch, and anaerobic digestate. The official definition is: Compost - is the product manufactured through the controlled aerobic, biological decomposition of biodegradable materials. The product has undergone mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures, which significantly reduces the viability of pathogens and weed seeds, and stabilizes the carbon such that it is beneficial to plant growth. Compost is typically used as a soil amendment, but may also contribute plant nutrients. The prior definition was: The biological decomposition of organic matter. It is accomplished by mixing and piling in such a way to promote aerobic and/or anaerobic decay. The process inhibits pathogens, viable weed seeds, and odors. (Official 1997) For more information, visit: compostingcouncil.org/blog/news/new-compost-definition-results-from-uscc-work-with-aapfco/"
Hey Troy, I’ve got a question- how do you clean the composting toilet without cleaning chemicals? Most would kill the worms as well as the anaerobic bacteria.
According to the vermicomposting forum, people use chemical cleaners and still maintain their worms. They are pretty resilient. The bacteria is aerobic (that is what makes this so effective) but I agree, cleaners can be an issue their. A vinegar solution is what we plan to use on the toilet.
Yes they multiply but will eventually come to a population level that matches the food and other resource constraints, same as any living population (even people).
bury the tank. this video shows the complete process, it is in portuguese, if you don’t have the patience to watch everything watch with the maximum speed of youtube, just by watching you can learn the process. I hope it helps :) ruclips.net/video/qo5EwFjmzXg/видео.html&ab_channel=ChicoAbelha
Nothing goes into the tank other than waste from the toilet in our setup. If using this setup for a whole house then using biodegradable soaps would be ideal. Most people, however, run sink and shower water into a grey water area that is just a small gravel area. This is legal in most states.
So how do you clean your flushing toilet that's prone to water stains and other stains without using toilet cleaning liquids including bleach which are all harmful to the worms below? Bio cleaners like vinegar, baking soda etc are not efficient to take out hard stains.
Perfect timing. I just bought a camper and wasn't looking forward to dealing with portable blackwater tanks. Tell Cam to rub his clothes, hair and skin with ZOTE. It will repel those flying pests.
2 acre tract. The road is a small access road to get to my land and several other parcels. Not really a highway of any sorts. Plus it is 3 hours away from our 100 acre farm so it is a nice place to get away.
@@RedToolHouse it doesn’t. People are too busy for that. Get to the point of what the title promises, that why people clicked. Just saying. Study any successful channel and they will teach to start with a hook right away.
I sure miss my trips to Richwood and Summit Lake. The beauty of WV and the fishing is unbeatable. Troy it looks like in time your going to have a really nice camp.
Thanks, Ken. The folks stopped at Summit Lake yesterday. I have spent many days on and around that water.
@@RedToolHouse yep i remember going there as a young lad right after it first opened up back in the mid 60's. The camp ground was on the other side of the lake then. Just a gravel road and very primitive camp sites perfect for young boyscouts. Bears was also a more common sighting back then than now. To be honest i think the fishing was better also. The lake has been used as a water source so much dropping its level in summer that the lake bottom has become full of water grass and algae. No longer can use the methid of fishing that was so successful back in the day.
How is the vermicomposting toilet doing? How many people use it? How often? Any issues so far?
Looks like a lot of work. We have a nice outhouse with a bucket of lime for twenty years and nobody ever said no to using it.
Troy, thank you so much for taking us on this build. Guess what? Our HOA home is now under contract! WOOHOOO! I'm praying for a smooth closing and taking that giant step to homesteading. Like you, we'll be buying undeveloped land and starting from scratch. A vermicompost system might just be something my husband and I can use.
I just wish I'd done it 20 years ago, but better late than never. Now....which tractor do I need to buy? 😆 😆 😆
Awesome! Glad the sale went through! Whichever tractor you buy, make sure it has a front loader!
@@RedToolHouse Will do!
4 years later… how’s it going? Did it work out how you hoped?
@Tonisuperfly We sold the HOA house and moved to North Idaho. Bought twenty acres of undeveloped woods, there was about two acres opened up to build on. Currently we're renting in a farmhouse property also on twenty acres. A lot of life and complications have set in, covid, crazy high lumber prices, deaths in the family, injuries, surgeries...basically we haven't built our home yet. We have three pigs up on our property that I tend to a few times a week. On the rental property we currently have 26 goats (mamas gave birth and doubled the herd size.) Also at least thirty birds, mostly chickens.
Would love to have an update on this one in a few months. Very interested in trying this in the next year or two and would find it invaluable to hear your thoughts.
We will be updating this fall.
Looks like it ought to work. Obviously you done a lot of research on this Troy, i hope it works great. With the elevations it should work well. In order for a septic system to work you gotta have elevations. With this method you shouldn't need near as much.
My family vacationed in WV over the summer. We are now looking to relocate.
Thanks for sharing this. We found it very informative. A new idea for us.
Won't the waste be too acidic for the worms? They need a PH neutral environment. Will the woodchips provide enough balance. Also when the waste composts it will get too hot and the worms won't able to get away as they would in an outdoor bin until it cools off a bit. I'll be interested to see if this works. It would have huge implications for parts of India where the soil is very poor
Thank You for your time making this video. I have a property in the country in Southern OR. I am considering a similar waste system. If you have a minute, could you update on the IBC tote how they are performing and is your system still functioning satisfactorily? Do you have any sugeestions for someone like me jsut starting to build one? thanks again!
Just got back from our camp. All is still working well. If you are going to use it daily with several people, you will have to watch for filling up the tank. I have seen others use multiple tanks with diverted to switch between.
I would love to know more about the actual mulch you put in the tank. If I was to use oak wood chip they would be very acidic and I feel as if it may affect the decomposition process. I wonder what the difference would be between the decomposition process of pine chip vs. oak chip.
It is my understanding that as you add fecal material it and the worms will breakdown all the carbon regardless of the levels of tanin.
You gave me an idea for our camp near Slatyfork, WV. We've been using those bag showers for years, that you have to lay out in the sun to warm the water or heat the water before you put it in the bag. Then you have to lift it up to a nail on the front porch and hope no one comes up the road while you are showering. If we built a setup like yours, I know where you can get an on demand water heater that runs on a 20# propane tank for $120.
That would be a good setup. We aren't far from Slatyfork.
Red Wrigglers... the Cadilacc of worms!! My ex and I use to supply the city where we live VermiComposting kits for years!!
I've found that the typical fill valve located inside the tank of a typical toilet requires at least 30 PSI of water pressure to properly shut off the flow. At less than 30 PSI, they just continue to flow and will empty a well or cistern. Please let us know what you find that works with the low pressure from your drum. Good luck!
I would think that an RV toilet would be the way to go, where you can control how much water will be used to flush and used to make an odor free seal after the dump flush!
An on demand water pump that runs off of a lawnmower battery, is only $40
We have used the typical float valve in a toilet for over 30 years at our friends camp (I have a video several years ago on it) that fills the same way. The float ball is enough to close the valve.
The flushing toilet trap will take care of odor and the water is needed to help keep the vermicomposting system charged.
Very very interesting and something for me to add to the list to learn after finishing the Humanure Handbook, for my new place. My only thing is, unless the products get hot, have a thermophilic process, is it really "compost"? The product from the vermaculture, would be worm castings, not compost.
"A new, more complete definition of compost was adopted by the American Association of Plant and Food Control Officials recently, after several years of deliberation. Supported by the US Composting Council (USCC), this definition is important, because it re-enforces best practices and quality product standards that have been developed, and differentiates compost from other products often confused as compost, such as biochar, mulch, and anaerobic digestate.
The official definition is:
Compost - is the product manufactured through the controlled aerobic, biological decomposition of biodegradable materials. The product has undergone mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures, which significantly reduces the viability of pathogens and weed seeds, and stabilizes the carbon such that it is beneficial to plant growth. Compost is typically used as a soil amendment, but may also contribute plant nutrients.
The prior definition was: The biological decomposition of organic matter. It is accomplished by mixing and piling in such a way to promote aerobic and/or anaerobic decay. The process inhibits pathogens, viable weed seeds, and odors. (Official 1997)
For more information, visit: compostingcouncil.org/blog/news/new-compost-definition-results-from-uscc-work-with-aapfco/"
Hey Troy, I’ve got a question- how do you clean the composting toilet without cleaning chemicals? Most would kill the worms as well as the anaerobic bacteria.
According to the vermicomposting forum, people use chemical cleaners and still maintain their worms. They are pretty resilient. The bacteria is aerobic (that is what makes this so effective) but I agree, cleaners can be an issue their. A vinegar solution is what we plan to use on the toilet.
@@RedToolHouse Hi the problem with vinegar is that worm don't like acidity.
you can clean your toilet with homemade soap or soap as natural as possible like soap made from coconut
@@gc0009 Thank you
Great Video really enjoyed it
Great idea... but the worms...wont they multiply? Also what to do in the winter months?
Yes they multiply but will eventually come to a population level that matches the food and other resource constraints, same as any living population (even people).
How has the system been?
Awesome
How will freezing temps effect this? Looks great, but I am in Maine and will use camp in winter also.
Michael Rogers great question! Let us know if you learn the answer.
The worms have to stay between 45 and 85 degrees F. Insulation is recommended around the tank.
You must bring it below the frost line. You can also build it underground with concrete. Similar to a septic tank.
bury the tank. this video shows the complete process, it is in portuguese, if you don’t have the patience to watch everything watch with the maximum speed of youtube, just by watching you can learn the process. I hope it helps :)
ruclips.net/video/qo5EwFjmzXg/видео.html&ab_channel=ChicoAbelha
How does venting work on this tank?
Tank is not sealed so venting take place through the opening in the tank where we added woodchips.
Won't the chemicals from showr and hand soap and dish soap kill the worms ?
Nothing goes into the tank other than waste from the toilet in our setup. If using this setup for a whole house then using biodegradable soaps would be ideal. Most people, however, run sink and shower water into a grey water area that is just a small gravel area. This is legal in most states.
DIY Vermicomposting Flush Toilet Anti-Septic Build...
Watch the next video in the series...
ruclips.net/video/ZPT8jBcCbH4/видео.html
So how do you clean your flushing toilet that's prone to water stains and other stains without using toilet cleaning liquids including bleach which are all harmful to the worms below? Bio cleaners like vinegar, baking soda etc are not efficient to take out hard stains.
We are using rain water so there are no heavy metals or staining elements.
@@RedToolHouse Thank you and good luck in your sustainable endeavours.
Richwood looks like it hasn't fully recovered from the flood 2 years ago.
Surely you saw all of the people including the mayor of Richwood, who were indicted for misuse of FEMA funds!
Yeah, it is still a bit of a mess right now.
Yes, corruption kills the towns faster than anything.
What about ventilation?
Perfect timing.
I just bought a camper and wasn't looking forward to dealing with portable blackwater tanks.
Tell Cam to rub his clothes, hair and skin with ZOTE. It will repel those flying pests.
I will have to check out ZOTE
Why would your off grid cabin be within a hundred feet of the road? Seems like a waste of off gridding.
2 acre tract. The road is a small access road to get to my land and several other parcels. Not really a highway of any sorts. Plus it is 3 hours away from our 100 acre farm so it is a nice place to get away.
Most folks aren't rich
;
Why start this video with 2 minutes of driving? So silly.
To draw you into the experience...
@@RedToolHouse it doesn’t. People are too busy for that. Get to the point of what the title promises, that why people clicked. Just saying. Study any successful channel and they will teach to start with a hook right away.
@@GoTocco to be fair i like seeing the nature and such
@@GoTocco ummm. fast forward, drag the little indicator to the right.. not difficult.
All talk and no action.
Did you want video of me actually making a deposit?