FAQ Winter Use

Frequently asked questions about winter use

Separett toilets are designed and manufactured in Sweden and they are mostly used in the home market and in other Nordic countries. Urine freezes at around 30°F to 28°F and knowing the harsh conditions there are special installation instructions that apply for winter use.

Can I use the toilet when it's cold?

Yes, you can, but there are some things to consider. Separett toilets are made of high-quality plastic, but like any other plastic, the structural strength of the material is lower in freezing temperatures. Avoid hitting the toilet with hard objects and sit down on the toilet more slowly than when it's warm. In temperatures above 15°F, the plastic is close to its normal integrity, but the lower the temperature gets, the more careful one has to be. If the toilet area is heated, this issue won't occur.

The urine hose may freeze in cold temperatures. See the question below for an answer to this problem.

The urine hose froze, what can I do to prevent this from happening?

Make sure that you always have a downward slope of at least 2 degrees (0.8 inch per 40 inches) throughout the piping. A slope lower than this will cause the liquid to accumulate and freeze in the pipe.

In winter use, outdoor pipes must have an internal diameter of at least 1 1/2”. The sooner you switch to pipes with a larger diameter, the lower the risk of freezing. You'll need an adapter sleeve to go over to the bigger pipe. Suitable adapter sleeves are readily available in DIY and plumbing stores and via big online retailers. Remember to seal both sides of the sleeve and any other coupling with silicone.

If the toilet is used in an area where the temperature drops below 15°F, we recommend insulating outdoor pipes with pipe insulation. Such insulation can be bought in most DIY stores.

Should the temperature drop under 0°F, it might be necessary to install a heating cable around the pipe to keep it from freezing.

The seat ring is too cold to sit on, what can I do?

We have a solution for those frosty mornings. Insulating strips can be applied on the seat ring to prevent skin contact with the cold plastic. These adhesive strips are made of insulating foam, they come in a set of 3 pairs, and they can be swapped when needed.