Porta Potti Portable Toilet Quick Guide
This guide explains how to set up, use, empty and maintain your Porta Potti portable toilet in a Rhinomax camper. It covers water filling, chemical dosing, sealing mechanisms and correct waste-disposal procedures. For full specifications, troubleshooting tables and component diagrams, download the complete Porta Potti manual below.
⚙️ Basic Operation (Rhinomax Edition)
How the Porta Potti works, how to prepare it, and what to expect during normal use.
How the System Works
A Porta Potti is a self-contained chemical toilet made up of:
- A fresh-water flush tank (top section).
- A waste holding tank with a sliding blade valve (bottom section).
- A manual piston or bellows pump for flushing.
- A sealing system to keep odours inside the lower tank.
When you flush, fresh water rinses the bowl and waste is deposited into the sealed lower tank.
Filling the Fresh-Water Tank
Before first use:
- Remove the top section to expose the filling cap.
- Add clean fresh water up to the marked level.
- Optionally add flush-water additive (improves smell & bowl cleaning).
Do not overfill the tank; leave room for the float and pump chamber.
Charging the Waste Tank
The lower tank requires a starter dose of chemical:
- Add the recommended amount of toilet chemical (liquid sachet or powder).
- Add around 1–2 cups of water to activate the chemical.
- Ensure the blade valve is fully closed before assembling the toilet.
Using the right dose helps break down paper and controls odour.
Using the Toilet Correctly
For best performance:
- Open the blade handle before use; close it after flushing.
- Flush using the manual pump after each use.
- Limit toilet paper to biodegradable 2-ply for fastest breakdown.
- Never put sanitary products, wipes or foreign materials into the tank.
Keeping the blade closed between uses prevents odours escaping into the cabin.
🚽 Emptying & Hygiene
Simple steps for clean and safe waste disposal at dump points.
When to Empty
The Porta Potti waste tank should be emptied when:
- The waste-level indicator shows full (where equipped).
- Resistance is felt when flushing.
- After several days of regular use.
Do not wait until the tank is overflowing—this may cause leaks.
Removing the Waste Tank
To empty:
- Separate the upper and lower sections.
- Carry the waste tank by the large handle.
- Use the air-release button when pouring to prevent splashing.
Always empty into an approved RV dump point or toilet.
Rinsing & Refilling
After emptying:
- Partially fill with clean water, shake gently, and empty again.
- Add fresh waste tank chemical per instructions.
- Add 1–2 cups of water to reactivate the chemical.
Reassemble the unit once the blade valve is closed and latched.
Cleaning the Unit
For best hygiene:
- Use non-abrasive cleaners on plastic surfaces.
- Occasionally lubricate the blade seal with silicone-based spray.
- Do not use bleach—it damages seals and discolours the tank.
If smells persist, replace the blade seal following the manual's instructions.
🔧 Troubleshooting – Quick Checks
Most issues are easy to solve with simple checks.
Odour escaping into the cabin
- Confirm the blade valve is fully closed.
- Add fresh chemical and 1–2 cups of water to the waste tank.
- Check blade seal for dryness; lubricate with silicone spray.
- Ensure the fresh-water tank has enough water for flushing.
Blade valve difficult to open or close
- Clean around the blade channel and remove any paper debris.
- Apply a food-grade silicone lubricant to restore smooth movement.
- Replace the blade seal if cracked or deformed.
Poor flushing performance
- Check water level in the fresh-water tank.
- Ensure the pump is primed—pump several times until water flows freely.
- Inspect the flush nozzle for debris or scale buildup.
Leakage when transporting
- Check that the waste tank cap is tightened securely.
- Ensure the blade is fully closed before carrying.
- Replace seals if the unit is older or showing signs of wear.
Avoid transporting when completely full to reduce pressure on seals.
🛠️ Preventative Maintenance – Porta Potti
Simple care tips to maximise cleanliness and equipment life.
Keep Seals Lubricated
Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the blade seal every 2–4 weeks. This prevents sticking and reduces load on the handle mechanism.
Use the Right Chemicals
Choose approved RV toilet chemicals to prevent odours and help break down paper. Avoid bleach or harsh cleaners—they damage the internal plastics and seals.
Flush & Rinse Regularly
After each camping trip, rinse both top and bottom tanks thoroughly. Leave the blade open during storage to allow air circulation.