Arriving on site: Motorhome Toilet cassette
How to prepare and empty a motorhome toilet? The leisure vehicle loo, or Thetford toilet, is an essential element. However, emptying a motorhome cassette toilet is often feared by folks who may be unsure of the disposal procedure or how to prepare it for use. Whether you're new to motorhoming in 2025 or just need a refresher, follow our guide for full instructions.
Follow the steps below and you’ll soon be dealing with the chemical toilet like a professional.
How to prepare a motorhome cassette toilet
- To prepare your cassette toilet for use upon arrival at the campsite, first make sure the blade in the toilet is closed. You can do this by moving the blade handle under your toilet bowl.
- Remove your cassette from the external access door by pressing the handle up and pulling until it comes out. If it doesn’t come out, it probably means the toilet blade is still open.
- Lay the cassette on the floor with the wheels down, open the hatch on the top and slide the cover back.
- Add the appropriate dose of green/blue chemical treatment along with the specified amount of water.
- Close the hatch and the cover.
- Replace the cassette, making sure that the bottom of the handle locates in the notch.
How to fill a motorhome toilet flush tank
- Open the filler door above the external toilet cassette door using the key.
- Add the required amount of flush chemical (check the bottle to see the correct amount of fluid you need) and top up the holding tank with water from a water container, watering can, or similar.
- Close the filler door.
- The flush is ready to use.
How to empty a motorhome cassette toilet
- If the cassette is fitted to the toilet, ensure the blade is closed. You can do this by moving the blade handle (the opening and closing mechanism) on the front of the toilet bowl.
- Remove your cassette from the external access door by pulling the orange handle up and pulling the cassette outwards. It probably means the toilet blade is still open if it doesn’t come out.
- Many cassettes have wheels and a telescopic handle. This makes it easier to transport.
- Locate the emptying facilities on site. These may be called the Elsan Point, Black Waste Disposal Point, or Toilet Emptying Point.
- Twist the grey nozzle outwards and unscrew the domed orange cap from the end. Put the cap in a safe place, as you don’t want it falling into the drain!
- Empty the cassette in the designated drain, holding the orange button down as you do so.
- Rinse the cassette with water and shake it gently before emptying. Repeat until clean.
- Add the appropriate dose of toilet chemical treatment along with the recommended amount of water. Quantities vary between products, so it’s worth checking.
- Refit the cassette.
Does your loo need a freshen up?
Prima Leisure sells Thetford Fresh Up set, which include a new cassette and toilet seat. If you’ve recently bought a second hand tourer and want to make it yours, they can be a worthwhile investment.
Jump to:
- Beginners Guide to Motorhoming – Homepage
- 01. How to load your motorhome
- 02. How to use your motorhome cab: Ford
- 03. How to use your motorhome cab: Peugeot
- 04. Arriving on site: How to level your motorhome
- 05. Arriving on site: Electrical system
- 06. Arriving on site: Gas system
- 07. Arriving on site: Water system
- 08. Arriving on site: How to set up your Truma or Alde heating system
- 09. Arriving on site: Toilet cassette
- 10. Arriving on site: Fridge
- 11. Arriving on site: Hob, oven and grill
- 12. Arriving on site: TV aerial
- 13. Arriving on site: How to set up your wind out awning
- 14. How to troubleshoot the electrical system in your motorhome
- 15. Draining the Water System for Winter Storage
- 16. Glossary
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