Installing a We-Pee urine separator is a straightforward job that most people can do in under an hour. Here's everything you need to know to get it right first time.
What you'll need
- Your We-Pee urine separator
- A drill and screws (or adhesive-backed runners for a removable mounting)
- Standard 1¼" push-fit waste pipe and fittings
- A container, soakaway or pipe run for the diverted urine
Step 1: Plan your pipework
Before you fix anything, decide where the diverted urine is going. Options include a sealed container (a 20-litre barrel works well), a pipe run to a soakaway, or a connection to a planted bed or reed bed system. Gravity does the work, so make sure your pipe run falls away from the separator outlet.
Step 2: Position the separator
Place the separator underneath the toilet seat, within the toilet seat hole. The separator should fill the front third of the hole — this is the correct position for it to work effectively for both male and female users. The outlet points downward and slightly rearward.
Step 3: Secure the separator
You have two main options:
- Screws: Drill through the separator mounting points and fix directly to the toilet seat platform. Solid and permanent.
- Runners: Mount on adhesive-backed plastic runners so the separator can slide out easily for cleaning.
Whichever method you use, make sure the separator is firmly held with no movement — a loose separator won't divert effectively.
Step 4: Connect the pipework
The separator outlet is 30mm external diameter — the same as a standard 1¼" push-fit waste pipe fitting (identical to what's used under bathroom basins). Push the pipe fitting directly onto the outlet and run the pipe to your collection point. If you're using our Complete Urine Separator, make sure the metal filter is in place over the outlet hole to prevent blockages.
Step 5: Test before use
Pour a jug of water through the separator to check the pipe flows freely, there are no leaks at any joints, and water reaches your collection point as expected. Much easier to fix now than after the toilet is in use.
Tips from experience
- Remove and rinse the separator periodically — a quick rinse under a tap keeps everything working perfectly.
- In cold weather, insulate any pipe runs that pass through unheated spaces to prevent freezing.
- Diluted 3:1 with water, separated urine makes an excellent liquid fertiliser — particularly good for hungry plants like courgettes or comfrey.
Any questions?
If you run into anything during installation, or want advice about pipe runs and collection systems, drop us a message and we'll help.