Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you'd want to know before fitting a urine separator. If your question isn't answered here, drop us a note via the contact page and we'll get back to you.
Choosing the right separator
What's the difference between the £31 Urine Separator and the £40 Complete Urine Separator?
Both do the same core job — diverting urine away from the solids so your compost toilet stays odour-free.
- £31 Urine Separator (original) — our compact, lightweight design. Fits under most toilet seat platforms and connects to your own pipework. Available in white or black.
- £40 Complete Urine Separator — our newer full-unit design. Sits as a complete assembly under the toilet seat, includes a removable metal filter that stops the pipework getting blocked. Slightly larger footprint. Currently white only.
If you're a DIY-er with your own pipework plan, the £31 is everything you need. If you want a tidier, all-in-one solution with a built-in filter, the £40 is worth the extra.
Will it fit my toilet?
Most likely yes. The £31 separator measures 170mm wide × 283mm long × 128mm deep. The £40 Complete is 284mm wide × 330mm long × 130mm deep. Both fit under standard toilet seat platforms — just check your seat hole has space for the separator's depth below it.
Does it work for both male and female users?
Yes — the shape is designed so that both male and female users naturally direct urine into the front collection area. This is the outcome of years of research and customer feedback.
Does it work for children?
It does, with a couple of caveats. Younger boys may need to be reminded to sit. The separator catches urine when seated and the position works for kids comfortably.
Installation
How do I install it?
The separator sits underneath your toilet seat platform and is fixed in place with screws (or runners). Position it so the front collection bowl fills the front third of the toilet seat hole. The outlet connects to standard 1¼" push-fit waste pipe — the same fittings you'd find at any plumbing merchant.
We've published a step-by-step install guide on our news blog with photos.
What pipework do I need?
Standard 1¼" push-fit waste pipe — the white plastic stuff you can buy from any DIY shop or plumber's merchant. You'll also need an outlet container or soakaway for the urine — most customers use a jerry can, a sealed tank, or pipe straight out to a soakaway.
Can I fit it in a campervan, boat or tiny house?
Yes — these are some of our most common use cases. We have customers using our separators in vans, narrowboats, tiny houses, off-grid cabins, glamping sites and allotment sheds across the UK and worldwide.
Where does the urine go after it leaves the separator?
That's up to you. Most common options:
- Jerry can / sealed container — empty periodically. Best for vans, boats and indoor toilets.
- Soakaway — a gravel-filled pit that lets urine soak into the ground naturally. Best for off-grid or garden setups.
- Diluted as fertiliser — urine is high in nitrogen and, diluted 10:1 with water, makes excellent plant feed.
Using your separator
Does it really stop the smell?
Yes — and it's the single most important factor in any composting toilet. The smell associated with compost loos comes from urine and faeces mixing together, which produces ammonia. Separate them at source and the smell disappears.
How often do I need to clean it?
The smooth, shiny surface is designed for easy cleaning. A quick rinse and wipe-down weekly is plenty for most users. Periodically you can remove it entirely for a deep clean — that's why it's fitted with screws rather than glued in.
What do I do with the collected urine?
If you have a garden or allotment, diluted urine (about 10 parts water to 1 part urine) is a fantastic free nitrogen fertiliser — particularly good for leafy greens, brassicas and fruit trees. Otherwise it can be disposed of in a soakaway or via the foul drain.
Buying & delivery
How long does shipping take?
UK orders typically arrive within 2–3 working days via Royal Mail tracked. International shipping varies by destination — usually 5–14 working days. See our shipping & delivery page for full details.
Do you ship to the EU?
We do ship to the EU but, post-Brexit, customs handling makes direct shipping slow and sometimes expensive. For the best EU experience we recommend ordering through our eBay store or Amazon store — both ship to the EU with prepaid duty and faster delivery.
Can I return it if it doesn't work for me?
Yes — we have a 30-day return policy for unused separators in their original packaging. See our refund policy for full details. If something has gone wrong — wrong fit, damage in transit — get in touch via the contact page and we'll sort it.
Materials & durability
What is it made from?
Strong, durable plastic with a smooth, easy-clean shiny surface. Designed and manufactured in the UK from materials chosen for longevity in damp toilet environments.
How long does it last?
Many of our earliest customers from 2009 are still using their original separators. With normal use and basic cleaning there's no reason a We-Pee separator shouldn't last decades.
Is it sustainable?
The plastic itself is durable rather than biodegradable — but that's by design: a separator that lasts a lifetime keeps far more material out of landfill than one that breaks down in a few years. And the whole point of the product is to enable composting toilets, which dramatically reduce water and sewage waste compared to flush systems.
Still have a question?
Drop us a line via the contact page. We're a small team and read every message — we're genuinely happy to help with anything from product fit to compost toilet design advice.