Question 1

How heavy is the TinyJohn?

Accepted Answer

The TinyJohn is 72 lbs and it’s easy for two people to carry.

Question 2

Is it portable? What method should I use to carry it?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Two regular‑sized people can carry it.

Question 3

Is it difficult to hook up? How do I hook it up?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. First install the vent pipe (through the wall or ceiling). Then connect the propane (a standard 5‑gal barbecue tank works) and the 12 V battery and/or 120/240 VAC power cords.

Question 4

How long does it take to install TinyJohn?

Accepted Answer

With two people, you can install it within a couple of hours. It can also be done solo or by a local handyman/contractor.

Question 5

Can ECOJOHN go completely off‑grid?

Accepted Answer

Yes! TinyJohn only requires a 12 V DC battery and a small propane tank.

Question 6

What type of power does TinyJohn use?

Accepted Answer

It uses both electricity (12 V DC or 120/240 VAC) and propane.

Question 7

Can I hook it up to propane?

Accepted Answer

Of course! A standard ⅜″ connector is required.

Question 8

Can I run it on gas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The TinyJohn runs on either propane or natural gas.

Question 9

How much gas does it use per month/year?

Accepted Answer

A 5‑gal propane tank lasts about 75 flushes before it needs refilling.

Question 10

Does it need electricity?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It uses 12 V DC or 120/240 VAC power.

Question 11

How many amps does the gas model draw?

Accepted Answer

The gas model draws 1.5 amps during operation; standby power is minimal—just enough for a small LED light.

Question 12

How many amps does the electric model draw?

Accepted Answer

The electric model draws 15 amps during operation; standby power is minimal.

Question 13

Is TinyJohn safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It includes internal safety features—temperature sensors, safety shut‑off valves, sealed burn chamber, and automatic shutdown when opened—for your protection.

Question 14

How long is a burn cycle?

Accepted Answer

For a regular gas TinyJohn, about 45 minutes for a liquid flush and about 1h 15 min for a waste flush. Electric models run slightly longer; XL models are faster (30–45 min).

Question 15

If it’s in a burn cycle, can I use it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Opening the lid stops the cycle instantly; closing it restarts the cycle.

Question 16

How many people can use it immediately after one another?

Accepted Answer

4–5 people can use the regular TinyJohn back‑to‑back; 8–10 users on the XL model.

Question 17

Does the vent stack or chimney get hot?

Accepted Answer

It can feel warm—exhaust starts at ~220 °F and exits at around 150 °F—but it won’t burn you.

Question 18

How often do I need to empty the ashes?

Accepted Answer

If used daily by two people, check ashes every 3–4 weeks. Also inspect ash chamber and catalytic converter whenever you refuel.

Question 19

How do I clean out the ashes?

Accepted Answer

Open the front access panel, pull out the tray, dump ashes in yard or trash, and vacuum out residue if needed.

Question 20

Do I need to clean the bowl of my ECOJOHN?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The removable bowl can be cleaned easily; liners are provided to help with cleanliness.

Question 21

Do I need to change liners with every use?

Accepted Answer

Yes—a new liner is required for every use and is incinerated during flush.

Question 22

Can I use it with no water hookups?

Accepted Answer

Yes—TinyJohn is completely waterless. For water‑based needs, see our SepticJohn models.

Question 23

Can I use it in a very cold environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes—since it’s waterless, it works in temperatures as low as –40 °C.

Question 24

Does it have emissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but emissions are extremely low and barely register on EPA standards (CO and CO₂ at a few ppm).

Question 25

What is the maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance is minimal: clean out ashes, change propane tank, clean catalytic converter, and clean exhaust fan as needed.

Question 26

How often must I run service/maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance frequency aligns with ash removal—check parts then; overall upkeep is minimal.

Question 27

Do you have spare parts in stock?

Accepted Answer

Yes—we carry all the spare parts you would ever need!

Question 28

Who do I contact with technical problems?

Accepted Answer

Contact your local dealer or ECOJOHN tech support or customer service via our website.

Question 29

Do you have speed delivery?

Accepted Answer

Yes—we offer expedited delivery if needed sooner than our standard 4‑week timeframe.

Question 30

Does it require a pipe or vent?

Accepted Answer

Yes—a vent is required for exhaust. Emissions are low and the pipe is just warm to the touch.

Question 31

What is the vent clearance from a wall?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a 2‑inch clearance from the wall.

Question 32

How should I vent my ECOJOHN? Straight or angled?

Accepted Answer

You can vent through the back with an elbow and run it up the wall indoors or outdoors, or cap it horizontally—common in RV or van setups.

Question 33

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

1) Open seat, 2) Use liner, 3) Use toilet, 4) Close seat, 5) Press flush, 6) Trap door opens/closes, 7) Burn cycle runs, 8) Green LED signals completion, or red LED for issues.

Question 34

If I use propane, how many flushes can I get per tank?

Accepted Answer

About 75 flushes per 5‑gallon propane tank.

Question 35

Is it good for the environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes—the TinyJohn is zero‑waste, fully self‑contained, with no bacteria and extremely low emissions.

Latest Blog Posts

ECOJOHN's Commercial Wastewater Solutions

Beyond the Flush: Why the TinyJohn Is Redefining Off-Grid Sanitation

Overcoming High-Strength Wastewater

When Septic Systems Fail: A Different Way Forward with SepticJohn

SepticJohn for Vacation Homes - Make the Right Choice for your Vacation Property

Why is SepticJohn a better solution than a standard Aerobic System?

SepticJohn: For Everywhere and Everyone

Incineration Toilets Guide: All You Need To Know

Cart

Select options