How do I clean and look after the Pi-Pi urinal?

Question

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the Pi-Pi waterless urinal is simple: wipe the smooth surface with a sponge and mild detergent, and clean the outlet and metal filter mesh every few weeks. The urinal has no moving parts, so there’s nothing to replace. The rest of the maintenance involves the hose and the canister where the liquid drains.

What and how often to do

The exact frequency depends on how many people use the urinal: less often at a weekend garden, more often with permanent residence or guests. The timelines in the table are a guideline, not a rule.

How often	What to do
As needed	Wipe the surface with a soft sponge and mild detergent. With Standard Plus, you can optionally pour a little water through the top port for rinsing
Every 1–2 weeks	Rinse the canister with water
Every few weeks	Remove and wash the filter mesh, check the outlet: the liquid should drain freely
Spring and autumn	Inspect the mounting, hose, and mesh, prepare the urinal for winter or the new season

Surface: how and what to clean with

The urinal surface is smooth, does not absorb liquid, and wipes clean in seconds. A sponge and mild detergent are suitable. Avoid abrasive powders and hard brushes as they leave scratches where deposits can build up faster. The closed body of the Standard does not clog, and there are no moving parts in the urinal to jam.

Which cleaning agents are suitable and which are not are discussed in a separate answer: what can be used to clean the urinal.

Filter mesh and outlet

The metal filter mesh is included. Over time, deposits and small debris may accumulate on it and the outlet. If the liquid drains slower, check this area first.

Remove the mesh and rinse it with water, using a soft brush if necessary.
Check the stepped outlet Ø24/32/40 mm: there should be no deposits or foreign objects inside.
Reinstall the mesh and run a little water to ensure the liquid drains freely.

Deposits and odor

It’s easier to remove deposits immediately before they dry: a mild detergent and sponge are sufficient. Odor usually appears where liquid stagnates, such as in a poorly closed canister or a sagging hose. Regular emptying, rinsing the canister, a tight lid, and a hose that runs downward without sags help. In a closed cabin, the odor is vented out: the Standard Plus and Standard Corner have a top port Ø70 mm for connection to composting toilet ventilation.

Canister and hose

The canister should be emptied before it fills up and rinsed with water from time to time. How to do this and avoid overflow is described in the answer how often to empty the canister. Inspect the hose during each cleaning: it should be securely attached to the fitting, without sags or kinks.

Seasonal maintenance

In autumn, empty the canister, remove the hose, and drain any remaining liquid, wipe the urinal. The urinal itself can be left on the wall. In spring, inspect the mounting, attach the hose and canister, wash the mesh, and check the drain. Details are in the answer can the urinal be left outside in winter.

Outdoor sink without plumbing

The outdoor Pi-Pi sink made of the same material is maintained similarly: wipe the surface and soap shelf with a mild detergent, clean the mesh and drain, rinse the hose and bucket or canister for used water. The sink has no built-in tank or pump, so there’s no need to service them. You can choose a model in the sinks section.