How to Remove the Squatting Pan in a Mobile Toilet

When removing the squatting pan in a mobile toilet, proceed with caution and focus on protecting the pipe connections and the ground waterproof layer. The specific steps are as follows:

1. Preparation before removal

   • Turn off the main water valve and power supply: This prevents water leakage or electric shock during the removal process, ensuring operational safety.
   • Clean and inspect: Clear the items around the squatting pan, wipe its surface with a dry cloth, and check for any looseness, aging, or cracks.
   • Tool preparation: You will need a rubber mallet, a flat spade, a utility knife, a glass-glue scraper, a wrench (adjustable/pipe wrench), screwdrivers (Phillips/flat-head), towels, plastic sheeting, etc..

2. Separate connected components

   • Inlet hose handling: If the squatting pan has a water tank, use a wrench to loosen the nuts at both ends of the hose and remove it. If directly connected to a water pipe, use a pipe wrench to unscrew the fixing nut and catch any residual water in a bucket.
   • Lift the cover plate: There is usually a round or square cover plate at the back of the squatting pan. Use a screwdriver to pry open the fixing screws and remove the plate.

3. Separate the squatting pan from the ground

   • Cut the sealant: Use a utility knife to cut along the edge of the squatting pan to open the sealant (glass glue or cement). If the glue layer is hard, spray a release agent to soften it and then gently scrape it with a glass-glue scraper.
   • Pry the flange ring: Gently tap the edge of the squatting pan with a rubber mallet (avoid hitting the main body directly) and pry from the sides towards the center to separate the flange ring from the pipe. If it is tightly adhered, insert a flat spade with a towel underneath and pry slowly.
   • Handle bolt fixing: Old-style squatting pans may be fixed with bolts at the bottom. You need to unscrew the bolts before separation.

4. Overall removal and inspection

   • Lift with two people: Keep your hands away from the sharp edges, lift vertically upwards, and prevent tilting and collision.
   • Clean the pipe opening: Use a plastic plug to block the drain pipe opening and clean any residual sealant and debris.
   • Check for blockages: If there are foreign objects in the drain, use a wire hook to fish them out. If the pipe is blocked, further treatment is required.

5. Precautions

   • Avoid violent operations: Do not use brute force to hit the squatting pan to prevent ceramic breakage or pipe rupture.
   • Repair the waterproof layer: If the waterproof layer is damaged during removal, repair it promptly with waterproof glue.
   • Restore the seal: When reinstalling, wrap the sewage pipe opening with 5-6 turns of Teflon tape to enhance the seal. Test the flushing to check if the base leaks.

If complex pipes or old cast-iron pipes are involved, it is advisable to contact professionals to handle them to avoid safety hazards caused by self-operation.