Although rare when installed, maintained and used correctly, your Cinderella Incineration toilet may overheat for several reasons, and this issue can affect all models due to the inherent nature of the appliance.
Improper installation is the predominant cause of system malfunctions across all Cinderella markets. When installations are not done correctly, airflow is restricted, resulting in inefficient incineration processes. This inefficiency can cause various issues, including increased wear on products and components, ultimately leading to the necessity for costly and unavoidable maintenance services.
In this article, we will examine the safety features provided by each Cinderella model, identify indicators of potential overheating in your unit, explore the most common causes, and offer preventative strategies and solutions.
Indicators that your Cinderella is overheating
You can prevent permanent damage to your unit from overheating by recognizing some key signs that Cinderella has identified over the past 25 years. We've incorporated their training recommendations and included real customer photos with descriptions for each main indicator.
Inefficient incinerations:
Many users have observed an increase in operating costs due to inefficient incineration processes. Concurrently, they have identified visible remnants of paper or flaky layers of unburned material within the ash container. Often, these residues include larger fragments of black unburned waste, moisture, or paper, which become apparent during the process of emptying the toilet.
Solution: Begin by inspecting the catalyst, exhaust flue and intake for any blockages. Proceed to empty and thoroughly clean the ash container. Next, initiate an additional incineration cycle without adding paper or water. Upon completion, observe that the resulting ashes should consist of a mix of white and dark grey hues. Subsequently, empty the ash container and execute the maintenance procedures as specified in the manual. If the issue remains unresolved, please continue to the subsequent sections for further guidance.
Odours in the room:
The catalytic converter is the primary air duct between the incineration chamber and the appliance flue terminal. Any accumulations of particles in the catalytic converter will reduce the flow rate and the toilet efficiency, and may be the cause of bad odour. It is therefore important to ensure that the catalytic converter is open and clear at all times. Any changes in incineration time, incineration efficiency or odour, may be due to dense catalytic conversion.
Main Solution: The best method to easily clean the catalyst is to perform “steam cleaning” as described in your manual and illustrated below:
You can also inspect the front of the catalyst by removing the ash container and illuminating the combustion chamber from the inside.
Comfort model pictured above.
Any remaining particles or odours persisting after steam cleaning will have to be removed by rinsing the catalytic converter with hot water as described in your manual.
Common causes and solutions for odours in the room:
1. The absence or improper use of a bowl liner each time the toilet is used can lead to operational issues.
Cinderella Freedom model shown above with hatch open while cleaning after a spill.
Solution: It is essential for new users to be educated on the correct use of the toilet. Many customers find it helpful to place instructional materials near the unit to guide proper usage. Additionally, it is important to clean the bowl and hatch promptly if a spill occurs or if a liner is not used.
- Understanding Overfilling (PDF) - It's perfectly normal to see a bit of corrosion over time, even though we use top-notch stainless steel and Incoloy materials. If you're using the toilet in a cabin, it should last around 4-6 years before you need to replace any parts. For daily use, you might notice a bit more wear and tear, so a little self-maintenance and service will help keep everything running smoothly.
- How-To-Use Cinderella® Stationary Models (PDF)
How-To-Use Cinderella® Stationary Models (Video) - How-To-Use Cinderella® Travel (PDF)
- Cinderella® Comfort Troubleshooting Chart (PDF)
- Cinderella® Freedom Troubleshooting Chart (PDF)
2. Blocked airflow or a clogged exhaust pipe may compromise the unit’s efficiency.
Solution: It is crucial to ensure that the outlet pipe is correctly attached to the toilet. Regular inspection of the flue pipe and flue termination cap is recommended. Verify that the installation follows the guidelines outlined in the installation manual, as excessive restriction in the flue pipe can result in back pressure and unpleasant odours. Routine maintenance on the exhaust ventilation system is advisable.
3. A clogged catalytic converter can also be a source of problems.
Common causes and solutions for odours or grey smoke outside the home:
Similar issues may occur outside the home, including:
1. The catalyst may not have reached its operational temperature.
It is important to note that when the toilet is cold, it may take a few minutes for the catalyst to heat up sufficiently to function correctly.
2. In cases where the catalyst is corroded or deformed, it is advisable to contact your servicing provider or an authorized Cinderella dealer for assistance.
Exhaust fan is struggling or stops working completely:
Typically, users may observe that the exhaust fan produces increased noise levels or exhibits unusual vibrations. These signs generally indicate the necessity for cleaning or replacement of the fan to ensure optimal functioning.
The image above illustrates a fan from the same unit both before and after undergoing replacement, demonstrating the process and impact of maintenance on the unit's efficiency.
Bimetal Thermostat (overheat cutoff switch) is triggered:
Cinderella's design incorporates “watch dog” software. The toilet will automatically switch to “safety mode.” In this mode, the unit will not be able to start an incineration, and error messages will appear on the display.
The bimetal thermostat is just one of Cinderella's safety features that activates when the internal temperature of the toilet exceeds a safe threshold. This situation commonly arises from insufficient airflow or blockages in the inlet or outlet sections of the system. When there is inadequate ventilation or a malfunctioning component, the incineration process will automatically halt, and an alert will signal the need for a manual reset.
To prevent this issue, it is essential to ensure that the intake air meets specified requirements and that the flue vent remains open and unobstructed. It is also advisable to visually inspect the catalytic converter and conduct steam cleaning as part of routine maintenance.
To reset the thermostat, carefully unscrew the plastic screw located on the side of the unit, press the reset button, and then reattach the screw securely.
This button will always move 1.5mm (1/16 inch); whether the fuse has been popped or not. The difference will be a loud click when pressing it indicating that the fuse has been reset.
The accumulation of soot and tar in or around the Cinderella:
This serves as an indicator that your toilet may require increased ventilation or that there may be obstructions in the exhaust system. To ensure optimal functionality of the toilet, it is crucial to adhere to the ventilation guidelines provided in the Cinderella manual. Deviating from the manufacturer's specifications during installation or using unauthorized parts can lead to malfunctions, increased wear, unpleasant odours, and will invalidate the warranty.
Still need assistance? The Cabin Depot™ and other Authorized Cinderella® Partners require the following Support Form to be completed before technical or warranty support can be provided.
Please fill out the Official Cinderella Support Form for North America so an authorized Cinderella technician can review your case.
Developing Your Maintenance Routine
Incineration toilets are a relatively recent innovation in North America, and as such, users may encounter some initial challenges. Unlike traditional plumbing systems, these toilets incorporate electronic, metallic, and other components that are subject to wear and tear.
Implementing effective maintenance routines can significantly reduce operating costs and minimize product wear. It is highly recommended that users adhere to the maintenance guidelines provided in the manual.
- Empty the toilet frequently. Do not base your use on the maximum limit of the appliance.
- Always clean the ash container and insert it when emptied.
- Always perform the steam cleaning preferably after each emptying and washing of the ash container. Once per day, or at least weekly depending on usage.
- Always observe the end result characteristics when emptying the toilet. Deviations in the end result may indicate the need for maintenance, installation adjustments or service.
- Weekly Steam Cleaning (PDF)
Weekly Steam Cleaning (Video)
Cinderella® Official Maintenance Video
Spare Parts
Incineration toilets function similarly to small furnaces. Like other household appliances or machinery, these units necessitate periodic replacement of components due to regular use, which leads to natural wear and tear over time. For example, parts such as the heating element, fans, catalyst, spark plug, and ash container insert are prone to degradation and will require periodic replacement.
Cinderella® and its affiliates offer genuine spare parts for all their units, making it advantageous for companies and businesses to keep spare parts on hand for unexpected downtime or even for preventative maintenance.
Review the recommended parts included in Cinderella® service packages, available at many Cinderella® Dealer locations. Please contact support@thecabindepot.com to place your order today!
Please be aware that a limited 1-year warranty period is applicable when the product is installed in a commercial and industrial settings. *The 3-year warranty applies exclusively to residential applications. Commercial and industrial applications, including Airbnb, resort settings, rental units, mining, construction, and forestry, are covered by a limited 1-year warranty. The warranty is non-transferable. For clarification on your specific application, not mentioned in the examples, please reach out to the distributor, your local Cinderella dealer, or Cinderella Eco Group AS.