A PVC pipe is a length of white plastic that doesn’t have any threading on the ends. It is used in water and sewage lines and is typically joined to other pipes using a coupler or adapter. Despite its name, a PVC cleanout and plug is sold as one piece. It has a cap on the end of a threaded material and is usually used to close off plumbing pipes and water lines. The coupler may be labelled as 4 inches (10 cm), but it’s usually around 4. 25 inches (10. 8 cm) in diameter. Couplers are designed to join PVC pipes of the same size together, thus the difference in the diameter. The same goes for the toilet flange. The toilet flange is a length of PVC used to connect a toilet to a drain line. It has a thread on one end and a cap. Make sure that your toilet flange doesn’t have screw holes in it. The openings have to be embedded in a metal rim around it for this piece to work.
You can use a hammer or the back of a wrench to strike the collar off if you don’t have a mallet.
The flange should be on the outside of the tube. This is the bottom of your tube. Twist the cap into the threading at the end of this piece to seal it. If you want to permanently shut this end, add PVC cement to the threading before twisting it closed. Many people prefer to leave an opening at both ends to make cleaning easier, though. Do not use PVC glue instead of PVC cement. While many people think that they’re the same thing, PVC cement actually binds PVC pieces together. Glue simply keeps them in place, which is usually good enough for a closed piping system but won’t work for a poop tube.
This is the top of your poop tube. There needs to be a little bit of space at the top for your cap, so don’t make these 2 pieces flush.
When you want to open or close your tube, simply twist the cap off.
Many people opt to use coffee filters. The advantage of coffee filters is that they have a built-in lip around the edges which makes them easy to fold up. The disadvantage is that they’re pretty thin and small when compared to other options. Some outdoor enthusiasts prefer paper towels. Paper towels are good because you can rip off as many pieces as you need. The downside is that paper towels are a little harder to carry and can blow away in the wind. If you’re using plastic bags, make sure that you inspect each bag for holes before packing them in your backpack.
If you want to ensure that your hands stay clean, pack some disposable rubber gloves in your hiking or climbing gear. Put them on before you use the poop tube and throw them in with your waste when you’re done.
If you’re up in the air during a long climb, use your non-dominant hand to hold the airtight bag open in your lap while you guide the dirty plastic bag into it.
Clean your poop tube thoroughly after every use. Once you’ve thrown away your used bags, clean the tube with warm water, soap, and a washcloth. Let the tube air dry outside and wash your hands with soap and water.
