Inside the Dometic 8700: Smart Toilets That Talk to Your Phone
Explore how advanced marine toilets like the Dometic 8700 merge eco-friendly design with smart technology to transform on-board hygiene.
Dometic 8700: A Revolution in Smart Marine Toilets
Across the transportation, hospitality, and outdoor recreation sectors, sanitation technology has traditionally lagged far behind the conveniences of modern smart homes. With the Dometic 8700 series, however, marine and RV sanitation steps boldly into the future. Combining smart controls, robust build quality, and environmental intelligence, the Dometic 8700 promises a cleaner, safer, and smarter bathroom experience—right on board.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why a Smart Toilet?
- Key Features of the Dometic 8700
- How Smart Marine Toilet Technology Works
- Installation & Integration
- Environmental and Practical Benefits
- User Experience & Daily Operation
- Cautions and Limitations
- The Future of Smart Sanitation
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction: Why a Smart Toilet?
Gone are the days when shipboard or RV toilets were the weak link in an otherwise high-tech environment. Modern marine toilets are central to both sustainability and comfort. The Dometic 8700 series stands out by integrating:
- Automated operation that reduces user error and hassle
- Intelligent water management for resource efficiency
- System feedback, enabling remote monitoring and smartphone integration
This blend of features supports not just luxury, but also environmental stewardship and on-the-go practicality.
Key Features of the Dometic 8700
The Dometic 8700 masterfully merges comfort, smart controls, and resource savings in a compact design. Essential features include:
- Convenient electronic flush—add water or flush with a touch of a button, either by a wall-mounted switch or electronic flush handle.
- Dual water consumption settings—”Normal” flush uses approximately 0.83 gal. (3.1 liters), while the “Dry Bowl” setting uses as little as 0.21 gal. (0.79 liters).
- Automatic shutoff—if the holding tank is full and the toilet is connected to a monitoring system, the control module disables the toilet, preventing overflows and potential damage.
- Powerful macerator pump—permits installation up to 98 ft (30 m) away, and nearly 10 ft (3 m) below, the holding tank.
- Advanced status indicators—panel lights show when power is active and when the holding tank reaches various levels, aiding in daily management.
- Multiple configurations—offered in standard heights, with choices between residential-style flush handles or wall panel and options for color and discharge direction.
- Sleek, residential styling—elongated wood seat and sparkling ceramic finishes offer a home-like experience.
How Smart Marine Toilet Technology Works
The Dometic 8700 system centers on robust electronics and hardware engineered for marine and mobile hospitality:
- Electronic Control Module: Acts as the “brain”—regulating flush cycles, water metering, and responding to tank fill sensors.
- Wall-Mounted Flush Panel: Houses buttons for adding water, standard flush, and “Dry Bowl” flush. LEDs indicate system status and tank levels.
- Macerator Pump: Grinds and transfers effluent under pressure, extending installation possibilities where gravity systems are unworkable.
- Full-Tank Sensor Integration: Seamlessly interfaces with holding tank monitors, ensuring automatic toilet shutdown for safety and environmental compliance.
- Smartphone Integration (emerging feature): Several Dometic models are now shipping with Bluetooth or app-based diagnostics and remote alerts. Users receive status notifications on their phone, promoting proactive maintenance and preventing overflows.
This digital ecosystem not only automates routine tasks but enables both users and caretakers to monitor sanitation health in real time.
Installation & Integration
The Dometic 8700 series was engineered to simplify configuration for a broad range of installation scenarios, whether in personal watercraft or luxury yachts. Key installation notes:
- Versatile Placement: Thanks to its macerator, the unit may be located far from the holding tank, on or below the main deck, or even in remote cabin bathrooms.
- Discharge Options: Both through-the-floor and through-the-wall discharge are supported, accommodating diverse plumbing networks.
- Touchpad or Handle Activation: Choose between a wall-mounted touchpad for electronic activation or a residential-style electronic flush handle.
- Template-Based Mounting: Manufacturers supply templates ensuring optimal comfort and equipment alignment. At least 11″ (279 mm) of clearance from fixtures or walls is recommended for best usability.
- Cable Management: All control panel cables should be routed carefully via dry spaces, minimizing exposure to water and ensuring long-term reliability.
- Integrated Safety: If the vessel uses seacocks or hull fittings, users MUST be trained to close these when the toilet is not in use to prevent possible flooding.
What others are reading
The Dometic 8700 is designed for DIY-friendly installation, but professional integration is recommended on larger or more complex crafts to avert issues with electrical or plumbing systems.
Environmental and Practical Benefits
Smart marine toilets play an essential role in on-board sustainability and operational efficiency. The Dometic 8700 delivers impact across several fronts:
| Feature | Sustainability Advantage |
|---|---|
| Dual-Flush Modes | Reduces water consumption, supporting both convenience and compliance with water use regulations. |
| Automated Shutdown | Prevents tank overflow, protecting marine and freshwater ecosystems from pollution. |
| Powerful Macerator | Enables installation versatility, allowing use in smaller or off-grid vessels that otherwise lack modern sanitation. |
| Status Indicators and Alerts | Promotes proactive waste management, longer holding-tank intervals, and timely pump-outs. |
- Resilience for Off-Grid Living: Smart water use and holding tank feedback are vital in remote anchorages and extended cruises where resupply opportunities are unpredictable.
- Lower Water Footprint: The “Dry Bowl” or “Low” flush options use up to 80% less water per use, critical for both sea and freshwater conservation.
User Experience & Daily Operation
For users, the upgraded sanitation provided by the Dometic 8700 is noticeable in daily routines, whether through the intuitive touchpad, the reassuring tank indicators, or the ultra-quiet mechanical action. Highlights of user experience:
- Intuitive Operation: Push-button controls and visible status lights simplify use for guests and crew alike. Even infrequent users can master operation quickly.
- Home-Like Comfort: Residential height, elongated wood seat, and quiet-flush acoustics bring land-based luxury to sea or road travel.
- App Connectivity: Where supported, remote notifications move troubleshooting from last-minute panic to scheduled care, and help with preventative maintenance reminders.
Maintenance is also simplified: the macerator system grinds waste and makes clogs less likely, while shutdown features prevent catastrophic overflows or messes.
Cautions and Limitations
While the Dometic 8700 marks a significant advance, certain caveats remain, especially regarding safety and reliability:
- Flooding Risk: Any toilet connected to through-the-hull fittings can, if misused, cause severe flooding. It is essential to always close seacocks when leaving the boat unattended.
- Power Dependency: These toilets require reliable electrical supply. If mains or battery power fails, flushing and waste management functions are inoperative.
- Tank Sensor Reliability: Sensors can sometimes stick or malfunction; tank maintenance and occasional manual checks are recommended as a precaution.
Proper training for all vessels’ passengers is fundamental. Unfamiliar users must understand how to operate the system and what steps to take in an emergency.
The Future of Smart Sanitation
Smart sanitation solutions such as the Dometic 8700 are at the forefront of an industry-wide transformation. Looking ahead, expect to see:
- Expanded IoT Integration: Toilets that tie into full-boat smart systems for holistic remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automation.
- Further Water and Waste Savings: Advanced flush algorithms could cut consumption even further, optimizing every cycle based on individual vessel usage patterns.
- User Customization: Profiles for preferred flush strength, water level, and alerts could become standard features for premium models.
- Better Accessibility: Voice activation or touchless options could soon be standard, making marine bathrooms more inclusive for users of all abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes the Dometic 8700 suitable for marine and RV use?
A: Its integrated smart controls, low water use, robust macerator, and flexible installation options accommodate the unique needs of boats and mobile homes, where conserving resources and preventing spills are paramount.
Q: How does the automatic tank shutdown work?
A: When connected to a holding tank level sensor, the 8700’s control module disables the flush mechanism once the sensor detects a “full” status, thereby preventing unintended overflow and potential pollution.
Q: Can I install the Dometic 8700 myself?
A: Installation is possible for handy users with mechanical and electrical know-how; however, due to the complexity of marine electrical and plumbing systems, professional installation is often advised to ensure compliance and safety.
Q: Is smartphone control or alerting standard?
A: Smartphone integration is a developing feature in several Dometic product lines and may not be standard in all 8700 series models. Users should verify current specifications or look for models supporting Bluetooth or Wi-Fi monitoring.
Q: What should I do if the toilet or holding tank sensor fails?
A: Always have a backup plan for toilet operation, especially at sea. If a sensor fails, consult the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide, use manual checks, and schedule prompt servicing to avoid overflows.
Conclusion: A Cleaner, Smarter Future at Sea
The Dometic 8700 series embodies the next step in marine and mobile sanitation, balancing robust engineering with user-friendly intelligence and eco-friendly operation. For boaters and overlanders committed to sustainability, safety, and life on the move, the 8700 series is a compelling upgrade—poised to shape the future of smart hygiene and environmental responsibility wherever the journey leads.
References
- https://newpar.newmarcorp.com/instance1Env99NEWMAR/html/images/122365.pdf
- https://www.dometic.com/externalassets/dometic-masterflush-8743-macerator-toilet_62762.pdf
- http://productimageserver.com/literature/quickGuide/56504QG.pdf
- https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor/news/dometic-introduces-innovative-handwave-toilet-control-switch
- https://www.aquastardistributors.com/product/masterflush-8700-series/
- https://www.scribd.com/document/543001968/Dometic-8700-Series-MasterFlush-Toilets-Operation-Manual
- https://www.dyersonline.com/dometic-8700-masterflush-toilet-control-board-module.html
- https://device.report/manual/11884965
- https://www.aquastardistributors.com/product-category/toilets-and-replacement-parts/macerating-toilets-and-parts/masterflush-toilets-and-parts/
- https://www.environmentalmarine.com/dometic-sealand-masterflush-8700-series-toilets-white-and-bone-304874618/
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