CEN FAQs: Emergency Toilets

 

In most of our homes when we use our toilets, we simply flush. However, in some emergency situations a toilet may not function for a number of reasons, like the water service is not functioning or the sewer line is backed up. Few things are less appetizing than toilets that don’t flush. A backup option for any homeowner just may save the day. A number of options may mitigate the situation, other than going into your backyard and digging a 4-foot hole.

A simple low-cost option is a toilet bucket, which is a basic toilet seat placed over a 5 gallon bucket container. The process is simple in that one places a plastic bag over the bucket, uses the facility and then removes the bag to store elsewhere.  A slightly different variable is a folding toilet, placing a bag over a folding base. While these are not particularly appetizing options, they work better than nothing, while not suitable for any long-term problems. Rather than simply using trash bags purchase and store bags designed for human waste disposal.  

A slightly enhanced version is the Portable camping toilet; it is larger in capacity and has a bit more stable base. Here is another option. Still while this one is useful in a crunch it is not your best long-term idea. 

Another idea for limited use is a car emergency potty, leave it in the car but in an emergency bring it inside for short-term use or have it if you need it while traveling - dual applications. 

Further, a bedside commode is also a viable option and may be useful in the event if a family member becomes ill or requires options while recovering from surgery. These have the same issues of requiring a bag use during an emergency, which is helpful when traditional toilets can’t be properly cleaned and flushed.

A more costly and more complex option is the dry flush option  which is suitable for long-term use but considerably more expensive. If you have room you could consider a portable outhouse  assuming your neighbors would not be significantly concerned.

In acquiring any of these backup options consider the chemicals that are necessary to keep the situation manageable. Some quick concepts: Poo Powder, Bio waste gelation, Disposal urine bags,  and check out some additional Emergency toilet chemicals . 

Remember to review the directions and chemical products needed for the emergency toilet alternative you select.

In Scripture, we read the Lord commanded the people, “You shall have a place outside the camp, and you shall go out to it. And you shall have a trowel with your tools, and when you sit down outside, you shall dig a hole with it and turn back and cover up your excrement. Because the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and to give up your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy, so that he may not see anything indecent among you and turn away from you.”  (Deuteronomy 23:12-14) As the Lord was directing the people through the desert for 40 years instructions were even given for toilet functionality. The wise person prepares even today.

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