To Flush or Not to Flush?
So here we are at the delicate dilemma of "to flush or not to flush".
As you travel from baņo to restroom to bathroom in Mexico, you'll notice, in English and in Spanish, ubiquitous signs asking you not to flush any paper.
This prevalent rule seems to dismay newcomers more than any other situation. While we had the following information in an article about a year ago, it's so disconcerting to so many folks that we decided that this is as good a place as any to dispel some of the misinformation associated with this quandary and to let you know how we handle the situation.
Why can't we flush paper? It's just because much of the plumbing in Mexico cannot accommodate it.
Some folks have been told that paper can be flushed in homes that are on municipal sewer systems and that only the bathrooms that have septic tanks can't handle paper. It's just not that cut and dried or nearly that simple. This problem has a lot more to do with the sewer pipes under the bathroom and leading out of the house than the eventual destination of the paper.
In some cases, the sewer pipes that run through the building and out to the municipal sewer system or septic tank are too small. Sometimes tree roots have grown into the sewer pipes, creating tight places for the paper to hang up. Sometimes, as in one local bed and breakfast, there are huge eight-inch diameter sewer lines installed. They were large enough to accommodate paper from all the rooms at once. Unfortunately the owner bought the cheapest toilets available, and the internal cavities of the tubing built into the bowl are too small to allow paper to pass.
As you travel from baņo to restroom to bathroom in Mexico, you'll notice, in English and in Spanish, ubiquitous signs asking you not to flush any paper.
This prevalent rule seems to dismay newcomers more than any other situation. While we had the following information in an article about a year ago, it's so disconcerting to so many folks that we decided that this is as good a place as any to dispel some of the misinformation associated with this quandary and to let you know how we handle the situation.
Why can't we flush paper? It's just because much of the plumbing in Mexico cannot accommodate it.
Some folks have been told that paper can be flushed in homes that are on municipal sewer systems and that only the bathrooms that have septic tanks can't handle paper. It's just not that cut and dried or nearly that simple. This problem has a lot more to do with the sewer pipes under the bathroom and leading out of the house than the eventual destination of the paper.
In some cases, the sewer pipes that run through the building and out to the municipal sewer system or septic tank are too small. Sometimes tree roots have grown into the sewer pipes, creating tight places for the paper to hang up. Sometimes, as in one local bed and breakfast, there are huge eight-inch diameter sewer lines installed. They were large enough to accommodate paper from all the rooms at once. Unfortunately the owner bought the cheapest toilets available, and the internal cavities of the tubing built into the bowl are too small to allow paper to pass.
In any case, the end result of flushing paper in any of these scenarios could be the same. Eventually the pipes will block, partially or completely and the toilet will refuse to flush properly and then the water could overflows onto your brand-new cobblestone-friendly, cork-soled Birkenstocks and out under the door into the dining room of the home or restaurant.
Contrary to popular newcomers' lengend, it's not about the septic tank. The same problem can evolve even if a home is connected to the municipal sewer system in Ajijic, Chapala, San Juan, Jocotepec or San Antonio.
The farmhouse I lived in for over 15 years had a septic tank out in the side yard. Our family of five and our frequent guests all flushed tp, without giving it another thought?our pipes were new, large and in Iowa tree roots weren't as invasive as they are here. Plain white paper is the recommended choice for septic systems; scented, colored, moisturized paper with fancy textures and designs disintegrate more slowly.
Septic tanks work on the principle of bacteria breaking down the solids in the system. On the farm we "started" our new system by feeding it doses of baking yeast every month for a while. Today there are commercially produced bacteria to keep septic tanks perking and healthy. Zep, one of those products, is available at Super Lake to flush into your septic tank to keep it working.
Even when the pipes are adequate for the system and clear of tree roots, most public restrooms in restaurants provide a small trash basket for your paper. Most Mexicans are so accustomed to never flushing any paper, that if there is not a basket, they'll deposit paper neatly (or not so neatly) in the corner of the bathroom.
In fact, it's a matter of habit, on a recent trip to the U.S. I found my self reaching around for non-existent baskets in which I could deposit the paper.
What to do about those signs asking you not to flush any paper? No pun intended--I usually just go with the flow. If I am in a public restroom and the sign is obvious, and the trash bin handy, then I do the obvious. In my own home and the homes of friends, I usually flush only small amounts of paper and put the rest in the trash can.
Truthfully, even when the signs are big and bold, if you accidentally flush paper there are not bells, and whistles or flashing lights to let folks know that you've erred culturally, but eventually you will also become more observant and more comfortable with the custom.
An added ecological benefit is that without paper, the flush can be much shorter, saving a good deal of water during the course of the day.
And now as you go forward to explore Lakeside with a bathroom plan always remember this sage bit of advice: "Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes."
Life is Good at Lake Chapala, Even when we can't flush paper
Contrary to popular newcomers' lengend, it's not about the septic tank. The same problem can evolve even if a home is connected to the municipal sewer system in Ajijic, Chapala, San Juan, Jocotepec or San Antonio.
The farmhouse I lived in for over 15 years had a septic tank out in the side yard. Our family of five and our frequent guests all flushed tp, without giving it another thought?our pipes were new, large and in Iowa tree roots weren't as invasive as they are here. Plain white paper is the recommended choice for septic systems; scented, colored, moisturized paper with fancy textures and designs disintegrate more slowly.
Septic tanks work on the principle of bacteria breaking down the solids in the system. On the farm we "started" our new system by feeding it doses of baking yeast every month for a while. Today there are commercially produced bacteria to keep septic tanks perking and healthy. Zep, one of those products, is available at Super Lake to flush into your septic tank to keep it working.
Even when the pipes are adequate for the system and clear of tree roots, most public restrooms in restaurants provide a small trash basket for your paper. Most Mexicans are so accustomed to never flushing any paper, that if there is not a basket, they'll deposit paper neatly (or not so neatly) in the corner of the bathroom.
In fact, it's a matter of habit, on a recent trip to the U.S. I found my self reaching around for non-existent baskets in which I could deposit the paper.
What to do about those signs asking you not to flush any paper? No pun intended--I usually just go with the flow. If I am in a public restroom and the sign is obvious, and the trash bin handy, then I do the obvious. In my own home and the homes of friends, I usually flush only small amounts of paper and put the rest in the trash can.
Truthfully, even when the signs are big and bold, if you accidentally flush paper there are not bells, and whistles or flashing lights to let folks know that you've erred culturally, but eventually you will also become more observant and more comfortable with the custom.
An added ecological benefit is that without paper, the flush can be much shorter, saving a good deal of water during the course of the day.
And now as you go forward to explore Lakeside with a bathroom plan always remember this sage bit of advice: "Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes."
Life is Good at Lake Chapala, Even when we can't flush paper
Labels: Living Here, Retirement in Mexico
Judy King is publisher of Mexico Insights' Living at Lake Chapala, a monthly online magazine for people interested in Mexico's Lake Chapala region, in the state of Jalisco.
Judy, a 16-year resident of Ajijic on Lake Chapala's north shore, conducts weekly newcomer's seminars, shares her expertise about Mexico in her monthly online magazine, and in the "Mexico Lindo" column for the Lake Chapala Review.
Judy also is a speaker for local organizations and visiting tour groups about the Lakeside area and Mexican customs and holidays.
4 Comments:
what about the public health problem... flies, roaches, etc crawling through the paper and going on to ???
August 9, 2007 7:57 PM
Hi Concerned Anonymous...
I can certainly appreciate your concern, but I've noted that our Mexican neighbors are descreet with the paper they put into the baskets. The trash baskets are emptied frequently and I seldom see flies or roaches in bathrooms in my friends'homes or in the restrooms of restaurants or other public places.
The bottom line? I think that the possibility of insects spreading germs or bacteria from this source is far less than if the paper is flushed and the toilet overflows spewing enough raw sewage to flood the premises.
August 9, 2007 8:25 PM
Hi from Iowa City,
I was in shock when I visited my fiance in Mexico a couple of years ago and couldn't flush the paper. But you're right--the hotels and families I stayed with kept the bathrooms really clean.
I've enjoyed reading your blog. I will tell my parents about it. They've considered retiring in Mexico and I've suggested Lake Chapala. Besides being beautiful and really charming, it's close to my husband's family (Sahauyo, Michoacan) and the ex-pat population seems to be thriving.
Thanks!
August 21, 2007 1:31 PM
Hi Liz--
You are right, it is a shock at the beginning--just part of the culture shock we Iowans (and other folks from other states) experience when we move from one place to another--some days I'll tell you all the strange sights I saw when I moved from rural Iowa to San Diego back in the 1980s!
Tell you folks to take a look at our website: Living at Lake Chapala at www.mexico-insights.com It is full of information for folks who are thinking of moving here or who already live here.
August 21, 2007 2:24 PM
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