The first phrase most folks learn in Mexico is, “Donde esta el Baño?” “(Where is the bathroom?)
Once the direction has been pointed and intrepid visitors are settled on the throne; all over Mexico they’re faced with ubiquitous signs (in English and in Spanish) reminding them not to flush the paper.
This new rule seems to dismay newcomers more than any other situation.
Why can't we flush paper? Some 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 only bathrooms with septic tanks can't handle paper.
The delicate dilemma is not that that simple; the sewer pipes under the bathroom and leading out of the house have more to do with the problem than the eventual destination of the paper.
In some cases, the sewer pipes to the municipal sewer system or septic tank are too small. Sometimes tree roots have grown into the sewer pipes, creating places for the paper to hang up. Sometimes, as in one local bed and breakfast, huge 8” diameter sewer lines were installed, then the owner headed to Home Depot and bought the cheapest toilets available and the tubing built into the bowl is too small to allow paper to pass.
In any case, the end result of flushing paper in any of these scenarios means that eventually the pipes will block, the toilet will refuse to flush properly causing a backup and overflow.
It's not the septic tank
Septic tanks and systems work on the principle of bacteria breaking down the solids in the system. On the farm in Iowa, we "started" our septic tank by feeding it doses of granulated yeast (the same yeast used for baking bread) every month for a while. Today there are commercial products with specific bacteria to keep septic tanks perking and healthy. Zep, one of those products, is available at SuperLake in San Antonio Tlayacapan 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. It becomes a matter of habit. When I visit the US I automatically reach for non existent baskets; I’m that used to the Mexican custom.
Should You Flush Paper?
So what about those signs asking you not to flush any paper? No pun intended, but 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.
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.
Mexico Insights Tip:
"Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes."
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