Community Chat

[Plaid Pants2]

Today I notified my landlord that my toilet was broken. The overflow valve wasn't working, and so the water was constantly running.

Not only that, but the shut off valve under the toilet wasn't working either, so that I couldn't turn off the water that way.

A plumber came out and fixed everything, and I now have a fully functional working toilet.

While  I was waiting for the plumber to show up, I got to thinking about how we take something so basic for granted.

I mean, think about it, 150 years ago, we were using outhouses, and that was normal.

In Shakespeare's time, they only bathed once or twice a year.

Gross to us today, normal to them.

I can live without electricity and the internet, but I would hate to not have a working toilet.

[Peaches McPhee]

I'll try not to be very graphic.

About 10 years ago, our septic leach field failed.   They could not fix it in the dark, but promised to come back the next day.  This was winter, so dark was about 6:30 pm.  We could not use any of our toilets, or at least we could not flush.

We had to use the closest public bathroom, which was only about a 2 minute drive away at a grocery store, but still.  All evening, night and first thing in the morning.  I allowed myself one "go" in the AM, because, well, you know.

I'll never take toilets for granted again.

[bowlicious]

I always think of how spoiled we are when I take a nice warm shower.  Can't imagine life without one.

[on the bay]

So true. And once you have something, like a dryer or washer, tv, computer, car, you hate to give it up.

On the other hand, with an outhouse, you don't have to worry about it breaking down. Or without a car, you don't have to worry about repairs. Same with a house.

WEll, I could go on and on but fortunately for you all , I won't

[Imadickens]

You are so right! We are whiners when we don't get it all but we fail to be thankful when we do! I often thank God that, just by luck of birth, I live in this wonderful country! 

[athenian]

When my dad was in grade school (today would have been his 100th birthday). His class had a new young teacher from the East.  She asked the class how often they bathed, and everyone chorused "once a week on Saturday night."  She was horrified and told them that they should bathe twice a week.

How times have changed.

[YorkieonmyPillow]

@Plaid Pants2 I'd rather have the internet than a working toilet!

@Peaches McPhee At a house we used to rent, we had a septic tank and the landlord was too cheap to buy a new well pump - so no running water - no working toilet.

We had to use garbage bags in trash cans......

@on the bay LOL!

You can do composting toilets. No water involved. 

[Gram W]

Earlier this summer my hot water tank went.  No hot water for 5 days.  It was in the 90s so the cold showers were not as bad as they might have been.  I ran from the shower to the electric blanket to get warm.  Thank goodness I had a shower and not just a tub.  Years ago I did have a similar toilet tank problem.  To make the water shut off I lifted the bulb in the tank and put the handle of a long brush under it so the tank would not call for more water.  Shocked the plumber that I would think to do that.  We ladies can be inventive.  Where there is a will we will find a solution if only temporary.

[NAES1]

Hello @Plaid Pants,

     ".... wonderful to see a positive attitude and share just ' a little ' of being plain _ grateful _". 

I have said numerous times, possibly more than posters ever wanted to hear, but I have said > I never lose that ability to `never take anything ` for granted. Many TIMES!

I have heard my father, since I was very young always being so thankful for a cold drink of clean water. He was Without Doubt ahead of me in many different typical things.

I thought that your post was well understood my me, if not - anyone else.

 I have a great empathy for many people from countless countries, even this one, that have very little. 

  Once again, I never take anything for granted. We are so very pampered in many ways: An excellent thought provoking message.

 NAES

[Mz iMac]

"I mean, think about it, 150 years ago, we were using outhouses, and that was normal."

Thanks to an old Masterpiece Theater mini series called I, Claudius, I found out that.....

The ancient Romans (nobility's) had inside toilets & a septic system.  These toilets were made from a long slab of stone w/holes in them.  Mulitple people could use them all at the same time w/nothing separating the each hole.  Don't know what they used for toilet paper though.

My parents grew up w/an outhouse.  Their toilet paper was the pages from the thick Sears & Robuck Catalog.