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TOILET PAPER

Price - 7-24-2005 at 12:40 PM

What is the deal with TP in Baja ? Why can you not just flush it ? I know it will take awhile to get used to putting TP in a garbage can by the toilet - at this point I am just trying to adjust - but it is really gross !!! Maybe if I knew the reason I could adapt more easily !!!!
:?:

Smaller drain lines

jrbaja - 7-24-2005 at 12:46 PM

not as much pressure, and mostly, it takes up too much room in the fosas. (holding tanks)
Personally, I use a metal can and burn it.

bajajudy - 7-24-2005 at 01:06 PM

Just remember the rule....brown side down!
Is this related to JR's poem?

rpleger - 7-24-2005 at 01:12 PM

One of the good things about living in Baja.
:lol:

elizabeth - 7-24-2005 at 01:34 PM

Do you think this is part of the sales pitch at Loreto Bay?

pokey - 7-24-2005 at 01:45 PM

We flush ours. Always have always will.

Tp in the can is practiced troughout every hispanic country I've been to. Personally I think it's just a custom that has always been practiced and nobody has thought to do any different. I could be wrong but I've never had the toilet backup or any other negative consequences from flushing tp down the drain.

Sorry Pokey

jrbaja - 7-24-2005 at 01:50 PM

But that's like those who come down occasionally and brag about never having had a flat tire. :lol:

You have been lucky! Or your flushes are going right into the ocean rather than a fosa.

Your plan for the new house for flushing this treasure is?

[Edited on 7/24/2005 by jrbaja]

pokey - 7-24-2005 at 02:17 PM

Septic tank but all other grey water will be used to irrigate the crops. I like to grow my own :cool:

The toilets in the house that we are living in are connected to 2" abs pipe that feeds into 8" pipe that I assume goes straight to the sewer. I'm no plumber but it seems like these pipes are sufficient enough to carry turd and tp to the mainline. It's worked just fine so far.....

Bruce R Leech - 7-24-2005 at 02:22 PM

If you have a proper septic system and your sewer pipes have been installed properly it is OK to flush it down. the biggest problem in Mexico is they don't know how to install ether of these. they think the more angel you get on the pipes the better it will drain. but in fact to much angle clauses a lot of problems in that the liquids run away from the solids and start plugging the pipe right away. I don't recall the exact amount but it is something like 2 inches of fall in 20 feet of ling th or something like that. also any dips or rises in the line will cause problems. I use a laser level when I am doing this kind of work. also any buried line must be back filed with crushed rock to eliminate settling.

bajajudy - 7-24-2005 at 02:31 PM

Once you have your very own septic tank you will be pickier about how you treat your sewage or you will get to know it better than you will want to.
You have to be very careful what you put down not only your toilet but also the drains in your sinks. No more pouring those bacon drippings down the kitchen sink. You should also watch your use of Fabulosa, Lysol etc and bleach. Everything goes just fine in that little tank of horrors as long as only bodily function kind of stuff goes in there.
I am sure that there is a wealth of information on the internet but I have followed these rules and never had a problem. We have a 3 chamber fosa and as of the last time someone(else) checked there was nothing in the 3rd chamber. Evaporation is not a problem here!....might be up north.
Jeez isnt it wonderful that we can have all these stimulating conversations about the unspeakable......once again DOO DOO

pokey - 7-24-2005 at 02:40 PM

I've got a lot to learn about the house construction stuff. I hope folks won't won't mind a u2u or two soliciting advice while I'm working on the place.

bajagrouper - 7-24-2005 at 03:41 PM

Hey Pokey,
A 2" pipe connected to a toilet is way undersized,in the USA you connect a toilet with a 4" flange to the floor,then sometimes that pipe that connects the toilet to the rest of the system(callec a herco bend) may reduce from 4" to 3"...and each house will have a full bore (4") vent through the roof...

Hey Bruce,
Usually a sewer line is graded at 1/4" per foot, rainwater piping is usuall 1% grade...

But it never fails the one time I flush the paper in a second story hotel room, well you could say the sh*t almost hit the fan...

hope this helps,40 years a plumber waiting for my first retirement check...

bajaruby - 7-24-2005 at 04:09 PM

Now tell me...If THEIR toilet does't flush right and someone comes to visit THEM...THEY tell YOU to put the paper in the in the waste bucket, please....AND YOU PUT IT IN THE TOILET! It cost them $ they can't afford because YOU didn't want THEM to see YOUR poop!!!! Do you really think they want you to come back?
I have had many experiences where...WHEN YOU GOTTA GO, YOU GOTTA GO, but no one will let you use THEIR toilet. NOW WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?????????? :?:

DAH!!!!!!!

capn.sharky - 7-24-2005 at 04:26 PM

I can see there alot of experts on the subject of crap paper on this site. Why not just poop in the waste basket and put the paper in the toilet? That way no one will see your crappy paper. Actually, by the amount of used toilet paper laying about in the desert of Baja, I kinda thought that was where they threw it all. This all brings about the question that has plagued me for many years....how does a blind person know when he is through papering himself? :tumble:

:moon:

Roberto - 7-24-2005 at 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
... the more angel you get on the pipes the better it will drain. but in fact to much angle clauses a lot of problems in that the liquids run away from the solids and start plugging the pipe right away.

Exactly right, Bruce. 1/4" per foot is the correct angle. The liquids flow slow enough to drag the solids along, rather than leave them behind. Learned that one the hard way. :lol:

Having the right diameter pipe helps as well!

Bob and Susan - 7-24-2005 at 04:34 PM

Just FLUSH IT!!! :lol:

Hey!!! Any of you guys related to George Castanza from the Sienfield Show...he used to be an expert on toilet paper :lol:

When and where was toilet paper first invented?
China?AD 1391

When was the first roll of toilet paper made and by whom?
Scott Paper Company in 1907

What did people use before toilet paper was invented?
*Newsprint, paper catalogue pages in early US
*Hayballs,
*Scraper/gompf stick kept in container by the privy in the Middle Ages
*Discarded sheep's wool in the Viking Age, England
*Frayed end of an old anchor cable
*Corn cobs, (still used in San Francisco) Sears Roebuck catalog, mussel shell, newspaper, leaves, sand- United States
*Water and your left hand, India
*Pages from a book, British Lords
*Coconut shells in early Hawaii (ouch!!!)
*Lace was used by French Royalty (figures!!!)
*Public Restrooms in Ancient Rome- A sponge soaked in salt water, on the end of a stick
*Hemp & wool were used by the elite citizens of the world
*Defecating in the river was very common internationally
*Snow and Tundra Moss were used by early Eskimos (COLD!!!)

Who invented the Flushing Toilet?
The flushing toilet was invented in 1596, not by Thomas Crapper as most people think, but by Sir John Harington a British nobleman

What does the word "toilet" mean?
Of French origin "act of washing, dressing, and preparing oneself".

Who was the first "soft" two-ply toilet paper producer?
St. Andrew's Paper Mill in Walthamstow, London, in 1942.

More Toilet paper facts?

What is the size of a sheet of toilet paper?
The standard size is 4.5" x 4.5". (SPARE A SQUARE?)

Which toilet paper is best for septic systems, recreational vehicles and boats?
All toilet papers today break down well in the septic system. However, thinner is better. 1 ply will break down easier and is best in recreational vehicles and boats.

What is the "Toilet Paper Tax"?
In 1996, President Clinton passed a law on toilet paper, taxing each roll 6 cents

What is the average number of toilet tissue sheets a person uses in one day?
On average, consumers use 8.6 sheets per trip (What is YOUR usage?) :lol:

[Edited on 7-24-2005 by Bob and Susan]

bajaruby - 7-24-2005 at 05:25 PM

capn.sharky,
THAT IS A VERY GOOD QUESTION...... :?:

bajaruby - 7-24-2005 at 05:31 PM

:wow:

Bob and Susan, You guys are really smart!!!!!!!!!!
Ever hear of lambs ear :?:

Well it was the most popular with INDIANS of the western states, all the way to Baja.
Kinda makes you think of todays, "Charmon".

EVER TRIED IT?????????????? :lol:

Better check your history.... :cool:

Dave - 7-24-2005 at 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaruby
Ever hear of lambs ear :?:

At an average of 4.6 sheets per wipe that's a lot of lambs. (Better make that a flock.) Can you wash and use again?

You people

jrbaja - 7-24-2005 at 07:11 PM

ARE DISGUSTING!!! Especially Bob and Susan!"*Corn cobs, (still used in San Francisco) " :lol:

I think it was Braulio or one o them groupers who said this board was going to crap.

Glad we could all do our part to prove him a real clairevoyant in the mierda dept. :lol:

PacO - 7-24-2005 at 07:32 PM

I use the marine grade paper. Never a problem. Not real big on the paper in the basket.

capn.sharky - 7-25-2005 at 08:32 AM

Bob and Susan---You are the King of Toilet Paper knowledge. Who was Thomas Crapper---and why didn't he get his name changed? Average person uses 8.6 per visit-----what happened to the .4 piece? Maybe they blow their nose on it. I don't believe that 8.6 as an average. Women use 8.6 rolls of paper before they even sit down. Lastly---only Clinton would have thought of a way to tax taking a crap. In fact---I would bet Clinton is a close relative of Tom Crapper.

Crappy Thread

MrBillM - 7-25-2005 at 02:57 PM

I noticed this a.m. that there was a posting on the UCR (Fred Metcalf's) board saying that they could expect an increase in member postings since the Nomad's board had degenerated into a discussion of feces and urine.

I pointed out that this particular subject has a great deal of significance to those of us who live here since it is a subject that we have all had to deal with, usually at the worst possible time.

I found it interesting a few minutes ago, that the whole thread on that board had been removed by the moderator. Talk about delicate sensibilities. I guess even a pertinent subject discussed without profanity is too much for Freddie if it involves caca.

cranky - 7-25-2005 at 05:00 PM

Capt. Sharky who looks and anal comes to mind. I had to look that up. Cranky

Septic Systems

Bajaddict - 7-25-2005 at 07:49 PM

In my opinion, toilet paper is not flushed due to overtaxed, poorly maintained, improperly designed, or non-existent septic tanks and leach fields.... mostly due to economic restraints. Buildings with toilets that connect to a public sewer, where availible, are not prone to the problems associated with the flushing of toilet paper.... if the building's waste piping has been properly sized, installed, and vented - that is.

A properly sized tank, with two or more chambers, will allow the retention time necessary for the discharge to break down into effluent. This "broth" then passes into a leach field, composed of perforated pipe draining into sub-surface gravel-filled filter fabric encased trenches, and is absorbed into the surrounding soil.

A good practice, given the free space, is to provide two leach fields.... alternating leach fields, every six months or so, through a distribution/sample box located on the discharge outlet of the septic tank. This gives each half of the leach field a rest, in which small amounts of solids can break down, restoring the field's "percolation" capacity. This also allows you to view, or "sample", the tank's outfall to insure that there is no "sludge" passing into and fouling the leach fields. A tank must be pumped out, periodically, to avoid passing "semi-solids" into the leach field. Septic tanks usually do not fail.... leach fields do, and must be replaced when their percolating capacities are compromised.

Leach fields should not be installed in areas with high water tables or in close proximety to wells.

Installing a grey water system (for irrigation), monthly influxes of yeast (drink more beer!), and avoiding grease, garbage (from disposers) and chemicals will help insure a "healthier" septic tank environment and sustainable leach field.

The square footage of leach field required is based on the building discharge, and the "percolation" test (the timed rate of liquid absorbsion into the soil at the leach field location). The tanks are sized based on the building sewage discharge. These formulas are published and are based on the UPC's (Uniform Plumbing Code) requirements. I am in the process of (pending percolaton test results) designing a septic system for a new public library now. Not the most glamorous of professions but, what the hey, your sh*t is my bread and butter!

A public restroom, generating huge amounts of waste and paper, will quickly overtax even the most generously sized septic system. In urban areas with public sewers, I'd hazard to guess, the practice of not flushing the paper is an ingrained habit.

A couple of more fast tips (as I need to go take a crap now!

). Provide a 3" minimum waste (three toilets maximum) and 2" vent at each water closet. 2" and 3" horizontal waste lines should be installed with 2% fall (approximately 1/4" per foot). A good idea is to surround all below grade waste piping, upsteam of the septic tank, with 6" of sand.

A trick is to intall the main trunk line in 4", as it only needs 1% fall (approximatley 1/8" per foot). The extra cost in material will be regained in less excavation and backfill for the septic tank and leaching field.

The total amount of square inches of the cross-sectional dimenson of the building sewer must be provided at the vents through the roof. In other words, if you have a 3" sewer (7.07 sq. inches) you need at least three 2" vents (3.14 sq. inches each) to provide adequate air flow for drainage.

Then again, my relative's house (in an undisclosed location) drains into what is little more than a sophisticated "55 gallon drum" setup. There are no vents, and paper & tampons are flushed at will. It's been working great for years!! :lol:

TP and culture

Al G - 7-25-2005 at 09:08 PM

Bajaaddict.
Thanks, good info, but as I understand the standard(?) in Baja is two sand boxes and you change the sand in them?? Something to do with the aquifer?? Anyone know about this?
As for tp, if your system can handle it do as you please at home, but it would be nice to respect others culture. life is for living even the "gross" parts.
Albert

[Edited on 7-26-2005 by Al G]

Paulina - 7-25-2005 at 09:20 PM

"I'd hazard to guess, the practice of not flushing the paper is an ingrained habit."

Very true.

So, in my opinion as "Gringas", if we find ourselves in the U.S. and still contributing to the bin rather than the bowl, then we should be proud to consider ourselves baja ingrained.

That could be a good thing, and not be all that bad.

Sometimes my daughter and I find ourselves accidently throwing it in the "other" can when we really don't need to. It must be another example of the baja life ingrained...

Oh well, besides being TMI, life could be worse than discussing the politics of T.P.

We are just baja girls at heart y bano.

P.<*)))><

[Edited on 26-7-2005 by Paulina]

Long as your not

jrbaja - 7-25-2005 at 09:25 PM

sticking them to the wall Paulina, your still respected! :lol:

Paulina - 7-25-2005 at 09:26 PM

Jr, you actually got a laugh out of me that time! Too funny!!!

Desertbull - 7-25-2005 at 10:04 PM

and while we are discussing the remnants of TP...I'll take this opportunity to remind you of your ex who had a problem with leaving some of the TP behind...ROTFLMAO...photos are available..OMG that was too funny for me and LN....

LOL..good stuff to keep a person young! :lol:

Paulina - 7-25-2005 at 10:22 PM

If you could post those photos I'd be ever so greatful. You'd be my K.I.S.A. Your post has given me the biggest smile yet!
:lol:

lol:

LN and I had a laugh about that incident not too long ago... Way too funny. Find those photos!!! I'll even say the magic word...

P.<*)))><

A Related Subject

MrBillM - 7-27-2005 at 08:01 PM

While stumbling around on the Internet, I found the following website:

http://www.urinal.net

Advertised as the best place to pee (word changed by the moderator) away your time on the web.
They have photos of unusual urinals the world over. One such featured is the urinal at the Bar Mareno in Percebu.

http://www.urinal.net/moreno

That word change reminds me of something that occurred the other day. With the new movie release of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", my wife wanted to rent the original with Gene Wilder and burn it on to a DVD for the Grandkids. While watching it, I noted that the spoiled English tot referred to her father's female factory workers as "Twats"' Obviously, in years past that word's meaning has evolved, although it still refers to a female. I guess profanity is in the eye of the beholder.

Bruce R Leech - 7-27-2005 at 08:13 PM

I know a man on a ranch that saves the used T.P. and uses it for stuffing in his pillows. now that is recycling :lol:

No you don't

jrbaja - 7-27-2005 at 09:39 PM

Bob and Susan - 7-28-2005 at 06:13 AM

Holy Cow MrBill...

that guy needs to find a DIFFERENT hobby....

it was educational though :lol:

Oso - 7-28-2005 at 07:33 AM

Rest stops on I-8 between Yuma and Gila Bend have signs in English and Spanish instructing travelers to flush the paper. There are no wastebaskets in the stalls. Yet piles of paper will accumulate in the corners anyway. Habits can be hard to break.

An interesting coincidence

MrBillM - 7-28-2005 at 09:55 AM

Last night on the History channel's "Modern Marvels" segment, the subject was Bathroom Tech and covered the evolution of bathtubs, toilets, toilet paper and dental hygiene. More than you ever wanted to know.

One interesting fact was that John Crapper did not have anything to do with the invention of the modern toilet, but was a businessman who put the toilet into mass production. American soldiers during WWI, seeing his name on all public toilets, coined the phrase "going to the crapper".

capn.sharky - 7-28-2005 at 11:58 AM

Okay, okay....here is one for Bob and Susan. Why and who invented the scented toilet paper. I have never understood why they have scented toilet paper. I will scent it myself and it won't smell like flowers. Inquiring minds want to know.

El Camote - 7-28-2005 at 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
One interesting fact was that John Crapper did not have anything to do with the invention of the modern toilet, but was a businessman who put the toilet into mass production. American soldiers during WWI, seeing his name on all public toilets, coined the phrase "going to the crapper".

This begs the question, were feces referred to as crap before Crapper came along? Chicken or the egg?

wornout - 7-28-2005 at 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capn.sharky
Why and who invented the scented toilet paper. I have never understood why they have scented toilet paper. I will scent it myself and it won't smell like flowers. Inquiring minds want to know.

Toilet paper was invented by John W. Scent. He never received credit for his discovery until lately. Once the truth came out, someone decided to pour perfume on TP and thus you have scented paper. :lol:

bajaruby - 7-28-2005 at 02:33 PM

:lol:

I'm begining to think you are all full of c***.
I can't wait 'till yankee gets on here sets everyone straight. :lol:

[Edited on 7-28-2005 by bajaruby]

Bob and Susan - 7-28-2005 at 03:53 PM

Sharky.....

In 1964 Charmin first added perfume to their one-ply toilet tissue.

And...

Did you know that...Mr. Whipple is the third most recognized name in the US behind Richard Nixon and Billy Graham???

Sharky...aren't you glad you live right down the street from us???

What we seem to have here is

jrbaja - 7-28-2005 at 04:04 PM

A virtual Fosa full of knowledge! :lol:

bajajudy - 7-28-2005 at 05:12 PM

I got one of those stupid chain emails today and immediately thought of this thread when I read this.

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and
she doesn't think it's gross."

Mark - age 6

Crap Q

MrBillM - 7-28-2005 at 06:53 PM

For as long as I remember, the explanation for the origin of the word "Crap" was the same as that in the History Channel segment i.e. John Crapper. There is no evidence of it's use prior.

While on the subject, another interesting fact on that TV segment was that the first apparatus that we would recognize as a toilet was designed for Elizabeth I by a relative. The one problem that he couldn't figure out was how to eliminate the odors from the decaying material from coming back up through the toilet. His apparatus had a straight pipe flowing downward into the cesspool. It wasn't until the 19th century that someone decided to put a U bend in the pipe. Amazing how something so simple could have eluded designers for a few hundred years.

viabaja - 7-28-2005 at 07:54 PM

You all are using TP??

Debra - 7-28-2005 at 11:35 PM

All "real" Baja Babes keep TP under the front seat of their truck (right Cody?) :yes:

capn.sharky - 7-29-2005 at 08:53 AM

Bob and Susan---Yes I am glad to be living right down the street from you. I would rather live up the street from you though, as you know what always rolls downhill. Bob, you are the king of toilet paper knowledge.

Strange....

gonetobaja - 7-31-2005 at 04:35 PM

I just got back from Baja 2 hrs ago. I was there to buy and deliver my new fosa for my house. Now I get back here and everyone is talking about fosa tecknology. I think Im gonna go with the proper installed septic with a seperate grey water line to a tree, and some green brand quick disolve style TP and see how that goes.

For my 100th post!

Bedman - 8-2-2005 at 12:42 AM

Finally a Full Nomad!!

Buy the TP sold for use in Travel Trailers and Motorhomes. Yes, it comes in 2 ply. Then, to keep your mind at ease, drop a few sheets in a plastic container with some water and shake it up! ( the water, that is) You'll be amazed how it dissolves into a billion bitty pieces. After using this paper for years in my motorhomes I've never had a clog.

(Geezz....I feel so dirty, making that my 100th post!)

Bedman

Bob and Susan - 8-2-2005 at 06:07 AM

Bedman...it's the pull of the "Darkside" :lol:

Actually since 1992 when the US government required the 1.6 gallon flush toilets, toilet paper manufactures have made better stuff....

All toilet paper works fine....septic or motorhome

Those that buy "better" paper are like those who buy mid-grade gas....

It's just a waste of money...like flushing money down the toilet :lol:

It's all a marketing perception :biggrin:

backninedan - 8-2-2005 at 07:17 AM

There are some local brands that are just one step away from particle board. so I dont mind up-grading just a little.

Bruce R Leech - 8-2-2005 at 07:22 AM

most of the Mexican paper works just fine. at least it beats the local vegetation.