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This is one of those topics most people avoid.
It’s not comfortable. It’s not something you bring up over coffee. But if the water ever stops working, it becomes one of the first problems you have to deal with—whether you’re ready for it or not.
And the truth is, I’ve seen enough over the years to know that what we’re used to isn’t the only way things are done.
Back in 2010, when my daughter and I were backpacking through Egypt, Israel, and Jordan, I got a quick education in how different the world can be when it comes to something as basic as a bathroom.
When I was on an archaeological excavation in Jordan, there were moments when there simply wasn’t a “bathroom” in the way we think of one. I remember squatting out among banana groves, just making do with what was there. Or squatting behind ancient ruins. It wasn’t ideal, but it was normal for that setting.
In some of the mosques, there were holes in the floor instead of toilets. Turkey was the same way in places. That was a bit of a shock at first if you’re not used to it, but after a while, you adjust. You realize it’s just a different system, not a wrong one.
Egypt was another experience altogether. Some of the bathrooms were so filthy and overflowing that you learned quickly to avoid them if you could. And when you couldn’t, you handled it the best you could and moved on.
None of it was comfortable—but it taught me something important.
You figure it out.
When the System Stops Working at Home
Here at home, we’re used to something very different.
You flush, and it disappears. Clean, simple, out of sight, out of mind.
Until it doesn’t.
When the water stops running, your toilet stops working the way you expect. And that’s when you realize how much you’ve depended on a system you’ve never had to think about.
At first, you might try to work around it—pouring water into the tank or bowl to force a flush. And that can work for a while, if you have water stored.
But in a longer situation, you need something more sustainable.
A Simple Reality: You Need a Plan
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
At its simplest, an emergency setup is just:
- a bucket
- a way to manage waste
- and something to control smell
That’s it.
A bucket with a lid becomes your “toilet.” It may not be comfortable to think about, but it works.
And honestly, it’s not that different from what I grew up with.
We used an outhouse. And when you think about it, an outhouse is nothing more than a toilet seat over a hole in the ground. It’s just set up a little more permanently.
Our ancestors used bedpans indoors for the same reason—because they had to.
What Makes It Manageable
The biggest concern most people have isn’t just the act itself—it’s the smell and the sanitation.
That’s where a little preparation goes a long way.
Separating liquids from solids helps more than anything. It cuts down on odor and makes the whole situation easier to manage.
For solids, having something to cover and absorb makes a big difference. Simple things work:
- sawdust
- dirt
- kitty litter
- even those compressed animal pellets from the feed store
You don’t need anything fancy. You just need something that helps keep things dry and contained.
Thinking Beyond the Bucket
If the situation goes on for more than a day or two, you also have to think about where that waste is going.
This is where a lot of people don’t plan ahead.
You need a place—somewhere in your yard, away from your living space—to dispose of it safely. Some people set up a designated compost-style area just for waste.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to keep things:
- contained
- away from your home
- and as sanitary as possible
Because once waste starts building up without a plan, that’s when real problems begin.
This Is Where Cleanliness Matters Most
History has shown over and over again that when sanitation breaks down, disease follows.
It’s not dramatic—it’s just reality.
That’s why this topic matters just as much as clean drinking water. Maybe more than people realize.
It’s not just about comfort. It’s about keeping your environment livable.
It Comes Down to Mindset
If there’s one thing I learned from traveling and from growing up the way I did, it’s this:
You have to be willing to make do.
Things won’t look the way you’re used to. They won’t feel convenient. But that doesn’t mean they can’t work.
You adjust. You figure it out. You do what needs to be done.
And after a while, it just becomes part of your routine.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a pleasant topic—but it’s an important one.
When everything is working, it’s easy to ignore. But when it’s not, it becomes one of the first things you have to deal with.
Having a simple plan in place ahead of time—just a bucket, a few supplies, and a place to manage waste—can make all the difference.
Because when it comes down to it, this is just as critical as having water to drink.
Maybe not something we like to talk about—but something worth being ready for.
Are you prepared for a power outage? I touch base here. POWER OUTAGES ARE BECOMING MORE COMMON
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