Sewer lines can become unusable due to breaks and back-ups. Pipes breaks can be caused by construction equipment, heavy flooding, and earthquakes or be the result of aging, weakened pipes. Flooding and obstructions can cause sewer system back-ups even if your home does not flood or the obstruction is far from your house.
If you do not prepare ahead of time, an inconvenience could become a serious situation. It is vital that some way be devised to dispose of human waste. Failure to properly remedy the situation can lead to the rapid spread of bacteria and disease.
It is advisable to keep on hand some sanitation supplies, such as:
- A heavy plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to use as an emergency toilet. This could be fitted with a seat. An old toilet seat, kept specifically for this purpose, would be good.
- A larger container, also with a tight-fitting cover, to be used to empty the contents of the smaller container into for later disposal.
- Plastic bags to be used as liners. Bags facilitate disposal of waste and help to minimize odors.
- Kitty litter for covering solid waste and preventing odors in temporary toilets.
- A reserve of toilet tissue, soap, and feminine hygiene items. Store at least 1 roll of toilet paper per person per week. Be sure to replace your supply as it is used in non-emergency times.
- A disinfectant such as chlorine bleach, liquid Lysol, or chlorinated lime to minimize odors and bacteria.
- Toilet waste bags. These come with all that is needed for sanitary handling of waste and can be inserted into regular toilet bowls or in emergency bucket toilets.
Each time the temporary toilet is used, pour, or sprinkle a disinfectant such as liquid chlorine bleach, liquid Lysol, or chlorinated lime into it. This will help minimize bacteria and odors. (Liquid bleach should be rotated every year.)
Individual privacy is important. Screen temporary toilet facilities from view by hanging a blanket, sheet, canvas, or tarp. Pop-up privacy tents can also be purchased.
If possible, bury the solid waste, and accompanying garbage, in a hole one to two feet deep. This depth is necessary to prevent dogs from digging it up and to reduce the possibility of insects or rodents spreading bacteria and disease. The hole should be at least 50 feet away from a well, spring, or water supply, and not in a flood prone area. Urine only can be safely disposed of on the ground away from the house and vegetable garden.
Store wipes, diaper pail bags, disposable diapers, and cloth diapers for infants and toddlers. Use disposable diapers only in short term situations since they will be difficult to dispose of on your own. When using cloth diapers, scrape solid waste into your temporary toilet and keep the wet diapers in a closed heavy plastic bag or closed bucket until they can be washed and sanitized.
Portable toilets may be purchased for $50 to $180 and can provide 25 to 50 uses per tank depending on the size. Many contain an automatic deodorizer and disinfectant.