When the Grid Goes Down: How to Handle the Bathroom Problem

Because no one talks about it — but everyone will face it.

After my last post about what to do if your water shuts off, I received a few messages about how to handle “bathroom stuff” when this occurs.

This is an important issue almost no one talks about — until it’s too late: what happens when you can’t flush the toilet?

If you live in a suburb or semi-urban environment like I do, odds are your home toilet connects directly into the municipal sewer system.

Normally, it’s all out of sight, out of mind.

But if the power’s out long enough and pumps stop working, that flush handle could turn into your biggest problem.

Yes, you can pour water into your toilet bowl to make it flush — as long as the sewer lines are still functioning.

But here’s the risk: if the outage drags on, sewage can back up into your house or even bubble up into your neighborhood.

Professionals in emergency management and survival training agree: don’t count on your toilet in a prolonged outage.

So, what’s the solution?

You need a Bathroom Continuity Plan.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s the difference between staying healthy and turning your home into a biohazard.

The Bathroom Continuity Kit

Here’s what professionals recommend every household should have ready:

1. Primary Setup

• 2 × 5-gallon buckets (one for urine, one for solids)

• Snap-on toilet seat lid (fits standard buckets)

• Heavy-duty contractor trash bags (3 mil, 50 count minimum)

• Absorbent material: kitty litter, sawdust, peat moss, or shredded leaves

2. Odor & Hygiene Control

• Baking soda

• Disinfectant wipes & hand sanitizer

• Bleach or pool shock (to sanitize buckets later)

• Toilet paper (extra supply, sealed in waterproof storage)

3. Containment & Disposal

• Extra heavy-duty trash bags

• Zip ties or duct tape for sealing

• A lidded outdoor trash can to store sealed waste bags

4. Comfort & Privacy

• Folding privacy tent or shower curtain setup

• Headlamp or lantern for nighttime use

• Small bucket of clean water + soap (if available)

5. Backup Options

• Camping/portable chemical toilet with gel packs

• Toilet bowl liners designed for emergencies

How to Use This System

1. Separate liquids and solids. Urine in one bucket, solids in the lined bucket.

2. Cover after each use. Sprinkle absorbent material right away.

3. Seal and rotate. When the bag is about ⅔ full, tie it off, double-bag if possible, and move it outdoors.

4. Sanitize. Wipe down bucket rims after each change.

5. Dispose properly. Once municipal services are restored, bags can go to the landfill.

Two-Week Family Supply (Family of 4)

• 2 × 5-gallon buckets + lids

• 50 contractor-grade trash bags

• 40 lbs kitty litter or 3–4 cu. ft. sawdust/peat moss

• 2 large bottles of hand sanitizer + wipes

• 24 rolls of TP

Yes, You Need to Think About This

Here’s the truth: nobody likes to think about this.

But if you’re serious about preparedness, ignoring sanitation is a recipe for disease, stress, and misery.

In an emergency, you’ll be grateful you took the time now to set this up.

Preparedness isn’t just about survival — it’s about dignity, health, and keeping your home livable when everything else around you is falling apart.

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This post is part of my Urban Preparedness Series here on the Pathfinder Chronicles.

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