Post by: Auditor2002 on April 28, 2020, 08:45:23 PM
My wife hates me for it because it's disgusting apparently. But why not? It's so easy. Just open the door and walk there like she walks to her bathroom.
How crazy am I into this frugality?
Post by: ixtap on April 28, 2020, 10:15:20 PM
Given that there are multiple better solutions, I think you just like peeing outdoors and are trying to justify it.
Post by: ysette9 on April 28, 2020, 10:31:47 PM
Post by: former player on April 29, 2020, 12:55:50 AM
Post by: dragoncar on April 29, 2020, 01:08:42 AM
Been doing this for a long time though. Nothing like a nice outside pee in the cool fall air, looking up at the stars.
Sometimes my dog gets mad and marks on top of it.
Post by: Model96 on April 29, 2020, 01:24:10 AM
And your wife is probably not accepting you using the yard as a toilet, out of fear of what other bright idea you might come up with!
Post by: Car Jack on April 29, 2020, 08:43:12 AM
Post by: dcheesi on April 29, 2020, 08:47:06 AM
Is your water bill above the minimum charge? My wife's grandfather used to only allow the toilet in his house to be flushed once a day, thinking that this would reduce his bill. He did save water. We looked at his water/sewer bill. He used less than half the minimum. Great job (he say sarcastically). Double the water use would have cost zero more. Well, at least the house had that familiar aroma.While that 's obviously going a bit far, it's worth thinking about more than just the monetary incentives here. Reducing water use is good for the environment in various ways as well.
Post by: CheapScholar on April 29, 2020, 08:53:33 AM
Thanks for posting, OP! You’re not alone, brother!
Post by: Joel on April 29, 2020, 09:20:35 AM
When I was growing up, I had to share a bathroom with my sister while getting ready for school in the morning. As a result, I had to pee outside because the bathroom has almost always occupied.
Post by: Aelias on April 29, 2020, 12:44:59 PM
Post by: MatthewK on April 29, 2020, 12:56:44 PM
Don't know if my wife even knows/cares, I don't think I've ever mentioned it.
Post by: Michael in ABQ on April 29, 2020, 01:00:35 PM
Post by: geekette on April 29, 2020, 01:57:15 PM
Post by: erutio on April 29, 2020, 01:59:44 PM
I remember my nephew exiting the (community) pool, and then peeing on the surrounding deck. Yeah, no.Lol. Would you have preferred he go in the community pool and just not tell anyone about it?
Post by: geekette on April 29, 2020, 04:27:25 PM
I would have preferred he walk the 10' to the rest rooms, but that was not his style. He's now a fireman, with a bigger hose. So to speak.I remember my nephew exiting the (community) pool, and then peeing on the surrounding deck. Yeah, no.Lol. Would you have preferred he go in the community pool and just not tell anyone about it?
Post by: Dee_the_third on April 29, 2020, 05:02:43 PM
I just pee in a bucket and dump it on the compost pile periodically. DH indulges my weird ideas and pees in the bucket too. Might have to quit in the summer if the odor starts being a problem but so far it's been fine.
Post by: GuitarStv on April 29, 2020, 05:11:54 PM
Post by: Dee_the_third on April 29, 2020, 05:19:42 PM
Post by: Paul der Krake on April 29, 2020, 05:32:51 PM
Post by: middo on April 29, 2020, 05:39:04 PM
I might add that all our water cost. It was either pumped up from a bore at our expense, or collected in tanks that we had to pay for. So every drop was worth saving.
I also don't really get the hygiene problem. Urine is essentially sterile, unless you have a UTI, and when I pee I am handling nothing that is dirtier than, say, my knee. Obviously I wash hands before food preparation or eating, but unless I touch a door handle in a toilet (that may have been handled by someone else who did two's) or the toilet itself, I don't see where I would get pathogens from. It is probably cleaner to pee outside than use a toilet.
Post by: dragoncar on April 29, 2020, 05:39:46 PM
Real mustachians only pee once a day, in the shower, allowing them to exercise their bladder muscles.
Woah, you guys are taking showers?
Why no number 2s?
That would make the pool too cloudy
Post by: dragoncar on April 29, 2020, 05:41:27 PM
I also don't really get the hygiene problem.
No health danger but it smells bad if it's left to decompose in a dry environment (rain or irrigation will nullify this). I won't pee directly on non-irrigated plants because it does burn them.
Post by: Paul der Krake on April 29, 2020, 05:44:04 PM
Free showers at the beach park one block over, thanks taxpayers.Real mustachians only pee once a day, in the shower, allowing them to exercise their bladder muscles.
Woah, you guys are taking showers?
Post by: Dee_the_third on April 29, 2020, 05:52:49 PM
I also don't really get the hygiene problem.
No health danger but it smells bad if it's left to decompose in a dry environment (rain or irrigation will nullify this). I won't pee directly on non-irrigated plants because it does burn them.
Sometimes a dog peeing on the lawn seems to kill the lawn, other times it makes an especially green and lush patch. I suspect the difference is the frequency of watering to help dilute the nitrogen.
Post by: affordablehousing on April 29, 2020, 05:54:21 PM
Post by: dragoncar on April 29, 2020, 11:56:05 PM
I like peeing in the yard to save time
On the next episode of Extreme timescapes
Post by: Roots&Wings on April 30, 2020, 10:55:10 AM
We've started doing this, after I read a blog post about how pee is an excellent nitrogen source. The money savings is not the point, I'm more about saving the resources that go into making potable water.
I just pee in a bucket and dump it on the compost pile periodically. DH indulges my weird ideas and pees in the bucket too. Might have to quit in the summer if the odor starts being a problem but so far it's been fine.
Same! It's the perfect DIY fertilizer, as long as you're healthy: http://nwedible.com/how-to-use-pee-in-your-garden/ I dilute with captured rainwater to fertilize plants.
And saves on sewage treatment: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/human-urine-is-an-effective-fertilizer/
So many benefits!
Post by: Icecreamarsenal on April 30, 2020, 11:17:41 AM
Post by: Dicey on April 30, 2020, 11:34:10 AM
Post by: GuitarStv on April 30, 2020, 11:42:07 AM
Ha if I dumped our #2s in the compost the raccoons would probably come running. Short answer: it has a higher "ew" factor and it would be more effort to do it safely.
No need to dump in the compost. Just drop 'em where you feel the need all over the property. They'll decompose, just like your urine. They're also an excellent source of nutrients for the soil.
Post by: Dee_the_third on April 30, 2020, 12:50:06 PM
Post by: ysette9 on April 30, 2020, 01:22:58 PM
I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade here, but I think it is important not to take this too far. Plumbing and clean water are two huge developments that got us longer lifespans and let us skip on gruesome diseases. Hat is why there has been a big campaign in India to convince people to change the culture and do their business at a toilet and not out in the open.Ha if I dumped our #2s in the compost the raccoons would probably come running. Short answer: it has a higher "ew" factor and it would be more effort to do it safely.
No need to dump in the compost. Just drop 'em where you feel the need all over the property. They'll decompose, just like your urine. They're also an excellent source of nutrients for the soil.
Post by: ysette9 on April 30, 2020, 01:23:58 PM
I think peeing isn't the issue here, OP. The real question is why are you antagonizing your wife? She shouldn't even be aware that you're doing this. Are you doing it where she can see? Are you talking about it, bragging even? Perhaps it isn't the actual pottying, it's the potty talk that's wearing on her. Of course, we only have your word that you're aggravating her and apparently enjoying it, but why do you seem so proud?And yes, this really is the heart of the matter. Whether it is good, bad, or ugly doesn’t matter if it antagonizes your wife.
Post by: Villanelle on April 30, 2020, 02:00:37 PM
Compare that to the savings from 20 years of peeing in the yard and see what the math tells you.
Also, could you perhaps pee in the toilet and not flush every time? (Especially if you have more than one toilet so your wife can simply not use yours?
And do you actually head outside to pee, or do you just pee while you are out there? IOW, It's 9pm and dark out. You are reading your book in the cozy living room when you realize nature is calling. You go outside for that? If so, the cold air (or hot air in summer) you are letting in when you open and close the door twice is likely offsetting much of the already minuscule water savings, assuming you are heating or cooling or dehumidifying your home.
Seems penny wise and pound foolish. Or cheap instead of frugal, especially when you factor in the strife in your relationship. Pee in the shower, pee in the yard if you are out there alone--no need to mention it to the wife, though don't lie about it, and the rest of the time, pay the few pennies and use the toilet.
Post by: Dee_the_third on April 30, 2020, 02:31:24 PM
Post by: dragoncar on April 30, 2020, 03:16:07 PM
I think peeing isn't the issue here, OP. The real question is why are you antagonizing your wife? She shouldn't even be aware that you're doing this. Are you doing it where she can see? Are you talking about it, bragging even? Perhaps it isn't the actual pottying, it's the potty talk that's wearing on her. Of course, we only have your word that you're aggravating her and apparently enjoying it, but why do you seem so proud?
To assert dominance
I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade here, but I think it is important not to take this too far. Plumbing and clean water are two huge developments that got us longer lifespans and let us skip on gruesome diseases. Hat is why there has been a big campaign in India to convince people to change the culture and do their business at a toilet and not out in the open.Ha if I dumped our #2s in the compost the raccoons would probably come running. Short answer: it has a higher "ew" factor and it would be more effort to do it safely.
No need to dump in the compost. Just drop 'em where you feel the need all over the property. They'll decompose, just like your urine. They're also an excellent source of nutrients for the soil.
There’s a big difference between peeing in a crowded urban environment and a large suburban lot. I wouldn’t pee in a public space
Post by: Dee_the_third on April 30, 2020, 03:20:58 PM
I think peeing isn't the issue here, OP. The real question is why are you antagonizing your wife? She shouldn't even be aware that you're doing this. Are you doing it where she can see? Are you talking about it, bragging even? Perhaps it isn't the actual pottying, it's the potty talk that's wearing on her. Of course, we only have your word that you're aggravating her and apparently enjoying it, but why do you seem so proud?
To assert dominanceI don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade here, but I think it is important not to take this too far. Plumbing and clean water are two huge developments that got us longer lifespans and let us skip on gruesome diseases. Hat is why there has been a big campaign in India to convince people to change the culture and do their business at a toilet and not out in the open.Ha if I dumped our #2s in the compost the raccoons would probably come running. Short answer: it has a higher "ew" factor and it would be more effort to do it safely.
No need to dump in the compost. Just drop 'em where you feel the need all over the property. They'll decompose, just like your urine. They're also an excellent source of nutrients for the soil.
There’s a big difference between peeing in a crowded urban environment and a large suburban lot. I wouldn’t pee in a public space
Yes, and urine (assuming you don't have a UTI or the like) is sterile. Fecal matter most decidedly is not.
Post by: nessness on April 30, 2020, 04:22:41 PM
Post by: dragoncar on April 30, 2020, 04:46:46 PM
I just googled average water cost and average water used by toilets, and you're saving about 0.3 cents each time you pee outside. Is that worth pissing off your wife (no pun intended)? I would say no.
The .3 cents is fine but pissing off the wife is priceless
Post by: wienerdog on April 30, 2020, 05:15:18 PM
Also pro trip. Don't tell the wife which tomatoes that you are pissing on when brought into the house later this summer.
Post by: Paul der Krake on April 30, 2020, 06:18:06 PM
Don't let it go to waste, make sure you are pissing on a tree or plant. It is great for fertilizer! Try this in your newly planted garden. Pick one tomato plant and piss on it. The other just do as you normally would do. You will be surprised of the results. I have a persimmon tree I am doing but it is in view of the neighbor so I can only do at night.In these times of need, it's important to share the love around the community, don't forget to hydrate your neighbors' plants too.
Post by: ObviouslyNotAGolfer on May 01, 2020, 03:39:10 AM
Post by: GuitarStv on May 01, 2020, 09:14:40 AM
That's nothing--My buddy and I once busted into this one deadbeat's house and peed on his rug.
That rug really tied the room together!
Post by: soccerluvof4 on May 02, 2020, 04:00:52 AM
Post by: Roots&Wings on May 02, 2020, 06:12:13 AM
@Roots&Wings That's literally the post I was talking about. Erica is awesome, I am eternally hopeful that she will return to posting.
I know, right? She used to post here regularly as Erica/NWEdible, but not for awhile. Saw her featured on "Growing a Greener World (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSUpB67uTzw&feature=youtu.be&t=630)" not too long ago, which was fun to see.
Post by: SKL-HOU on May 03, 2020, 06:18:09 PM
Post by: Paul der Krake on May 03, 2020, 06:31:26 PM
I am amazed at the number of people who think this is so normal and even do it themselves. Wow! You all are probably the same men that clip their freaking fingernails at work! 🤢Sorry Karen but I do all my bodily functions on the clock. It's just good financial hygiene.
Post by: Sibley on May 03, 2020, 07:54:28 PM
Post by: dragoncar on May 03, 2020, 10:43:03 PM
I am amazed at the number of people who think this is so normal and even do it themselves. Wow! You all are probably the same men that clip their freaking fingernails at work! 🤢Sorry Karen but I do all my bodily functions on the clock. It's just good financial hygiene.
Like a boss
Post by: Gremlin on May 05, 2020, 08:13:57 PM
Post by: Taran Wanderer on May 05, 2020, 08:19:42 PM
We've had some very unusual first posts from new members of late, but I reckon this takes the cake from our OP...
I wouldn't want to live somewhere where I couldn't pee in my own yard. Our old house had a very mature yard, and I had many good, private spots to fertilize the plants. Our current yard is still maturing, so it takes a little more of a walk, but still very possible in many places. I'd be fine if I never s*!t in the woods again in my life, but I really enjoy peeing outside.
Post by: Dicey on May 05, 2020, 08:21:16 PM
We've had some very unusual first posts from new members of late, but I reckon this takes the cake from our OP...Lemee see, the OP has changed their user name three times in quick succession since they started this thread and hasn't returned, unless, of course, it's under cover of yet another name. This isn't a new member, it's a troll.
Post by: jpdx on May 13, 2020, 11:28:08 PM
Post by: dragoncar on May 14, 2020, 02:04:13 AM
If the bathroom is occupied, I pee in the laundry sink. No big deal.
It’s all pipes!
Post by: Taran Wanderer on May 14, 2020, 02:39:34 AM
Post by: middo on May 14, 2020, 04:30:27 AM
Ew.
As long as you wash it down, who would know?
Post by: nereo on May 14, 2020, 05:37:16 AM
We've had some very unusual first posts from new members of late, but I reckon this takes the cake from our OP...Lemee see, the OP has changed their user name three times in quick succession since they started this thread and hasn't returned, unless, of course, it's under cover of yet another name. This isn't a new member, it's a troll.
Don’t Trolls pee wherever they want? I’m not sure why the wife of a troll is so upset over this... didn’t she know who she was marrying?
Post by: Dicey on May 14, 2020, 06:01:21 AM
Maybe the problem is that troll pee is particularly nasty...We've had some very unusual first posts from new members of late, but I reckon this takes the cake from our OP...Lemee see, the OP has changed their user name three times in quick succession since they started this thread and hasn't returned, unless, of course, it's under cover of yet another name. This isn't a new member, it's a troll.
Don’t Trolls pee wherever they want? I’m not sure why the wife of a troll is so upset over this... didn’t she know who she was marrying?
Post by: Fi(re) on the Farm on May 14, 2020, 06:22:57 AM
Post by: AnxietyFly on May 14, 2020, 06:29:06 AM
Post by: Shane on May 14, 2020, 06:51:15 AM
We've started doing this, after I read a blog post about how pee is an excellent nitrogen source. The money savings is not the point, I'm more about saving the resources that go into making potable water.
I just pee in a bucket and dump it on the compost pile periodically. DH indulges my weird ideas and pees in the bucket too. Might have to quit in the summer if the odor starts being a problem but so far it's been fine.
You can make your own composting toilet by just putting sawdust, sphagnum peat moss, or potting soil in the bucket and peeing into that. It won't smell at all. Periodically dump contents of bucket onto your compost pile. No sense wasting all that good nitrogen.
Post by: norajean on May 14, 2020, 08:03:36 AM
Post by: ducky19 on May 14, 2020, 09:03:49 AM
It is disgusting partly because so much will splash back on to your shoes/feet and pants, assuming you pee standing.
Meh, splashback can be a problem on the toilet too - it happens. I just clean it up, wash my hands, and move on.
Post by: GuitarStv on May 14, 2020, 09:08:49 AM
It is disgusting partly because so much will splash back on to your shoes/feet and pants, assuming you pee standing.
I have urinated in the woods many times while wearing shorts and hiking sandals, without splashing myself.
The issue described sounds like a problem of technique.
A full pressure stream will send urine at least 3-4 ft away from the dispenser by the time it hits the ground. The only time this is not true is immediately at the end of urination when pressure diminishes - at this point urine slows to a trickle and at lowest levels will falls almost directly down. Standing with feet apart approximately a shoulder width and a half to two shoulder widths prevents any splash issues at all.
Post by: Shane on May 14, 2020, 09:34:08 AM
Thanks for those graphic instructions, Steve. I totally agree. Peeing outside is generally less messy than using a toilet indoors.It is disgusting partly because so much will splash back on to your shoes/feet and pants, assuming you pee standing.
I have urinated in the woods many times while wearing shorts and hiking sandals, without splashing myself.
The issue described sounds like a problem of technique.
A full pressure stream will send urine at least 3-4 ft away from the dispenser by the time it hits the ground. The only time this is not true is immediately at the end of urination when pressure diminishes - at this point urine slows to a trickle and at lowest levels will falls almost directly down. Standing with feet apart approximately a shoulder width and a half to two shoulder widths prevents any splash issues at all.
Post by: GuitarStv on May 14, 2020, 09:51:47 AM
Thanks for those graphic instructions, Steve.
I'm a helper! :P
Post by: jim555 on May 14, 2020, 10:26:30 AM
I thought I was cheap, this posting has me beat.
Post by: Shane on May 14, 2020, 10:34:38 AM
Pee in a gallon water bottle and flush it once a day.
I thought I was cheap, this posting has me beat.
It would be better to pour it onto a compost pile once a day. Flushing it down the toilet is a waste.
Post by: nereo on May 14, 2020, 10:38:06 AM
Pee in a gallon water bottle and flush it once a day.
I thought I was cheap, this posting has me beat.
It would be better to pour it onto a compost pile once a day. Flushing it down the toilet is a waste.
My municipality treats its effluent and then reuses the treated sewage as fertilizer. I like to think of it as “making a donation”
Post by: Dee_the_third on May 14, 2020, 03:20:13 PM
Post by: Shane on May 14, 2020, 03:28:44 PM
Pee in a gallon water bottle and flush it once a day.
I thought I was cheap, this posting has me beat.
It would be better to pour it onto a compost pile once a day. Flushing it down the toilet is a waste.
My municipality treats its effluent and then reuses the treated sewage as fertilizer. I like to think of it as “making a donation”
That's great that they're making use of it.
Post by: Model96 on May 14, 2020, 03:31:08 PM
Post by: nereo on May 14, 2020, 05:03:43 PM
I can’t tell if you are taking this seriously or not...Pee in a gallon water bottle and flush it once a day.
I thought I was cheap, this posting has me beat.
It would be better to pour it onto a compost pile once a day. Flushing it down the toilet is a waste.
My municipality treats its effluent and then reuses the treated sewage as fertilizer. I like to think of it as “making a donation”
That's great that they're making use of it.
Post by: Optimiser on May 14, 2020, 05:14:46 PM
Post by: Alternatepriorities on May 14, 2020, 05:17:10 PM
It is disgusting partly because so much will splash back on to your shoes/feet and pants, assuming you pee standing.
I have urinated in the woods many times while wearing shorts and hiking sandals, without splashing myself.
The issue described sounds like a problem of technique.
A full pressure stream will send urine at least 3-4 ft away from the dispenser by the time it hits the ground. The only time this is not true is immediately at the end of urination when pressure diminishes - at this point urine slows to a trickle and at lowest levels will falls almost directly down. Standing with feet apart approximately a shoulder width and a half to two shoulder widths prevents any splash issues at all.
Good instructions for a Nature Pee.* I'd only add to aim for something soft like moss or grass for the absolute minimum splash. Also it should go without saying but go with the wind...
*I met an Argentinian couple driving and camping the length of the hemisphere in Zion nation part a couple years ago. I invited them to stay at our house when they arrived in AK. Credit for the term belongs with them
Post by: Alternatepriorities on May 14, 2020, 05:23:16 PM
Pee in a gallon water bottle and flush it once a day.
I thought I was cheap, this posting has me beat.
It would be better to pour it onto a compost pile once a day. Flushing it down the toilet is a waste.
My municipality treats its effluent and then reuses the treated sewage as fertilizer. I like to think of it as “making a donation”
Do you know if they have had any problems with pharmaceuticals and hormones in the fertilizer? I heard somewhere the city of Fairbanks was doing this but had to stop selling it as fertilizer because it was causing issues. My father also had some issues this year transplanting plants with a potting soil product fertilized that way. Half his strawberries weren't doing well and then he realized they were all the ones he transplanted in to the new potting soil...
Post by: Alternatepriorities on May 14, 2020, 05:27:10 PM
Don't let it go to waste, make sure you are pissing on a tree or plant. It is great for fertilizer! Try this in your newly planted garden. Pick one tomato plant and piss on it. The other just do as you normally would do. You will be surprised of the results. I have a persimmon tree I am doing but it is in view of the neighbor so I can only do at night.
Also pro trip. Don't tell the wife which tomatoes that you are pissing on when brought into the house later this summer.
Second pro tip - Their is such a thing as too much nitrogen. Two teenage boys peeing on the same aspen tree everyday all summer can kill it...
Post by: dragoncar on May 15, 2020, 12:21:35 AM
It is disgusting partly because so much will splash back on to your shoes/feet and pants, assuming you pee standing.
I have urinated in the woods many times while wearing shorts and hiking sandals, without splashing myself.
The issue described sounds like a problem of technique.
A full pressure stream will send urine at least 3-4 ft away from the dispenser by the time it hits the ground. The only time this is not true is immediately at the end of urination when pressure diminishes - at this point urine slows to a trickle and at lowest levels will falls almost directly down. Standing with feet apart approximately a shoulder width and a half to two shoulder widths prevents any splash issues at all.
The ideal scenario is to pee down an embankment or off some kind of parapet. Even a slight slope really negates the possibility of splash back
Post by: dragoncar on May 15, 2020, 12:22:33 AM
Ha. I like how this started out as a troll post and has turned into a very earnest discussion about how to harness the nitrogen in your pee. Never underestimate a group of mustachians.
Well we're certainly not going to let a perfectly good thread go to waste. You know how much it costs to start a new one of those?
Post by: Dicey on May 15, 2020, 12:33:42 AM
It's actually quite mustachian.Ha. I like how this started out as a troll post and has turned into a very earnest discussion about how to harness the nitrogen in your pee. Never underestimate a group of mustachians.
Well we're certainly not going to let a perfectly good thread go to waste. You know how much it costs to start a new one of those?
Post by: nereo on May 15, 2020, 05:38:39 AM
Yeah, we wouldn’t want to just piss that away...Ha. I like how this started out as a troll post and has turned into a very earnest discussion about how to harness the nitrogen in your pee. Never underestimate a group of mustachians.
Well we're certainly not going to let a perfectly good thread go to waste. You know how much it costs to start a new one of those?
Post by: Dancin'Dog on May 15, 2020, 07:36:33 AM
I was sober & didn't really have to pee bad, so it wasn't that exciting. I got in a nice motorcycle ride in yesterday which was great, but forgot to pee in the woods while I was out, so that isn't newsworthy for this thread. I'll try to remember to pee in the driveway or maybe off one of the decks before I leave this afternoon, to honor you rebellious city dwellers. ;)
C-19 sure has us appreciating the simple things.
Post by: nereo on May 15, 2020, 07:39:43 AM
I'm up at our mountain cabin checking on things and thought I'd chime in to bragg about peeing in our front yard this morning. :)
I was sober & didn't really have to pee bad, so it wasn't that exciting. I got in a nice motorcycle ride in yesterday which was great, but forgot to pee in the woods while I was out, so that isn't newsworthy for this thread. I'll try to remember to pee in the driveway or maybe off one of the decks before I leave this afternoon, to honor you rebellious city dwellers. ;)
I do know enough not to attempt peeing from a moving motorcycle...
Counterintuitively, the faster the speed, the more that gets on you.
Post by: Dancin'Dog on May 15, 2020, 07:49:46 AM
I'm up at our mountain cabin checking on things and thought I'd chime in to bragg about peeing in our front yard this morning. :)
I was sober & didn't really have to pee bad, so it wasn't that exciting. I got in a nice motorcycle ride in yesterday which was great, but forgot to pee in the woods while I was out, so that isn't newsworthy for this thread. I'll try to remember to pee in the driveway or maybe off one of the decks before I leave this afternoon, to honor you rebellious city dwellers. ;)
I do know enough not to attempt peeing from a moving motorcycle...
Counterintuitively, the faster the speed, the more that gets on you.
The Iron Butt riders must have good bladder to fuel tank ratios, or utilize catheters.
Post by: Dicey on May 15, 2020, 08:26:08 AM
Gross.I'm up at our mountain cabin checking on things and thought I'd chime in to bragg about peeing in our front yard this morning. :)
I was sober & didn't really have to pee bad, so it wasn't that exciting. I got in a nice motorcycle ride in yesterday which was great, but forgot to pee in the woods while I was out, so that isn't newsworthy for this thread. I'll try to remember to pee in the driveway or maybe off one of the decks before I leave this afternoon, to honor you rebellious city dwellers. ;)
I do know enough not to attempt peeing from a moving motorcycle...
Counterintuitively, the faster the speed, the more that gets on you.
The Iron Butt riders must have good bladder to fuel tank ratios, or utilize catheters.
Post by: Linea_Norway on May 22, 2020, 09:37:45 AM
https://plukkselv.no/produkt/hage/vanning/guldkannan-vannkanne-for-gullvann-kortreist-naering-10-ltr
The instruction is to mix it with 10 times as much water as urin. So maybe pure urin is a bit too strong for the plants.
Post by: TomTX on May 25, 2020, 07:56:50 AM
Why don't you just "If it's yellow, let it mellow?" Or owe in the sink and then wash your hands? Your way, how many things do you touch before you get to running water to wash your hands?
Free fertilizer for the yard, and some of us have figured out how to pee without getting any on our hands.
My main nutrient shortage in the yard is nitrogen, according to soil tests.
Post by: TomTX on May 25, 2020, 08:03:40 AM
Ha. I like how this started out as a troll post and has turned into a very earnest discussion about how to harness the nitrogen in your pee. Never underestimate a group of mustachians.
How else are we going to fertilize our Pandemic Garden while maintaining strict distancing?
Post by: TomTX on May 25, 2020, 08:05:52 AM
The ideal scenario is to pee down an embankment or off some kind of parapet. Even a slight slope really negates the possibility of splash back
Compelling rationale for building a parapet overlooking the garden. Kudos!
Post by: TomTX on May 25, 2020, 08:06:10 AM
Your backyard is going to start stinking. Why don’t you just pee in bottles that has a top. Flush it once a day.
Why would it start stinking? Dispersed around the yard, soaked up by the soil and the plants - really, there's no smell.
Post by: BookLoverL on July 06, 2020, 03:17:03 PM
Post by: Pigeon on July 06, 2020, 04:31:35 PM
Post by: Shane on July 07, 2020, 12:26:35 PM
I haven't tried it myself and you'd probably have to check on local regulations, but if you're interested in seeing the possibilities for a low-water, eco-friendly way of reusing your waste - including number 2 as well - google humanure.
The Humanure Handbook (https://slateroofwarehouse.com/Books/Joseph_Jenkins_Books/Humanure_Handbook)
Post by: Fishindude on July 07, 2020, 02:41:17 PM
Grow up in the country and it's nothing out of the ordinary at all, even the girls aren't scared to do it in a pinch.
Post by: Shane on July 08, 2020, 04:26:35 AM
Post by: aetheldrea on July 10, 2020, 06:07:49 PM
Post by: Taran Wanderer on July 10, 2020, 06:38:45 PM
Post by: Linea_Norway on July 12, 2020, 02:53:29 AM
Post by: okisok on July 13, 2020, 12:04:43 AM
Growing up in the country, our young daughter got so used to peeing wherever she felt like it, that we got yelled at a couple of times by Karens in town when she suddenly just squatted down on a patch of grass in a parking lot at Walmart, or wherever, to pee. We had to explain to our daughter that what is fine at home on the farm is not always okay in town.
Same--grew up in the country, and had to have discussions about what was 'in town' behavior and 'in the country' behavior! Not at all squeamish about going outside. Now, I've seen two younger nieces burst into screaming tears when being told to pee outside on a family camping trip. Mind blown! Doesn't every kid want to pee outside??
Post by: Money Badger on July 15, 2020, 09:07:03 PM
"Our urine contains significant levels of nitrogen, as well as phosphorous and potassium. The relative ratios are typically around 11 parts nitrogen to 1 part phosphorus to 2.5 parts potassium."
This should mean that a direct, er... "application" would yield a similar benefit to plants as 11-1-3 fertilizer. That's decent nitrogen for the greening of plants though only at temperatures below roughly 90 degrees F to avoid burning foliage, especially on areas the OP previously... er, "applied". Now, back to the social aspects... Or maybe just on with the nightly show?!
Post by: Linea_Norway on July 16, 2020, 06:02:16 AM
Post by: dragoncar on July 16, 2020, 01:07:41 PM
I just finished reading the humanure handbook, mentioned earlier in this thread (free online available). It mentions that people who use medicin, have urine that contains medicin that shouldn't end up in nature. Also, if a person has a decease, that will be in the urine. It will make your garden more unhealthy for humans. Better to properly compost your urine in a composting bin/heap, which will heat up to temperatures where the right thermofile bacteria will break down decease particles and medicin particles. For details, read the book.
Depends who is eating the food. If I pee medicine on my plants and eat the plants I’m recycling medicine!
Post by: Shane on July 16, 2020, 07:23:13 PM
I just finished reading the humanure handbook, mentioned earlier in this thread (free online available). It mentions that people who use medicin, have urine that contains medicin that shouldn't end up in nature. Also, if a person has a decease, that will be in the urine. It will make your garden more unhealthy for humans. Better to properly compost your urine in a composting bin/heap, which will heat up to temperatures where the right thermofile bacteria will break down decease particles and medicin particles. For details, read the book.
Depends who is eating the food. If I pee medicine on my plants and eat the plants I’m recycling medicine!
Waste not, want not. Seems very Mustachian to me.
Post by: GuitarStv on July 17, 2020, 07:59:31 PM
I just finished reading the humanure handbook, mentioned earlier in this thread (free online available). It mentions that people who use medicin, have urine that contains medicin that shouldn't end up in nature. Also, if a person has a decease, that will be in the urine. It will make your garden more unhealthy for humans. Better to properly compost your urine in a composting bin/heap, which will heat up to temperatures where the right thermofile bacteria will break down decease particles and medicin particles. For details, read the book.
Depends who is eating the food. If I pee medicine on my plants and eat the plants I’m recycling medicine!
Traditionally, a medicine man would eat amanita muscaria and absorb the dangerous toxins, then pee out the medicinal psychoactive hallucinogen for others to enjoy. So, there's precedent of a kind.
Waste not, want not. Seems very Mustachian to me.
Post by: bthewalls on July 22, 2020, 03:28:44 PM
I do it cause it’s primal lol.....plus it’s a man thing
Post by: Maverick1 on July 25, 2020, 10:22:53 AM
Post by: TomTX on July 25, 2020, 12:31:22 PM
By my math each toilet flush costs me $0.015. I’m happy to pay it.
Mine costs more like $0.04 in water and $0.03 in sewer fees per flush at the base rate, plus the $0.10 of nutrients in the pee going to waste.
However, in the summer we might hit the higher tier of water cost, so marginal reductions in water usage are bigger savings. In the winter they measure household usage (figuring nobody is watering the garden) to calculate sewer fees for the upcoming year.
Post by: Taran Wanderer on July 25, 2020, 03:11:59 PM
Mine costs more like $0.04 in water and $0.03 in sewer fees per flush at the base rate, plus the $0.10 of nutrients in the pee going to waste.
$40 per 1,000 gallons for water, and $30 per 1,000 for sewer? That seems exceptionally high. Typical rates in our area are more like $4 per thousand for water. Depending on type of sewer system, sewer could be $2 to $15 per thousand.
Post by: Dicey on July 25, 2020, 03:49:55 PM
We found out later that it was a guest of the owner, but we were too spooked to view the house and it's now pending, so we're obviously not going to be the next owners. Moral of the story: Be careful where you pee.
Post by: ysette9 on July 25, 2020, 04:21:19 PM
Couple of weeks ago, DH and I were looking at a house in the retirement community where we own rentals. We were interested in this one and our Realtor had previewed it for us. We knew the house was empty and the owner lived out of state. We pulled into the driveway, and as we often do, went around the back of the house to look for clues to the overall structural well-being of the house first. There was unopened mail and two packages addressed to the owner on the back patio, so we really were convinced the house was empty. DH mentioned that he needed to take a wizz. I told him to water some plants, as they looked thirsty, so he did. We continued our exterior inspection, and were intrigued enough to take the next step, which was to officially arrange a viewing with our Realtor. On a whim, I went to the front door and looked in a window. OMG, there was someone sitting at a computer desk, with their back to the window. OMG! We were very blatant about our visual inspection! We can't believe the person inside had no idea we were there.
We found out later that it was a guest of the owner, but we were too spooked to view the house and it's now pending, so we're obviously not going to be the next owners. Moral of the story: Be careful where you pee.
Post by: Shane on July 25, 2020, 04:41:35 PM
Mine costs more like $0.04 in water and $0.03 in sewer fees per flush at the base rate, plus the $0.10 of nutrients in the pee going to waste.
$40 per 1,000 gallons for water, and $30 per 1,000 for sewer? That seems exceptionally high. Typical rates in our area are more like $4 per thousand for water. Depending on type of sewer system, sewer could be $2 to $15 per thousand.
Was curious after reading this, so just checked our last water bill. We paid:
-flat rate of $16.83/month for our water connection
-water utilization of 5K gallons @ $9.84/1K = $49.20
-wastewater of 5K gallons @ $7.99/1K = $39.95
Total bill for 1 month for a family of 3 was $105.98
Seems totally crazy to me that we pay so much for water. In comparison, our electric bill was $41. Gas bill was $31. Water was, by far, our biggest expense last month, aside from taxes, of course.
Post by: Taran Wanderer on July 25, 2020, 06:47:38 PM
Seems totally crazy to me that we pay so much for water. In comparison, our electric bill was $41. Gas bill was $31. Water was, by far, our biggest expense last month, aside from taxes, of course.
Whoa, that's a painful water number. Our monthly cost is about $25. But I'm jealous of your electricity and gas bills!
Post by: Shane on July 25, 2020, 07:42:29 PM
Seems totally crazy to me that we pay so much for water. In comparison, our electric bill was $41. Gas bill was $31. Water was, by far, our biggest expense last month, aside from taxes, of course.
Whoa, that's a painful water number. Our monthly cost is about $25. But I'm jealous of your electricity and gas bills!
Managed to convince my family to not turn on the central AC until we got several days in a row of 95F+ temps, during the first week of July. My guess is the electric bill for this month is, unfortunately, going to be about 4X what we paid for June. I'm working on convincing my family that we should only use the AC until the end of August, and then go back to fans. So far, though, I'm the only one in my family who is enthusiastic about this idea, though. :(
Post by: ysette9 on July 25, 2020, 08:43:20 PM
I would definitely not be enthused by this plan. How about moving somewhere where it doesn’t get so hot? ;-)
Seems totally crazy to me that we pay so much for water. In comparison, our electric bill was $41. Gas bill was $31. Water was, by far, our biggest expense last month, aside from taxes, of course.
Whoa, that's a painful water number. Our monthly cost is about $25. But I'm jealous of your electricity and gas bills!
Managed to convince my family to not turn on the central AC until we got several days in a row of 95F+ temps, during the first week of July. My guess is the electric bill for this month is, unfortunately, going to be about 4X what we paid for June. I'm working on convincing my family that we should only use the AC until the end of August, and then go back to fans. So far, though, I'm the only one in my family who is enthusiastic about this idea, though. :(
Post by: Shane on July 25, 2020, 10:11:17 PM
I would definitely not be enthused by this plan. How about moving somewhere where it doesn’t get so hot? ;-)
Seems totally crazy to me that we pay so much for water. In comparison, our electric bill was $41. Gas bill was $31. Water was, by far, our biggest expense last month, aside from taxes, of course.
Whoa, that's a painful water number. Our monthly cost is about $25. But I'm jealous of your electricity and gas bills!
Managed to convince my family to not turn on the central AC until we got several days in a row of 95F+ temps, during the first week of July. My guess is the electric bill for this month is, unfortunately, going to be about 4X what we paid for June. I'm working on convincing my family that we should only use the AC until the end of August, and then go back to fans. So far, though, I'm the only one in my family who is enthusiastic about this idea, though. :(
Pretty sure my wife would be in favor of that idea. She hates the heat. Someday, maybe, we'll become nomadic, again. I liked moving with the seasons. For now, though, we're mostly happy where we are. If it's still really hot in September, we'll keep the AC on. Electricity here is dirt cheap. Just don't want to run it any longer than we need to. No sense heating up the planet any more than absolutely necessary.
Post by: dragoncar on July 26, 2020, 12:25:51 AM
Couple of weeks ago, DH and I were looking at a house in the retirement community where we own rentals. We were interested in this one and our Realtor had previewed it for us. We knew the house was empty and the owner lived out of state. We pulled into the driveway, and as we often do, went around the back of the house to look for clues to the overall structural well-being of the house first. There was unopened mail and two packages addressed to the owner on the back patio, so we really were convinced the house was empty. DH mentioned that he needed to take a wizz. I told him to water some plants, as they looked thirsty, so he did. We continued our exterior inspection, and were intrigued enough to take the next step, which was to officially arrange a viewing with our Realtor. On a whim, I went to the front door and looked in a window. OMG, there was someone sitting at a computer desk, with their back to the window. OMG! We were very blatant about our visual inspection! We can't believe the person inside had no idea we were there.
We found out later that it was a guest of the owner, but we were too spooked to view the house and it's now pending, so we're obviously not going to be the next owners. Moral of the story: Be careful where you pee.
Pretty sure you can still buy the house out from under the current pending buyer using the rule of marked territory.
Post by: nereo on July 27, 2020, 07:01:49 AM
Couple of weeks ago, DH and I were looking at a house in the retirement community where we own rentals. We were interested in this one and our Realtor had previewed it for us. We knew the house was empty and the owner lived out of state. We pulled into the driveway, and as we often do, went around the back of the house to look for clues to the overall structural well-being of the house first. There was unopened mail and two packages addressed to the owner on the back patio, so we really were convinced the house was empty. DH mentioned that he needed to take a wizz. I told him to water some plants, as they looked thirsty, so he did. We continued our exterior inspection, and were intrigued enough to take the next step, which was to officially arrange a viewing with our Realtor. On a whim, I went to the front door and looked in a window. OMG, there was someone sitting at a computer desk, with their back to the window. OMG! We were very blatant about our visual inspection! We can't believe the person inside had no idea we were there.
We found out later that it was a guest of the owner, but we were too spooked to view the house and it's now pending, so we're obviously not going to be the next owners. Moral of the story: Be careful where you pee.
Pretty sure you can still buy the house out from under the current pending buyer using the rule of marked territory.
The problem with using the ‘market territory’ laws is that the fellow who had been sitting at the computer desk could very easily have made his own claim. Then it becomes a drawn out battle over various legal streams.
Post by: GuitarStv on July 27, 2020, 07:24:49 AM
Couple of weeks ago, DH and I were looking at a house in the retirement community where we own rentals. We were interested in this one and our Realtor had previewed it for us. We knew the house was empty and the owner lived out of state. We pulled into the driveway, and as we often do, went around the back of the house to look for clues to the overall structural well-being of the house first. There was unopened mail and two packages addressed to the owner on the back patio, so we really were convinced the house was empty. DH mentioned that he needed to take a wizz. I told him to water some plants, as they looked thirsty, so he did. We continued our exterior inspection, and were intrigued enough to take the next step, which was to officially arrange a viewing with our Realtor. On a whim, I went to the front door and looked in a window. OMG, there was someone sitting at a computer desk, with their back to the window. OMG! We were very blatant about our visual inspection! We can't believe the person inside had no idea we were there.
We found out later that it was a guest of the owner, but we were too spooked to view the house and it's now pending, so we're obviously not going to be the next owners. Moral of the story: Be careful where you pee.
Pretty sure you can still buy the house out from under the current pending buyer using the rule of marked territory.
The problem with using the ‘market territory’ laws is that the fellow who had been sitting at the computer desk could very easily have made his own claim. Then it becomes a drawn out battle over various legal streams.
If you're depending on 'marked territory' rules I suspect that urine for a shock. :P
Post by: erutio on July 27, 2020, 08:26:34 AM
Couple of weeks ago, DH and I were looking at a house in the retirement community where we own rentals. We were interested in this one and our Realtor had previewed it for us. We knew the house was empty and the owner lived out of state. We pulled into the driveway, and as we often do, went around the back of the house to look for clues to the overall structural well-being of the house first. There was unopened mail and two packages addressed to the owner on the back patio, so we really were convinced the house was empty. DH mentioned that he needed to take a wizz. I told him to water some plants, as they looked thirsty, so he did. We continued our exterior inspection, and were intrigued enough to take the next step, which was to officially arrange a viewing with our Realtor. On a whim, I went to the front door and looked in a window. OMG, there was someone sitting at a computer desk, with their back to the window. OMG! We were very blatant about our visual inspection! We can't believe the person inside had no idea we were there.
We found out later that it was a guest of the owner, but we were too spooked to view the house and it's now pending, so we're obviously not going to be the next owners. Moral of the story: Be careful where you pee.
Pretty sure you can still buy the house out from under the current pending buyer using the rule of marked territory.
The problem with using the ‘market territory’ laws is that the fellow who had been sitting at the computer desk could very easily have made his own claim. Then it becomes a drawn out battle over various legal streams.
If you're depending on 'marked territory' rules I suspect that urine for a shock. :P
Perhaps the guest was aware of you but just wanted to go with the flow and not be disturbed.
Post by: Alternatepriorities on July 27, 2020, 11:11:42 AM
Couple of weeks ago, DH and I were looking at a house in the retirement community where we own rentals. We were interested in this one and our Realtor had previewed it for us. We knew the house was empty and the owner lived out of state. We pulled into the driveway, and as we often do, went around the back of the house to look for clues to the overall structural well-being of the house first. There was unopened mail and two packages addressed to the owner on the back patio, so we really were convinced the house was empty. DH mentioned that he needed to take a wizz. I told him to water some plants, as they looked thirsty, so he did. We continued our exterior inspection, and were intrigued enough to take the next step, which was to officially arrange a viewing with our Realtor. On a whim, I went to the front door and looked in a window. OMG, there was someone sitting at a computer desk, with their back to the window. OMG! We were very blatant about our visual inspection! We can't believe the person inside had no idea we were there.
We found out later that it was a guest of the owner, but we were too spooked to view the house and it's now pending, so we're obviously not going to be the next owners. Moral of the story: Be careful where you pee.
Pretty sure you can still buy the house out from under the current pending buyer using the rule of marked territory.
As i understand it the humans switched to flags a few centuries ago and no longer recognizes scent based marking. I suspect no one dare tell the dragons though...
Post by: LiveLean on July 28, 2020, 11:34:02 AM
I've worked from home for many years. My mother-in-law is a chatterbox and whenever I emerge from my office to use the bathroom during her visits, she thinks that's her license to start a filibuster. I learned years ago that since my office is in the back of the house - we have a huge, private backyard - it's easier to take a leak outside. My office is this converted bonus room with a sink that the previous owner might have used as a bar.
So it works out.
Post by: bigblock440 on July 28, 2020, 02:12:26 PM
I pee in the backyard to be more efficient at work. Let me explain.
I've worked from home for many years. My mother-in-law is a chatterbox and whenever I emerge from my office to use the bathroom during her visits, she thinks that's her license to start a filibuster. I learned years ago that since my office is in the back of the house - we have a huge, private backyard - it's easier to take a leak outside. My office is this converted bonus room with a sink that the previous owner might have used as a bar.
So it works out.
I understand the draw to go outside, but there's also a solution for when the weather turns cold.
Post by: habanero on July 28, 2020, 02:17:19 PM
Then grow your own veggies, serve it to friends and familiiy and then tell them afterwards that you have cared for them and fertilized with your very own pee.
Post by: Roots&Wings on July 29, 2020, 06:37:28 AM
But if so, @habaneroNorway brings up a great point with rainwater, that's another option for toilet flushing to save water. There's simple DIY plumbed directly (e.g. http://www.phoenixsailingcharters.com/rainwater.htm), or the ol' fashioned bucket approach (fill toilet tank with rainwater).
Post by: HenryDavid on July 29, 2020, 06:45:23 AM
Post by: dragoncar on July 29, 2020, 11:38:08 PM
Hopefully the OP's wife doesn't still hate him for this, when it's turned out to have a surprising number of benefits!
But if so, @habaneroNorway brings up a great point with rainwater, that's another option for toilet flushing to save water. There's simple DIY plumbed directly (e.g. http://www.phoenixsailingcharters.com/rainwater.htm), or the ol' fashioned bucket approach (fill toilet tank with rainwater).
I pipe my gutters directly to my urinal and only pee when it rains
Urine is rich in nitrogen. Has this been pointed out?
Many times
Post by: Dicey on August 02, 2020, 03:08:40 PM
You are such a well-trained dragon! I'll bet your wife loves you for it.Hopefully the OP's wife doesn't still hate him for this, when it's turned out to have a surprising number of benefits!I pipe my gutters directly to my urinal and only pee when it rains
But if so, @habaneroNorway brings up a great point with rainwater, that's another option for toilet flushing to save water. There's simple DIY plumbed directly (e.g. http://www.phoenixsailingcharters.com/rainwater.htm), or the ol' fashioned bucket approach (fill toilet tank with rainwater).
Post by: dragoncar on August 03, 2020, 02:20:49 AM
You are such a well-trained dragon! I'll bet your wife loves you for it.Hopefully the OP's wife doesn't still hate him for this, when it's turned out to have a surprising number of benefits!I pipe my gutters directly to my urinal and only pee when it rains
But if so, @habaneroNorway brings up a great point with rainwater, that's another option for toilet flushing to save water. There's simple DIY plumbed directly (e.g. http://www.phoenixsailingcharters.com/rainwater.htm), or the ol' fashioned bucket approach (fill toilet tank with rainwater).
She's always complaining our plants don't get enough nitrogen!
Post by: Roots&Wings on August 03, 2020, 06:38:44 AM
You are such a well-trained dragon! I'll bet your wife loves you for it.Hopefully the OP's wife doesn't still hate him for this, when it's turned out to have a surprising number of benefits!I pipe my gutters directly to my urinal and only pee when it rains
But if so, @habaneroNorway brings up a great point with rainwater, that's another option for toilet flushing to save water. There's simple DIY plumbed directly (e.g. http://www.phoenixsailingcharters.com/rainwater.htm), or the ol' fashioned bucket approach (fill toilet tank with rainwater).
She's always complaining our plants don't get enough nitrogen!
Plumb the urinal to the plants and the toilet to the rainwater, and you're all set!
Post by: Just Joe on August 04, 2020, 07:33:41 AM
Surely very odd that wife’s has issue with that?
I do it cause it’s primal lol.....plus it’s a man thing
I suspect the OP's wife worries about appearances which is certainly her prerogative. She and the OP will need to work it out or OP become more discrete and secretive. Maybe her ideal fantasy man would never do such a thing. I have several relatives of the feminine variety who would react exactly the same to this topic.
We live out in the country on a big patch of ground. We pee all around the property day or night but not down by the road. DW would in a pinch but prefers indoor plumbing.
Funny side story: We have a family dog who is discrete about her business. Disappears into the trees and reappears when she is done.
Post by: GuitarStv on August 04, 2020, 08:00:05 AM
And after that it worked! The wolves left his area alone.
Post by: Roots&Wings on August 04, 2020, 11:02:32 AM
We pee all around the property day or night but not down by the road.
But then he realized that the urine needed to both be fresh and to fully encircle his property . . . so he started walking around the area every day to mark things off with pee.
And after that it worked! The wolves left his area alone.
Fantastic tips! Maybe this is what needs to happen to keep the critters from pilfering my fruit trees.
Post by: Money Badger on August 04, 2020, 11:04:22 AM
Mine costs more like $0.04 in water and $0.03 in sewer fees per flush at the base rate, plus the $0.10 of nutrients in the pee going to waste.
$40 per 1,000 gallons for water, and $30 per 1,000 for sewer? That seems exceptionally high. Typical rates in our area are more like $4 per thousand for water. Depending on type of sewer system, sewer could be $2 to $15 per thousand.
Was curious after reading this, so just checked our last water bill. We paid:
-flat rate of $16.83/month for our water connection
-water utilization of 5K gallons @ $9.84/1K = $49.20
-wastewater of 5K gallons @ $7.99/1K = $39.95
Total bill for 1 month for a family of 3 was $105.98
Seems totally crazy to me that we pay so much for water. In comparison, our electric bill was $41. Gas bill was $31. Water was, by far, our biggest expense last month, aside from taxes, of course.
@Shane, $105 for water and sewer is really high... For comparison, Atlanta water-only for 2 months is $40 for 3 people at our house (we have septic). Are you sure there's no slow leaks (turning off water at the house entry main, checking for leaks to the street if the meter still turns, etc.)? At that rate, is adding a well and septic an option for your home lot? Roughly $7-10K for septic plus $3-5K for a well. Pay back in 10 years or so (even with a septic tank service along the way which is usually $350 or so if scheduled (ie, don't wait till the $hitter is full like cousin Eddy ;-).
Post by: Optimiser on August 04, 2020, 11:49:49 AM
Mine costs more like $0.04 in water and $0.03 in sewer fees per flush at the base rate, plus the $0.10 of nutrients in the pee going to waste.
$40 per 1,000 gallons for water, and $30 per 1,000 for sewer? That seems exceptionally high. Typical rates in our area are more like $4 per thousand for water. Depending on type of sewer system, sewer could be $2 to $15 per thousand.
Was curious after reading this, so just checked our last water bill. We paid:
-flat rate of $16.83/month for our water connection
-water utilization of 5K gallons @ $9.84/1K = $49.20
-wastewater of 5K gallons @ $7.99/1K = $39.95
Total bill for 1 month for a family of 3 was $105.98
Seems totally crazy to me that we pay so much for water. In comparison, our electric bill was $41. Gas bill was $31. Water was, by far, our biggest expense last month, aside from taxes, of course.
@Shane, $105 for water and sewer is really high... For comparison, Atlanta water-only for 2 months is $40 for 3 people at our house (we have septic). Are you sure there's no slow leaks (turning off water at the house entry main, checking for leaks to the street if the meter still turns, etc.)? At that rate, is adding a well and septic an option for your home lot? Roughly $7-10K for septic plus $3-5K for a well. Pay back in 10 years or so (even with a septic tank service along the way which is usually $350 or so if scheduled (ie, don't wait till the $hitter is full like cousin Eddy ;-).
My last water bill was just over $90 (for one month), but only $25 of that was for actual water usage. The rest of the bill is water and wastewater base rates, stormwater fee, street maintenance fee, sidewalk maintenance fee, transit operations fee, urban forestry fee, police public service fee, and fire public service fee. I don't know why they don't include most of that in property taxes, but I suspect this method is more politically feasible. It seems ridiculous to me.
Post by: Shane on August 04, 2020, 12:22:23 PM
Mine costs more like $0.04 in water and $0.03 in sewer fees per flush at the base rate, plus the $0.10 of nutrients in the pee going to waste.
$40 per 1,000 gallons for water, and $30 per 1,000 for sewer? That seems exceptionally high. Typical rates in our area are more like $4 per thousand for water. Depending on type of sewer system, sewer could be $2 to $15 per thousand.
Was curious after reading this, so just checked our last water bill. We paid:
-flat rate of $16.83/month for our water connection
-water utilization of 5K gallons @ $9.84/1K = $49.20
-wastewater of 5K gallons @ $7.99/1K = $39.95
Total bill for 1 month for a family of 3 was $105.98
Seems totally crazy to me that we pay so much for water. In comparison, our electric bill was $41. Gas bill was $31. Water was, by far, our biggest expense last month, aside from taxes, of course.
@Shane, $105 for water and sewer is really high... For comparison, Atlanta water-only for 2 months is $40 for 3 people at our house (we have septic). Are you sure there's no slow leaks (turning off water at the house entry main, checking for leaks to the street if the meter still turns, etc.)? At that rate, is adding a well and septic an option for your home lot? Roughly $7-10K for septic plus $3-5K for a well. Pay back in 10 years or so (even with a septic tank service along the way which is usually $350 or so if scheduled (ie, don't wait till the $hitter is full like cousin Eddy ;-).
@Money Badger Pretty sure there are no leaks. Water company billed us for 5K gallons for a household of 3 for a month. 5000 gallons/30 days = 166 gallons/day. A neighbor couple told us they generally use 4K - 6K gallons per month, for just the two of them. So, I don't think 5K gallons for three people is out of line. This month's bill is for 6K gallons, and it's $123.81. It's been pretty dry, recently, so we've been watering all of our indoor and outdoor plants everyday. That may have driven up our usage this month. Living in the city, there's really no way around paying water and drain fees. Water company knows that, and their prices reflect their monopoly power. No way we could make a well or septic. Lot's way too small, and the house takes up almost the entire lot, except for a tiny back patio. There's no soil on our lot. It's all covered by concrete or stone. I'm sure it wouldn't be legal to make our own well or septic system, anyway.
Post by: dragoncar on August 04, 2020, 03:02:36 PM
Post by: Shane on August 04, 2020, 03:41:25 PM
If it’s an older city there may have been tons of deferred maintenance on the supply lines and sewer that now has to be addressed and funded. Thats actually the only reason I can think of since there is usually regulation of utility profit margins
You are correct. There are some big EPA mandated infrastructure projects that our city has to complete in order to comply with the Clean Water Act. Basically, we're paying now for decades of deferred maintenance.
Post by: TomTX on August 04, 2020, 04:23:56 PM
I remember reading a story many years ago about a man who was living alone in a very isolated northern area (Siberia?) for an extended period of time. He was having trouble with wolves. He knew that wolves marked territory with urine, so he saved up a large pot of the stuff and dumped it in a couple corners of his property to no effect. But then he realized that the urine needed to both be fresh and to fully encircle his property . . . so he started walking around the area every day to mark things off with pee.
And after that it worked! The wolves left his area alone.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Never_Cry_Wolf_(film)
Post by: bthewalls on August 08, 2020, 10:25:56 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_latrine
Post by: ABC123 on August 08, 2020, 07:11:17 PM
If it’s an older city there may have been tons of deferred maintenance on the supply lines and sewer that now has to be addressed and funded. Thats actually the only reason I can think of since there is usually regulation of utility profit margins
This is exactly the case for us. The sewer part of our bill used to be the same as the water usage part. And then they found a bunch of work that needed to be done on the sewers and that part is now double what it used to be.
As far as peeing outside, that doesn't work well for me as a female. But potty training 3 boys has meant lots of outdoor peeing. My one son refused to pee in the toilet for the longest time, but he loved to go out and pee on the tree.
Post by: dragoncar on August 08, 2020, 08:13:07 PM
im gonna go all out here....is a pit latrine in the back yard completely off the cards? lol
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_latrine
Imagine you want to contribute to wikipedia and you decide "you know what? The pit latrine article needs an illustration"
Post by: bthewalls on August 09, 2020, 03:48:39 AM
im gonna go all out here....is a pit latrine in the back yard completely off the cards? lol
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_latrine
Imagine you want to contribute to wikipedia and you decide "you know what? The pit latrine article needs an illustration"
awfull..real 'toilet humour'
Post by: GuitarStv on August 09, 2020, 07:02:04 AM
im gonna go all out here....is a pit latrine in the back yard completely off the cards? lol
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_latrine
Imagine you want to contribute to wikipedia and you decide "you know what? The pit latrine article needs an illustration"
Given the apparent hardness of the marble-like pellets being dispensed in the illustration, I worry about the fiber intake of the illustator.
Post by: Optimiser on August 10, 2020, 01:34:17 PM
Post by: Alternatepriorities on August 10, 2020, 01:44:11 PM
Has anyone ever used a pit latrine when it has been below freezing for an extended period of time? I stayed at a fire lookout during the winter with a couple of friends and we were all impressed by the tall, skinny tower of frozen poop that was growing up from the bottom of the hole.
The infamous Poopsicle... They can become an issue if it's cold enough for long enough. Though they are easier to fix than a frozen septic line at sixty below zero. At those temps it's worth having a piece of foam insulation with a hole as a seat instead of the traditional porcelain seat...
Post by: dragoncar on August 10, 2020, 02:59:41 PM
Has anyone ever used a pit latrine when it has been below freezing for an extended period of time? I stayed at a fire lookout during the winter with a couple of friends and we were all impressed by the tall, skinny tower of frozen poop that was growing up from the bottom of the hole.
Having trouble imagining this. An illustration would help.
Post by: GuitarStv on August 10, 2020, 03:07:01 PM
Has anyone ever used a pit latrine when it has been below freezing for an extended period of time? I stayed at a fire lookout during the winter with a couple of friends and we were all impressed by the tall, skinny tower of frozen poop that was growing up from the bottom of the hole.
Having trouble imagining this. An illustration would help.
(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/14/91/9f/6a/chocolate-soft-serve.jpg)?
Post by: bthewalls on August 10, 2020, 03:33:24 PM
Septic tank freezing? Add salt every 3 days during cold....or antifreeze....have I gone too far?....lol
Post by: dragoncar on August 10, 2020, 05:08:57 PM
Following on from this Deeply intellectual topic, I think it’s the done thing to throw lime into the pit latrine or petrol and burn .....I hate to admit that I studied a module on effluent in 96
Septic tank freezing? Add salt every 3 days during cold....or antifreeze....have I gone too far?....lol
All of the above is entire antimustachian. Build your latrine on hot springs or geothermal to save resources.
Post by: PDXTabs on August 10, 2020, 05:20:48 PM
Mine costs more like $0.04 in water and $0.03 in sewer fees per flush at the base rate, plus the $0.10 of nutrients in the pee going to waste.
$40 per 1,000 gallons for water, and $30 per 1,000 for sewer? That seems exceptionally high. Typical rates in our area are more like $4 per thousand for water. Depending on type of sewer system, sewer could be $2 to $15 per thousand.
Yea, Portland has really expensive water and sewer (to pay off this project (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/31030)), but combined it is $17.14/CCF or $0.023/gal.
Post by: Alternatepriorities on August 11, 2020, 10:42:13 AM
Following on from this Deeply intellectual topic, I think it’s the done thing to throw lime into the pit latrine or petrol and burn .....I hate to admit that I studied a module on effluent in 96
Septic tank freezing? Add salt every 3 days during cold....or antifreeze....have I gone too far?....lol
If the tank is truly septic the decomposition will keep it warm and prevent freezing if it's below ground. If you vent it back through the pipe and out the roof of the house the warm gasses will keep the buried pipes from freezing. My father (who sees -60 F every winter) built his that way thirty plus years ago and it only froze the first winter when there was not enough decomposing material to keep it warm... We had to snake a steam line through the pipe to melt it back out. Some things are just burned into my memory...
Post by: Alternatepriorities on August 11, 2020, 10:47:24 AM
Mine costs more like $0.04 in water and $0.03 in sewer fees per flush at the base rate, plus the $0.10 of nutrients in the pee going to waste.
$40 per 1,000 gallons for water, and $30 per 1,000 for sewer? That seems exceptionally high. Typical rates in our area are more like $4 per thousand for water. Depending on type of sewer system, sewer could be $2 to $15 per thousand.
Yea, Portland has really expensive water and sewer (to pay off this project (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/31030)), but combined it is $17.14/CCF or $0.023/gal.
The froze pipes I mentioned we more of problem in the village I lived in a few years ago. The permafrost meant no septic systems so they had engineered above ground treatment systems and despite the foot of insulation on the pipes some of them froze up every winter. Water was $.06 if you were on the pipe system and $.08 per gallon if it was hauled the house by truck. Electricity to run the treatment system was $.67/kwh. It really did save money to pee in the back yard there...
Post by: Shane on August 12, 2020, 10:05:56 AM
Mine costs more like $0.04 in water and $0.03 in sewer fees per flush at the base rate, plus the $0.10 of nutrients in the pee going to waste.
$40 per 1,000 gallons for water, and $30 per 1,000 for sewer? That seems exceptionally high. Typical rates in our area are more like $4 per thousand for water. Depending on type of sewer system, sewer could be $2 to $15 per thousand.
Yea, Portland has really expensive water and sewer (to pay off this project (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/31030)), but combined it is $17.14/CCF or $0.023/gal.
The froze pipes I mentioned we more of problem in the village I lived in a few years ago. The permafrost meant no septic systems so they had engineered above ground treatment systems and despite the foot of insulation on the pipes some of them froze up every winter. Water was $.06 if you were on the pipe system and $.08 per gallon if it was hauled the house by truck. Electricity to run the treatment system was $.67/kwh. It really did save money to pee in the back yard there...
Wow, $0.67/kWh! Just signed a new 9 month contract with our supplier for $0.061/kWH.
Post by: Alternatepriorities on August 12, 2020, 01:15:50 PM
Mine costs more like $0.04 in water and $0.03 in sewer fees per flush at the base rate, plus the $0.10 of nutrients in the pee going to waste.
$40 per 1,000 gallons for water, and $30 per 1,000 for sewer? That seems exceptionally high. Typical rates in our area are more like $4 per thousand for water. Depending on type of sewer system, sewer could be $2 to $15 per thousand.
Yea, Portland has really expensive water and sewer (to pay off this project (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/31030)), but combined it is $17.14/CCF or $0.023/gal.
The froze pipes I mentioned we more of problem in the village I lived in a few years ago. The permafrost meant no septic systems so they had engineered above ground treatment systems and despite the foot of insulation on the pipes some of them froze up every winter. Water was $.06 if you were on the pipe system and $.08 per gallon if it was hauled the house by truck. Electricity to run the treatment system was $.67/kwh. It really did save money to pee in the back yard there...
Wow, $0.67/kWh! Just signed a new 9 month contract with our supplier for $0.061/kWH.
It was an interesting combination of the high cost of shipping fuel out for the generators and oddly enough a financial benefit to the city of high prices.
Post by: Joof on August 13, 2020, 04:14:17 PM
Consider getting (or building) a urine-diverting composting toilet if you want to make this more... palatable.
I wouldn't suggest building an outhouse because there are some health ramifications to just pooping in a hole without letting the poo compost properly first.
Post by: kaposzta on November 02, 2020, 07:35:05 AM
Post by: bthewalls on November 02, 2020, 03:08:46 PM
Post by: Taran Wanderer on November 02, 2020, 10:47:52 PM
Don’t forget...it’s a natures way of claiming territory lol
I wish it worked with the deer and bears that visit our yard. It doesn't.
Post by: TomTX on November 03, 2020, 05:30:19 AM
Don’t forget...it’s a natures way of claiming territory lol
I wish it worked with the deer and bears that visit our yard. It doesn't.
Try peeing directly on them to show you mean business.
Post by: GuitarStv on November 03, 2020, 07:44:58 AM
Don’t forget...it’s a natures way of claiming territory lol
I wish it worked with the deer and bears that visit our yard. It doesn't.
Try peeing directly on them to show you mean business.
This is a mustachian side hustle too . . . as if you video tape it, there's likely a market for it somewhere on the internet.
Post by: bthewalls on November 03, 2020, 03:00:27 PM
Don’t forget...it’s a natures way of claiming territory lol
I wish it worked with the deer and bears that visit our yard. It doesn't.
Hey I’d love a video of that
Post by: Chris Pascale on December 30, 2020, 06:33:31 AM
I am amazed at the number of people who think this is so normal and even do it themselves. Wow! You all are probably the same men that clip their freaking fingernails at work! 🤢Sorry Karen but I do all my bodily functions on the clock. It's just good financial hygiene.
Like a boss
Razor: Check
Nail clippers: Check
Baby wipes for quick bathing: Check
Extra pair of socks for when I wash mine in the sink: Check
Post by: GuitarStv on December 30, 2020, 02:11:40 PM
I am amazed at the number of people who think this is so normal and even do it themselves. Wow! You all are probably the same men that clip their freaking fingernails at work! 🤢Sorry Karen but I do all my bodily functions on the clock. It's just good financial hygiene.
Like a boss
Razor: Check
Nail clippers: Check
Baby wipes for quick bathing: Check
Extra pair of socks for when I wash mine in the sink: Check
Dude. That's gross.
Wash your socks in the office coffee pot. The water in the sink doesn't get hot enough to sterilize them.
Geeze, some people . . .
Post by: Chris Pascale on December 30, 2020, 04:14:14 PM
I am amazed at the number of people who think this is so normal and even do it themselves. Wow! You all are probably the same men that clip their freaking fingernails at work! 🤢Sorry Karen but I do all my bodily functions on the clock. It's just good financial hygiene.
Like a boss
Razor: Check
Nail clippers: Check
Baby wipes for quick bathing: Check
Extra pair of socks for when I wash mine in the sink: Check
Dude. That's gross.
Wash your socks in the office coffee pot. The water in the sink doesn't get hot enough to sterilize them.
Geeze, some people . . .
Wish I could, but these darn Keurigs have taken over.
Post by: bthewalls on December 30, 2020, 04:43:35 PM
Post by: dragoncar on December 31, 2020, 01:20:54 AM
https://youtu.be/D1Gjm17WibU?t=70s
Post by: sonofsven on January 02, 2021, 09:34:59 AM
Post by: Taran Wanderer on January 02, 2021, 11:35:06 AM
Post by: dragoncar on January 02, 2021, 01:58:10 PM
Post by: Chris Pascale on January 03, 2021, 06:06:43 PM
You should pee and poop in the shower, save on water AND toilet paper.
Add in a disposal so it goes down easier, and I think you're on the right track.
Post by: Taran Wanderer on January 03, 2021, 07:05:55 PM
Post by: Alternatepriorities on January 03, 2021, 08:30:36 PM
You should pee and poop in the shower, save on water AND toilet paper.
Add in a disposal so it goes down easier, and I think you're on the right track.
And maybe take a look at the “Six Chemicals to Clean a House” thread.
Post by: Model96 on January 04, 2021, 07:37:38 AM
You should pee and poop in the shower, save on water AND toilet paper.
Add in a disposal so it goes down easier, and I think you're on the right track.
And maybe take a look at the “Six Chemicals to Clean a House” thread.
The disposal is called a 'macerator' in that application.
Post by: sonofsven on January 04, 2021, 09:01:39 AM
Post by: bthewalls on January 04, 2021, 01:35:21 PM
Post by: Chris Pascale on January 04, 2021, 01:44:40 PM
The savings will really start to pile up!
HA!!!!
Post by: Chris Pascale on January 04, 2021, 01:45:36 PM
you need a proportiional volume of water to macerator a solid into a flowing liquidised solution, for disposal, unless you pump it....(the fact that im evening considering the engineer aspect of this has caused me to question my own sanity now....I was ok before I joined the MMM forum).....
As I clicked this thread (instead of telling my kids to get a snack and start their homework) I also thought, what am I doing with my life?
Time to sign off.
Post by: dragoncar on January 05, 2021, 02:13:48 AM
Post by: bthewalls on January 07, 2021, 03:05:55 PM
Post by: Alternatepriorities on January 07, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
I think we’ve all lost the plotThere was a plot?
Post by: middo on January 07, 2021, 07:02:43 PM
I think we’ve all lost the plotThere was a plot?
Yes. The OP peed on it.
Post by: Model96 on January 07, 2021, 11:21:03 PM
I think we’ve all lost the plotThere was a plot?
Yes. The OP peed on it.
But then the plot thickened.......
Post by: Alternatepriorities on January 08, 2021, 01:30:21 AM
I think we’ve all lost the plotThere was a plot?
Yes. The OP peed on it.
Well played.
Post by: Alternatepriorities on January 08, 2021, 01:32:43 AM
Shouldn’t it thin with the addition of liquid? Unless OP lives somewhere cold...I think we’ve all lost the plotThere was a plot?
Yes. The OP peed on it.
But then the plot thickened.......
Post by: Model96 on January 08, 2021, 03:20:01 AM
Shouldn’t it thin with the addition of liquid? Unless OP lives somewhere cold...I think we’ve all lost the plotThere was a plot?
Yes. The OP peed on it.
But then the plot thickened.......
Indeed. But anything can happen if the Ice Age comes to the AcreAge with the SewAge....
Post by: Alternatepriorities on January 08, 2021, 10:03:49 AM
Shouldn’t it thin with the addition of liquid? Unless OP lives somewhere cold...I think we’ve all lost the plotThere was a plot?
Yes. The OP peed on it.
But then the plot thickened.......
Indeed. But anything can happen if the Ice Age comes to the AcreAge with the SewAge....
People say that if you pee outside at -60 it will freeze before it hits the ground. This is actually an exaggeration. It is however a bit brisk...
Post by: Taran Wanderer on January 08, 2021, 01:08:18 PM
Shouldn’t it thin with the addition of liquid? Unless OP lives somewhere cold...I think we’ve all lost the plotThere was a plot?
Yes. The OP peed on it.
But then the plot thickened.......
Indeed. But anything can happen if the Ice Age comes to the AcreAge with the SewAge....
People say that if you pee outside at -60 it will freeze before it hits the ground. This is actually an exaggeration. It is however a bit brisk...
Frostbite?
Post by: Alternatepriorities on January 08, 2021, 01:25:17 PM
Frostbite?
Thankfully it doesn't take me that long to pee.
Incidentally if you throw a cup of boiling water into the air at those temps it will flash to steam and the cloud will form snow so the myth is not totally without merit. It's important for the water to be much hotter than body temperature though.
Post by: GuitarStv on January 08, 2021, 01:35:05 PM
Post by: dragoncar on January 08, 2021, 01:56:34 PM
Frostbite?
Thankfully it doesn't take me that long to pee.
Incidentally if you throw a cup of boiling water into the air at those temps it will flash to steam and the cloud will form snow so the myth is not totally without merit. It's important for the water to be much hotter than body temperature though.
It will work with body temperature using the secret is to aerosolize it first
Post by: Model96 on January 08, 2021, 02:12:16 PM
Post by: Nutty on January 08, 2021, 06:10:44 PM
Plant a bush? Don't whip it out in front of her and the neighbors?
Post by: GuitarStv on January 09, 2021, 01:44:48 PM
I've been thinking way too much about this. I think the simple solution is to not let your wife watch you pee if it bugs her.
You'll need about three feet of tubing, a plastic cup with a hole in the bottom, duct tape, and loose fitting pants/underwear. Then it should be possible to surreptitiously urinate just about anywhere.
Post by: dragoncar on January 10, 2021, 02:17:44 AM
I've been thinking way too much about this. I think the simple solution is to not let your wife watch you pee if it bugs her.
You'll need about three feet of tubing, a plastic cup with a hole in the bottom, duct tape, and loose fitting pants/underwear. Then it should be possible to surreptitiously urinate just about anywhere.
(https://i.imgur.com/94uycNs.png)
Post by: Nutty on January 10, 2021, 11:54:03 AM