# Why don't modern toilets have garbage disposals? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 5, 2012, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841 "2012-03-05T18:02:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2012, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/21 "2012-03-05T21:07:49Z")
US Toilets have a 3 inch output pipe. That’s large enough to handle most everything. Unless you’re wadding up a shitload of TP, then nothing, even a disposal, will help you. Simple solution, the same one I tell my son: wipe better and use less paper. ---
**Author:** ![GiantRat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@GiantRat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GiantRat)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2012, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/22 "2012-03-05T21:19:09Z")
> [@Al\_Bundy](#): > > I think those are a great idea for commercial or multiple residential units. I’m thinking especially now of cases where units in a stack all use a common sewer. When one occupant flushes a clog, all the folks above are affected. Of course the $700+ negates general usage. I never new they existed until now. I read “flushing a clog” as “flushing a dog”… which made me blow yogurt out of my nose. Thanks a snot… errrr… lot. ---
**Author:** ![joebuck20](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/74df32/32.png) [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2012, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/23 "2012-03-05T21:26:43Z")
Sounds like your shitter’s full. ---
**Author:** ![Oglomott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oglomott/32/3543_2.png) [@Oglomott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oglomott)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2012, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/24 "2012-03-05T22:31:25Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Otherwise, it could be a dietary problem. This. Following may be TMI (but you’ll read it anyway): A family member consistently produces turds the side of your forearm; toilet clogs around here are routine (That this person uses an excess amount of T/P probably doesn’t help). I purchased a commercial grade toilet auger and a toilet plunger to deal with them; they have paid for themselves many times over. This has happened with different homes and different toilets, including hotels. Nothing like calling hotel maintenance at midnight for a clogged toilet. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2012, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/25 "2012-03-06T08:11:39Z")
> [@MyFootsZZZ](#): > > Why don’t modern toilets have garbage disposals? > It’s better than getting out the plunger. For fear of a (male) body part getting caught up in it? ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2012, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/26 "2012-03-06T19:24:32Z")
This sounds ideal for George Costanza: have a big meal while on the crapper, use the disposal afterwards to avoid waste clogs. ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2012, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/27 "2012-03-06T21:10:25Z")
> [@Oglomott](#): > > This. > > Following may be TMI (but you’ll read it anyway): > > A family member consistently produces turds the side of your forearm; toilet clogs around here are routine (That this person uses an excess amount of T/P probably doesn’t help). I purchased a commercial grade toilet auger and a toilet plunger to deal with them; they have paid for themselves many times over. This has happened with different homes and different toilets, including hotels. Nothing like calling hotel maintenance at midnight for a clogged toilet. :eek: It’s JUST that I sue a lot of TP that’s it… Well, most of the time. ---
**Author:** ![Caffeine.addict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2012, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/28 "2012-03-06T21:28:50Z")
> [@MyFootsZZZ](#): > > It’s a problem with all of their toilets… > And yes, my diet could be part of the problem. I use a lot of TP. > > Still, is it such a bad idea? Especially with people flushing their condoms, tampons, ect. If it’s all the toilets it sound like a problem with the sewer line. ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2012, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/29 "2012-03-06T21:32:28Z")
> [@Caffeine.addict](#): > > If it’s all the toilets it sound like a problem with the sewer line. At my folks house, yes, could be. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2012, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/30 "2012-03-06T21:32:46Z")
> [@MyFootsZZZ](#): > > It’s JUST that I sue a lot of TP that’s it… > > Well, most of the time. My rule when I’m using my mom’s toilet (which is 50 years old and on a horrible rural pipeline) is to wipe twice, then flush. Wipe twice, flush. It’s a pain in the ass to flush two or three times when you get diarrhea, but it’s MORE of a pain in the ass to plunge a clog. Wipe, wipe, flush. Easy to remember. ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2012, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/31 "2012-03-06T21:35:51Z")
> [@rachelellogram](#): > > My rule when I’m using my mom’s toilet (which is 50 years old and on a horrible rural pipeline) is to wipe twice, then flush. Wipe twice, flush. It’s a pain in the ass to flush two or three times when you get diarrhea, but it’s MORE of a pain in the ass to plunge a clog. > > Wipe, wipe, flush. Easy to remember. ⭕) ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2012, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/32 "2012-03-07T00:08:17Z")
> [@MyFootsZZZ](#): > > It’s better than getting out the plunger. You could always crap in the kitchen sink. > [@rachelellogram](#): > > Wipe, wipe, flush. Why did I suddenly get a “We Will Rock You” earworm? mmm ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2012, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/33 "2012-03-07T14:09:28Z")
No, no, no. That’s _mud_ on his face. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2012, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/34 "2012-03-07T14:49:38Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Why did I suddenly get a “We Will Rock You” earworm? Well, that wrecks _that_ song for me. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2012, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/35 "2012-03-07T15:07:20Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Our boat has one. I think they’re common for marine use. Macerating pumps are also common in RVs, or are at least becoming more popular. I see them advertised frequently. ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2012, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/36 "2012-03-08T02:13:49Z")
I think part of the problem of needing a plunger as a permanent bathroom accessory is the advent of those damnable low-flow toilets. You GOTTA wonder how much water is actually saved when you have to flush two or three times (or more!) for your “present” to go away. Dave Barry once wrote a column about his opinion of those low-flow toilets. He wants to smuggle in the old version from Canada. Anyway… There ARE improved low-flow toilets that are vastly better than the early models. In the case where it’s one of those minimal water use fixtures, replace it with a new one. If you know it’s a sewer problem, bad news: it’s probably going to cost a LOT of money. Anything from tree roots in the main line to a septic tank needing to be pumped, or even an overwhelmed drain field. Count on a sobbing checkbook. Some municipalities accepted shoddy work when the sewer systems were constructed. Many are falling apart, and with reduced revenues, the repair/replacement plans are scheduled “one of these days.” Any or all of these explanations would cause a flushing problem, and a garbage disposal or macerating system will NOT help. (Besides, do you know how DISGUSTING that sounds??) A HUGE problem with the concept of installing a grinder in the toilet (aside from the aesthetics) is that people would use the toilet for an all-purpose garbage can. If you are on a septic system, that would be like slitting your own throat. Without getting TOO descriptive, septic systems are a controlled decomposition process. Under most conditions, the system will take care of itself. If the volume exceeds the capacity, though, you run into trouble. Part of the reason it works so well is that black water is supposed to contain only bodily waste, and that is already partially digested and inoculated with the proper bacteria needed to make the system work. A kitchen sink with a garbage disposal puts a greater load on a septic system. The typical leftovers, scraps, science projects from the back of the refrigerator, and grease, all require a much longer time span to completely break down in the septic tank. Unless you have an extra large capacity tank installed to begin with, you’ll probably require regular pumping of the contents to keep everything flowing without problems. Now, let’s turn our thoughts to rainbows, flowers, sunsets, walks on the beach…ANYTHING besides toilets! ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![xnylder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/bbce88/32.png) [@xnylder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xnylder)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2012, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/37 "2012-03-08T22:20:21Z")
I used to own a condo on two floors with only one bathroom, on the upper floor. Some potential purchasers wanted to know if they could install a bathroom downstairs. It turned out that a macerating toilet could be hooked up to the existing laundry drainage line for disposal and therefore avoid a lot of expensive plumbing work. (In the end, someone else bought the place as it was, so no need for that installation.) ---
**Author:** ![Peanuthead](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peanuthead/32/360_2.png) [@Peanuthead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peanuthead)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2012, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841/38 "2012-03-09T00:32:36Z")
I think [David Sedaris](http://www.esquire.com/features/this-way-out/sedaris-big-boy-1199) has the same question as the OP. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-modern-toilets-have-garbage-disposals/614841.md?page=1)