Yes. This IS a blog about a toilet. And so much more.
For nearly six years we have been living with a toilet that needed a pot of water poured into the bowl to get it to flush. Things that humans put in toilets are not things we wish to spend lingering time with, patiently waiting for the extra pot of water to do its job. Nobody’s got time for that shit. Literally. Not the greatest- a disgusting frustration- and an uncomfortable obstacle to have to explain to house guests. Not to mention the appalling amount of water wasted with each pot-full.
This toilet became a metaphor for every obstacle working against us in creating the sustainable, low stress life we aim to live. It needed to go.
This old aluminum pot lived beside the toilet for almost a decade and needed to be filled in the sink and poured in the bowl with just the right timing for the toilet to flush
A hand-made sign lived above the toilet with directions for house guests on how to use the toilet water pot system for flushing.
Trying to solve this problem- we bought a new toilet as a Christmas gift for Chris’ Dad in 2016. But he became sick quickly that winter and we did not have time to install it while caring for him in his last months. The brand new toilet sat in a box, taunting us, for nearly three years.
Chris’ Dad built this house in the early 1980’s. Chris grew up here- his heights measured on the kitchen door jam. It is more than just a house to us- it is a home. Despite all the cracks, messes and broken bits, it is our home. After purchasing the family land in 2019 and coming to an agreement about purchase of the house we are FINALLY allowed to start making needed repairs. The toilet was first on our list!
This weekend we finally decided to tackle our toilet problem. No more disgusting, broken latrine. No more wasted water. No more water pot for Olsen Farm!! What we thought would be an easy project turned out to be much more involved after finding the subfloor rotted, and the sewer pipe needing repair as well. After six hours and lots of help from our friends (THANK YOU Jere and Paul!) our brand new toilet is fully installed and functioning- no pot necessary.
Our brand new low-flush toilet, completely installed! Dreams do come true!!
The house needs many costly repairs, this toilet is only a small piece of what we will need to fix in the coming months and years. The toilet water pot has been retired, and the old toilet is in the yard with a R.I.P sign. Replacing a toilet may seem like a small victory, but it is one that signifies obstacles we have overcome and we will be celebrating!