Before your great Mexican vacation, learning the truth about Mexico and traveling is best. You probably heard many items of interest, from the food to toilets.
But one issue that has confused many people is how you flush a toilet in Mexico.
Cheer up! Because this article will help you understand how to flush the toilet south of the border and prevent you from encountering an embarrassing moment like this.
To flush the toilet, select the button and wait for the tank to fill. Pushing the flush handle releases the water into the bowl. One-piece or two-piece toilets operate in a similar manner.
Well, it sounds pretty straightforward, right? But no, things are not as easy as you think. Mexican toilets are slightly different compared to US and UK toilets.
To ensure a proper flush, it’s important to understand the correct method, even for Mexican toilets. Let me explain the flushing process of Mexican toilets in detail.
What Toilets Are Available In Mexico?
The toilets in Mexico vary depending on the area you’re visiting. If you’re staying in the cities, you’ll find that most bathrooms are sit-down toilets, meaning they will have a seat and flush mechanism. However, if you’re visiting rural areas, you may find squat toilets.
This means there are usually two main types of toilets in Mexico: the standard toilet, or “baño” (also known as a “Servicios”), and the squat toilet.
The common (Servicios) toilet is Mexico’s most common type of toilet. They are generally found in homes, restaurants, schools, and public places such as parks. Most common toilets have a flushing mechanism that needs to be operated by pushing down on a lever or handle.
While toilets can vary in complexity, many feature a single button to flush away waste. In the event of a broken button or handle, refer to our guide on “How to Flush a Toilet With a Broken Handle” for assistance.
In Mexico, you can also find squat toilets, often referred to as “china potties” due to their origin from Chinese immigrants who introduced them from China.
Squatting over these toilets offers a hands-free elimination experience, ensuring cleanliness without the need for additional hand washing or water, unlike conventional toilets.
How Do Mexican Toilets Work?
Mexican Toilets work with the help of a unique waterless flush system. It has a patented design that ensures the waste is completely dissolved and removed from the bowl through molecular diffusion. The molecules are then separated using a special filter that removes any remaining particles in the liquid.
The Mexican Toilet uses less than 1/10th of a cup of water per flush, which means it uses less than half as much water as traditional toilets. This saves you money on your monthly water bill while also helping to conserve natural resources like fresh water!
Mexican Toilets also have an indicator light that lets you know when there’s something wrong with your toilet. You can use this indicator light to check for blockages and other issues before they cause problems down the line.
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How To Flush Toilet In Mexico | 5 Pro Steps
Flushing the toilet in Mexico can be tricky for some travelers, but it’s pretty simple once you know how to do it.
Step 1: First, you will want to place the lid on top of the toilet and then pull down your underwear and pants.
Step 2: Next, you will want to sit comfortably on the toilet seat, ensuring your feet are firmly planted on the ground.
Step 3: When ready, you may proceed with flushing your toilet by pushing down on the lever located directly below the seat (this is usually labeled “flush”).
Step 4: You will want to ensure that your hands are clean before doing this so that you do not contaminate anything else in the room.
Step 5: After flushing, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Read our more guides to learn how to flush a toilet in different countries.
What To Do If Something Goes Wrong During The Flush Process?
If you encounter a problem during the flush process, don’t panic. There are several things you can do to fix it:
- Check that your hose is not clogged. If it is clogged, remove the clog and try again.
- Make sure that all of your equipment is working correctly. If there’s a problem with any of it, replace it before trying again.
- Check that there are no leaks in your system, especially near your flushing out the pipes (like near faucets or toilets). If there are leaks in this area, repair them before trying again.
- Check that your water supply hasn’t been turned off by mistake or otherwise compromised (for example, if there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing). If it has been turned off or otherwise compromised, turn it back on before trying again.
- Check your toilet flapper. The flapper is the rubber flap that lifts when you push down the handle to release water into the toilet bowl. If this flap is not working correctly, it may be stuck or broken. Try replacing it with a new one if it seems damaged or worn.
- Clean out your pipes with a drain snake or other cleansing tool. You can find these at most hardware stores and grocery stores selling plumbing supplies. Make sure you do not use an abrasive snake, as this could damage your pipes over time.
- If nothing else works, call a professional plumber.
Tips For Using A Mexican Toilet
Using a Mexican toilet can be intimidating. But a little preparation is not as scary as you think!
Here are some tips for how to use a Mexican toilet:
Never Sit On The Seat
It would help if you squatted or hovered over it instead. If you’re using a public bathroom with no toilet paper, use your hand to wipe yourself off, then wash with soap and water afterward.
You may want to bring your toilet paper with you if you’re going to be away from home for long periods or if there are no paper towels available in restaurants or public places where toilets are located.
Always Flush Twice
This is important because it keeps toilets from being clogged with feces and urine (which often happens in Mexico due to poor plumbing systems). Flushing twice also helps prevent flooding during storms (common in Mexico during rainy seasons).
Don’t Go Inside Of Toilet With Shoes
Always leave your shoes on the floor outside the restroom. This is a cultural norm in Mexico and will help to avoid confusion and possible confrontation.
Don’t Forget Your Toilet Paper
We know it sounds obvious, but it happens more often than you’d think! If you don’t have any on hand, say “Necesito papel,” and someone will be happy to lend some.
Flush After Each Use If The You’re Using Wet Toilet
If you’re using a wet toilet with running water, simply flush after each use by pushing down the lever on top of the tank. If there’s no running water, push down on the lever as usual but hold it until all the poo has flushed away.
Conclusion
If you’re in Mexico and need to flush a toilet, it’s important to have a clean and functional bathroom.
I have shared some helpful information on how to flush toilets in Mexico. I am here to assist you if you have any further questions or need clarification.