I’d like you to meet Eddie Giese, P.E. He’s a graduate of the University of Maryland’s school of engineering, a licensed professional engineer, and a project manager. He spent several weeks over the summer of 2013 designing and constructing a water tank for a remote village in Burkina Faso, which is located in west Africa. He knows a thing or two about water systems and how they work.
surveying the land in Burkina Faso to construct a water tank
He’s also my husband, so today I’m interviewing him here on the blog. I’m seeking answers to one of life’s more pressing questions:
Should people pee in the shower? Read on to find out.
Q: When people say it’s “green” to pee in the shower, are they insane or just hippies?
Q: But it’s a different drain, right? Is it safe for urine to go in those pipes?
A:That’s where you’re misinformed. The drain pipe(s) for the shower and toilet are ultimately tied together before they even leave your house (and likely even your bathroom) and, if you are on public sewer, leave your residence by way of a sanitary sewer lateral which then ties into a sanitary sewer main. From there, it’s on to the wastewater treatment plant. The water will have to be on, of course, but it’s as “safe” to pee in the shower as it is to go in the toilet.
Q: Will peeing in the shower erode the drain and/or pipes?
A: No worse than it would if you peed in the toilet.
Q: But, isn’t urine, like, acidic or something?
A: Uh, I think you need to ask a doctor on this one. But, I would bet it varies in pH from day to day.
Q: If ALL the drains go to the water treatment facility, does that mean I’m drinking recycled toilet water every time I get a glass of water from the kitchen sink?
A: Nope. That would be reclaimed water and it is not approved for human consumption although there are some locations in the country that use this for vegetation irrigation and the like. Typically, WasteWater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) must meet stringent EPA requirements for treated wastewater prior to outfalling into creeks and streams. Some of the WWTPs in Pennsylvania are among the best in the country due to the proximity to the Susquehanna River and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay – one of the nation’s most critical natural resources.
Q: Are you comfortable admitting whether or not you pee in the shower?
A: Urine luck. I have. See what I did there?
I could barely love this answer more. And urine pH can vary depending on illness and diet, but it usually hovers around neutral. The more you know. 😉 Ellen
I officially adore your hubs. “Urine luck.” I die.
That PLUS the pic to go w it. ???????????????? made me giggle.
I have been told that peeing on your feet in the shower can eliminate/prevent athlete’s foot.
Great Blog ! I especially liked Eddie’s last answer.
Are there people who don’t pee in the shower, or just people who don’t admit it? God bless you, Eddie Giese, P.E., for your logic and your clever last answer.
I love you guys so much. And seriously, I’ve always wondered about the pipe thing – good to know!
Your husband is adorable!! and knowledgeable! Love his last line! So funny!
I love this, it’s very informative. His last answer was especially great 🙂 On a side note, my husband grew up in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast (Missionary parents)..small world.
Loving this! And this might be the first time I’ve gotten my husband to read a “Mommy Blog!”
Oh my gosh he is ADORABLE!! What a ham! I’m actually relieved to read this… (get it? Relieved? Yeah… I know your humor, boy. 🙂 )
I pretty much pee everytime I take a shower.. and I’m not ashamed to admit this truth. 🙂
Peeing in the Shower could develop an odor through out the house, since the Shower doesnt have the amount of water the toilet does in order to hold back waste odor
Every time this comes out in a discussion, people get all uppity like it’s the worst thing to do. No, getting out, drying off, using the toilet, and then getting back in the shower is way more wasteful of time and water, in my opinion.