How to Flush a Toilet When Your Power Is Out

Flushing the toilet is very important, but sometimes we realize it most when the power goes out and the toilet doesn't provide new water for the new flush. What to do?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Bucket or bottles

1. If your power is out, you can probably get at one more flush out of your toilet. If you live by yourself, this might be fine because the power will probably come back by the time you need it again. However, this is not always the case. Some really bad weather can have your power off for days.

2. Okay so you need to flush your toilet, but you need power to run new water into it. So, either find a source of water outside or grab some water bottles. It is cheaper to get a bucket and bring water to the toilet. If the water is a little dirty, that is okay, just try to get the cleanest possible, and something that isn't bad for your pipes (most pond or ditch water should be fine).

3. Bring the water to the bathroom and put some in the bowl below where you sit. Just make it look the way it should when you usually use it. It's not necessary to put it in the tank behind where you sit, just refill it every time after a flush.

4. It should work okay, just be sure to add water every time. Hope this helps next time an ice storm or tornado comes by!

Tips & Warnings

• If you can use the bathroom in at a friend's house, that works, too.
• Also try stores and restaurants.
• If you have a enough water, first test the toilet by adding your own water before using it. It's no fun to have a used toilet that won't flush.

[mlippincott]

on 10/16/2009 I live on a river. Can I use this water to flush when the power is out to the pump?

[jdds08]

on 7/6/2009 People who run water from a well need power to pump the water supply up.

[davidv1127]

on 7/6/2009 Keep this in mind if need to someday lol.

[hsc11]

on 5/27/2009 since when did you need power to flush a toilet? last time i checked, you didn't plug a toilet into power