Do You Know These 4 Different Types of Toilet?

Do You Know These 4 Different Types of Toilet?

Do You Know These 4 Different Types of Toilet?

While not often something we show appreciation for, the humble water closet (aka toilet) makes our lives a lot easier – and cleaner.

A life without a bathroom at hand would arguably be a difficult one – evident by the fact that we now have apps which tell us where the closest (and cleanest) toilets to us are.

But as you can imagine, bathroom renovations Wellington as well as toilet designs differ wildly, ranging from a bowl in the floor to a hole that leads to a pit in the ground.

Here are 4 unique and perfect toilets you’ll find across the globe:

 

Squat Toilet

The squat toilet is most commonly found across Asia, as well as Africa and the Middle East. Unlike the seated toilet used in many Western countries, the squat toilet does not allow you to sit down. As the name suggests, you are required to squat over a bowl or indentation in the floor. This has several advantages, such as reducing skin-to-toilet contact, which may be more hygienic, and helping to relax the puborectalis muscle which can be stressed by using the seated toilet. Western seated toilets are becoming more common in parts of these countries/continents as they are often viewed as more modern.

 

Bidet

bidet

While not a toilet in itself, the bidet is considered an essential part of the toilet experience in places like France and Argentina. It is a small, almost bathtub-like fixture positioned beside the classic seated toilet. It has taps and can be filled with warm or room temperature water. It allows the user to cleanse their lower region after using the toilet.

The bidet emerged in France during the 1600s and was used following the chamber pot. It was often kept in the bedroom. Many of the early bidets consisted of a basin built into wooden furniture. Lids of wood or leather were often used to disguise the basin, making the bidet look more like a seat or ottoman.

 

Pit latrine

Ah, the pit toilet. Also known as the ‘long drop’, this is an essential part of the Aussie camping and music festival experience. Head out to any area of wilderness and you’ll be treated with the hole-in the-ground, which typically consists of a seated toilet without any plumbing. Your unwanted goods will be collected by a large pit in the ground.

Pit latrines are most commonly used in developing countries such as Kenya. They can help to reduce the spread of disease compared to open defecation. Pathogens spread between faeces and flies often lead to conditions like infectious diarrhoea, which is a leading cause of death in children younger than 5 years old.

 

Washlet

Japan sports some of the most advanced toilets in the world (and has had sewage systems since 300 BCE!) featuring a dazzling array of functions. Also known in English as a ‘super toilet’ or ‘bidet toilet’, the washlet provides its user with a heated seat, water jets, automatic flush, massage, and even sound effects to mask any noise you might make. They are extremely hygienic and do not require toilet paper or even hands in order to use. While the squat toilet was traditionally used in Japan, today they make up just 10% of total toilets in the country, with the washlet being used in over 80% of properties.

Is there anything the Japanese can’t do?

 

Conclusion

The regular seated toilet used in many Western nations is just one of many valuable (and sometimes downright fascinating) toilets used worldwide. Have you tried any of the ones mentioned? If not, give them a go next time you travel!

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