Shared Bathrooms

[John T Smith]

I don't know about any other medical facilities, but Kaiser has gone to shared bathrooms

[reedesign1912]

It's nice to see that Kaiser is being inclusive.  It's a small gesture on their part that has a big impact on many people who are often marginalised.

[Nancy OShea]

Gender-neutral restrooms are nothing new in California. We've had them for years.  It arose out of need for more "potty parity."

Historically, women have had to wait in interminably long lines to use public restrooms because there are not enough facilities for us.

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/01/women-men-bathroom-lines-wait/580993/

In 2017, gender-neutral became mandatory for all single-user restrooms.  What irritates me is that we had to legislate it to get everyone on board. 

https://www.ferberlaw.com/gender-neutral-bathrooms-required-in-california-beginning-march-2017/

[Ricky336]

Does this mean that those who are biological males, but identify as women can use the women's toilet?

And what about biological females who identify as males, can they use the men's toilets?

And what if one dosen't identify with either sex. Where do they go?

Therefore, should there be a sign on the loos, saying Gender Neutral?

[reedesign1912]

@Ricky336 you're right - a gender neutral or "all gender" washroom is the most inclusive.  Often people non-binary people or people who are transitioning might not feel right (or safe) about going into any multi-stall washrooms labelled either women or men, and choose a private single stall washroom when available.  The Kaiser inclusive sign does allow for freedom of choice for many people though.  It's a step forward.

Canada has released it's census data and it is the first country to have a mandatory question about gender identity.  The results show that about 1 in 300 Canadians identify themselves as transgender, two-spirit or non-binary.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/census-data-trans-non-binary-statscan-1.6431928

[Nancy OShea]

What gets lost in this controversy is that it effects everyone, whether or not we realize it.  

Let's say you are a male caregiver with a female (young child, special needs child or adult with Alheimer's) who requires assistance using the toilet.  When gender-neutral facilities aren't available, where do you take her  -- the mens room or the ladies room?  Why does it matter?  

When it comes to hygiene, there's no room for Victorian-era morality and gender bias in 21st century society.  Anyone who needs a public toilet should have access to one, regardless of who they are. 

[Leslie Moak Murray]

"what if one dosen't identify with either sex. Where do they go?"..

I suggest they look in their underpants.

[Ricky336]

😁

[Nancy OShea]

California is in severe water crises or mega-drought.  Our water district is imposing emergency conservation efforts.  Last fall they asked us to reduce water by 15%.  And starting in June we have to cut back another 30% with a reassessment again in Sept. 

We have 2 toilets to replace. The current ones are wearing out and use too much water.  So I'm shopping online.  I thought this would be simple but it's not.  

Saving water is essential but it has to flush the first time or it's useless.  I'm looking at cheap box store brands vs higher priced names like Toto and Kohler.  Govt guidelines limit water to 1.6 GPF.  But the high efficiency models use 1.28 GPF.  Does anyone have experience or  recommendations to share?  

[John T Smith]

Look for one with a 3 inch flapper opening, so when you press the handle you get maximum flow

[Nancy OShea]

Check.  Thanks.

[Peru Bob]

Some toilets will allow you to have a longer flush if you hold the handle for a few seconds rather than push it and let it return.

[Nancy OShea]

I've considered a dual-flush model that uses 1.1 / 1.6 GPF.  But I'm not wild about a flush button on top of the tank.

[Peru Bob]

If you get a Mansfield toilet that has a Mansfield 210 flush valve, you can do that with a single handle.

Press and hold for a full flush, press down and then pull it back up for a partial flush.  You control the amount of water used.

[Nancy OShea]

After much research we've decided on the high efficiency Toto Entrada. Hopefully we can get them installed before Jun 1st.

[Peru Bob]

Don't forget to get a seat for it unless you plan on using the old seat.

[Nancy OShea]

Separate purchase: wax rings, toilet mounting bolts, water supply lines, and toilet seats.  The plastic seats that come with other brands are junk anyway.  Nobody likes them.

[Nancy OShea]

Looks like my Plan A had to be scrapped do to space constraints.  A 30 inch tank height won't fit in our 31 inch space.  I need 4 inches of height clearance to lift the tank lid.  So we pivoted to a much pricier Plan B option. 

One toilet will be replaced with a low profile 12 inch rough in unit.  But the 2nd toilet requires a low profile with a 10 inch rough in.  Very hard to find.

1 toilet installed, plus local permits, plus haul away fees costs more than 2 standard sized toilets combined.  It's ridiculous! 

[Nancy OShea]

The new toilet arrived 3 weeks ago but sat unopened in its box waiting for the installers to show up.  They cancelled 5 times!!  And finally conceded they didn't have enough workers to service our order.  So bye, bye, here's your money back!

Long story short, we found our own plumber who promptly came out the next day and didn't charge us an arm & leg.  It fits the allotted space and we're happy with how it looks & performs.

Swiss Madison Chateau. 

[Jill_C]

The 2-button flush system was installed everywhere during our recent 4-week stay in Portugal and Spain and makes a lot of sense. My system to reduce water usage is to not flush every time. "If it's yellow let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down." 

[Ricky336]

Isn't that from the movie "Meet the Fockers" (2004)

Bernie Focker: "If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown, flush it down."

And who likes to drink/or has drunk 'Mello Yello"! 😁🤣

[Jill_C]

I'm pretty sure the expression "if it's yellow let it mellow" predates "Meet The Fockers" by decades. We printed out signs and hung them on the ladies room stall doors at work during droughts in the 70's and 80's...

[Ricky336]

More than likely!! However, hearing the expression in the film was the only time I have ever heard this, and you using it now reminded me of the film!  Is it a common saying in the states?

[Jill_C]

I wouldn't say it's common, but here in California where serious droughts occur with more and more frequency, it's definitely understood!

[Nancy OShea]

"Yellow is Mellow" goes back to the 70's.  Unfortunately it can pit the porcelain and shorten the bowl's life span.

That persistent ring at the water line is caused by tiny holes into which mold & minerals get trapped and build up.