In cases where the outhouse gets little use, the sanitary pit will slowly fill up over several years and it may be worthwhile to relocate it, especially if the original pit is deeper than the maximum reach of a post-hole auger.29 May 2012
Do outhouses fill up?
A traditional outhouse, usually a small wood building with a bench, is built over a hole approximately four feet deep. … Whenever the outhouse smells worse than usual, the owner adds more lime. When the hole fills up, the owner scoops out the waste and hauls it away or uses it to make fertilizer.
What did people do when the outhouse was full?
Most outhouses were cleaned periodically. … When the pits became full, most outhouses were moved to another open pit, and the filled pit was covered with soil. At times, however, professionals, called gong farmers, were called in to empty the pits. This was a dangerous job, sometimes resulting in suffocation or illness.
How long does an outhouse pit last?
With a traditional pit toilet, you cover the hole and move to a new location. It's simple and effective. A hole that's three feet wide and five feet deep will last five years for a family of six.
Why are there 2 holes in an outhouse?
To avoid the odor reaching the home, most outhouses were built between 50 and 150 feet from the main house, often facing away from the house. They had either one or two chamber holes inside — one for the adults and a smaller one for the children.
How do you dissolve poop in an outhouse?
A type of lime called calcium hydroxide, available at feed stores, can be dropped down the hole to reduce odor. But lime might halt decomposition. Ash from a wood-burning stove is better for decomposition, but less effective on odors.
How deep should I dig my outhouse?
A good foundation is the key to a good outhouse. Dig a hole about 4' deep, 3.5×3. 5ft square. Make it a good hole with even sides because you'll have to line it.
Where does poop go in an outhouse?
Pit latrines An outhouse often provides the shelter for a pit latrine, which collects human feces in a hole in the ground.
How does outhouse waste decompose?
Sawdust for the outhouse: After using the outhouse sprinkle a thin layer of sawdust. That will reduce the odor and still decompose. Cedar shavings work even better and may provide a more pleasant smell. In a remote area if sawdust or wood shavings are not available, even dry leaves may help reduce odors.