Can You Flush Toilet Paper in Cancún?

Imagine this: you’re out at a resort in sunny Cancún, and you decide to hit the bathroom. You do your business and see the toilet paper. But, there’s a warning sign near the toilet you can’t understand. What are you supposed to know or do?

Can you flush toilet paper in Cancún? Though it may come as a shock to most travelers, Cancún’s plumbing system doesn’t handle toilet paper well. It’s usually better to throw the toilet paper away in a bin instead.

Every country has its own rules when it comes to bathroom use, and Mexico is no exception to the rule. It’s a good idea to know before you go…especially before you even get on the next flight. 

Can You Flush Toilet Paper In Cancún?

The majority of Cancún doesn’t have a plumbing system that works with toilet paper. Though some resorts might be capable of flushing toilet paper, it’s generally better to throw toilet paper in a trash can instead.

That being said, Cancún’s Hotel Zone has a different water system than the rest of the area. This allows travelers within the zone to flush toilet paper, as one normally would in the United States. 

Can You Flush Feminine Products In Mexico?

Considering that toilet paper tends to be a major no-no in terms of flushing, it shouldn’t be a surprise that feminine products also tend to be verboten for flushing. Feminine products are far more damaging to toilets than toilet paper is, and that’s a universal matter.

Even if you’re in the Hotel Zone in Cancún, flushing feminine products like tampons is a bad idea. It’s a speedy way to cause a clog and cause chaos in the area around you. Avoid it at all costs, and use a trash can to get rid of the waste. 

What Happens If You Flush Toilet Paper In Cancún?

If you are in the Hotel Zone, nothing will happen. The toilet paper will disappear and be flushed away as if nothing happened. However, once you move out of the Hotel Zone, you could run the risk of causing the following issues:

• Bathroom Flooding. A toilet paper clog can cause a flood in any part of the world, and that includes Cancún, too. 
• Increased Clogging. Everyone hates having a clogged toilet. Frequently flushing toilet paper down a toilet that can’t handle it will inevitably lead to more clogging.
• Septic Problems. Since Mexico doesn’t have a strong septic system, regularly flushing toilet paper can also cause septic problems. This can lead to expensive repairs and maintenance.

Can You Flush Toilet Paper In Mexico?

The answer to this is generally no. Mexico’s plumbing is unreliable and gets stressed easily, particularly when it comes to regions that are known for low income. That being said, the quality of plumbing varies greatly depending on where you go. If you find yourself in a higher-end area, then you may have good luck when it comes to finding a plumber.

A good rule of thumb to follow is to look for a bin or a trash can next to the toilet. If there’s one nearby, it’s best to throw away your toilet paper there once you’re finished. If you are at a friend’s house, it’s a good idea to ask your host before you hit the loo. 

Why Can’t Mexico’s Plumbing Handle Toilet Paper?

There are multiple theories on why Mexico’s toilet system can’t handle the toilet paper. However, there are many factors that come into play. Here’s a better look at some of the issues that impact toilet flushing quality:

• Different Fittings. Among plumbers, one fact seems to stand out—the lack of “sanitary Y’s” when it comes to toilet fittings. Since the fittings they have are short and sluggish in nature, clogs are far more likely to occur. 
• Smaller Septic Tanks. Small septic tanks mean that they will require cleaning more frequently. 
• Poorly Vented Drains. Another major reason why toilets in Mexico struggle with toilet paper deals with the drains. Since they have poor venting, waste flows slowly. This, in turn, increases the risk of a clog. 
• Poor Water Flow. In poor areas of Mexico, water flow can also cause problems with toilets. The water pressure just can’t handle paper products. 

With most toilets in Mexico, problems with toilet paper don’t stem from one single issue. This means that you should always exercise caution when using local toilets. 

 Going To The Bathroom In Mexico: What To Expect

Something as simple as going to the bathroom can be a potential source of culture shock for some Americans. If you are going into the outskirts of Cancún, you should know what to expect. This guide will offer some advice.

Take Notice Of Hotel Signs Before You Go

If you are traveling throughout Mexico, chances are that you’re going to go to a wide range of different hotels. It’s important to keep an eye out for signs posted by the hotels you’re staying in, as some hotels will insist on using a bin rather than flushing the toilet paper. 

You Might Not Get A Toilet Seat

Though this is highly unusual in resorts and hotels that cater to international guests, there is a chance that you might get a toilet without a seat. This is often the case in cheaper areas, but don’t freak out if you see this. 

Toilets in Mexico aren’t sold with seats. Locals often use harsh acids to clean their toilets, which makes having a toilet seat a liabilty. Acid can melt away plastic from those seats, which makes having one an extra chore. 

Moreover, since Mexico has a warmer climate, sitting without a plastic seat doesn’t feel that bad. As a result,  many establishments don’t see the need to add a toilet seat. Thankfully, this ends the quarrel about leaving the seat up.

Sewage Smells In The Bathroom

Another major complaint that people have in certain parts of the country is the high proclivity towards smelling sewage gas in bathrooms. Believe it or not, this isn’t a sign of poor hygiene. Rather, it’s because many toilets in the country don’t have U-trap drains to help get rid of the smell.

In some cases, the bathroom in question could still have a U-trap drain while still dealing with sewage gasses. The reason for this is because the quality of many U-traps is rather low. That being said, the smell is rarely ever that bad.

Too Much Of A Culture Shock?

Some travelers genuinely can’t handle the idea of throwing away toilet paper, or of dealing with a seatless toilet. If this sounds like you, it’s okay. There are ways to minimize your chances of having to use a more “local” toilet. 

The best way to avoid having to deal with low-grade toilets is to stick to the Hotel Zone in Cancún. This area is specially designed to house tourists and comes equipped with some of the best plumbing in Mexico. 

Conclusion

Due to the overall quality of toilets in Mexico, trying to flush toilet paper down the drain isn’t a bright idea. In many hotels and restaurants, it’s strictly prohibited as a result of the problems that can occur if it happens too frequently. 

In Cancún’s Hotel Zone, visitors are free to flush as they would in America. However, once you leave the zone, things become dicey. If you aren’t sure whether you are allowed to flush toilet paper, ask one of the people who works at the venue, or look for a bin. 

Sources: 
Living in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, What Is It Like?
Do You Flush in Cancún – Trip Advisor
Toilet Paper Problems
Why Are So Many Toilets Without Seats?