Outhouses

The days of indoor plumbing have taken away the need for outhouses in most instances. However, do not be fooled. There are still outhouses in use throughout the world and not just in third world countries. In fact, there are still thousands of outhouses in use in the United States.

Outhouses are small buildings are used for a number of purposes. Outhouses are popularly known as being outdoor toilets. Outhouses are still in use today around the world. Find pictures of outhouses online.

In the United States outhouses can still be found in rural parts of the United States. Many regions where it is difficult to get sewage and indoor plumbing still have outhouses. Australia is another place where outhouses were in wide spread usage until the late seventies.

While outhouse used to be a sign of remoteness or poverty, they are now often seen as a status symbol. This is because they have been revolutionized and outhouses are now built to be fashionable. No longer are they tended to by infamous night soil collectors, who were appointed by officials to collect cans of “night soil” from outhouses.

Generally outhouses are a small separate building that is close to the house. This is necessary for night time visits to outhouses. However, they are typically a certain distance so that the smell does not reach the house.

Outhouses have ceilings and walls that are made to keep water out and are designed for privacy. There is usually a crescent moon in the door and occasionally, over the centuries, the shape of the commode began to be carved in a heart shape.

In Western culture outhouses have a hole in the seat and a considerably deep hole is below. Sometimes dirt is thrown over the contents to help keep the odor under control.

Outhouse can still be seen today. Places such as Appalachia are good places to see outhouses they way that they were originally built. Outhouses are sometimes used by those that are camping or do not want to run into the house when they are enjoying an evening out on the gazebo. These days outhouses are made out of brick and they are not very popular.

There are plenty of sites where the construction of outhouses can be researched. Proper hygiene is required to keep outhouses from becoming health hazards. Find out what the best ways to maintain healthy outhouses is.