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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Plumbers/mechanics etc. using toilets- AIBU?

28 replies

Lovely1a2b3c · 19/08/2020 15:51

I have OCD (diagnosed, affects my life- it's not just a like of cleaning and order) and we're living in a pandemic so just need some perspective/normal people's views on this!

A family member just let someone who was working in our house use the toilet- I am so anxious about this and obviously annoyed with them. We only have one other toilet, upstairs.

Is everyone else okay with members of other households using their loos now?

OP posts:
MissRabbitIsExhausted · 19/08/2020 15:52

I understand it must be hard for you, but where do you expect them to go? How long were they going to be in your house for?

Ponoka7 · 19/08/2020 15:54

There's no more danger from them using the toilet than them being in your house. The bathroom is the easiest area to clean with bleach, so nothing to worry about.

But yes, you should be allowing someone who is working in your house to use the toilet, at any time.

Original poster
Lovely1a2b3c · 19/08/2020 15:54

Less than an hour. Do you think most people would be fine about it even during the pandemic?

OP posts:
KrisAkabusi · 19/08/2020 15:58

Yes. If they're doing work in your house, they have the right to use the toilet, pandemic or not!

implantsandaDyson · 19/08/2020 15:59

Yes, I'd be fine about it. I find bathrooms easy to clean and I rather someone used my toilet, than needed to go, went to the nearest public loo, Tesco etc then came back into my house.

Vikingess · 19/08/2020 16:03

Do you expect tradesmen to be fitted with a catheter?

nikkylou · 19/08/2020 16:16

Pandemic times - if I trust them enough to be in my house, I trust them to use the loo. Don't quite get the not sharing the loo business..you do your business and wash your hands...maybe I'm being foolish but I can't see a big difference in Covid risk to them going to my loo, to being in my house in house.

Tradespeople count as guests in my book. Of course they can go to the loo.

I've never quite got some people's horror at them using the loo, even in normal times. I've been raised to offer them a drink, show them the issue and get out of their way. Offer more drinks as needed, and even a sarnie if its that time of day.

If nature calls while in my house, they are welcome to use the loo, regardless how long they have been there or are staying. Unless I'm locked out... in which case theyll have to wait till they've let us both in Grin

Hayyancairo2 · 19/08/2020 17:43

I don't like men using my toilet, pandemic, or not haha. (Especially when you get some men that stand and aim!!!!! HOW GROSS). But realistically, if they ask you can't really say, "No, sorry", can you.

Aquamarine1029 · 19/08/2020 17:45

Use some bleach and disinfectant wipes, you'll be fine.

BeardieWeirdie · 19/08/2020 17:48

men that stand and aim
Eh? That’s all men!
YANBU. If they’re good enough to come in and fix your house, let them use the loo. Public loos are closed - do you expect him to piss in a bottle in his van?

Elouera · 19/08/2020 17:49

We've had the electrician use the loo this week. I dont have OCD, but after he left, I did wipe over the light switch, the sink handle and toilet.

BeardieWeirdie · 19/08/2020 17:49

Bollocks, I meant YABU

Hayyancairo2 · 19/08/2020 18:16

@BeardieWeirdie

men that stand and aim Eh? That’s all men! YANBU. If they’re good enough to come in and fix your house, let them use the loo. Public loos are closed - do you expect him to piss in a bottle in his van?
Eh? That’s all men!

Obviously that's what you think. But I can assure you that's not the case.

nocoolnamesleft · 19/08/2020 18:19

I thought many men stood, and singularly failed to aim?

Hearhoovesthinkzebras · 19/08/2020 18:19

My husband works for a utility company as an engineer. It's in the agreement that customers sign when joining that they will allow engineers to use the toilet.

evensong11 · 19/08/2020 18:20

If I was not OK I would not have a plumber or other trades person in the house.

BeeTrees · 19/08/2020 18:22

Nope, not using my toilet. When we’ve had quotes we’ve explained that they can use a private bit of the garden to water the hedge or there is a public toilet nearby. We’re upfront before they come so they can choose to turn us down/charge us more because of this.

Morfin · 19/08/2020 18:24

Unless you rather they shit on your doorstep I'd let them use it. And the only men I know that piss sitting down have uptight control freak parents or partners.

bridgetreilly · 19/08/2020 18:25

@BeeTrees do you get many refuse to come? Because I would assume that they would all laugh in your face and say no way.

waitingforadulthood · 19/08/2020 18:27

Beetrees out of curiosity, I am a female plumber- would I have to squat in the garden too or would you just not hire me because I'm a woman?

Hearhoovesthinkzebras · 19/08/2020 18:29

@waitingforadulthood

Beetrees out of curiosity, I am a female plumber- would I have to squat in the garden too or would you just not hire me because I'm a woman?
Maybe they'd issue you with a she wee?????
theconstantinoplegardener · 19/08/2020 18:46

I know what you mean, OP. I also feel a bit funny about workmen (especially those I've not met before) using our loo - partly the hygiene aspect, partly because I'm worried they might install a secret camera Blush However, I recognise that this is my problem/hang-up rather than theirs and that I'm being unreasonable, so I show them the loo and then clean it all thoroughly afterwards. I mind a little less each time.

skankingpiglet · 19/08/2020 18:46

waitingforadulthood I'm a female carpenter and the same thought crossed my mind. There have been a number of occasions when I was an apprentice (some years ago now 🙈) when I had to do this as there was no toilet or portaloo on site. It is very difficult to get adequate foliage coverage on all sides.
I wouldn't take a job where someone stated I couldn't use the loo. Not just because of the lack of facilities, but because they are clearly batshit and god knows what else they would be awkward about.

bridgetreilly · 19/08/2020 18:50

I wouldn't take a job where someone stated I couldn't use the loo. Not just because of the lack of facilities, but because they are clearly batshit and god knows what else they would be awkward about.

This is what I was thinking, tbh.

Leaannb · 19/08/2020 19:16

This is going to be a cultural issue but no I don't let tradesmen use the bathroom and many of my employees are not allowed to use their client's bathrooms

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