You’ll Be Surprised What Happens If You Pee in the Shower: The Science, the Savings, and the “Taboo” Truth
It’s the great divided secret of the modern household. According to various surveys, roughly 80% of people admit to doing it, while the other 20% are likely lying. We’re talking about peeing in the shower.
While it might feel like a “gross” habit your parents warned you about, environmentalists and doctors have weighed in—and the results are surprisingly positive. From saving the planet to unexpected health benefits, here is exactly what happens when you let it go while you lather up.
1. You Save Thousands of Gallons of Water
The most significant impact of peeing in the shower isn’t on your body; it’s on the Earth.
The Math: A standard modern toilet uses about 1.6 gallons (6 liters) per flush. Older toilets can use up to 3.5 gallons.
The Annual Savings: If the average person skips just one flush per day by peeing in the shower, they save roughly 584 gallons of water a year.
The Big Picture: In a country like the United States, if everyone did this, we would save billions of gallons of treated water annually.
2. It’s Actually More Hygienic for Women
For women, peeing in the shower can be a cleaner alternative to using toilet paper.
The “Wipe” Factor: Wiping from back to front (a common mistake) can introduce bacteria into the urethra, leading to UTIs.
The “Bidet” Effect: In the shower, the running water acts as a natural bidet, thoroughly rinsing the area without the need for abrasive paper or the risk of spreading bacteria.
The “Pee in the Shower” Breakdown
| Benefit Category | The “Surprising” Result |
| Environmental | Reduces your household water footprint by ~2,000 liters/year. |
| Financial | Lowers your water bill (and saves money on toilet paper!). |
| Health | Urea (found in urine) is a natural humectant used in many foot creams. |
| Plumbing | Urine is liquid and sterile (mostly); it will not clog or damage your pipes. |
3. The “Foot Health” Myth vs. Reality
You may have heard that peeing on your feet cures Athlete’s Foot. While it’s not a medical cure-all, there is a grain of truth in the chemistry.
Urea: Urine contains urea, a nitrogen-rich compound. If you check the labels of expensive “heel-softening” creams, you’ll find urea as a main ingredient. It helps soften calloused skin.
The Catch: The concentration of urea in urine is quite low, so while it won’t hurt your skin, it’s not a substitute for actual anti-fungal medication.
4. Training Your Bladder (The One Downside)
There is one “surprise” that isn’t so great. Some physical therapists warn about Pavlovian conditioning.
The Trigger: If you pee in the shower every single day, your brain may begin to associate the sound of running water with the need to urinate.
The Result: Years down the line, you might find yourself needing to dash to the bathroom every time you turn on the kitchen sink or hear a fountain!
The Verdict
Is it “gross”? That’s a matter of opinion. Is it efficient, eco-friendly, and harmless for a healthy person? Absolutely. As long as you are in your own shower (and not a public gym pool), the soap and running water ensure that everything is washed away instantly, leaving no trace behind.
Pro-Tip: If you share a shower, just make sure you’re doing it at the beginning of your shower, so the soapy runoff has plenty of time to rinse the floor completely!
