Total gut irrigation (TGI) is a safe method of bowel preparation in children. Many solutions are used but none is ideal. This study has been done to compare household common salt solution prepared by dissolving 10 g of pure NaCl salt (Active Reagent Quality) in 1 l of tap water, polyethylene glycol with electrolytes (PEG) and ringers lactate for TGI in children. We prospectively evaluated the three solutions in terms of efficacy, safety, rapidity, tolerability and cost effectiveness in patients undergoing a variety of colorectal procedures. Patients (126) were randomly assigned into one of the three groups; Group I, household common salt solution, 40; Group II, Peglec, 55; Group III, Ringer lactate, 31. TGI with PEG is the most rapid method of bowel preparation but is least tolerable. Household common salt solution is inexpensive and most tolerable of the three preparations. All three are similar in safety and effectiveness in bowel preparation. Household common salt solution is effective, safe, cost effective and the most tolerable method of bowel preparation.