Preparing Your Toilets for an Extended Absence: A Comprehensive Guide
Going away for six months is a fantastic opportunity for travel, a long sabbatical, or any extended absence from your home. While you're busy planning your adventures, it's crucial not to forget about the less glamorous, but equally important, aspects of home maintenance. One of the most common concerns homeowners have when leaving for an extended period is what to do with their toilets. Leaving them unchecked can lead to a variety of problems, from stagnant water to potential leaks and even plumbing damage. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your toilets are protected and ready for your return.
Why It's Important to Prepare Your Toilets
Leaving your toilets without any preparation for six months can result in several issues:
- Stagnant Water: Water left in the toilet bowl and tank can become stagnant, leading to unpleasant odors and potentially fostering the growth of bacteria.
- Leaking Components: Rubber seals and gaskets in the tank can dry out and crack over time, increasing the risk of leaks when you turn the water back on.
- Freezing Pipes (in colder climates): If your home is in a region that experiences freezing temperatures, water left in the toilet tank and supply lines can freeze and burst, causing significant water damage.
- Pest Infestations: An improperly sealed toilet could potentially attract pests seeking water sources.
The Best Approach: Draining the Toilets
The most effective way to protect your toilets and plumbing when you're gone for an extended period is to drain them. This process removes standing water, mitigating the risks mentioned above. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Shut Off the Water Supply: Locate the water shut-off valve for each toilet. This is typically found on the wall behind or beside the toilet, connected to the water supply line. Turn the handle clockwise until it’s firmly shut off.
- Flush the Toilet to Empty the Tank: Flush the toilet as you normally would. Since the water supply is off, the tank will only partially drain. You may need to hold the flush handle down for a moment to get as much water out as possible.
- Manually Remove Remaining Water from the Tank: Open the toilet tank lid. Use a cup or a small bucket to scoop out any remaining water from the tank. Pour this water into a separate container or directly down the drain if it's safe to do so.
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Remove Water from the Bowl:
This is a crucial step to prevent freezing and odors. Use a toilet plunger to push as much water as possible from the bowl into the drain. You might need to do this a few times.
Next, use a sponge or a wet/dry vacuum to remove the last bit of water from the bottom of the bowl. Ensure the sponge is wrung out into a bucket. - Add a Plumbing Antifreeze (Recommended for Colder Climates): If you live in an area prone to freezing temperatures, it is highly recommended to add a non-toxic, RV-specific plumbing antifreeze to the toilet bowl and tank (after draining). This will prevent any residual water from freezing and damaging the porcelain or pipes. Follow the instructions on the antifreeze product carefully. Pour about a quart into the bowl and a quart into the tank.
- Leave the Tank Lid Off: Leaving the tank lid off allows the inside of the tank to air out, further reducing the chance of odors or mildew.
- Consider Plugging the Overflow Tube: Some plumbers recommend plugging the overflow tube in the tank with a plastic bag or cloth. This can help prevent any lingering odors from escaping.
Alternative: The "Left-As-Is" Method (with Caveats)
For those who are not comfortable with draining the toilets or if you are in a climate that absolutely will not freeze, some may choose to simply shut off the water supply and leave the toilets as they are. However, this comes with significant risks:
- Risk of Stagnant Water and Odors: The water in the bowl will become stagnant and can develop a strong, unpleasant smell. Risk of Leaks: Even with the water off, seals can degrade over time. If a leak does occur, there will be no water to cause immediate damage, but upon your return, you might find a corroded shut-off valve or a dried-out seal that fails when you turn the water back on.
- Still a Risk of Freezing: Even if you think it won't freeze, unexpected cold snaps can occur. If the water in the bowl or tank freezes, it can cause cracks.
If you choose this method, it is absolutely imperative that you ensure your home will not experience freezing temperatures during your absence. Even then, be prepared for potential odors upon your return.
When You Return: Re-establishing Your Toilets
When you get back home, re-establishing your toilets is a straightforward process:
- Remove Any Plugs or Antifreeze: If you used antifreeze, you'll want to flush it out. You can do this by pouring a bucket of water into the toilet bowl or tank to help rinse it.
- Turn the Water Supply Back On: Slowly turn the water shut-off valve counter-clockwise to restore the water supply to the toilet.
- Flush the Toilet: Flush the toilet a few times to ensure it's functioning correctly and to clear out any residual antifreeze or stagnant water.
- Inspect for Leaks: After flushing, carefully check around the base of the toilet and the tank for any signs of leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much plumbing antifreeze do I need?
Typically, about one quart of RV-specific plumbing antifreeze is sufficient for each toilet. Always refer to the product's instructions for the most accurate guidance.
Why is it important to drain the toilet bowl, not just the tank?
The toilet bowl contains water that is directly exposed to the room. Draining this water prevents it from becoming stagnant and developing odors, and more importantly, it prevents it from freezing and potentially cracking the porcelain or pipes in colder climates.
Can I just leave the toilet seat up?
While leaving the toilet seat up might help with some air circulation in the bowl, it does not address the fundamental issues of stagnant water, potential freezing, or degrading seals. It's not a substitute for proper preparation.
What if I have multiple bathrooms? Do I need to do this for all of them?
Yes, it is highly recommended to prepare every toilet in your home that will not be used during your six-month absence. This ensures consistent protection across your entire plumbing system.
By taking these simple yet effective steps, you can ensure your toilets are well-protected during your extended absence, saving you potential headaches and costly repairs upon your return.
