Toilet drained of water after not using for a long time, is it a problem or should I just flush it?

[VashHT]

One of our toilets that we don't really use has become completely drained, we noticed it because it started smelling bad near it. I don't think either of us has used it in probably 6 months or so at least, is it normal for something like this to happen? My first instinct is to just flush it and let it fill back up but if there's a possible leak not sure that's a good idea.

 

[Greenman]

The water in the trap could have evaporated, or it could have been sucked out if it isn't vented. I'd give it a flush and see what happens.

 

[Stiff Clamp]

I think that's normal. The open pipe smells bad and could attract vermin. I just refill the bowl when this happens.

 

[[DHT]Osiris]

One of our toilets that we don't really use has become completely drained, we noticed it because it started smelling bad near it. I don't think either of us has used it in probably 6 months or so at least, is it normal for something like this to happen? My first instinct is to just flush it and let it fill back up but if there's a possible leak not sure that's a good idea.

Yes, the water in the bowl evaporates. If you do nothing it'll eventually evaporate out the p trap and then you get the sewer smell. Just flush it periodically.

Probably worth using it once a week, and clean it regularly regardless or you'll get growth that'll require even more cleaning.

 

[lxskllr]

Valves and seals can get crusty and fail also. Not a huge tragedy, but it's money/time that could be better spent elsewhere.

 

[Thump553]

You really should make a habit of at least once a week walking around your house (inside and out) and checking for problems/damages.

 

[marvdmartian]

The only problem is the sewer smell you'll get, once the trap water evaporates and the seal it makes goes away. Fill it back up with water (you could flush it, but it probably won't give a regular flush, until the bowl's full again).

This is why they put mineral oil in sink and toilet traps, when a house (or other domicile) is going to sit empty for a while.

 

[[DHT]Osiris]

This is why they put mineral oil in sink and toilet traps, when a house (or other domicile) is going to sit empty for a while.

That's such a good idea I'm embarrassed it never occurred to me.

 

[JEDI]

The only problem is the sewer smell you'll get, once the trap water evaporates and the seal it makes goes away. Fill it back up with water (you could flush it, but it probably won't give a regular flush, until the bowl's full again).

This is why they put mineral oil in sink and toilet traps, when a house (or other domicile) is going to sit empty for a while.

i'm going away for the winter (~3months).
was going to ask about toilet bowl evap.

So this?


Just pour it into the toilet bowl full of water?
when the water evaps, all thats left is the mineral oil?
Is 16oz per toilet enough?

 

[IronWing]

^ It floats on the top and drastically reduces evaporation.

 

[JEDI]

^ It floats on the top and drastically reduces evaporation.

so a 16oz bottle per toilet?

 

[IronWing]

so a 16oz bottle per toilet?

That’s probably way too much. Just enough to form a thin layer of oil on top of the water is all that is required to slow evaporation.

 

[sdifox]

Or just saran wrap your toilet bowl top

 

[marvdmartian]

The thing is, you want to do both toilets, and sink/tub drains, with a P-trap. So a thin layer on top of the toilet water, but maybe a bit more in P-traps? Still one bottle should be enough for everything.

 

[JEDI]

The thing is, you want to do both toilets, and sink/tub drains, with a P-trap. So a thin layer on top of the toilet water, but maybe a bit more in P-traps? Still one bottle should be enough for everything.

pour some down sinks?
never thought of that.
thx!

 

[Sukhoi]

so a 16oz bottle per toilet?

From the label it looks like you're supposed to drink it then after you finish processing it (which will be quickly) you deposit it in the toilet.

 

[JEDI]

re: mineral oil
It floats on the top and drastically reduces evaporation.

Or just saran wrap your toilet bowl top

so i put some mineral in the toilet bowl. it's the disc shape thing you see floating in the pic.
it doesnt cover all the water.
my theory is when the water evaps enough, the mineral oil will then cover all the remaining water.
there's definitely enough mineral oil to cover the p-trap if the water evaps to that point.

i also saran wrapped the bowl.

16 oz mineral oil (like in my pic above), 3 toilet bowls and one 1st floor bathroom sink.
i have 1/4 bottle of mineral oil left.
maybe i should have poured more into the 1st floor sink?
didnt pour any down the two 2nd floor bathroom sinks.

oh man.. just remembered that i forgot to pour some down the kitchen sink.