So are back from your long vacation and all the toilets just dried out. More so, you smell foul odor. It’s frustrating but that’s what happen when you don’t know anything about unused toilet maintenance.
So, what to do when your toilets are not used for months?
Well, that’s what I will be talking about including what should you do BEFORE you go to such long vacations next time.
Assessing The Overall Toilet Condition
So, what happens if you don’t flush a toilet for a long time?
For obvious reason, there won’t be water barrier. There should water in the P-Trap to create a water seal. That seal prevents the sewer gas from entering your house.
So, when you don’t flush your toilet or sink for a long time, water in the trap will evaporate. And your shower will be filled with sewer gas.
Apart from empty barrier, you may notice the following issues depending on how long your toilets kept idle:
- The toilet bowl may be empty and filled with crusty stuff at the bottom.
- The toilet tank will be filled with mold and other stuff.
- Your toilet might be filled with poopy smell!
How To Revive Unused Toilets After Long Vacation?
Don’t worry, your toilets will function as they used to and all the bad odor will be gone once they are put in use. All the dirt will be gone too!
Just follow the step by step approach to give your toilet a deep cleaning:
- From top to bottom of the toilet, spray it with a good cleaner.
- Apply toilet bowl cleaner to the toilet bowl assuming the toilet bowl completely dry. I recommend Lysol toilet bowl cleaner for this purpose. It’s not harsh but very effective.
- Wipe the toilet bowl clean and spray the cleaner again to the toilet.
- Get a toilet bowl brush and spray the toilet cleaner to it. Now, scrub under the toilet rim with the brush.
- Rinse it and wash it all off!
Yes, it’s that easy. However, don’t expect to get it sparkling on your first try. But once to keep cleaning it on a regular basis, it will get better and better.
Now, you may find the toilet bowl handle hard to flush. It may seem like stuck. Don’t apply too much force!
Open the toilet tank and you might find it dirty and moldy. You need to clean them off before you try to flush the toilet. Apply a good clean to eat away those mold.
Once you get rid of the funk from the toilet tank, it will be easier to make a flush.
Unused Toilet Maintenance Tips
There are different reasons for everyone to have unused toilets. Different scenarios require different prep works.
Let’s say your kids moved out and the toilet won’t be used by them anymore. You can’t just let the toilet sits unused for a long time.
If nothing else, you should run water in the toilet at least once a week just to ensure water barrier. I am talking about water in the P-Trap.
Without water in the P-Trap, sewer gas will seep into the bathroom. The P-Trap needs water to create the water seal and prevent sewer gas. So, run water in the toilet every now and then.
Now let’s assume you will be gone for months. You will have to keep your toilets unused for months. What should you do?
Well, cover the porcelain with saran wrap tightly and put a cap of bleach in the toilet. When you are back from vacation, follow the revival steps mentioned above.
Otherwise, you can have a friend or trusted neighbor to flush your toilets at least once a week.
It may sound like a hassle, but that’s something you need to do to keep your toilet functioning.
Now, a bit of warning…
I have seen some people are recommending to put bleach in the toilet tank or bowl to prevent mold growth before you go to your vacation for a long time. Don’t do it.
Bleach is corrosive and may ruin the flapper or create leaks over time. You don’t need to put anything in the tank or bowl. But if you must, put some vinegar in there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Well, the water barrier will evaporate when you don’t flush the toilet for a long time. Meaning, you will be smelling sewer smell in your shower!
A toilet should be flushed at least once a week. That will ensure water in the P-Trap so that sewer gas can’t make its way into the house.
To get your toilet clean and fresh after a long vacation, put a cap of bleach in the toilet and cover the porcelain with a saran wrap tightly. When you are back, just flush your toilet and it will be ready to serve you again!
Your unused toilet smells because there is no water in the P-Trap. Flush it and the smell should go away. If not, pour a cup of vinegar and a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain. Let it sit for 20 minutes and finish by running hot water.
The dirt you are talking about is mostly likely the mineral buildup around the siphon jets of the toilet (located underneath the toilet bowl rim). Cover the porcelain with a saran wrap if don’t use your toilet for a long time.
Of course, you should turn off water to the toilet before vacation including electricity and so on.
Closing Remarks
As you can see, there could be several issues when toilet not used for months for whatever reason. If you don’t want to face those troubles and have a smelling shower, prep your toilet as mentioned above.
Also, it’s not hard to revive your toilet either. Give it a deep clean with any toilet cleaner and keep it cleaning on a regular basis. It will get better day by day!
I have 2 questions – on your article- when you say. Long time, what is a long time? As a long time could mean different times for everyone. Are you referring to weeks? Or how many months is a long time.?
And my second question- does it matter on weather conditions? Of tia summer of winter?
Thank you in advance.