We have our florida vacation home, which we use for a few months every winter, the rest of the year it sits empty. So the toilets dry up after a few months, then bugs, rats, and other creatures get into the house through it.
Any ideas on how to get them to not evaporate, or stop the bugs etc from coming in while we are gone over the long period?
2007-01-07 16:41:48 · 11 answers · asked by bmdennst 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Pour about a cup of mineral oil in the bowl, and a few tablespoons down the sink and other drains. This will float on the top, won't support any sort of growth, but won't allow the water to evaporate. Put a bit of laundry detergent down when you visit to emulsify the oil and you are...uh...good to go.
2007-01-07 18:55:08 · answer #1 · answered by roadlessgraveled 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use clinging Seran wrap over the bowl and stop the evaporation process.
Another option would be to buy a 3" rubber ball drill a hole through it and attach an eye bolt and a rope to it,(so it can be pulled back out) then stuff it into the opening of the toilet to make a good seal.The water will still evaporate, but it would keep bugs and critters out.
A third option would be to rent the property out during the months your not there and solve the toilet problem while making extra income.
2007-01-08 01:56:52 · answer #2 · answered by waldon l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about the anti-freeze that is made specifically for winterizing trailers? The ones that are not alcohol based will evaporate slower than plain water. Also, I would place a layer of plastic wrap, e.g. Saran Wrap, over the water in the bowl to help reduce evaporation.
2007-01-08 01:06:32 · answer #3 · answered by DSM Handyman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will assume that you have no one to look in on your home occasionally for you, or you could have them insure a flush each time to re-fill the bowl. Given that, take a very small stainless steel washer or better yet, the pull chain from the flapper inside the tank, and place it under the flap to effect a 'running toilet' and try to not be too wasteful. If your toilets are of a newer style not using the flapper arangement, I would need to know just what you have to be of help. Will be glad to assist further if you wish to Email me.
2007-01-08 00:54:22 · answer #4 · answered by Lamron 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also have a condo in Palm Springs, CA and I had the same problem until I rigged up a device that automatically flushes the toilet every week. This has worked so well, that I am considering patenting the device.
2007-01-08 01:13:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you could get some one to come in and flush the toilet once a month. I have that problem also. Never knew the the creatures could come in.
2007-01-08 00:47:42 · answer #6 · answered by Baby Doll 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should drain all your plumbing before leaving them for extended periods! letting them sit with water in them invites all kinds of nasty things to enter your home!! not just the bugs and critters but algea, mold and smells..cut off the water supply and flush the toilets and open the faucets!!
2007-01-08 00:47:09 · answer #7 · answered by fuzzykjun 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't rent it out..How can you displace families ect for your own convenience that would be cruel and unusual.What's the big deal about toilet drying up..Other the alot of air and a pain in the behind to you.Everythring does this with out proper use or care.You should know this though .You sound so successful.
2007-01-08 00:55:45 · answer #8 · answered by All Peaches an cream 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
You Could leave the cork up a little bit so the water keeps running into the bowl
2007-01-08 00:48:38 · answer #9 · answered by happy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saran wrap the top
2007-01-08 00:51:00 · answer #10 · answered by U cant handle the truth! 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋