Winterizing the toilet bowl

hamerjk · 11-07-2024, 11:42 PM

Ok I have a question for all. I just installed a new toilet in my Greyhawk. Got rid of the plastic one. Every winter when stored the water or antifreeze evaporates. Then I need to replace the water in the bowl. This time once in storage I will not be able to add to it . How much should I put in the bowl so it has enough in till spring? It is stored at 55 degrees all winter but cannot get access at all at the storage building till I pick it up in the spring.

Jagiven · 11-08-2024, 12:09 AM

I add a few drops of mineral oil to all my drains and to the toilet bowl. It creates a film over the antifreeze in a few days and it won't evaporate.

Fyi, use mineral oil and no other oil. It will not leave a sticky mess.

Glamper64 · 11-08-2024, 05:11 AM

Are you sure your old toilet flapper seal wasn't leaking...I didn't have that issue during winter storage...I would try adding about 6-8 " and close the lid. The mineral oil idea is interesting.

Tadsher · 11-08-2024, 08:16 AM

Thanks for the mineral oil tip!

hamerjk · 11-08-2024, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I add a few drops of mineral oil to all my drains and to the toilet bowl. It creates a film over the antifreeze in a few days and it won't evaporate.

Fyi, use mineral oil and no other oil. It will not leave a sticky mess.

Ok can you help me out I saw a bunch of different brands. What is the one you use? Thank you for your help..

Glamper64 · 11-08-2024, 11:47 AM

I heard mineral oil is a good laxative as well...oh never mind, I think that's castor oil

Pretty sure it's good for conditioning wood cutting boards

**JFlightRisk** · 11-08-2024, 06:23 PM

We add an inch or so of antifreeze in our toilet and it has never evaporated completely throughout our NY winters. Covered from early October until mid-May depending on the weather here, and a Dri-Z-Air inside to collect moisture. Once I went in during an extreme cold spell (for here), and the antifreeze was a little slushy, but still in the bowl.

pconroy · 11-08-2024, 08:13 PM

I'm wondering if the type of AF might make a difference? If the one that uses propylene glycol would last longer than those with ethanol.

Jagiven · 11-08-2024, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamerjk

Ok can you help me out I saw a bunch of different brands. What is the one you use? Thank you for your help..

I don't know. The stuff I current have has a picture of a cutting board on it. Mineral oil is commonly used to treat wood cutting boards.

RogerR · 11-08-2024, 10:04 PM

If you use antifreeze than make sure it is not combustible, otherwise, contains alcohol which evaporites quickly. Leaving a scum that is sticky and hard to clean. Instead, use a no alcohol antifreeze and cover the toilet opening with saran wrap.

You can also buy seal lubricant but I don't trust it alone.

pconroy · 11-09-2024, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamerjk

Ok can you help me out I saw a bunch of different brands. What is the one you use? Thank you for your help..

Google up Food Safe Mineral Oil and you'll see some offerings from Amazon!

Captain Skip · 11-13-2024, 12:48 PM

Mineral oil on top of the water is a good way to stop evaporation. My mother (when she was alive) had a condo on Florida and for several months per year she didn't use it. I used to pour 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in the toilet and never had a problem with evaporation.

Captain Skip · 11-13-2024, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pconroy

Google up Food Safe Mineral Oil and you'll see some offerings from Amazon!

Go to your local drugstore. In the digestive aid aisle you're find mineral oil for use for constipation. It's food safe, I make wood cutting boards and I buy large bottles from the drugstore to soak the cutting boards in. Cheaper than specialty oils.

SmokeyBear · 11-13-2024, 01:07 PM

Would mineral oil come under the category of "non-essential oil?"

Everytime I hear somebody say essential oil (usually a woman wanting to sell some) I ask what what is a non-essential iol. I always get a blank stare in return. So, then I ask what is the difference between an essential oil and a non-essential oil? I get the same blank stare.

Just thought this thread - and forum in general - could use some levity.

pconroy · 11-13-2024, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeyBear

Everytime I hear somebody say essential oil

I think something similar when I hear someone start a statement with "Honestly..."

I'm like.
Um? Have you been lying all of the other times?

Stever71 · 11-13-2024, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamerjk

Ok I have a question for all. I just installed a new toilet in my Greyhawk. Got rid of the plastic one. Every winter when stored the water or antifreeze evaporates. Then I need to replace the water in the bowl. This time once in storage I will not be able to add to it . How much should I put in the bowl so it has enough in till spring? It is stored at 55 degrees all winter but cannot get access at all at the storage building till I pick it up in the spring.

I put Saran Wrap over my bowel in case of evaporation. It sticks quite well

Duke4857 · 11-23-2024, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamerjk

Ok I have a question for all. I just installed a new toilet in my Greyhawk. Got rid of the plastic one. Every winter when stored the water or antifreeze evaporates. Then I need to replace the water in the bowl. This time once in storage I will not be able to add to it . How much should I put in the bowl so it has enough in till spring? It is stored at 55 degrees all winter but cannot get access at all at the storage building till I pick it up in the spring.

Another way to go. I just cover the flapper with Dawn dishwashing soap. It turns color, but never completely dries out.

You may also like: