What Do You Put Your Toilet on When on Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning a vacation and wondering what to put your toilet on while you’re away? It’s a common concern among homeowners, especially those who want to avoid any potential plumbing problems while they’re away. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most popular options for what to put your toilet on when on vacation.

Option 1: Turn off the water supply

One of the most popular options for homeowners is to simply turn off the water supply to their toilets. This can be done by locating the shut-off valve, usually located behind the toilet, and turning it off. By doing this, you’re preventing any water from flowing into your toilet tank or bowl while you’re away.

Pros:

  • Easy to do
  • No need for additional equipment
  • Saves water and money on utility bills

Cons:

  • If you have pets or plants that need water, this may not be an option for you
  • If the valve is old or faulty, it may not work properly when you need it to
  • You won’t be able to use your toilet as soon as you return from vacation until you turn the water supply back on.

Option 2: Place a brick in the tank

Another popular option is to place a brick or other heavy object in your toilet tank. The idea behind this is that the brick will displace some of the water in your tank so that less water is used with each flush.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive and easy to do
  • You won’t have to worry about turning off your water supply or purchasing any additional equipment
  • You may save some money on your utility bill if you’re paying for water usage

Cons:

  • If the brick isn’t placed correctly, it could interfere with the flushing mechanism and cause problems down the line.
  • It may not be effective in conserving water if your toilet already has a low-flow mechanism installed.
  • If you have hard water, minerals in the water can dissolve and damage your toilet’s internal components over time.

Option 3: Purchase a toilet tank bag

If you’re willing to invest a little money into your vacation prep, purchasing a toilet tank bag is another option. These bags are designed to suspend from the inside of your tank and displace some of the water, much like a brick would.

Pros:

  • Avoids using materials that could potentially damage your toilet’s components over time
  • You won’t have to worry about placing anything heavy in your tank
  • The bag can be reused multiple times, making it an eco-friendly option.

Cons:

  • Costs more than simply turning off the water or using a brick
  • The bag might slip down and interfere with the flushing mechanism if not installed correctly.
  • May not fit all types of toilets or tanks so research which size is needed before purchasing.

Conclusion:

There are several options for what to put your toilet on when on vacation. Turning off the water supply is a simple and effective option but may not be suitable for everyone.

Using a brick or purchasing a toilet tank bag are also effective ways to conserve water while you’re away but have their own pros and cons. Ultimately, the decision of what to put your toilet on when on vacation will depend on your personal preferences and needs.