A year ago we shut the water to a toilet in our house off because it was constantly running. We were planning to replace the toilet (it was very old anyway) with a new one when we renovated the bathroom. Some time has passed and we are now ready to renovate and will replace the toilet. Will we have any problems removing the toilet now with built up fumes, etc.? Someone told us that it is dangerous to have a toilet with no water in it in the house. Now I am worried - any advice?

dclynch

After a year, the toilet trap has almost certainly dried out. It is dangerous to have a dry trap because it lets sewer gas flow into the home. The gas does not build up in the toilet. If the gas has not troubled you to this point, it is probably not going to start now.

Use a rag to block the trap until you are ready to replace the toilet. Part of the regular procedure is to drain the trap, so you have a head start!

speedball1

Dennis gave you very good advice. If you plan on keeping the toilet5 around for awhile I would dump a bucket of water in the bowl to fill the trap. If you're gonna change it right away then leave it dry. There will be no danger to you from built up fumes when you change it out. good luck, Tom

tinsign

Agree with speedball and dennis both, but in the future always pour some water down the bowl to stop gasses, if you are leaving it connected to drain