I have a 5 BR, 4.5 BA home, where 1 BA is in my basement. I was away on business for five months. On my return, the basement toilet was bone dry... both in the bowl and the tank. What may have happened and what should I do? The water was not turned off, and I have not filled the tank, manually or otherwise.

Couple of things. Bowl dry = evaporation. Tank, on the other hand, either your fill valve is not functioning properly, or, there is no water going to the tank. Your float may be sticking to the side of your tank, or your shut-off valve is obstructed or it is in the off position. The fill valve in the toilet wants to supply water wh.en the tank is low. It must be malfunctioning. Helpful?