Yes, you should caulk between the toilet and the floor. This is important because it helps prevent moisture from getting underneath the toilet and causing damage such as rotting the floor. It also helps to keep out dust, dirt, and other particles.
When caulking, make sure you use a silicone based caulk specifically designed for bathroom use. After you apply the caulk, use a damp cloth to help smooth it out for a better seal. Allow plenty of time for the caulk to dry before using the toilet again.
How do you caulk a large gap around a toilet?
Caulking a large gap around a toilet is not a difficult task, but it does require some basic tools and techniques. The first step is to remove any existing caulk from the gap with a putty knife. If the existing caulk is old and hard, you may need to use a razor blade for this task.
You should also use a damp cloth or paper towel to clean and dry the area before proceeding.
Next, you will need to apply a liberal amount of caulk in the gap. You should start at one end and work your way along to the other end of the gap. For large gaps, it is best to use a caulking gun. This device allows you the most control and the best results.
If you do not have a caulking gun, you can also apply the caulk with your finger. However, this technique is more difficult and will result in less even caulking.
Once the caulk is applied, you can smooth it with a damp cloth or your finger. You can also use a special caulking tool, which is designed to press the caulk into the gap and smooth it out. Once the caulk is smooth and you are happy with the results, you should allow it to dry completely before using the toilet.
This may take several hours, depending on the type of caulk selected.
Caulking a large gap around a toilet is not a difficult task, but it does take time and patience. Having the correct tools, cleaning the surface before application, and allowing the caulk to dry completely before use will ensure the best results.
How much of a gap between the floor and a toilet flange?
The gap between the floor and a toilet flange should be no more than ⅜ inch. If the gap is too wide, the floor may be uneven and unstable, and the toilet may wobble. To fix this, add shims under the toilet flange and check to make sure that the gap is no bigger than ⅜ inch.
If the gap is larger than ⅜ inch, adjust or replace the shims as needed. Additionally, replace any broken or damaged parts, such as the wax ring, mounting bolts or toilet seat, to ensure a secure fit and a stable toilet.
Should a toilet flange be flush with the floor?
Yes, a toilet flange should be flush with the floor. A toilet flange is a pipe fitting that connects the toilet to the sewer drain and is installed on the floor. It’s important that the toilet flange be properly mounted and flush with the floor to ensure the toilet is securely and correctly installed.
If the flange is not flush with the floor, the toilet can become insecure. An improperly mounted flange can result in wobbly toilets and potentially cause issues with strange noises and water leaks. It is important to use caulk or putty when installing a toilet flange so that it is flush with the floor.
Additionally, the mounting screws should be tightened securely to ensure the flange is secured and level.
Does flooring go under toilet?
Yes, it is important for flooring to go underneath the toilet. It helps to provide a waterproof barrier beneath the toilet and helps to prevent moisture from seeping up into the subflooring below. The flooring should continue up the wall about two inches and overlap with the toilet flange.
Additionally, it is recommended to caulk the gap between the flooring and the toilet flange before the toilet is installed. This will help to provide an extra layer of protection against any moisture that may seep in.
Can you install flooring without removing toilet?
Yes, it is possible to install flooring without removing the toilet. However, to do the job properly, some careful preparation is required. The key is to make sure the existing floor is even and level before any new flooring is laid.
If there are any ridges or areas that are not level, they should be chiseled out, as this could cause issues with the new flooring. Additionally, you’ll want to measure the toilet to ensure that any of the edges don’t need to be cut which could be harder to accomplish with the toilet in place.
Finally, you may need to use a basketweave tile pattern or thin strips of tile in order to make sure the new flooring fits around and underneath the toilet.
Can you put vinyl plank flooring under a toilet?
Yes, you can install vinyl plank flooring under a toilet. Before doing so, you should check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the product is suitable for installation in this area. If the vinyl plank flooring is suitable, you will need to prepare the floor and install a vapour barrier.
Preparation of the floor should include removing any debris, flattening any lumps, and ensuring the floor is clean and dry. Once the vapour barrier is in place, you can begin laying the vinyl planks.
Make sure to leave a slight gap between the floor and the toilet to allow for ventilation and water expansion. Ensure to use a high-quality adhesive to secure the planks in place and allow them to fully dry before placing the toilet on top.
Can you install a toilet on vinyl plank flooring?
Yes, you can install a toilet on vinyl plank flooring, although it is important to properly prepare the floor, otherwise the toilet may eventually move and even damage the floor. Begin by using a stud finder to determine the location of the floor joists and mark the spot.
Next, apply wood screws directly into the joist, making sure they’re flush with the flooring. Now, it’s time to cut the perimeter wood around the screws and check the level of the floor. Cut away any high spots and add more wood screws if needed.
Finally, apply a grout and adhesive to the floor around the flange and to the back of the toilet bowl, setting it into place and sealing it with caulk and a cleaning solution.
Can toilet flange below floor level?
Yes, a toilet flange can be below floor level. In fact, many homes have toilets where the flange is below floor level. This can happen due to the movement of the house over time, which causes the floors to settle and creates a space between the floor and the flange.
Furthermore, during installation, the flange may not be aligned perfectly with the floor and may be installed too low. In these situations, a wax seal, closet bolts, and an extension flange can help to maintain the seal.
An extension flange, which fits over the existing drain flange and extends it up to the level of the floor, is the best solution for a sink flange set below the surface of the floor.
What do you do if the toilet flange is above the floor?
If the toilet flange is above the floor, a repair is necessary. First, identify the extent to which the flange is raised. If it is only slightly raised, it is possible to use a wax seal with a spacer to tighten the connection between the toilet and the flange.
However, if the flange is severely raised, the best course of action is to install a new toilet flange. This can be done by cutting away the old flange and attaching a new flange to the drain using screws, bolts, and/or seals.
Once the new flange is in place, attach the toilet bowl to the flange. Make sure to use a new wax ring and attach new bolts to secure the toilet and complete the repair.
How should a toilet flange be installed?
A toilet flange should be installed correctly to ensure a proper functioning toilet and to prevent costly repairs. Normally, a flange is fitted over the toilet drainpipe and secured to the floor. Before installation, inspect the drainpipe and the flange for any damages.
If any damage is found, replace the damaged parts.
To install the flange:
1. Place the flange and sealing ring onto the top of the floor drain opening. Make sure that the flange fits securely and is snug against the floor.
2. Secure the flange to the floor using screws. This helps ensure stability and even support for the toilet and toilet seat.
3. Place the toilet directly onto the flange and make sure the flange is properly aligned.
4. Secure the toilet to the flange using the mounting bolts located at the base of the toilet. Tighten the mounting bolts using both a hand wrench and an adjustable wrench.
5. Place the wax seal ring into the flange groove and make sure it is adequately seated.
6. Connect the toilet supply line to the water supply line and the flush handle and arm to the flush valve. Make sure everything is properly connected and free of leaks.
7. Test to make sure the flange installation is correct by flushing the toilet and checking for any leaks.
Following these steps will help ensure the correct installation of a toilet flange and avoid costly repairs.
How do I fill the gap between my toilet and floor?
When the gap between your toilet and the floor is too large, it can be difficult to get the toilet to stay properly seated. To fill the gap between your toilet and the floor, you should use a wax ring and wax seal.
Wax rings and wax seals are used to provide a seal between the bottom of the toilet and the drain opening in the floor. To install the wax ring, place the ring into the drain opening located in the floor and press the toilet down onto the ring.
This will cause the wax to compress, forming a tight seal between the toilet and the floor. You may need to use additional shims or other methods to stabilize the toilet. Once the toilet is properly secured, use a caulk to seal between the toilet and the floor to prevent moisture from seeping in and to make sure the toilet has a finished look.
What do you put between tile and toilet?
When installing a toilet on a tiled floor, the first step is to make sure the tile is level and secure. Once the tile is in place, the next step is to cover the back area of the toilet that touches the tile with a thin layer of bathroom caulk.
This will create a waterproof seal between the tile and the toilet and help prevent future water damage. After the caulk has been applied, the toilet can be secured with plastic bolts. If necessary, rubber gaskets may also be inserted between the toilet and the tile before placing the plastic bolts to create extra insulation.
Finally, the toilet should be tightened securely to the floor with a torque wrench and checked with a level to ensure it’s even.
How do you remove a toilet that has been grouted to the floor?
Removing a toilet that has been grouted to the floor requires a few simple steps. First, shut off the water supply to the toilet, using the shutoff valve at the wall behind the toilet. Next, disconnect the water line from the tank by turning the nut that connects to it counterclockwise until it is loose.
Once disconnected, flush the water from the tank and bowl by holding the tank handle down about five times.
After the tank is empty of water, remove the nuts from the bolts at the base of the toilet. These nuts are usually below the surface of the grout, and may require a utility knife to pry them out. Once removed, pull the toilet from the grout.
It is common for significant resistance due to the grout, and some force may be necessary.
Once the toilet is removed, use a sponge or cloth to soak up any remaining water on the floor. Finally, use a grout saw or chisel to remove the remaining grout around the edges of the toilet hole. Dispose of the collected grout, and the old toilet when completed.
How do I remove a sealed toilet?
Removing a sealed toilet requires preparation and patience. Before attempting to remove a sealed toilet, make sure you have all the proper supplies, including a putty knife, flathead screwdriver, pry bar, rubber mallet, adjustable wrench, and utility knife.
To begin removing your toilet, first shut off the water supply valve. Drain the remaining water in the tank and bowl by holding down the flush handle. Put on a pair of rubber gloves before removing the toilet, as it may be dirty and you don’t want to get any germs on your hands.
To begin removing the toilet, first, use your adjustable wrench to unscrew the bolts connecting the bottom of the toilet to the floor. Once you’ve removed the bolts, use your putty knife and pry bar to carefully pry up the sealant or caulk that is sealing the toilet to the floor.
Once you’ve removed all the sealant, you may need to use a rubber mallet to break the seal between the toilet and the floor. If there’s any remaining sealant or caulk, use your utility knife to scrape it off.
Once the toilet is free from the floor, gently rock it from side to side to lift it off the floor. If it’s seated on the flange, you may need a second person to assist you in lifting it off. Once the toilet is removed, make sure to clean off any excess caulk and sealant before you reinstall it.
Will grout stick to a toilet?
Yes, grout can stick to a toilet. Grout is a material made up of a combination of sand, cement, and water that forms a hard, paste-like substance when dry. This makes it ideal for filling in gaps between tiles or buffering tiles against one another.
Applying grout to the edges of tiles that have been installed around a toilet is a common practice in tiling bathrooms. Grout is frequently used to waterproof areas around toilets. When properly applied and maintained, grout is an effective sealing agent.
However, to ensure the best quality and long-term bonding capability, it is important to use the correct type of grout in an area like a toilet. Grout is available in both non-sanded and sanded options, with the sanded version having the more binding capability.
It is also important to properly seal grout with a sealant to avoid any potential for water damage. With the right type of grout, proper application, and a sealant, grout can stick to a toilet and form a great seal for the area.
How often should you change the wax ring on a toilet?
The wax ring on a toilet should generally be changed every time the toilet is replaced or removed from the floor. The wax seal acts as a barrier between the toilet’s base and the bottom of the toilet bowl to prevent leaks.
If the wax ring becomes damaged, you may experience water seeping out from underneath the toilet.
When replacing the wax ring, you should also inspect the drain flange at the same time. If there is any visible rust or damage to the flange, it should be replaced in tandem with the wax ring.
In addition to replacing it with every toilet removal or replacement, you may also want to periodically inspect the wax ring for deterioration or damage. If the ring appears brittle or cracked, it should be replaced even if the toilet has not been removed.
Wax rings typically last around 10 – 20 years, but this could vary depending on usage and the age of the toilet.
Which is better toilet wax ring or rubber?
The answer to this question depends largely on personal preference, as well as other factors such as cost, installation process, and level of waterproof protection. Wax rings are generally less expensive when compared to rubber rings and may be easier to install.
They provide an initial waterproof seal between the toilet base and the flange and are often made of soft wax or flexible foam that adheres to the flange and creates an effective seal. However, they may not be as effective as rubber rings, especially after extended periods, and may need to be replaced more often.
Rubber rings are typically more expensive than wax rings, but they may be the preferred option for some homeowners because they provide greater waterproof protection. They also tend to be more reliable and require less maintenance, as they won’t need to be replaced as often.
These rings are also made of two or three layers of rubber and can be cut to size for a snug fit. However, they may be more difficult to install and may require a little more know-how.
In the end, choosing between a toilet wax ring or a rubber ring is a matter of personal preference, budget, and the level of protection the homeowner desires.
How long does grout need to dry before setting toilet?
The amount of time that grout needs to dry before setting a toilet can depend upon a variety of factors including the type of grout used and the ambient conditions (i. e. temperature and humidity levels).
Generally speaking, most grout should be left to completely dry for at least 24-48 hours before setting a toilet. Epoxy grout, for instance, typically requires up to 72 hours for a full cure. Furthermore, some types of grout may even require up to 7 days before being exposed to water, such as in the case of a newly installed shower or bathroom sink.
It is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions or the grout packaging to see what their recommended time period is for allowing the grout to dry fully before exposing it to water, as the amount of time required can vary greatly depending on the product.
If the recommended time-frame is not followed, it could lead to premature cracking, crumbling, and discoloration, potentially resulting in costly repairs.
