What do you put around the base of a toilet?

Caulk keeps your toilet secure the floor, and avoids any chance of injury or toilet malfunctioning. It's actually required by the International Plumbing Code to caulk a toilet to the floor, and now knowing the reasoning behind it, why would you not want to?

Should you seal around the base of a toilet?

Caulk prevents a fouling area. If mop water, bathtub water, or a less pleasant “bathroom liquid” gets underneath the toilet, there is no way to clean it up. Caulking around the base of the toilet will prevent this from happening.

How do I fill the gap between my toilet and floor?

Apply a thin, even bead of caulk around the base of the toilet to cover the gap along the floor and hide the shims. If necessary, smooth the caulk with your finger, wiping your finger clean frequently with a paper towel or a rag.

Should you grout or caulk around a toilet?

Grout will support the toilet better. Show activity on this post. Code requires toilets to be caulked at the floor, that, IMO is a mistake. If the toilet does develop a leak, it will be restricted under the toilet and the subfloor, and may leak for a while before it is detected.

What is a toilet ring?

The wax ring is exactly what it sounds like: a ring made of sticky wax that helps form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe. It requires no maintenance and can last 30 or more years, often as long as the toilet itself. But sometimes wax rings can dry out, crumble, and fail prematurely.

How to Caulk a Toilet Base to Tile Floor Like the Pros

What type of caulk should I use around my toilet?

Caulk usually comes in a tube and 100% silicone caulk is best for use on a toilet since it's more resistant to water than other types of caulk, such as acrylic. Silicone caulk is typically a bit more expensive than other types, but that extra money will save you the problems that come with an improper seal.

What is the seal around the toilet called?

Caulk keeps your toilet secure the floor, and avoids any chance of injury or toilet malfunctioning. It's actually required by the International Plumbing Code to caulk a toilet to the floor, and now knowing the reasoning behind it, why would you not want to?

Which is better toilet wax ring or rubber?

It all comes down to your personal preference. If you feel more comfortable using something tried and true, stick to a wax ring. For a newer mess-free approach, wax-free toilet seals are the way to go.

Can you put 2 wax rings on a toilet?

You can certainly install a toilet with multiple wax rings, in fact sometimes it is necessary to make sure you don't have a leak. The most common case is when a homeowner will install a tile floor (or really any thick floor).

How do you stop a toilet from leaking at the base?

Do wax Free toilet rings work?

Using a wax-free seal makes clean up easier and there's less room for error. An argument that one could make for wax-free seals is that they're reusable. If you need to remove the toilet base with a wax ring, you'll need to purchase another ring to reinstall the toilet.

What size toilet wax ring do I need?

To determine the correct width for your wax ring, simply turn your toilet bowl on its side, and measure the opening on the bottom of your toilet, called the “elbow neck.” Whatever width this measurement is, use that width wax ring. E.g. if the elbow neck measures 3 inches, use a 3-inch wax ring.

Why do toilet wax rings fail?

One very common cause of wax ring problems is loose toilets. If the toilet is not firmly mounted, or gets loose to the point where it rocks a bit, it can cause the wax ring to lose its seal. When installed, a wax ring is compressed to fit the flange and the toilet, creating the seal.

Why is the floor around my toilet wet?

Test the repair by flushing the toilet. If water still pools around the base, this means a failing wax ring is causing the leak. Fortunately, wax rings are inexpensive and relatively straightforward to replace, though you'll need to remove the toilet to get the job done.

Should I use clear or white caulk?

Clear caulk is good for sealing fixtures on tile or stone (such as in showers or around a kitchen sink). Use clear caulk where you do not plan to paint over caulk. White caulk is best used for sealing baseboards, trim, and siding. Use white caulk where you will be painting over the caulk.

Should I caulk baseboards?

Caulk on both the top and bottom edge of the baseboards closes the gaps to keep the bugs out. It's more effective, cheaper, easier, and safer than hassling with insecticide sprays and powders to protect your walls. Aesthetics are another good reason to caulk.

Does clear caulk turn yellow?

After years of exposure to water and humidity, clear silicone can begin to yellow and blacken. This discoloration is caused by exposure to rust and the formation of mold. Removing the yellow from clear silicone can be accomplished at home without the need for expensive cleaning products.

How do I know if my wax ring is sealed?

To test that a bad seal is the problem, grab a couple of towels and wipe up the water. Go on with your day, checking periodically to see if the water has returned. If the floor is still dry, chances are that the water wasn't coming from the toilet's base.

When should you use an extra thick wax ring?

If it's at the same level, or no more than 1/4 inch below it, a regular wax ring, which is between 3/4 and 1 inch thick, is all you need. If the flange is recessed deeper than that, you need an extra-thick wax ring, which is about an inch thicker than a regular one.