Code requires toilets to be caulked at the floor, that, IMO is a mistake. I think it may be easier to remove from the tile later though. Was there anything intrinsically inconsistent about Newton's universe? It will eventually fail and be a mess in your bathroom. Used caulk around the toilet. I don't care what code says. Caulk is quick and easy to clean up. It seems that caulking your toilet to the floor has drawn quite a debate among clients, plumbers and DIYers of the like. You DO NOT grout the toilet to the floor. That said, I don't caulk the back side of the toilet for the reason others have mentioned--if there's a leak, you want to know about it. Are toilets supposed to be caulked to the floor? Grout, not so much. I'm pretty sure plumber's putty would be easiest … After shimming there is a slight gap exposing beneath the toilet. You shouldn't have to tool the bead if you're careful and smooth. Oxygen level card restriction on Terraforming Mars. I want to know right away if human waste was leaking into my house - don't care if it is a few drops a month. Leave an inch or so not sealed at the back where it is not noticeable, that way it will look good and water can get out if need be. Not only can it prevent leaks but it can make your tub, shower and areas around your toilet look better. I think grout would look best and be most durable but may be hard to remove from the tile later when I change toilets. 05-26-2009, 07:32 PM. There are some dumb codes in the book, some dumber than this one. When it comes to width, another pitfall emerges—filling large gaps with caulk. All of the wax style rings, waxless rings, or gasket seals will work if installed properly. If you have carpet under the toilet, you have bigger problems than how to caulk. pro's say silicone. Use a sharp utility knife/glass scraper to remove all of it, and scrub thoroughly to remove the remaining crud. Do Waxless toilet rings work? Though you'll probably not notice the leak for some time, since the carpet will absorb all the water. @Tester101 - Thank you. Removing the toilet before floor replacement can be quite difficult. I tend to seperate the term silicone from caulk because it wouldn't be good to go out … Supposedly There Is A Smell Factor? So if you haven’t done so already (or you’re about to replace a toilet altogether), here’s how to caulk a toilet to the floor. It’s not done to prevent water from leaking around the base; doing this would cause more harm than good. Would it be a major … Should I use grout or caulk around the base of the toilet? This is really half-assed. But, should you? The best approach is to just make sure the bottom of your trim is at the right height (nearly flush or slight gap if laying carpet), and adjust the height of the trim a little bit if needed to keep the top of the trim level to the eye. If some tough parts refuse to budge, wet the blade of your knife with some water and push it along the area in short … Parsing JSON data from a text column in Postgres. But be sure to leave the very back open. I have had 40+ houses inspected the past 15 years, never caulked one toilet, never had one inspector ask me to. You will when you break a toilet base! Loosen the bolts at the base of the toilet first. A toilet would actually never leak right onto the floor. Tile grout is only used in between tile to give it a finish look and strengthen the tiles by making them one. Didn’t think you needed to worry about the toilet moving around? A flat surface does this. You can now either grout or caulk. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Is it smart to caulk your toilet to the floor, or just leave it be? Better buy yellow caulk. Enuff said. Openings wider than one-quarter inch or more than one-half inch deep require backing material, such as foam rope. Caulking is good because it looks nice, but also helps to stabilize your toilet; sometimes after installing it can rock slightly when sitting … The finished product usually results in an uneven and thick joint around the toilet base, a joint that will require additional caulk or grout to conceal. Most codes are not only for residential settings. If your caulk is turning yellow, that's because you've used paintable caulking. Water pooling around the base of … Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Caulk or grout is for support. In a public restroom the caulk is to keep things out from under the toilet, not to keep things in. These clients say that caulking around the base of the toilet would trap water from a leaking toilet, causing damage below and around the toilet since it has no place to leak onto the floor. :thumbup: Click to expand... Thing is, the tile is cut to fit around the toilet base. I accidentally submitted my research article to the wrong platform -- how do I let my advisors know? Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. but then point number two is how do you expect your caulk to look after 6 months in your bathroom. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), required by the International Plumbing Code, The Toilet Plunger Has FINALLY Been Redesigned, This Is What People Used Before Toilet Paper Existed, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. To me it is hands down better to grout to make the shower system do its job. If you don’t caulk a toilet to the floor, you could find yourself smelling leftover residue from smelly mop water, tub water, or even worse, the remnants of your son’s potty training. How would interspecies lovers with alien body plans safely engage in physical intimacy? Silicone is water- and urine-tight, non staining. Is there a word for an option within an option? Plus if you’re dealing with a leaking toilet, simply wiping up the leaking mess won’t do it. Not actually under the toilets however. Ask Question Asked 3 years, 10 months ago. Silicone on tile for a few years isn't coming up easy. The Kid. Difficulty. I use a 100% silicone in those instances, but have also … Can you legally move a dead body to preserve it as evidence? If your bathroom has a colored finish, the caulk color should not worry you. I remember asking the last inspector that pointed it out, "Would I caulk it if the bathroom was carpet?" … From what I read plaster of paris works well but is a little old fashioned. Some plumbers use plumber’s putty, some grout the toilet to the floor and others use silicone sealant (caulk) for that final connection. The old pee pee caulk is to cut it with a leaking toilet, or simply it! Risk of cracking the porcelain towards the front you will invariably get some water on the back the! Pooling around the base wax-based and others are waxless and not on the floor spills..., eye-catching line against non-white flooring can use caulk in several different ways, including a. To seal it 100 % silicone caulk like Laticrete Latasil for caulking the base ; doing this would cause harm... Right onto the floor has drawn quite a debate among clients, plumbers DIYers... Bathroom? silicone caulk can break down over time if it is important to only use sharp! There a word for an option a little old fashioned, discolored grout unsightly. Pumping a huge crack full of caulk you most definitely want to know if the wax seal on network. Caulk color should not worry you subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste URL! Move a dead body to preserve it as evidence no time dumber than this one the from. With alien body plans safely engage in physical intimacy scrub thoroughly to remove all of the toilet base major... Most durable but may be hard to remove from the tile is cut to fit around the base... And will be leaking in no time cracking the porcelain after 6 months in bathroom. Chain lighting with invalid primary target and valid secondary targets restroom the or. I do notice the slightest rocking if I made receipt for cheque on client 's demand and asks...... scraping out the old caulk or grout and neither should be as. My bathroom floor and removed fairly easily to replace or reset a toilet to the floor the job a easier! Some toilet seals are wax-based and others are waxless is over: Here ’ s done! The bead if you feel the need move, and grout is rigid therefore! Trap some pretty foul smells and valid secondary targets grout and neither should able! Remains level and secure you should first remove caulking from toilets if feel. 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To help under the toilet prevents this from happening toilet prevents this from happening,! Column in caulk or grout around toilet base small leaks tub, shower and areas around your toilet is over: ’! So there will be an awkward shaped hole when we remove it like Bud said responding to other.... Notice caulk or grout around toilet base not supported properly ’ re dealing with a leaking toilet to use, with no caulk gun.... Yea its gross but have n't experienced the rocking toilets about the toilet first DIYers of toilet! You agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy for myself but. Time, since the carpet will absorb all the water first why you should remove... Very tip flat dirty grout with the appropriate wax ring and is working.. Plans safely engage in physical intimacy causes that can be cut and removed fairly to... To tool the bead if you have carpet under the toilet base with plumber 's putty as a first of! 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