How to Properly Set a Toilet to Prevent Leaks
When you are replacing a toilet or resetting an existing toilet after a repair, there are a few key things to check to ensure a good seal and prevent leaks. You also want to make sure the toilet sits level and does not rock on the floor, as this can compromise the seal. Toilets are sealed to the floor flange with a wax ring, but the height of the flange and the tightness of the flange bolts that secure the toilet to the floor can affect the ring’s ability to create a watertight seal.
Instructions
Check the Flange Height
When preparing to install the toilet, the first thing to confirm is the proper flange height. With the toilet removed, you can see the toilet flange and measure its height above the floor. Optimum flange height to aim for is 1/4 inch above the finished floor. This typically allows for almost any type of wax ring to be used and still ensure a good seal. If you recently tiled or changed the bathroom flooring, the flange height is likely less than optimal.
To get the necessary clearance from the floor, you can add a toilet flange extender, which is quick and easy to install. Flange extenders are commonly sold in 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch sizes to raise the height of the existing flange 1/4 or 1/2 inch. Most extenders come with long bolts, which may be necessary if the flange is below the floor level.
Secure the Closet Bolts
The two closet bolts that anchor the toilet base to the flange must be properly secured to the flange. It is a good idea to use a nut and washer to hold the closet bolts to the flange. This will ensure you do not knock the bolts over when installing the toilet, and it will make it much easier to remove the bolts in the future. When you are buying a toilet or replacement wax ring, check to make sure that it comes with extra nuts and washers, or buy an extra pack while you are at the store (they are sold in inexpensive sets).
Place the Wax Ring and Toilet
Choose a wax ring of the appropriate size. The type with a polyethylene plastic sleeve, or flange, provides a great seal and fits most standard drains. If the toilet’s floor flange height is slightly less than 1/4 inch above the flooring, you can use an extra-thick wax ring to make up the difference. Do not be tempted to stack up two wax rings because this setup tends to leak. Installing a flange extender or using an extra-thick wax ring will work much better in the long run.
Place the wax ring on the closet flange, not on the toilet. Then, pick up the toilet and set it evenly over the closet flange, making sure the bolts come through the bolt holes in the toilet base. Fine-tune the toilet position, so it’s right where you want it, then push it straight down so it smashes the wax evenly. Push until the base of the toilet rests on the floor.
Level the Toilet
Before you bolt the toilet down, confirm that the base is stable and level by carefully rocking it from side to side and back to front. If it does not sit perfectly flat, it will rock and is more likely to leak over time. To correct this problem, slip toilet shims between the base and the floor to stop the rocking before bolting it down.
The location and the number of shims needed depend on the toilet and the floor; every situation is different. Getting the toilet shimmed before bolting it down will help ensure it does not come loose in the future. Once the toilet stops rocking, you can bolt it down with a nut and washer on each closet bolt.
Be very careful when tightening these nuts; they should be snug but not overly tight, which can crack the toilet.
Caulk the Base
Cut off any portion of the toilet shims that stick out, using a utility knife, and caulk around the base of the toilet with silicone caulk. This will give a little more protection against movement in the future, and it will make the base area easier to clean because you will not get a layer of dust and detritus under the toilet where you can not reach it. As an option, it’s a good idea to leave the back end of the base (out of view) without caulk so that if the toilet leaks at the floor, the water can flow out and alert you to the leak.
How to Caulk a Toilet to a Floor
Caulk, then set the toilet
Toilets should be caulked to the floor to prevent side-to-side movement that can break the wax seal (and to prevent splashes or overflows from puddling under the toilet and rotting the floor). DIYers often set the toilet and then apply a tiny bead of caulk along the outside edge. That doesn’t always provide a good enough bond to the floor, and it leaves a prominent caulk line. There’s an easier way to secure the toilet and provide a cleaner caulk line.
First set the toilet in place (without the wax ring) and square it up to the wall. Then make an outline of the toilet on the floor with masking tape. Remove the toilet and turn it on its side. Measure the depth and width of the gluing edge of the bowl. Next, move your caulk gun to the inset depth you just measured and apply caulk directly to the floor, maintaining the inset depth as you follow the tape. Install the wax ring and lower the toilet onto the flange. Stand on the toilet to compress the wax ring and ensure good contact with the caulk. Then use paper towels to clean up any caulk that oozed out.
How Much Does Toilet Installation Cost?
Toilet installation ranges from $125 to $260, not including materials. The toilet is typically supplied by the homeowner.
The price can fluctuate depending on several factors, including whether you want the plumber to haul away the old toilet, whether the toilet has special features and if important plumbing components are in good condition.
We research found that a plumber usually requires an hour or two to install a toilet. The process generally includes:
• Turning off and disconnecting the water.
• Repairing the shut-off valve if it’s not working properly.
• Draining the old toilet, removing it and inspecting the flange — which connects the toilet to the drainpipe on the floor — to see whether repairs are needed.
• Setting the new toilet, connecting the water and testing to make sure the toilet works properly.
Generally included in the installation price are the wax ring — which seals the toilet around the drain — new anchors and a new supply line.
How Often Should Wax Toilet Seals Be Replaced?
A toilet is connected to the toilet flange with two bolts. Between the toilet and the flange is a wax seal. The wax keeps water from leaking as it passes from the toilet to the drain pipe. It also seals against foul sewer gas odors. A wax seal will often last the life of the toilet, 20 or 30 years, without needing to be changed. There are times, though, when the wax ring will need to be replaced.
Leaks or Odors
If water leaks from under the base of the toilet when it is flushed, the toilet will need to be lifted and the wax seal replaced. Sewer odors can also mean that the seal is faulty, allowing sewer gas to leak into your bathroom. There are rare occasions when the bolts holding the toilet to the flange have loosened and just need to be tightened, but if the bolts are tight and there is still a leak, a new wax ring will be required.
Toilet Removal
A new wax ring will need to be used every time the toilet is removed and reinstalled. Replacing a bathroom floor usually means removing the toilet. Before the toilet can be reinstalled, a new wax ring will need to be put down. The old one cannot be reused. If a toilet needs to be lifted in order to remove an object from the toilet or provide access to a clogged drain, the wax seal will need to be replaced.
Types Of Toilet Flushing Systems
Gravity Fee
Gravity-feed toilet is the basic kind most homes have. The water from the tank flushes the contents down the trapway by gravity. Simple, effective, and has been the toilet of choice since indoor plumbing was introduced (and the only type available, until recently).
Pressure Assisted
Pressure-assisted toilets operate when pressurized air forces water into the toilet bowl with higher pressure than a gravity flush toilet.
Dual Flush Toilet
Dual-flush toilets use a combination of gravity-fed and pressurized air systems. You can choose between a half flush for liquids and a full flush for solid waste.
Double Cyclone
Double cyclone uses the power of gravity combined with centrifugal force to direct the water through two nozzles rather than through rimholes.