How soon after I install a new toilet can I use it? Technically, a new toilet will work as soon as it's hooked up to the water supply line. But waiting until the caulk is fully dry is wise. Refer to the directions on your caulk tube for an ideal dry time, but know that most should be set within three to six hours.
And, like sanded grout, unsanded grout typically takes up to a full 72 hours to cure. You'll also need to apply a penetrating sealer when using unsanded grout in a bathroom. Epoxy grout, made by combining a hardener with epoxy resin, takes just 24 hours to cure.
The toilet is fixed to the floor of the bathroom using a wax ring and a flange. If you see signs of toilet bowl water leakage, then the flange is not fixed properly. Wastewater should not leak from the bottom of the toilet and should directly flow into the sewer.
Mistakes can be costly in the long run.
If the toilet flange is damaged or cracked, the toilet will not sit correctly, and sewage could leak into your home. A wax seal may not be installed correctly, resulting in a slow leak into the floor and walls.
If the wax ring isn't sealed correctly, it can cause wastewater to leak from the bottom. Leaking water can lead to mold around the floor. A poorly sealed wax ring can also cause foul odors to stink up your bathroom. If you smell sewage or see water leaking, then you may need a new wax ring.
Bad Smells. Nobody assumes their toilet will smell nice, but if the smell is a sulfuric one akin to rotten eggs, or is persistent and constant, you could have issues with sewer gas leaking into your bathroom. This can be a clear sign of bad wax ring toilet seals.
🚽 Caulking Prevents Water Contamination
It could be water splashing out of a bathtub, mop water, water from a shower and even misguided potty training from your young boys who seem to miss the toilet bowl every single time! Without caulk around the toilet base, water can get under there and sit for a long time.
Do both sides hand tight. Then, doing a turn or two a side, alternate tightening the nuts until the toilet is firmly pressed to the floor. You can check by trying to rock the toilet. If it is firm and unyielding, you're probably tight enough.
Check the Chain
A constantly running toilet is typically due to an issue with the flush valve assembly, so one of the first parts to inspect should be the chain and flapper. If the chain is too short, then it won't allow the flapper to close properly.
A plumber can also perform any major repairs, such as drain pipe replacement. Flooring and drywall contractors can repair floor or wall damage in the process of replacing the toilet. The installation process typically takes two to four hours, though potentially longer if substantial repairs are needed.
The bathroom fitters are unanimous—if you're looking for a high quality finish, with a better seal against water damage, then always tile the floor first.
The shortest time after laying tile that you can grout is 24 hours. However, it is much better to wait at least 48 hours before grouting. This is to give the mortar ample time to set and dry before pressure is applied. Choose a nice and dry day to lay your tile.
Optimally, no more than 30 minutes should pass for the initial wiping off of excess grout.
Grout is applied to fill gaps or as reinforcement for certain structures. Before wiping it, let it set for around 15 to 30 minutes. After that, you can soak a grout sponge in water to remove any excess.
Tightening the bolts too much can crack the brittle porcelain of the toilet, for which there is no repair. Check the flange bolt at each side of the toilet, using a pair of pliers or a small wrench.
Be very careful when tightening the washers and nuts against the toilet base; they should be snug but not overly tight, which can crack the toilet.
If there is no caulk, any water that creeps underneath the toilet can remain undisturbed for some time. It will soon start to stagnate, providing a breeding ground for mold and fungus. The application of caulk to the toilet prevents this from happening, and the bathroom is healthier as a result.
How soon after I install a new toilet can I use it? Technically, a new toilet will work as soon as it's hooked up to the water supply line. But waiting until the caulk is fully dry is wise. Refer to the directions on your caulk tube for an ideal dry time, but know that most should be set within three to six hours.
But with time, even good toilet wax rings can go bad. When that happens, it's time to locate and replace the wax 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.
Non-Wax Related Toilet Leaks
Sometimes a toilet leaks around the base and it has nothing to do with the wax ring. For example, sometimes the bolts that attach the toilet to the floor cause water to leak out from base. Tightening or replacing these bolts should solve the problem.
Toilets usually include a wax ring. However, it's best to purchase a backup wax ring in case of damage during installation. You can also use a wax-free ring. These types of rings fix on the flange, rather than the toilet outlet.