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? It helps to create safety in the bathroom and even provides sanitary protection.
The quick answer is yes.
Caulking keeps the toilet secure and reduces the possibility of water contamination from other sources like mopping, shower splash, and if you have young children, misguided potty training. You will find much debate online about whether or not you should caulk the base of your toilet.
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.
It is recommended that you use a silicone base caulk due to its waterproofing capabilities. Let's take a look below at how to caulk our toilet base.
Caulk is quick and easy to clean up. Grout will support the toilet better. 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.
In my opinion, you should caulk around the entire edge of the toilet except at the front and the back. Just enough to leave a tiny gap so water can escape. Just leaving a gap at the back of the toilet does not let you see the water leak. This is why I recommend leaving one at the front and the back.
Caulk prevents water from seeping under 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.
New Methods Of Installing A Toilet
Over the years securing a toilet pan to the floor has changed in a good way. Today the method most commonly used by plumbers to fix a toilet pan to the floor is with clear sanitary grade silicone.
Is silicone or acrylic caulk better? Silicone is your go-to whenever you're sealing something water-related—bathrooms, kitchen fixtures, bathtubs, even fish tanks. Acrylic is a good general-purpose sealing substance, perfect for tiny gaps between baseboards and chair rails.
If your toilet does not have caulking, bacteria could grow around the bowl and cause unpleasant odors. In addition, urine and water can get under your toilet and cause further damage. Apply caulking to form a protective coating around your toilet base and combat bad odors.
If you notice the caulk around the base of your toilet start to turn brown, it means your toilet has a wax ring which is leaking. As a result, human waste especially urine is decolorizing the normally white caulk. The solution to this is to remove the toilet and put a new wax ring.
I start by hand tightening as much as I can, then I tighten a little on each side and check if the toilet moves. If it does then I tighten a bit more, check and repeat until there's no movement. You're trying to avoid bowl movement, so that it doesn't shift or fall over, not to hold the floor up by the toilet bolts.
Kleeneze White Caulk Tape is the easiest way to stop leaks around your bath, sink, shower tray or toilet base. No tools or mitring is required tomake this white caulk tape fit to any contour. The tape is self adhesive, waterproof and mildew resistant making it super easy to maintain as well.
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.
Ensure Caulk is Cured and Dry
Silicone sealant dries in 30-60 minutes, reducing the risk of smudging or damage to the caulk's surface. However, that is just dry to the touch. You should always wait at least 24 hours before attempting to shower after a caulk installation.
The main difference between plumbers putty or silicone for sink drain is how easy the substances are to manipulate or remove. Plumbers putty is very easy to manipulate into tight areas, and it's also easier to remove. That makes silicone putty better for waterproofing, even if it's more difficult to work with.
If your sealant or silicone has gone yellow or is in the process of going yellow, don't worry. It is a common occurrence. Your sealant is likely going yellow because of exposure to UV radiation.
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.
Level the Toilet
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 most likely culprits are the drain line, wax ring, flange bolts, cracks, or water supply line. You can replace a wax ring on a toilet, or you can call in a pro for the job. A pro may recommend replacing parts or the entire toilet. Leaks can lead to expensive water bills and repairs, so quickly investigate.
That's right — regular old toilet bowl cleaner that comes in a squeeze bottle can clean grout! Toilet bowl cleaner contains bleach, so it will not only lighten grout stains, but it will also kill any mold or mildew. Plus, toilet bowl cleaner is cheaper than grout cleaner. Just squeeze it directly into the grout joints.
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.
It is recommended to replace the caulk in your bathroom every 5 years, even if it isn't showing signs of wear and tear. By maintaining and replacing your caulking regularly, you prevent damage that may be caused by peeling, cracking, mold or mildew.