In most parts of the United States, it is a requirement of building code to caulk around toilet bases. This could apply to both new builds and remodeling, though as regulations vary from one state to another it's a good idea to check local statutes.
Caulk is used to fill in the gaps between tile and fixtures (such as a bathtub or sink) or the floor and wall. Unlike grout, caulk is not used between the tiles, except where a vertical and horizontal tile surface meet, such as between a tile shower floor and tiled 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.
It is recommended that you use a silicone base caulk due to its waterproofing capabilities.
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.
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.
It is fairly easy to tell if you have a properly sealed wax ring; your toilet will not wobble, will be stable, and will have no water leaks.
or certainly 20 to 30 years.
Besides leaking, signs that the wax ring may need replacing could be an odd odor seemingly stemming from the area where the toilet meets the floor, or if the toilet itself feels wobbly.
Some plumbers use plumber's putty, some grout the toilet to the floor and others use silicone sealant (caulk) for that final connection. The application of silicone is much quicker and experienced plumber can probably do it in just a few minutes, where the plumber's putty may take more effort and time.
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.
Always remove the toilet, install new flooring up to the toilet's mounting ring, and reinstall the toilet. You will need to replace the toilet mounting bolts (generally an easy job), and you will need to remove and replace the wax ring that makes a waterproof seal between the waste line and the toilet.
The key distinction between caulk and sealant? Elasticity. Caulk is typically made from a mixture of latex and acrylic materials, which make it more rigid and prone to shrinking when cured. A sealant offers superior elasticity and water resistance because it primarily contains silicone.
Caulk is more likely to shrink over time.
When grout cures, it forms a solid masonry surface that won't contract or pull away. While movement can crack rigid grout lines, the grout itself won't shrink. Caulk, however, is known for shrinking over time and pulling away, and when it does it must be removed and replaced.
Every toilet in your home has a wax ring connecting it to your plumbing, which creates a waterproof seal to keep what goes down to the sewer from seeping out the sides. This piece of equipment usually lasts as long as the toilet, about 30 years.
The most common place for a toilet to leak is at the wax seal. Replacing a wax seal may be as cheap as $50. Other common leak points are the tank and bowl which may cost $300 or more to repair.
Place the wax ring on the closet flange, not on the toilet. 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.
Plumber Mike Lombardi says: It is not only OK to apply a bead of sealant around the base of a toilet(see “Install a Toilet,” FHB #237), but it's also required by the International Plumbing Code and the International Residential Code.
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.
These bacteria can stick to the walls of the toilet or other items like toothbrush, towel and soap. So, to avoid contact with these harmful bacteria, you must keep the toilet lid closed while you flush and when you are not using it (why to take a chance).
PLUMBING CODE REQUIREMENTS
International building codes require that a fixture shall be made watertight where it comes in contact with the wall or floor. One way of making sure this code is adhered to is by caulking around the toilet.
As a rule of thumb, i always advise to leave the area for at least 24 hours, depending on the size of the silicone bead. A thicker silicone bead of more than around 4mm in depth will always take a little longer to fully cure.