Toilet Caulking Gone Wrong: Mistakes You Don't Want To Make

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For most homeowners, the bathroom is the one room in the house you don't want to mess with regarding maintenance and repairs. And of all your bathroom fixtures, none is quite as essential as the toilet. It gets used multiple times a day and plays a vital role in your home's hygiene and health. You need it in working order. Caulking your toilet helps keep it stable, clean, and protected from moisture. Unfortunately, there are several toilet caulking mistakes you can make that may cause issues in the long run. These include using the wrong caulk, not removing old caulk first, and not caulking in the first place.

Caulk is used to fill gaps, cracks, and seams between two static surfaces. It forms a barrier that prevents air and moisture from sneaking through. If you're confused about caulk vs. sealant, there's a difference. While the two products are fairly similar, sealant is used in applications where you need to maintain a bond between shifting surfaces. Caulk forms a seal between the toilet's base and the floor, anchoring it and preventing water from getting under it. Avoiding common toilet-caulking mistakes ensures that your toilet remains hygienic and stable.

If you plan to caulk your toilet, the first mistake you can make (and one of the biggest) is not preparing properly. Choosing the right type of caulk from the many kinds available is crucial. For the toilet and your bathroom in general, you need a waterproof caulk that won't become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Silicone bathroom caulk is the gold standard for around a toilet, offering excellent moisture and bacterial resistance.

Silicone bathroom caulk is available in clear, white, and a few other neutral shades to match the color of your toilet or the bathroom floor. Since many toilets are white, clear and white are the most popular options. Clear caulk it is practically invisible once dry, and it doesn't show grime as easily as white. It may be the better option.

If you are replacing the caulk around your toilet, failing to remove the old caulk can be another mistake. Lay new caulk on top of old and it won't stick to the surfaces as well as it should. This makes it more prone to cracking, allowing moisture to seep in underneath the toilet. A putty knife or utility knife works well for removing old caulk. Thoroughly cleaning the entire base of your toilet before you start the job will also help the caulk adhere better.

Using the wrong amount of caulk is another common issue homeowners run into when caulking a toilet. Applying too much caulk is one such mistake. Excess caulk has a messy, lumpy appearance that can ruin the look of your bathroom. A thicker layer of caulk can take longer to dry, too. In some cases, it may not cure properly, preventing it from successfully sealing the gap between your toilet and the floor. The worst mistake of all, however, may be not using any caulk at all. There are many reasons why you need to caulk your toilet. Perhaps the most important is that the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) require joints between fixtures and flooring to be sealed. These codes inform most state plumbing codes; your local building regulations likely require it as well.

As mentioned above, failing to caulk your toilet leaves it and the floor beneath it vulnerable to water damage. Water from your bathtub or even the toilet itself can get beneath the toilet if there isn't a caulk barrier to keep it out. Bathrooms are humid, and all that moisture can slowly seep into the seam between your toilet and the floor. This creates a dark, damp environment that mold and bacteria love. Sealing this gap helps to keep your bathroom hygienic. Caulk also anchors your toilet in place, preventing it from shifting around when you sit on it. Movement can damage your flooring, the ceramic base of the toilet, and even your plumbing pipes.