What is the purpose of caulk around toilet??

[Snowman]

http://terrylove.com/wc/toto/drake_angle2.jpg

Is it done just to "look nice"?? Other than that, is it important/necessary to run a bead of caulk around the front of a newley installed toilet??
Thanks, Tom :confused:

[jimbo]

It is to keep water on the floor ( i.e. after a shower, mopping, etc.) from going IN UNDER the toilet, where it could stagnate and possibly reach the subfloor and cause problems.

[Snowman]

Thanks Jimbo and Terry.......... Not only do I get a very logical explanation, but I get a photo which makes it even easier to understand.

[SteveW]

Also very helpful if someone in the house doesn't "aim to please..."

[Snowman]

Thanks Steve, I didn't "think" about that one. Probably the "best" reason yet. Down here at the beach, we have lots of company every summer!! :)

[SteveW]

My pleasure! Learned that the hard way.

[bredian]

If this were a perfect world we would not have to caulk around toilets but there are young men with imperfect aiming devices and you don't want to remove the toilet daily to wipe under it!

A week of my 7 year old vs uncaulked toilet helped clear this up for me.

The plumber and the tile contractor like to point to each other for responsibility ("caulking to match tile grout"). Give the plumber matching caulk if you can, but make him responsible for finishing the fixture installation.

[Terry]

When setting a toilet over tile, you can always use clear caulk.

The picture at the top has caulk that dries clear. The picture was taken before it dried.

In Washington State, we are not allowed to fully seal the toilet bowl to the floor. The plumbing inspectors insist that we don't.
If the seal leaks, it's better to know sooner.
I've gone into home where the floor is almost gone from dry rot.

In some states, like Phoenix Arizona, they do want it sealed all the way around.

[Susan H]

In the picture, it looks like the caulk goes back to the bolts on the side, correct? My husband installed one of the Drakes yesterday but hasn't caulked it yet.

Edit: Living in Oklahoma, we have a slab foundation. Would it be OK to caulk further back, leaving only the back edge uncaulked?

[Mike Swearingen]

Yes.
Mike

[Plumber2000]

Always leave the back edge uncaulked, reason is, if the wax ever failed you will see a problem before it's to late, besides, code says there will be a smooth transition between different surfaces, be a toilet, wall mount/pedestal sink or what have you.

[Susan H]

Thanks, your answers are appreciated.

[Snowman]

Thought Netty would like to read this..................

[Netty]

Thanks very much Snowman..you're right ....I'm glad you 'bumped' this thread for me. Not only do I now know we should caulk it - I also know why :)
We'll be caulking first thing tomorrow...

[hj]

It has several functions.
1. it seals the gap so water does not go under the toilet.
2. it fills the gap under the toilet so it does not "wiggle".
3. it "glues" the toilet to the floor which also prevents movement.
4. Our inspectors insist on it, and will turn down a job where a gap was left at the back.

[Snowman]

It has several functions.
1. it seals the gap so water does not go under the toilet.
2. it fills the gap under the toilet so it does not "wiggle".
3. it "glues" the toilet to the floor which also prevents movement.
4. Our inspectors insist on it, and will turn down a job where a gap was left at the back.

At the back??? I thought that was to left "unchaulked" for the reasons mentioned above??? :confused:

[hj]

No. Their opinion is that there is not supposed to be any leaks and specifically check the back to be sure it was not left uncaulked.

[Snowman]

More for "Stash" to read in answer to his question.....