Don't Seal Your Toilet to the Floor!
August 14, 2025
Crucial Toilet Installation Tips from the Pros at JG Custom Construction
As experts in bathroom remodels in Chattanooga, TN, we've seen it all – the good, the bad, and the surprisingly damaging. While we love creating beautiful new spaces, we often encounter hidden issues from previous installations. One of the most common (and alarming!) mistakes we see, especially with DIY toilet installations, is sealing the base of the toilet to the floor with silicone caulk. Many homeowners believe this provides a better seal or a cleaner look. However, applying a bead of
silicone around the base of your toilet is actually one of the worst things you can do for your bathroom's long-term health.
Why Sealing Your Toilet Base is a Big Mistake
If the wax ring that seals your toilet to the waste pipe ever fails (and they can!), water has nowhere to go. Without an escape route, this leaking water gets trapped underneath the toilet.
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Hidden Damage:
You might not see the leak immediately on your bathroom floor. Instead, water will slowly, silently, begin to rot out the subfloor around the toilet flange.
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Costly Repairs:
By the time you finally notice the issue – perhaps through a soft spot in the floor, a musty smell, or water appearing in the ceiling below – the damage can be extensive, requiring a much more costly and involved repair than a simple wax ring replacement. Often, if a wax ring loses its seal and the base isn't caulked, you'll see water seeping out around the base of the toilet. While annoying, this visible warning allows for immediate detection and repair, preventing major structural damage to your subfloor.
Pro Tips for Proper Toilet Installation (What Our Team Does!)
Here at JG Custom Construction, we take pride in doing things right the first time. Based on our 20+ years of experience in new home construction and bathroom renovations in Chattanooga, here are our top tips for a secure and long-lasting toilet installation:
1. Skip the Thin Wax Ring:
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Many new toilets come with a standard, thin wax ring. Do not use it. ○ Instead, purchase a #35 Jumbo Wax Ring with an integrated flange. This type of ring is thicker and designed to sit securely inside your floor flange, providing a much more robust seal. You can often find these packaged with new mounting hardware.
2. Heated Floors? Go Wax-Free!
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If your bathroom features or will feature heated floors, and the heat strips are within 3 feet (36 inches) of the toilet, NEVER use a wax ring.
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The heat from the floor will eventually melt out your wax ring, leading to leaks and potential water damage. Opt for a Wax-Free toilet seal kit in these situations.
3. Always Use New Mounting Hardware:
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Don't reuse old toilet bolts or nuts. New, sturdy mounting hardware ensures a tight and secure connection to the floor flange.
4. Invest in a Stainless Steel Braided Water Supply Line:
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Plastic supply lines can crack and burst, causing significant water damage. Always upgrade to a stainless steel braided water supply line for durability and peace of mind.
5. Choose a Reputable Toilet Brand:
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When purchasing a new toilet, don't just go for the cheapest option. Invest in a quality fixture from a reputable brand like Delta, Pfister, Moen, or similar. A good quality toilet will perform better, last longer, and save you headaches down the line.
Following these simple yet crucial steps can prevent costly water damage and ensure your toilet is installed correctly for years of trouble-free use. If you're planning a bathroom remodel or new construction project in Chattanooga and want it done right, don't hesitate to contact JG Custom Construction for a free quote!
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