No sealant at base of toilet?

[pbishopp]

I had a toilet installed yesterday by a plumber who did not put any sealant at the base of the toilet where it meets the tile stating we wouldn't want sealant so we can see any leaks.
Is that common?

 

[Hotbacon]

Yes, that's common practice.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

In Washington State, they expect caulking around the bowl base, leaving out a little at the back in case of a leak.
We like to use clear polyseamseal.

In Arizona, because of the ants or bugs or whatever else is crawling up out of the dirt, the seal all the way around.

It's an easy job with a $4.00 tube of caulk, a sponge and some water. It takes no time at all.

 

[Jadnashua]

On a tiled floor, the flange bolts are unlikely to keep a toilet from moving a little if bumped hard...plus, sealing around the front part helps keep things a lot cleaner from mopping, misses by the little ones or guests, etc.

 

[Jimbo]

The majority of toilet installs I have ever seen in this neck of the woods...do not have a tight fit of the closet elbow as is passes through the subfloor. SO even though the flange is bolted down, any leak is quite likely so simpy find its way down, and not out around the base. I feel it is unsanitary to NOT caulk the base, since water and "whatever" will go under there and rot!

 

[DavidTu]

I feel it is unsanitary to NOT caulk the base, since water and "whatever" will go under there and rot!

That's how the inspector explained it to me.

 

[LiquidPlumber]

In my neck of the woods, caulking is required in a commercial building and optional in private homes. Caulking when required is left open in the back of the toilet to allow for any water to escape.
My advice to this customer is this, If you want it caulked then either call the guy back to do it, or do it yourself, but its not some huge "oopsie" or that this plumber did something horribly wrong. If you explain to the plumber that you cant/wont do it yourself, and that you really would like him to come back and caulk it and you really arent being a difficult PITA, And the plumber did a wonderful job but you just really really want the thing to be caulked (pretty please with sugar on top).... I would think he could swing back by and caulk the thing. I would. Also, you might make the guy some cookies and have a cold coke waiting for him.....