Silicone or no silicone around toilet bowls?

Users who are viewing this thread

Ontario Plumber

Plumber
Messages
69
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I am a firm believer in not putting silicone around the bowl of regular toilets, so that if the gasket ever goes, then you will see it right away. I know a lot of people put silicone around the base and then wonder why their floor is so badly rotten when they lift the toilet to replace the gasket.

The only time I will ever use silicone is on larger one piece toilets that have the unfit adapters, and wanted to know what other people's opinions were. I usually find the TOTO toilets rather sturdy. Sometimes when I install cheaper ones that only have the two small screws at the back to hold the toilet to the adapter, I find that the bowl isn't sturdy as I would want it to be. When this is the case, I will put a small bead around the front of the bowl to stop any movement.
 

LLigetfa

DIYer, not in the trades
Messages
7,493
Reaction score
574
Points
113
Location
NW Ontario, Canada
I am a firm believer of putting silicone around the front and two sides, leaving the rear unsealed. When little Johnny has trouble with his aim, I don't want it collecting under the base.
 

Terry

The Plumbing Wizard
Staff member
Messages
29,946
Reaction score
3,460
Points
113
Location
Bothell, Washington
Website
terrylove.com
I would never, ever put Silicone around a toilet bowl.

It's permanent. If you ever have to pull the bowl, you will have to cut the bowl away from the floor with a knife. It ruins the floor.

Use water base Polyseamseal. It seals, and you can lift the bowl off the floor if needed.

We do caulk with polyseamseal around the bowl, leaving the back without, in case there is a wax seal problem.
We use clear. It goes on white and dries clear.

polyseamseal_clear.jpg


Sometimes you need to remove a bowl to remove a plug. Making a "forever" installation prevents that.
Sometimes we need to break the toilet with a hammer to get it off the floor. It's not pretty.

 
Last edited:

Gary Swart

In the Trades
Messages
8,101
Reaction score
84
Points
48
Location
Yakima, WA
What you need is seal to prevent misdirected urine or spilled water from getting under the toilet. It is also wise to have a bit extra security around the base to help keep the toilet from moving. The original question regarding silicone. Silicone will provide the desired results, but as pointed out, it virtually impossible to remove without damaging the floor. That's the advantage that a latex caulk provides. Polyseam is a very good choice, but there are others. Codes vary for place to place. Some want the seal 100% around the base, others insist the back of the base be left open.
 

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Messages
32,771
Reaction score
1,191
Points
113
Location
New England
FWIW, on a tiled floor, a toilet is often very unstable without using some sealant around the base. The hole in the toilet for the bolts is often 2-3x larger in diameter than the actual bolt, and you can't tighten it down all that tight without risking cracking the thing...the wax seal isn't all that strong, so a good knock, and you may shift the thing...doesn't happen if you have the sealant around the base. A toilet on something like a vinyl floor may sink in an be tough to move, but you'd still have the same issue with liquids seeping underneath it that you can't clean up (and can begin to smell nasty after awhile).
 

Tom Sawyer

In the Trades
Messages
3,625
Reaction score
34
Points
48
Location
Maine
Read your code book. I haven't found one yet that didn't require sealing the bowl to the floor.
 

JohnfrWhipple

BATHROOM DESIGN & BUILD
Messages
3,225
Reaction score
102
Points
48
Location
North Vancouver, BC
I set my toilets with silicone as well most times. Leaving the back untouched. I also completely fill in around the toilet flange and grout lines so if there is a back up or leak it can not soak into my floors.

I like the strength and lack of movement the toilet install has after this step is done. I like that the silicone backs up the two bolts and adds to the strength of the total install.
 

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Messages
32,771
Reaction score
1,191
Points
113
Location
New England
I set my toilets with silicone as well most times. Leaving the back untouched. I also completely fill in around the toilet flange and grout lines so if there is a back up or leak it can not soak into my floors.

I like the strength and lack of movement the toilet install has after this step is done. I like that the silicone backs up the two bolts and adds to the strength of the total install.
Being a tile setter, and not a maintenance plumber, you don't have to curse those who use silicon. Holding it down works, either way.
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks