Yes, you can install a toilet on an unlevel floor, although it will require additional steps and may require extra hardware depending on the extent of the unlevelness. The most important step is to measure the dimensions of the bathroom floor to ensure it is properly supported by the floor joists, which can be done with a leveler or building plans.
Additionally, you’ll need to find the center of your toilet drain, mark where the flange connects to the toilet, and use a level to make sure the screws that connect the flange to the floor are placed in a way that will not tip the toilet.
Installing a unlevel toilet creating uneven pressure on the flange can cause it to be pushed out or damaged. If necessary to achieve an acceptable level for the toilet, you can use a wax ring or foam seal to cushion the toilet.
If the unlevelness is more than 3/16-inch it may be necessary to purchase a specialized toilet base extension kit, also known as a subfloor riser, to bridge the gap. It is also recommended you add additional screws to the flange during the installation.
Finally, you may want to consult a professional if you’re at all uncertain about the installation.
How do you install a toilet when the floor is uneven?
Installing a toilet on an uneven floor can be tricky, but it is doable. Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials, including a wax ring, toilet mounting bolts, toilet shims, and plumber’s putty.
1. First, place the wax ring on the bottom of the toilet. This acts as a gasket to prevent water from seeping out.
2. Place the toilet in the desired spot, using your hands to gently lower it. You may need a helper to steady the toilet as you’re lowering it.
3. Once the toilet is in place, you’ll need to check to see if the toilet is level. If it’s not, you’ll need to shim the toilet to bring it to the right level. To do this, insert a shim underneath the toilet, then check to see if the level is aligned.
4. Now it’s time to secure the toilet in place. Using a drill and the toilet mounting bolts, attach the toilet onto the floor.
5. If there are any gaps between the toilet and the floor, use plumber’s putty to fill them in.
6. Finally, turn on the water and check for any leaks. If all went well, your toilet should be securely in place and free of leaks.
Does toilet need level floor?
Yes, it is important to keep your toilet on a level floor. If the floor is not properly leveled when the toilet is installed, it can cause issues such as water spilling out of the bowl or water leaking from the tank.
It can even cause the toilet to shift or move when someone sits on it, which can be dangerous if the individual falls off. Additionally, if the toilet is not level, the tank will not fill properly, the bowl might not flush all the way, or the waste might not drain properly.
When installing a toilet, it’s important to ensure that the floor is level in order to prevent possible damage or injury.
Does the toilet flange have to be even with the floor?
Yes, the toilet flange should be even with the floor, or slightly lower than the floor, in order to ensure a correct installation and proper function of the toilet. The toilet flange is a circular or oval fitting that is attached to the floor and connects the toilet to the drain pipe.
If the flange is not properly set, it can cause the toilet to be unstable and/or create difficulty in sealing the toilet to the flange. Additionally, if the flange is improperly installed, it can cause drainage problems, such as improper waste removal, clogs, and backups.
Installing new toilet flanges with an even edge is especially critical for properly setting and using wax rings. Wax rings help to form a seal between the toilet and the flange and can prevent odors and seepage from occurring between the flange and the floor.
As such, it is important to ensure that the flange is properly secured and at the same level as the floor to prevent any issues when installing or using the toilet.
Will a toilet leak if the floor is not level?
The answer is that it could leak if the floor is not perfectly level. If the floor is just slightly uneven, it may not cause a leak. However, if the floor is significantly unbalanced, there is a greater risk of water seeping out of the toilet, which would lead to a leak.
Additionally, if the toilet is old, this could make the problem worse. The seal in the toilet may no longer be secure due to years of wear and tear, resulting in water seeping out around the base. To ensure that a toilet is secure, it should always be installed on a flat, level surface.
It’s important to make sure the floor is accurately balanced before the toilet is installed to make sure it’s secure and won’t develop a leak over time. It may also be helpful to check for any underlying issues or potential problems with the drain system before installing a toilet.
Does floating floor go under toilet flange?
No, floating floors generally should not go under a toilet flange. Toilet flanges are typically made of PVC or cast iron, which can cause the rigid support required in these areas to be compromised. If a floating floor were to be installed under the flange, it could cause the flooring to squeak or flex in that area.
Additionally, a floating floor is meant to provide a cushioning and insulation effect and since the flange is not floating, the floor will not properly be supported. Instead, a solid subfloor should be installed in such areas to provide the best support.
Does a toilet flange go inside or outside the drain pipe?
The toilet flange should be installed outside the drain pipe, but the exact installation of the flange will depend on the type of pipe you have. If you have a PVC plumbing system, the flange should be installed over the top of the pipe.
If you have a cast iron pipe, the flange should be fitted inside the pipe and secured with a few bolts. Once the flange is in place, the toilet should be attached to the flange. In order for this to happen, the flange must be positioned correctly and be level to the floor.
If the flange is not correctly placed, it can cause leaks and other issues. If you are uncertain about the installation of the flange, it is best to contact a professional plumber for assistance.
Can a toilet flange be unlevel?
Yes, a toilet flange can be unlevel. This can occur when the flange is installed on an uneven area of the subfloor or if it has been acccidently dislodged or shifted. It is important to make sure that the flange is level in order to ensure that the toilet seat sits flat and level over the entire toilet opening.
If the flange is unlevel, it can prevent proper sealing of the toilet and/or cause it to rock or move around when it is sat on. In addition, an unlevel flange can make installation of the toilet more difficult.
To properly level the flange, use a torpedo level to make sure it is level in all directions. If the flange is not level, you may need to adjust the screws, add wood shims, or remove and reinstall the flange to make sure it is properly leveled.
Can toilet flange be higher than floor?
Technically yes, a toilet flange can be higher than the floor. However, it is not recommended that it should be. An improperly installed toilet flange can cause many inconveniences, from wastewater backing up into the bathroom to water leaking from the floor due to poorly sealed connections.
Installing a toilet flange too high could also prevent the toilet from sitting flush with the floor and could cause the wax ring seal to be placed at an angle causing it to break prematurely. In order to properly install the toilet flange, it is important to make sure it is level with the floor.
If the flange is too high, it needs to be lowered by either doing a minor reconstruction of the existing subfloor or raising the flooring. Any additional cost associated with raising or lowering the flange will be worth it in the long run to avoid costly water damage and bathroom repairs.
Should toilet flange be level with tile?
Yes, toilet flanges should ideally be level with the tile in the bathroom. This helps ensure that the toilet is properly secured and prevents it from wobbling or potentially coming off of its moorings.
Leveling the toilet flange also helps protect against water damage, ensuring water doesn’t seep out past the seal and cause damage to the tile and the walls behind it. Finally, a level toilet flange helps to create a more aesthetically pleasing look and can help to create a more professional installation.
Installing the toilet flange level is relatively easy; simply place a level on top of the flange and make any adjustments needed to bring it to a perfectly level position.
How high should a toilet flange sit on the floor?
The toilet flange should sit at or slightly below the floor level. The reason this is the case is that it allows the seal between the toilet bowl and the flange to remain tight. If the flange were not at the floor level, then it could move and potentially create a loose connection over time.
Additionally, there should also be a proper gap between the flange and the floor that is less than an inch for any wax seam – no more than 1⁄4 inch for plastic seams. This ensures that when the toilet flange is secured, the wax will remain secured and keep the toilet bowl from moving around, which could cause water leakage or worse.
Should I put the wax ring on the toilet or the flange?
The wax ring should always be placed on the flange, not on the toilet bowl. The wax ring is made of a elastic material that conforms to the shape of the flange and the base of the toilet bowl to provide a water-tight seal.
If you install the wax ring directly on the toilet bowl, it will become misshapen and be unable to create an effective seal. To make sure you get the best seal possible, make sure you clean the flange and the underside of the toilet bowl thoroughly before applying the wax ring.
Once you have the two surfaces clean, you can place the wax ring onto the flange and set the toilet bowl on top, pressing down to ensure the wax ring is properly compressed.
Should I caulk around toilet flange?
Yes, it is a good idea to caulk around the toilet flange when installing a new toilet. This will help to prevent water damage to the flooring and provide a seal between the toilet and the flange, which helps to prevent water leaking between the floor and the toilet.
Caulking should be done after the flange is secure, ensuring a secure fit. After the caulk has dried, the toilet can be placed on top of the flange and secured in place. Depending on the type of caulk used, it may need to be replaced every few years due to wear and tear.
What happens if you don’t caulk around toilet?
If you don’t caulk around your toilet, you’re leaving yourself open to potential damage and water damage to your bathroom. This can include water from the toilet seeping down into floorboards and under the walls, damage to your tiling and grout, and even mold and mildew growth.
Not only will this lead to eventual water and structural damage, but it can also cause an unpleasant smell and unsightly mess. To make matters worse, if this water damage goes unnoticed or untreated, it can be expensive to repair.
To avoid these issues, it is important to caulk around your toilet where the toilet meets the floor, as this helps to keep water from getting underneath. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to periodically check the caulk around your toilet to make sure it is still in good condition and effectively sealed.
Are rubber toilet seals better than wax?
Rubber toilet seals are generally considered to be superior to wax in terms of sealing and longevity. Wax seals will eventually break down due to the heat of the toilet and the vibration of the water entering the tank, resulting in it having to be replaced more often.
The rubber seals are more flexible and can better withstand the heat and water pressure while remaining sealed. In addition, they can be easily removed and replaced without much effort. They also help reduce noise from the toilet, as the wax will break down and cause the water to make a thumping sound when it enters the tank.
Lastly, rubber seals also last longer than wax seals, which means you won’t have to replace them as often over time.