Yes, longer toilet bolts are available for purchase. Depending on the size and shape of the toilet, you may need a longer bolt. It is important to measure the width of the gap between the nut and the toilet base before purchasing a longer bolt.
Longer toilet bolts typically range in length from 1 3/4 inches to 2 1/2 inches. Additionally, there are various materials available, such as brass, stainless steel, and plastic. It’s important to select one that is durable and strong enough to secure the toilet base.
If you are unsure of the type and size of bolt needed, it’s best to consult a professional plumber or a hardware expert.
Are there different size toilet bolts?
Yes, there are different size toilet bolts. Toilet bolts are usually either 1/4″ or 5/16″ diameter, and range in length from 1 1/2″ to 5″ long. It’s important to use toilet bolts that are the right size and length for your toilet, otherwise it might not stay securely attached to the floor.
To find the right size toilet bolts, you’ll need to know the make and model of your toilet, as these can affect the size and length of the bolts you need.
How long should toilet bolts be?
The appropriate length of toilet bolts depends on the toilet model. Some toilet bolt kits come with 2 to 6-inch bolts, while other kits come with 2-inch to 10-inch bolts. However, most toilets require 3 to 4-inch bolts.
As a general rule, if a toilet requires 3-inch or 4-inch bolts, it is best to use the shorter ones. The longer bolts may not fit properly and could cause damage to the toilet base. Also, you should use the hardware that comes with the toilet kit as it was specifically designed for the toilet model.
What size bolts do toilets use?
Toilets typically use bolts that are 3-inch long with 1/4-inch spacing. The bolts should be made out of stainless steel to ensure that they do not rust easily over time. Additionally, the bolts should have threads that are a minimum of 20 threads per inch.
It is important that the bolts are strong enough to securely hold the toilet in place, so high quality stainless steel is recommended. If the toilet is connected to a soft floor, longer bolts may be used to provide extra stability.
It is always important to double-check the measurements of the bolts and their placement before tightening and installing the toilet successfully.
Are toilet bolt holes standard?
The answer is yes, toilet bolt hole sizes are standard across most brands and types of toilets. The standard size for toilet bolt holes is 3/8”, but there may be slight variations depending on the brand and type of toilet.
The majority of toilet manufacturers have adopted the standard size, but it is always important to double check before making any purchases. The location of the bolt holes also varies depending on the type of toilet.
In one-piece toilets, the bolts will be located on the bottom side, while two-piece toilets have bolts that are located on the bowl itself. Additionally, when installing a new toilet, there will be a plastic gasket that goes between the bowl and the floor that is held in place by the bolt holes.
It is important to make sure the gasket is correctly in place before tightening the bolts.
How do I make sure my new toilet will fit?
To make sure your new toilet will fit, there are a few steps you should take. First, measure the rough-in size of your current toilet, which typically falls between 10-14 inches. This will indicate the actual distance between the wall and the bolts holding the toilet to the floor.
Next, check the measurements of your new toilet so you can make sure the rough-in size is the same or larger than the size of the new toilet you want to install. Finally, take dimensions of the distance between the wall and the bolts, as well as the length of the toilet bowl, the height of the toilet base, the depth of the toilet base, and the length of the tank.
These measurements will help you determine whether or not the new toilet will fit in the same space as the old one.
What happens if you don’t bolt a toilet to the floor?
If you don’t bolt a toilet to the floor, it can cause serious damage. The toilet may become unstable and wobble, which can lead to movement of the flange, which can cause water leaks. Not bolting the toilet to the floor can also increase the amount of noise generated by the toilet when flushing and if left unattended, can get worse with each additional flush.
It can also cause the toilet to become unlevel, which can lead to issues with proper flushing. Additionally, not bolting the toilet to the floor can cause the toilet to shift if there are large loads placed on the toilet seat.
This can damage the flange and cause water to leak from the toilet onto the floor, which can lead to water damage and even a slippery floor. Thus, it is essential to bolt your toilet properly to the floor to avoid these types of problems.
Do I need to caulk around the bottom after installing a new toilet?
Yes, it is always a good idea to caulk around the bottom of a new toilet. Doing so will help to ensure that it is securely attached and can help to prevent potential leaks. Caulk is relatively easy to apply, so you should consider doing so after installing a new toilet.
Start by cleaning the area around the base of the toilet with a damp cloth. Allow the area to dry completely before applying the caulk. You can then apply a caulk that is designed specifically for bathrooms such as a mildew-resistant silicone caulk.
Once the caulk has been applied and smoothed into place, you can rinse the excess off with warm water. Allow the caulk to dry completely before using the toilet.
What is the cost of labor to install a new toilet?
The cost of labor to install a new toilet will depend on several factors, such as the location of the install, difficulty of the installation, and the number of hours required for the job. Generally speaking, it is recommended that a qualified, licensed plumber be contracted for the installation of any toilet.
The cost associated with labor will typically range from around $150 to $500 or more, depending on the complexity of the install. This estimate does not include the cost of the new toilet itself. It is also important to factor in the cost of any additional components needed, such as a new flange, wax ring, toilet bolts, supply line and water shutoff valve, which will increase the cost of the installation.
What measurements do I need when buying a new toilet?
When shopping for a new toilet, there are a few measurements you will need to consider. Firstly, and most importantly, you will need to consider the size of the toilet seat. This should generally measure between 16-18 inches from the floor to the top of the seat.
You will also need to consider the rough-in size which is the distance from the wall to the toilet’s bolts. Standard rough-in measurements are 12 or 14 inches, although some models come in 10 and 16 inch sizes.
Additionally, you will want to ensure that the toilet has a comfortable bowl height. Overall height often ranges between 15-17 inches and comfort bowl height will range between 17-19 inches. Finally, measure the footprint of the toilet and make sure that there is enough space on the floor to accommodate it.
Can you overtighten toilet to floor?
Yes, it is possible to overtighten a toilet to the floor. Overtightening a toilet to the floor involves tightening the toilet mounting bolts excessively. If the bolts are overtightened, they can cause them to break and potentially cause damage to the porcelain toilet bowl.
In addition, it can lead to damage to the floor, due to the compression of the wax ring which can cause the bowl to become loose. Lastly, it is important to note that overtightening can damage the threads on the bolt, making it difficult to loosen them in the future.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that the bolts are tightened only to the recommended torque specifications.
How tight should a toilet be fastened to the floor?
A toilet should be tightened to the floor just tight enough so that it is securely fastened, but not too tight that it causes damage to the toilet components or the floor itself. The toilet should be firmly held to the floor, especially around the base and the bolts, but it should not be oversqueezed or over-tightened.
If the bolts are over-tightened, it can cause the toilet base to crack, the nuts may become stripped, and the bolts themselves can become bent or damaged. If the toilet is under-tightened, it may move around on the floor and can cause leaks.
The best way to correctly fasten the toilet to the floor is to use the manufacturer’s installation instructions, as other methods for fastening the toilet are not always recommended.
Are all toilet holes the same size?
No, all toilet holes are not the same size. The hole, or drain, at the bottom of a toilet bowl is typically two to three inches in diameter, but size can vary depending on the type of toilet. The size of the hole decrease if a Korky Universal to Fit Toilet Flange Trim Ring is used.
This type of flange sits on top of the drain pipe for a larger circumference than the standard toilet drain, making the hole smaller. It is always important to check the toilet specifications for the size of the hole to ensure you purchase the correct size flange in order to have a proper seal.
Are toilet tank bolts universal?
No, toilet tank bolts are not universal. Depending on the type of toilet you have, the type of bolt you need can vary. The size and thread pattern of the bolts typically depend on the type of tank and the brand of the toilet.
It is important to correctly identify the toilet tank bolts you need for your toilet in order to ensure the tank is properly secured. Some toilets may require unique bolts that must be purchased from the manufacturer or a plumbing supply store.
Additionally, if you are replacing a toilet tank, the new tank may or may not use the same type of bolts as the existing tank. Therefore, it is important to double check before purchasing any bolts.
What bolts to use on toilet tank?
When it comes to bolting on a toilet tank, you should use the correct type and size of bolts for the job. Generally, a standard toilet will require two bolts and nuts for the tank to bowl installation.
The bolts should be corrosion-resistant, ideally stainless steel, to ensure a secure and long-lasting connection. The type of bolts can vary, with either hex head machine bolts or square head bolts commonly used.
The size of bolt should depend on the size of the toilet, but will typically be 1/4 x 3 inch or 5/16 x 3-1/2 inch. At either size, you’ll also need a nut, nut washer, and a lock washer to firmly secure the bolts in place.
It’s important to use a washer for stability and to prevent too much pressure from the nut being applied directly to the tank. Installation is complete when the bolts are tightened to the correct torque for the size of bolt being used.