Toilet anchor bolts, also known as closet bolts or flange bolts, are typically about 5-7 inches long and 6-8 millimeters in diameter. They are designed to reach the bolts on the waste pipe flange that penetrates the floor, joining the bowl to the drainage system.
The length of the bolt depends on the flange thickness and materials used to secure it in place. Closet bolt nuts should fit snugly on the threads of the bolt when the bolt is near its fully extended length.
While most toilet bolts are standard-sized, some variations may exist depending on the manufacturer and model. It’s important to check with the manufacturer to be sure the bolts used for your toilet are the correct size for your specific model.
What kind of bolts hold down a toilet?
The type of bolts used to hold down a toilet depend on the type of toilet being installed. For example, a floor mounted toilet uses a different type of bolts than a wall-mounted toilet. Typically, a floor mounted toilet requires closet bolts, which usually consist of two bolts and accompanying nuts.
Installing closet bolts is a relatively straightforward process that involves drilling two holes in the floor in the appropriate positions and securing the bolts with the accompanying nuts. Wall-mounted toilets typically use anchors or mounting plates.
Anchors are fastened to the wall or floor, then the toilet is secured to them. Mounting plates can also be used, which involve attaching the plate to the wall and then attaching the toilet to the plate.
In both cases, screws are used to attach the toilet to the anchor or mounting plate securely.
Are all toilet tank bolts the same size?
No, all toilet tank bolts are not the same size. Toilet tanks come with different sized bolts and nuts, depending on the make and model of the toilet. Generally speaking, the bolts used to hold the tank to the bowl are 1/4 inch and are made of metal, however not all tanks use the same size bolts, so it is important to measure the existing bolts before purchasing new ones.
Generally, the bolts used to secure the tank cover are 1/2 inch and are made of plastic. It is important to get the proper size when replacing them.
How do you replace a toilet anchor bolt?
Replacing a toilet anchor bolt is not a difficult task, but it does require a few tools.
To begin, turn off the water at the shutoff valve and ensure the valve is completely off. Next, flush your toilet and hold the lever until all the water is out of the tank. Place a bucket below the shutoff valve to collect any residual water, then remove the water line from the shutoff valve and allow the remaining water to drain into the bucket.
Next, remove the toilet from the floor flange using an old towel as a cushion as you remove the wax ring. For an easier toilet removal, cut the bolts flush to the floor with a hack saw or a reciprocating saw.
Once the toilet has been removed, you’ll need to remove the anchor bolts. If the bolts are plastic, simply grab them by hand and pull them off. If the bolts are metal, cut them with a reciprocating saw or hacksaw.
Finally, flush out the area around the anchor bolts with water and remove any debris.
Once the anchor bolts are removed, take the measurements of the existing flange and the new bolts. Then insert the new bolts into the flange, with the lip of the bolts facing the toilet. Measure and cut the bolt shank to the appropriate length and use a file to dress the cut portion.
Apply thread sealant and tighten the nuts to secure them in place.
Finally, replace the toilet on the new bolts. Ensure the toilet is level and use a wax ring or foam sealant to close the gap between the bowl and the flange. Secure the bolts and reconnect the water line, turn the water on, and flush the toilet.
How is a toilet anchored to the floor?
Typically, a toilet is anchored to the floor using a couple of closet bolts. The bolts go through the toilet base, extending roughly 2 inches up into the base. First, the floor needs to be prepped by chiseling out areas corresponding to the bolt locations.
Once that is complete, a wax ring can be placed to provide a watertight seal. The bolts are then screwed into the floor, and a mounting flange nut is placed on the inside. The flange nut provides an extension of the bolts by allowing extra threading for the toilet itself.
After securing the flange nut into place, the toilet can be placed onto the mounting bolts and secured with a washer and nut. That way, the toilet will stay anchored to the floor.
How tight should the anchor bolts be on a toilet?
The anchor bolts that secure a toilet to the floor should be tightened to between 70 and 90 foot-pound of torque. This amount of force is necessary to ensure that the toilet is firmly attached to the floor and isn’t going to move or become loose over time.
To achieve the necessary torque, a wrench should be used, rather than just tightening the bolts by hand. Too much torque can cause the bolt to be over tightened, leading to cracking around the flange.
Too little torque, however, can cause the bolts to become loose over time and the toilet may become wobbly.
Does a toilet need to be bolted down?
Yes, a toilet should be bolted down. This is because toilets that are not properly secured can shift with even slight movements and cause leaks and other problems. Additionally, the uneven weight distribution if a toilet is not bolted down can cause severe damage to the flooring, particularly if it is a heavier toilet.
Bolting down the toilet will prevent these problems and help ensure that your toilet remains securely in place for many years to come.
Do new toilets come with bolts?
Sometimes new toilets come with bolts, but it largely depends on the model and where you purchase it. Many toilets come with a set of stainless steel bolts that are used to attach the toilet to the floor and secure the toilet on the flange.
The bolts are usually in a box that’s sealed and separate from the toilet, either attached to the box the toilet came in or included inside. If the bolts aren’t included in the box, they may have to be purchased separately.
It’s also possible that the bolts in the toilet kit are not the correct size for your bathroom’s flange, so you may have to buy bolts at the same time you buy the toilet.
How much does it cost to anchor a toilet?
The cost to anchor a toilet can vary depending on the materials and labor involved. The cost of the materials can include the bolts, washers, and nuts used to secure the toilet along with the caulk and sealant used to ensure a secure fit.
Additionally, the cost of labor to professionally install and anchor a toilet can range from $150 to $500 depending on the complexity of the job and the contractor’s rates. If you choose to install the toilet yourself, the cost of materials should average around $20-$50, but will vary depending on the type of toilet you are anchoring and the specific materials used.
Can a toilet go on a stud wall?
Yes, a toilet can be installed on a stud wall. However. Firstly, what type of toilet will be installed needs to be considered. Wall hung toilets, or tankless toilets, must be secured to the stud wall with special mounting hardware in order to make them secure.
Similarly, floor-mounted toilets may be installed on a stud wall, but the wall must be reinforced to make sure it can handle the weight of the toilet, tank, and any additional fixtures. Furthermore, the wall must be watertight and waterproof, as a leaky wall could damage the structure of the entire home.
Finally, special materials (such as waterproof mortar and water-resistant gypsum board) may need to be used to make the wall stronger and more resilient when installing a toilet on the stud wall. Once these factors have been considered, the installation process for a toilet on a stud wall is similar to a traditional installation.
Do you need plumbers putty to install a toilet?
Yes, plumbers putty is required when installing a toilet. Plumbers putty is a beneficial sealant for certain types of plumbing installations, such as the installation of a toilet. The putty is designed to be easy to apply, strong, and waterproof.
It is important to properly use the putty when installing a toilet to ensure a secure connection between the toilet and the drainage pipe. Once the toilet is in place, the putty should be applied in a generous amount around the wax ring.
From there, the toilet base should be placed over the putty and tightened down to the floor to ensure a secure installation. Plumbers putty should be left in place until it hardens, which should take no more than several hours.
Afterward, any residual putty can be wiped off with a damp cloth. It is important to use plumbers putty when installing a toilet as it helps to seal the joint and avoid any leaks or other water damage.
How far off the wall should a toilet be?
The ideal distance for a toilet to be from the wall is roughly 18 to 19 inches. This should give plenty of room for your wall edges to be clear of the toilet, while being close enough so that it fits comfortably in the bathroom.
If you’re struggling to find any space between the wall and the toilet, it’s likely because it is too close. If that’s the case, then you should move the toilet away from the wall to get it to the ideal 18 to 19 inches.
If you’re having trouble finding the right distance, you can always use a tape measure or a measuring stick to make sure you have the proper amount of space. You should also check the measurements of any new toilet you’re planning on purchasing to ensure that it will fit in the space you have available.
Having the proper distance between your toilet and the wall will help it to function correctly and reduce the chances you’ll need to repair it anytime soon.
How do you keep toilet bolts in place?
Keeping toilet bolts in place can be a challenge, but there are a few steps you can take to ensure that they stay firmly in place. First, you should use the proper nuts and bolts when connecting the toilet to the floor.
For the bolts, they should be shorter than the thickness of the flooring and should have a rubber washer on the end to prevent them from loosening. Additionally, use plumber’s putty or a water-tight sealant on the end that is underneath the toilet and on top of the floor to help keep it in place.
If your toilet is unlevel, you can use a pry-bar or shims to adjust the feet and then use a longer bolt on top. Lastly, to make sure the bolts are tight, you can use an open-end wrench and tighten them until snug.
With proper installation and regular checking of the bolts, you can keep your toilet firmly in place.
What can I use to stabilize my toilet?
If your toilet is wobbly or not sitting firmly on the ground, you can use a toilet stabilizer to help secure and stabilize it. Toilet stabilizers are designed to fit under your toilet, providing a stable base and preventing the toilet from shifting or moving.
You can purchase stabilizers from home improvement or plumbing stores. They are typically made of rubber, plastic, or foam and fit easily under the toilet. Before installing the stabilizer, make sure it is the correct size for your toilet.
To install the stabilizer, place it directly under your toilet, making sure the stabilizer is centered. If you have tile or wood floors, you may need to secure the stabilizer in place with screws or anchors.
Once the stabilizer is in place, the toilet should sit securely, preventing any wobbling or shifting of the toilet.
Can loose toilet bolts cause leak?
Yes, loose toilet bolts can cause a leak. Toilet bolts are responsible for attaching the toilet to the floor, as well as securing the wax seal at the base of the toilet that keeps it from leaking when flushed.
When the bolts aren’t secured properly, the wax seal can become dislodged, resulting in water leaking from the base. Additionally, when the toilet is not attached to the floor securely, it may rock or tilt and create a gap between the wax seal and the base of the toilet, allowing the water to seep out.
Furthermore, the bolts themselves can corrode or come loose over time, and when the bolts loosen, they can cause water to leak from the tank at the back of the toilet. The best way to prevent these leaks is to check the toilet bolts regularly to make sure they are in good condition and tightened properly.