Fixing a rotting floor under a toilet requires a few steps, depending on the degree of damage.
First, you need to determine the extent of the damage by removing the toilet and inspecting the floor beneath. If the floor is simply rotting around the toilet, you can cut out the affected area and replace it with fresh wood.
If the damage is more extensive, the entire floor may need to be replaced.
Before replacing the floor, make sure to trace the water lines and mark them clearly. This will help when reinstalling the toilet. After cutting away the old floor, use a backer board such as cement board to prepare the new flooring.
Lay down the flooring, making sure that it is even and level. Once the flooring is installed and all of the plumbing is in place, the toilet can be reinstalled. Make sure that all of the plumbing is properly connected, and double check all of the connections for leaks.
Finally, use caulk and grout around the base of the toilet to ensure a watertight seal from the floor up. You may need to apply several coats and allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Once everything is dry, your new floor should be good as new!.
How much does it cost to replace subfloor under toilet?
The cost of replacing subflooring under a toilet can vary depending on the size of the area, the materials used, and whether or not new plumbing or fixtures need to be installed. Generally speaking, replacement subflooring costs between $1 and $5 per square foot, depending on materials and the degree of difficulty in accessing the area.
If the toilet and surrounding flooring need to be removed, labor and disposal fees may be added to the total cost. For example, if the subfloor measures 100 square feet, the cost might range from $100 to $500.
If new plumbing or fixtures must be installed, the cost could be greater. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in the cost of manpower, should you choose to hire a professional for installation. Labor fees for subfloor installation vary but typically, contractors charge anywhere from $45 to $65 per hour.
When should I replace the floor under my toilet?
If you have noticed any damage or uneven floors around the toilet, it’s likely time to replace the floor beneath it. Due to the amount of moisture that is often present in a bathroom, the flooring around toilets is especially vulnerable to water damage and mold growth.
Some signs that indicate it may be time to replace the floor under the toilet include buckling or warping of the flooring, softness when stepped on, visible mold or mildew, and discoloration of the flooring material.
Additionally, the toilet may be loose or unstable, or there may be a noticeable odor coming from the area. It is important to replace the floor under the toilet as soon as possible in order to avoid more serious damage, such as structural damage to your home.
How do you replace a rotted bathroom subfloor?
Replacing a rotted bathroom subfloor can be a laborious task, but it is necessary to ensure the long-term integrity of your bathroom. First, carefully remove the existing flooring from the subfloor to expose bad sections.
It is important to be thorough and check for any water damage that may not be visible from the surface. If the floor joists or beams underneath the subfloor are rotted, they will need to be replaced or reinforced.
Next, use a pry bar to remove the affected sections of subfloor. After the rotted pieces have been removed, clean the area with a pressure washer to remove any dirt and contaminants. Be sure to dry the area before going on to the next step.
Once the area is dry, use plywood to cover the frame of the floor. Be sure the plywood is secured in place and sealed along the ends and seams with a waterproof exterior-grade adhesive. This will help protect the subfloor from water damage.
Finally, you will need to install the new flooring of your choice over the new subfloor.
In conclusion, replacing a rotted bathroom subfloor can be somewhat time-consuming but is essential for protecting the structural integrity and longevity of your bathroom. It involves removing existing flooring and bad sections of subfloor, cleaning the area, using waterproof exterior-grade adhesive to secure a plywood base, and finally installing new flooring.
Can you install new floor without removing toilet?
It is possible to install a new floor without removing the toilet, depending on the type of flooring you plan to install and the existing subfloor. Vinyl flooring or tiles can be installed directly over the existing subfloor with the toilet in place since they are thin and lightweight materials.
Carpeting, laminate flooring, and engineered wood, however, require a thicker and more secure subfloor, so removal of the toilet (and any other fixtures) may be necessary. If the existing subfloor is thick enough and level, however, you can use self-leveling compound to create a new, level surface before installing the flooring.
It’s important to plan carefully and take any necessary safety precautions (like turning off the water supply to the toilet) before starting any flooring installation.
How do you cover a gap between toilet and floor?
One way to cover the gap between a toilet and the floor is to use a toilet shim. This can be purchased from a home improvement store or online. To use a toilet shim, start by removing the retaining bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
Then, slide a shim into the gap between the toilet and the floor. Use wax rings to reseal the base of the toilet to the floor, then reattach the retaining bolts. Repeat the process until the gap is filled.
You may need to use more than one shim to fill the gap, depending on how wide it is. To finish, you can use caulk to seal around the perimeter of the pan. This will help to create a robust seal and an improved fit between the toilet and the floor.
How often does the seal around the base of a toilet need replacing?
Replacing the seal around the base of the toilet typically doesn’t require very frequent attention, and can often last the lifetime of the toilet. However, it is important to regularly inspect the seal to make sure it is in good condition.
Over time, the seal may become cracked, hardened, or otherwise damaged due to excessive wear and tear. If it needs to be replaced, the seal should be replaced with a waterproof product specifically designed for toilet use that adheres to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Additionally, if there is any evidence of water seeping out of the area, the seal should also be replaced immediately.
How do you know if toilet is leaking under floor?
One of the first methods is to inspect the area around your toilet for signs of moisture or water damage. If you notice any discoloration in the area where the floor and wall meet, or any dark spots, this could be an indication of a water leak.
You may also check the floor near the toilet for any wetness or dampness, which could also be an indication of a leak. Another method you can use to determine if your toilet is leaking under the floor is to look for any cracks or weak spots in the seal between the toilet and the floor.
If the seal has been compromised, it could be allowing water to escape and cause a leak. You can also check for signs of water damage or staining and discoloration on the inside walls of your bathroom, as this could be an indication of a leak as well.
How much does a plumber charge to put a new seal on a toilet?
The cost to have a plumber put a new seal on a toilet can vary depending on multiple factors. The cost could range anywhere from $75 to $200 or more, depending on the cost of the new seal and any other materials needed, the labor rate in your local area, and the complexity of the job.
For instance, if the area around the toilet is old or weakened, more supplies and/or labor may be required. Generally, a plumber will itemize the cost of the job for you before starting any work, so be sure to ask for an estimate before any work is done.
What is the sealant for the base of a toilet?
The most common sealant to use for the base of a toilet is an all-purpose, non-hardening siliconized acrylic caulk. This type of caulk is specifically designed to adhere to both rough and smooth surfaces, making it ideal for the porcelain porcelain bowl of a toilet.
Before applying the caulk, all dirt, dust, soap scum, and other debris should be removed from the area. Be sure to read the instructions on the caulk tube and wear protective gloves to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Once the pourcelain is completely clean and dry, press the nozzle of the caulk tube to apply the sealant in a single continuous bead. Use a wet finger to smooth the bead and wipe away any excess caulk.
Allow the caulk to cure for at least 24 hours before using the toilet.
How far should toilet flange be above finished floor?
The distance the toilet flange should be above the finished floor will vary depending on the type of flange, the type of finished floor, and other considerations. To achieve proper adhesion and sealants, the flange should be flush with a finished wood subfloor, which would generally require a 1/4″ spacer.
For a tile or other hard surface, the flange should be 1/8″ to 1/4″ above the floor surface to account for bedding material and underlayment thickness. When installing a compression wax ring, the flange should be about 1/4″ to 1/2″ above the finished floor.
Alternatively, when using a donut-style wax ring, the flange should sit slightly below the finished floor with only a slight gap. It is important to remember that whatever distance you choose, the toilet should be level so that water properly drains into the drainpipe.
Should toilet flange be on top of vinyl plank flooring?
No, the toilet flange should not be installed on top of vinyl plank flooring. The toilet flange needs to be embedded in the flooring so that it is both stable and watertight. It is important to have the flange embedded properly in the flooring so that the toilet is affixed securely.
Additionally, water can seep under the toilet if the flange is not installed properly, causing damaging and costly repairs. To properly install the toilet flange for a vinyl plank floor, it is necessary to use a roto-zip tool to cut indents in the planks around the area where the flange will be placed.
Once the indents are cut in the planks, the flange wax seal can be laid down, the flange can be placed on the wax seal, and then the planks can be laid back into place. It is also important to use a self-leveling compound to ensure the floor is perfectly level in order for the toilet to sit flush.
This properly installed flange will ensure the toilet is attached securely and will prevent water damage.
Do you install toilet flange before or after flooring?
It depends on whether you are doing a remodel or installing a toilet in a new construction. When installing a toilet flange in an existing space, it should be installed before any flooring is laid down.
This is so the flange can be secured to the subfloor and the wax ring can be installed between the flange and the toilet pan. When installing a new toilet in a new construction, you’ll want to install the flange after the flooring is laid down.
This is to ensure a proper seal between the toilet and the floor. The wax ring should be installed between the flange and the toilet pan, and the flange should be secured to the flooring with screws.
How do you install a toilet over LVP?
Installing a toilet over luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is not a difficult task. Here are the steps to follow for mounting a toilet over LVP:
1. Measure the area where the toilet will be installed and mark the location of the flange on the LVP with a pencil.
2. Cut a circular hole in the LVP with a jigsaw at the location indicated by the pencil mark, making it slightly larger than the flange of the toilet.
3. Place the flange on the hole.
4. Secure the flange to the subfloor using galvanized nails or screws.
5. Place a bead of caulk between the toilet and the LVP flooring.
6. Install the remaining toilet parts such as the tank, the bowl, the hardware, and the bowl’s seal.
7. Connect the toilet to the water supply line.
8. Turn the water supply on to ensure the toilet is working correctly.
9. Clean the toilet, LVP, and adjacent areas with a damp cloth to ensure there are no spills or drips.
Installing a toilet over luxury vinyl plank flooring is a fairly straightforward task, and can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and instructions. Always follow the instructions that came with the toilet to ensure the job is done properly and you don’t have any problems after it’s installed.
Do I have to remove the toilet to install vinyl plank flooring?
No, you do not need to remove the toilet in order to install vinyl plank flooring. If the toilet is not too large and the space around the toilet is large enough, you can fit the flooring around it. It is usually recommended to leave a small gap around the toilet of approximately 1/4 inch to allow for any expansion.
If the space is tight, you can remove the toilet to make for easier installation of the vinyl plank flooring. Be sure to measure the space and check the size of the flooring before removing the toilet, as that is a more time and labor intensive task.