Securing a toilet to a tile floor requires a few basic tools and supplies. First, you will need to make sure you have a drill, a set of screws and anchors, a tape measure, and a piece of cardboard or the packaging from the toilet.
To begin, take the measure and measure the distance between the two holes on the toilet and mark the measurements on the cardboard. Then, remove the toilet and place the cardboard template on the tile where the toilet will be installed and mark the drill holes using the pencil markings.
Next, using the drill, drill the holes at the exact depth by using the piece of cardboard or packaging as a reference. Finally, insert the anchors and screws into the pre-drilled holes, making sure to drive the screws in securely.
Once the toilet is secure, you may need to level it with a shim, if necessary, and tighten the bolts. Once completed, the toilet should be safely secured to the tile floor.
Can you set a toilet on top of tile?
Yes, you can set a toilet on top of tile. When tiling a bathroom, it is important to prepare the substrate correctly before tiling. This applies to the floor and the wall tiles. If the substrate is not properly prepped, there is a chance that the tiles may crack or crumble, or the grout may become uneven and create an unsightly final look.
This preparation step is especially important around the toilet.
The toilet should be securely mounted on the bathroom floor and the flange should be resting on the tile. Make sure that the toilet is level and make any adjustments as necessary. Once the toilet is in place, make sure to mark the area around the flange, so you know where there is no substrate, only the flange.
Once the substrate is properly prepped and the toilet is in place, begin tiling around the toilet. Since the tiles will be installed in the area around the flange, use a flexible thinset mortar instead of a rigid one.
Flexible thinset will absorb the expansion and contraction of the toilet, which can be caused by temperature and humidity.
Once all the tiles are in place, use a grout that is waterproof and flexible, so it can handle the expansion and contraction of the toilet. Make sure to use a small grout bag, so you can get into the tricky areas around the flange and toilet.
Finally, caulk the space between the flange and the wall tile, so that water does not seep down in that area and cause damage. You can also apply a sealer over the tiles, so that they are extra protected.
Setting the toilet on top of the tile requires a bit of time and patience, but with the right techniques and materials, you can create a beautiful and long-lasting installation.
What do you put between tile and toilet?
When installing a tile floor in a bathroom, there are several important steps that need to be taken to ensure a secure and long-lasting bond between the tile and the toilet. The first step is to ensure that all surfaces are clear and free of debris.
Any dirt, dust, or other material should be removed with a vacuum or damp cloth and allowed to dry completely. Once all surfaces are clean and dry, a layer of thinset mortar should be applied to the area between the tile and the toilet.
This should be done with a notched trowel, using straight and overlapping strokes, to cover the entire area. After the thinset mortar is applied and allowed to dry, a layer of grout should be added. Depending on the type of tile being installed, the grout should have a consistency similar to peanut butter.
Finally, the grout should be troweled into the joints, scraped away any excess, and allowed to dry and cure for a minimum of 24 hours before use.
Does toilet flange need to be attached to floor?
Yes, typically the toilet flange must be securely attached to the floor. It is important to ensure that the flange is properly sealed, as a faulty connection can cause water to leak out of the toilet and onto your bathroom floor, creating a potentially hazardous wet surface.
It is also important to ensure that the flange is secure to the floor, so it can support the weight of the toilet without warping or shifting. The most common way to secure a toilet flange to the floor is to use bolts.
It is important to use the appropriate hardware and to double check that the nuts are secured tightly to ensure the flange is properly attached to the floor.
What screws to use for toilet flange on tile?
Using screws for a toilet flange on tile is a great way to create a secure connection and ensure that the flange remains in place. The type of screws you should use will depend on the material of the tile and the wall surface.
For ceramic tile, use drywall screws, 3-inch plastic anchor screws, toggle bolts, or masonry screws. If you are mounting the flange a plywood, plastic, or solid wood surface, use wood screws or machine screws.
However, if these types of screws won’t fit in the mounting holes of your flange, you can use metal screws with a metal anchor. All screws should be corrosion-resistant and durable enough to stand up to the water and moisture around a toilet, as well as any wax ring material used when installing the toilet.
Do you glue a toilet flange down?
Yes, it is typically recommended to glue a toilet flange down. Toilet flanges must be properly sealed to the floor, or they will leak. You can use pipe sealant to glue the flange to the floor, or use concrete screws or plastic anchors if you cannot get pipe sealant.
It is important to make sure the flange is level when you glue it down, as an uneven flange could cause the toilet to rock, resulting in leaks. After the flange is glued, it should be sealed with a toilet wax ring to provide additional security against leaks.
When the toilet is installed, it should be firmly fastened to the flange with the nuts that came with the toilet.
Will silicone hold a toilet in place?
Yes, silicone is often used to help hold toilets in place and provide a secure fit onto the floor. Silicone is a durable and waterproof sealant that bonds well to the floor, allowing it to securely hold the toilet down to prevent any movement.
Since silicone forms a tight seal, it is also useful in preventing any water leakage due to shifting. When installing a toilet, it is recommended to use silicone caulk along the flange, the bottom of the toilet, and the toilet rim.
It is important to let the silicone dry completely before putting the tank on and using the toilet. Silicone is a great material for toilet installation and provides a secure and waterproof hold.
Can I use silicone on toilet flange?
Yes, you can use silicone on a toilet flange. Silicone sealant is a great choice for toilet flange installation as it provides a good seal and bonds well with the materials used in the flange. Silicone also has properties that make it waterproof, so it is resistant to any leaks that may occur.
It is important to make sure that the silicone is applied to the flange properly, as any mistakes may lead to leaks or other issues. It is best to ensure the flange is clean before applying the sealant, and use a separate caulking gun or applicator to apply the silicone evenly to the base of the flange.
To ensure a good seal, it is also important to make sure that the silicone is spread thinly and evenly around the base of the flange.
What kind of glue do you use on a toilet flange?
The best kind of glue to use on a toilet flange is a plumber’s grade PVC cement. This type of adhesive is specifically designed to provide a bonding solution for plastic pipes like those commonly used in toilet installations.
For an even stronger bond, you can use both PVC cement and an anaerobic sealant. These sealants are made to prevent water leakage and can be used in conjunction with the cement to guarantee a secure, leak-free connection.
Be sure to clean the area around the flange and pipe thoroughly before applying the glue to ensure a strong bond.
Why does my toilet keep coming loose from the floor?
This could be due to a few different causes. The most common reason for a toilet coming loose from the floor is due to improper installation. This could mean that the original installer did not use the appropriate bolts, screws, or adhesive to attach the toilet to the floor, or that these elements were not placed deep enough within the subfloor to avoid becoming loose over time.
Another cause may be due to normal wear and tear causing the toilet bolts to become loose. This is a common problem if the toilet has been in use for a number of years, or if it has received a lot of use due to a high volume of water usage in the home.
The use of a flange may also be necessary if there is a gap between the floor and the toilet, as this will help to secure the toilet in place. Additionally, if the floor is uneven, the toilet may rock back and forth and eventually come loose from the floor.
Left unchecked, the rocking motion may even cause damage to the flooring around the toilet.
All of these problems can be solved with some basic repairs and maintenance, such as replacing the existing bolts with longer ones, and making sure any adhesive used for installation is firmly in contact with the floor.
A plumber should be able to inspect the installation and make any necessary repairs, or replace the toilet if needed.
Can you use shims to level a toilet?
Yes, you can use shims to level a toilet. Shims, which are thin tapered pieces of wood, are a quick and easy way to level a toilet. To use them, you will want to place a shim between the toilet’s base and the floor, and then rotate the shim until it sits flush against the floor.
Make sure to test the level of the toilet by sliding a level along the side of it. You may need to add more than one shim to get the toilet level and stable. Depending on your needs, you can purchase shims from your local hardware store or make them yourself.
Once you have the toilet leveled and stable, make sure to check that it is also securely attached to the floor, as shims alone will not keep it from shifting.
Does a toilet have to be perfectly level?
No, a toilet does not have to be perfectly level in order to function properly. The amount of tilt or off-levelness of a toilet can vary greatly depending upon the toilet type and the installation. Most toilets are designed to be installed with a slight backwards tilt for good drainage, but a toilet can be off-level by as much as a half-inch without causing any major damage.
In general, it is best for the comfort of the user to have the toilet perfectly level, but the most important factor is to make sure the toilet is properly mounted and structurally sound. If the toilet is installed correctly and not unstable, then the amount of tilt should not cause any issues.
Can you install a toilet on unlevel floor?
Yes, it is possible to install a toilet on an unlevel floor. It is important to make sure that the toilet is installed correctly to ensure it is stable and secure. When installing a toilet on an unlevel floor, it is important to use a wax seal and install shims to level out the flooring underneath the toilet.
It is also important to check for any plumbing issues or blockages in the pipes before installing the toilet. Additionally, you should use a quality toilet wax to create a watertight seal around the toilet and make sure all the nuts and bolts are properly tightened.
It is also important to check the toilet for level when it is installed and make any necessary adjustments. Installing a toilet on an unlevel floor is not impossible and can be done, however, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Is it better to tile under or around a toilet?
When it comes to tiling around or below a toilet, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and aesthetic. Tiling under the toilet offers a structured look, as all of the tile will be the same, and a consistent look all the way across the room.
Tiling around the toilet offers more creative freedom, as you can pair the tile with different colors, patterns, and textures. It is also a more forgiving option, as if one tile needs to be replaced, you won’t have to rip up the entire floor.
If you do decide to tile under the toilet, we recommend using adhesive caulk or a flexible grout to ensure no water will get in through cracks. If you’d rather go with tiling around the toilet, measure twice and cut once is the motto, and always remember to leave enough extra to accommodate any cuts.
Ultimately, it is personal preference and what works best with the design of the space.
What causes a toilet to rock back and forth?
The most common cause of a rocking toilet is when the toilet flange, or the pipe connecting the toilet to the sewer line, is not properly sealed to the floor. This can be due to a poorly installed flange, a warped or uneven flange, or an improperly fitted wax seal.
Additionally, a flange can become damaged or loose over time, due to changes in temperature or prolonged use, which can cause the toilet to rock back and forth. On occasion, the floor beneath the toilet may also be uneven, which can result in the toilet rocking.
To ensure that the toilet is securely and firmly mounted to the floor, it is important to check and replace the flange if needed and to make sure that the wax seal is fitted properly.