Can I (Should I) Caulk Around a Toilet?

Question

Wax seal is oozing. Looks to be still sealing. I'd like to clean it up and caulk.

Matthew Paul · Answer

I have seen this too many times , people caulk around a toilet . Then when there is some small leakage it is never noticed till too late . The water stays under the toilet and seeps into the sub floor . It turns into a rotten mess . Generally have to rip the entire bathroom floor out .

Just reolace the wax seal . its less than $6.00

James Wise · Answer

Or, just replace the wax seal?

Bryan Devitt · Answer

NO!! DO NOT CAULK IT!!! If the seal is leaking, get a rubber ring from a box store (wax rings are old school and wear out) and you will never have to deal with it again. As stated before, if it is leaking now, you're not fixing the leak, you're diverting it into the framing and causing way worse damage. I have fixed more of these than I can count. It will destroy everything around the toilet and under it for at least a thousand dollars. Or you can turn off the one supply valve, flush the toilet, vacuum the rest of the water from the bottom, disconnect the supply line, undo the 2 bolts, pull it up and put it on a trash bag, scrape the old wax off the bottom and the discharge pipe, put the rubber ring on and put it back together. It takes about 30 minutes if you know what you're doing or an hour watching YouTube. Easiest $1k you will ever save yourself, not to mention the headaches

Brian Pulaski · Answer

Replacing wax rings are very easy. Just takes a few tools and an hour or two.

If you are worried about using another wax ring, look into the non wax version (Sani Seal is one). I've used them in the past and had luck. Also gives you a chance to see if there are issues under the toilet.

Matthew Paul · Answer

I get 3 or 4 home depot bags and put them inside each other . I then stick my hand in them and pull out the wax ring from the base and get whats on the toilet . Then I just fold it over and throw away

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Replace the wax ring and ensure it's sealed properly. The caulking is more for appearances.

Shawn Coverdell · Answer

I don't on mine. Looks great right? until you go back in on the turn. Once you clean up after a entitlement person you will never caulk them again. and if you ever replace a toilet, the base never matches so you have to spend time cleaning up the line that is very visible from the nasty caulking on the previous toilet.

Because this is a never ending 50/50 debate, why do it?

Can I (Should I) Caulk Around a Toilet?

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