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Avoid leaks and odors by caulking your toilet
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Caulking around a toilet is usually done to hide the gap between the toilet’s base and the floor for cosmetic reasons or to prevent odor leakage. It’s a relatively simple home improvement project that many people can do themselves. In this article, we’ll teach you all the steps on how to caulk around a toilet and why it’s beneficial. Plus, get expert advice from professional handyman Art Fricke.
Best Way to Seal a Toilet with Caulk
Remove any old caulk and clean up around the base of the toilet. Load 100% silicone caulk into a caulk gun and slowly apply it at a 45-degree angle around the toilet, leaving a slight gap at the back in case of leaks. Scoop off excess caulk with your finger and allow it to cure for 24 hours.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
Preparing the Toilet for Caulking
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Scrape off any old caulk. If your toilet already has a caulk seal around the base, remove it rather than applying new caulk directly over it. Run a caulk removal tool along the joint between the toilet and the floor to scrape it out, or use a utility or razor knife to loosen the caulk at one end. Aim to pull it up in 1 long strip. [1] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Department of Energy Official site for the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source
- Find a dedicated caulk removal tool at a home improvement store or online.
- Before scraping, apply a commercial caulk remover to make clean up easier. Just make sure to check the product’s label to prevent any possible damage to your floors or toilet.
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Clean the base of the toilet. After clearing the joint of any caulk, scoop out any debris, such as paint chips, dirt, or rust, to get the area as clean as possible. Use a general purpose bathroom cleaner and a rag to clean in and around the joint. The cleaner you can get the area, the better of a seal you’ll be able to apply. After cleaning, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol to disinfect it. [2] X Research source
- Press a tissue around the base of the toilet to check for moisture. If you find a leak, remove the toilet and replace the wax ring before continuing.
- If any water or other liquid gets in the joint, do your best to dry it. If you can’t quite reach it, let it dry completely (typically overnight) before applying the caulk. Caulking over liquid will trap it, which can damage your flooring.
- Ensure the toilet is even and tight to the floor. If it moves, tighten the bolts or use a shim to straighten it out. Don’t use the caulk to secure the toilet to the floor if it’s loose or uneven.
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Apply masking tape to the floor. Not only will this help you get a straighter, smoother seal, but it will prevent any caulk from getting on your floors. Put masking tape on either side of the joint, one following the toilet’s base and the other along the floor. If you’re worried about your caulking abilities, use a second strip on either side to double the width of the masking tape and protect more of your floors. [3] X Research source
- Since most toilets have a round base, you’ll probably have to use several strips of tape to properly follow the curve. Tear up pieces a few inches long and apply them to the floor, following the curve of the toilet’s base.
- Alternatively, buy curved masking tape that is more flexible than typical tape. This will save some time when taping your floor.
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Section 2 of 4:
Caulking Around the Toilet Base
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Choose 100% silicone caulk. This caulk is best for use on a toilet because it’s more water-resistant than other types of caulk, like acrylic. Silicone caulk is typically a bit more expensive than other types, but that extra money will save you the problems that come with an improper seal. Look for the phrase “waterproof” on the tube. [4] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Department of Energy Official site for the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source
- If you prefer to do so, match the color of your caulk to your bathroom. White usually fits most styles, but choose what works best for you.
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Insert the caulk tube into a caulk gun. Cut the tip off of the caulk tube and puncture the end with the metal rod attached to the gun. While the tube holds the sealant, the caulk gun is what allows you to deliver it. At the back of the gun’s body, push the metal release (usually shaped like a trigger) forward to pull back the plunger. Then, insert the caulk tube and push the plunger into the back of the tube. [5] X Trustworthy Source University of Missouri Extension University of Missouri program dedicated to research-based, practical public education Go to source
- The plastic body of the gun holds the tube, and the plunger is a metal pole with a flat end that runs the length of the body.
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Pull the caulk gun along the joint between the toilet and floor. To use a caulk gun , pull on the trigger and keep the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle. Move the gun slowly and smoothly around the base of the toilet, keeping consistent pressure on the trigger. Do this around the whole toilet, leaving a small gap at the back of it. [6] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Department of Energy Official site for the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source
- Use the hand not holding the gun to press the tip of the caulk tube against the joint to ensure that the caulk is pushed into the joint.
- Pushing the caulk rather than pulling it along will make it more difficult to create a consistent seal.
- Leaving an unsealed gap at the back of the toilet allows the air to circulate. If there’s a leak, it prevents the water from getting trapped under the caulk where you can’t see it.
- To prevent caulk from dribbling onto your floors, keep a piece of cardboard nearby to lay the gun on if you need to stop for any reason.
- If you have trouble getting the caulk gun behind the toilet, try using caulk in a squeeze tube for more flexibility
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Scoop off excess caulk with your finger. Run your finger along the caulk seal to push it deeper into the joint, sealing it more fully. This also allows you to scoop off any extra caulk, resulting in a cleaner joint. Dip your finger in water or rubbing alcohol if you’re worried about the caulk sticking to your finger. Discard any caulk buildup directly into the garbage, or collect it on a piece of cardboard to dispose of later. [7] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Department of Energy Official site for the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source
- If you’re worried about dirtying your hands or irritating your skin, wear gloves, or use something with a flat edge, like a credit card, to smooth the caulk.
- If you're having trouble smoothing the caulk down with your finger, Fricke recommends pushing the bead line down with masking tape. He says to “get it nice and smooth,” then remove the tape before the caulk gets tacky. You should have a perfect caulk line without as much of a mess. [8]
X
Expert Source
Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 14 August 2020. - Or, buy a dedicated caulk finishing tool to clean up your seal, but this isn’t strictly necessary.
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Peel off the tape. If you used masking tape, it should peel off quite easily. Pull the tape at a 45-degree angle away from you. If you got caulk on the tape, be careful as you peel it to avoid spilling the sealant on your floors. Masking tape usually shouldn’t leave any sticky residue, but if it does, use a product like Goo Gone to get rid of it. [9] X Research source
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Clean around the joint with a damp rag or sponge. It isn’t necessary to apply any cleaning solution to the sponge or rag, as its absorbency should clean up any spilled caulk. Pass a damp rag or sponge lightly around the base of the toilet, picking up any caulk around the joint. Make as many passes as you need to clean up the joint, rinsing between passes. [10] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Department of Energy Official site for the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source
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Allow the caulk to cure. The curing time for caulk depends on the type you choose, so read the label carefully. In general, though, caulk needs about 24 hours to cure. [11] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Department of Energy Official site for the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source Caulk hardens as it’s exposed to oxygen, but if you’re in a hurry, Fricke says, “You can speed it up a little bit with some heat and blowing air. [Using] a fan helps or a hair dryer on low.” [12] X Expert Source Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 14 August 2020. Don’t use high heat, however, as this could make the caulk take longer to cure.- Fricke also says you can buy fast-curing silicone caulk
“that's water ready in 30 minutes. It's not really any more expensive than any other silicone caulk.” [13]
X
Expert Source
Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 14 August 2020.
- Fricke also says you can buy fast-curing silicone caulk
“that's water ready in 30 minutes. It's not really any more expensive than any other silicone caulk.” [13]
X
Expert Source
Art Fricke
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I get a straight caulk line?Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile.Take your time and put down a bead of caulk. Then, press masking tape down over the silicone to get it nice and smooth. Pull up the tape before the silicone gets tacky―you should have a perfect caulk line that goes exactly where you want it to go.
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Things You’ll Need
- Silicone caulk
- Caulk gun
- Masking tape
- Sponge or rag
- Caulk finishing tool (optional)
Tips
- Let the caulk sit for about 24 hours before getting it wet.Thanks
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Warnings
- Caulk should not be used to secure a loose toilet.Thanks
- Don’t caulk around a toilet to try to fix a leak. Leaking water will get trapped behind the caulk and damage your floors.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/caulking
- ↑ https://energy.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/E-ConDIYCaulking.pdf?fwd=no
- ↑ https://campainters.com/how-to-caulking/
- ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/caulking
- ↑ https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/gh4881
- ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/caulking
- ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-savings-project-using-caulk-seal-air-leaks
- ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 August 2020.
- ↑ https://campainters.com/how-to-caulking/
- ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-savings-project-using-caulk-seal-air-leaks
- ↑ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-savings-project-using-caulk-seal-air-leaks
- ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 August 2020.
- ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 August 2020.
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/caulk-around-toilet/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/caulk-around-toilet/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/caulk-around-toilet/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/caulk-around-toilet/
- ↑ https://energy.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/E-ConDIYCaulking.pdf?fwd=no
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/what-is-caulk-used-for/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/caulk-around-toilet/
- ↑ https://energy.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/E-ConDIYCaulking.pdf?fwd=no
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/easy-home-repairs/
About This Article
Article Summary
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Caulk is useful to hide the gap between the toilet and the floor and to prevent odor leakage. All you'll need to caulk around a toilet is a utility knife, masking tape, silicone caulk, an application gun, and cleaning rags. First, remove any old caulk, as caulk is more effective when it's placed directly on the surface. Then, you'll need to place masking tape on the floor around the joint so you get a straight seal. As you apply the new caulk, hold the application gun at a 45-degree angle to create a smooth seal. Once you've finished, smooth away any excess caulk using your finger and then peel the masking tape off. For more information on caulking around a toilet, like how to clean the base of the toilet before you begin, read on!
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