Do you always need caulking around the bottom of toliets?
by
Glorie Reed
+2
I think the smell in my bathroom is from the caulk, help!
5 answers
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If there is an odor, its probably leaking and needs new wax seals. Caulk doesnt smell on its own.
Tile By Gregory
on Jul 29, 2013
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new caulk can have a strong (chemical) odor... especially a silicone for several days (is this what you smell?). I have back and forth on caulking a toilet to the floor... this should be only an aesthetic decision and absolutely not necessary for the control of water or a sewage smell. if you smell sewage or see water. think @Tile By Gregory is dead on. replace wax ring...
Building Moxie
on Jul 29, 2013
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I have heard to NEVER caulk around the base of a toilet. If there is a leak under the toilet the caulk would hide the problem, and the subfloor could be ruined.
Anna
on Jul 30, 2013
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that's a good point @Anna ... and I agree that if a sewagy smell is the problem here. caulk is not the answer. cheers.
Building Moxie
on Jul 31, 2013
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I agree with Anna Parker and Tile by Gregory. As a matter of fact, one of the contestants on All American Handyman was criticized for caulking the base of the toilet. Mike Holmes explained that caulk will hide a leaky wax ring and allow the subfloor to rot. If there is a bad smell, the wax ring is probably leaking and needs to be replaced.
S137
on Aug 01, 2013
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