To Caulk or Not To Caulk The Base Of A Toilet, That Is The Question

November 27th, 2014  Thansgiving Day

TO CAULK or NOT TO CAULK the BASE OF A TOILET, THAT IS THE QUESTION.

  Let's start with something easy;
 I was just debating on the RIGID website about the cost/benefit analysis of caulking a toilet to the floor.

   To caulk or not to caulk,
                                         the base of a toilet,
                                                                       That is the question

     This more fiercely debated than I would have thought but some people have never caulked a toilet and they feel that they have to defend their past installs, I understand that , I do, but when new information comes to light, you have to re-evaluate. No big deal. It only hurts if you fight it.

   I have always been firmly against it, on the basis that caulk hides a leak. I have thought that for 20 years or so. I was wrong and I'd like to reverse my opinion.

 The State of California states that a toilet will be caulked to the floor at the base.

 http://home.howstuffworks.com/toilet1.html     In the big scheme of things;  this is a stupid argument.   BUT, 

   

                    It's important, especially if you build with a fine toothed comb. To understand a simple appliance like your household water closet, you have to know how it works.
A toilet always has a stable amount of water in it. This is controlled by gravity. An S-shaped chamber that keeps water levels at a constant until siphoned at the flush. Is water going to sneak thru , defying gravity and spilling out onto your floor? Hope not, but if it does, the caulk has no place in the equation. If the water and waste doesn't freely fall through the siphon line,  then the issue comes down to a clogged sewer line. Which, if your toilet is clogged, your issues go waaayyy beyond a well placed bead of caulk.
   

I had always thought that beading caulk around a toilet base was a last ditch effort to stop a leak. A failed wax ring. BUT, The State of California has deemed caulk a necessity. I've always considered California Building Codes to be at the top of the practice so I researched and kept an open mind. Here is my dissertation of all of the B.S. surrounding this.

     Caulking around the toilet base is neccessary for cleanliness. You CANNOT clean around the crack that is presented where the toilet hits the floor, BUT you CAN clean a caulk joint. 

     Does this matter in your home? Not really. Do what you want. I'm not planning to eat ANY fajitas you've cooked near your toilet. This not what the State of Cali is getting at. The aim is to keep  restaurants clean and to put a law into writing with no room for translation. 
1HomeGuru.
  If you have any issues or arguments with my math, email me at 1manappliancerepair@gmail.com.
  I'll publish your comments IF I can make you look stupid.  That's the Google way.
         If you make me look stupid, Well, I'll just pretend I never got your questions.
Thank you. Drive thru.
  Just kidding. bnr.