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 New Jersey home inspection NJ home inspectors perform Certified New Jersey home inspections in NJ.TOILET WATER CLOSET OR BIDET BOWL LOOSE ON FLOOR (caulk / reset): A loose water closet or bidet may leak or it may crack around the base. Either condition can lead to a major problem. Leaking water closets or bidets may cause rot to wood subfloors, walls, flooring, etc. In multi-storied buildings the situation can worsen if the leak damages the ceilings below. Secure the fixture to the floor as soon as possible. If the inspector indicated "caulk" possibly caulking to the floor is all that is needed. If the floor is concrete this may be an acceptable method of repair since nothing is below the concrete which can be damaged, such as wood subfloors or ceilings. See if the inspector checked 67f (wood subfloor). Caulk should be applied to the fixture bowl base where it meets the flooring material. If you have wood floors you should leave a small gap at the back side of the bowl which is not caulked. The reason for this is so water will be visible to you (should a leak occur) before it damages the wood subfloor. One of the major reasons for caulking a water closet or bidet bowl to a floor is to stabilize and secure the unit. See 6700 for additional information regarding caulking in general. If leaking is noted around the base of the fixture or if the fixture slides side to side, a new wax seal may have to be installed. In this case the inspector may have indicated the word "reset." Replacing the seal will require removal of the fixture. One effective method of replacing the seal is as follows. Turn the water off to the fixture and disconnect the water supply line. Flush all water from the tank then force any remaining water from the bowl with a water closet plunger. Remove the hold-down nuts or bolts from the fixture base then lift the unit onto a strong five gallon can, preferably a plastic one. Have someone hold the fixture in place on the can. Reach under the fixture and remove the old wax seal. Sometimes it will remain on the closet flange (the pipe in the floor) and reaching under will not be necessary. After complete removal of the old wax seal replace with a new one on the closet flange. If a type of flooring has been installed which lifts the fixture from its original setting atop the flange, such as ceramic tile, you may need to stack two wax seals, one atop the other. Carefully lift the fixture from the can and set it onto the new seal making sure the bolts come up through the attachment holes in the base of the unit. The bowl will not immediately seat, especially in cold weather. Pressure will be needed to "squeeze" the wax into the new position. Some people sit on water closets backward and slightly rock side to side to effect proper seating of the bowl. When tightening the bolts and/or nuts which fasten the bowl to the floor, be careful to not overtighten them as this may crack the base of the bowl. If this happens, the bowl is ruined and must be replaced. Tighten the nuts or bolts a little at a time, possibly over a period of several days. After the bowl is properly seated you should apply caulk around the base of the bowl. Contact a Plumbing Contractor for assistance if you feel unqualified to perform this repair.
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This file was last updated on Thursday, 06-Mar-2008 09:38:14 EST * Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector License GI 0121. |
