Are you tired of that unsightly gap between your toilet and the wall?
It’s not only an eyesore but can also let in cold air, making your bathroom less cozy. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to close the space between your toilet and wall. First things first, let’s talk about the tools and equipment you’ll need for this task.
Don’t fret – most of these items are inexpensive and readily available at any hardware store. You don’t have to be a DIY expert to get this done.
Next up, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of closing that pesky gap. We’ll cover everything from removing the toilet to accurately detecting the size of the gap and selecting the right materials to fill it up.
Not only will fixing this problem make your bathroom look cleaner and more streamlined, but it can also prevent unwanted odors from spreading into your walls. So if you’re ready to say goodbye to that annoying gap and hello to a fresh, polished bathroom, keep reading.
We’re excited to show you how to fix Gap Between Toilet And Wall.
Contents
Identifying the Cause of the Gap
It’s a simple issue to fix, but first, you need to identify the cause. Just like a doctor diagnosing a patient, finding the root of the problem is essential in determining the appropriate solution.
One common culprit for the gap is improper toilet installation. It’s like forcing a square peg into a round hole; it just won’t fit right.
If the bolts connecting your toilet to the floor were not tightened correctly during installation, it can cause the toilet to shift and create a gap. In this case, tightening the bolts should do the trick.
The settling of your house over time is another possible cause of gaps between fixtures and walls. Think of it like a crooked picture frame; adjusting the nails will make it straight again.
This situation requires more extensive work, such as leveling the floor or adjusting the plumbing. If your toilet is warped or unevenly pressurized, this could also lead to a gap between it and the wall.
Imagine trying to balance a ball on one side; it just won’t stay put. In this case, replacing the toilet is necessary to fix the issue.
To recap, identifying the cause of the gap is crucial in determining how to fix it. Each scenario requires a unique solution, just like cooking requires different ingredients for various dishes.
Assess each situation individually to determine what solution will work best. In conclusion, closing the gap between your toilet and wall is not rocket science.
However, if you’re unsure about your DIY skills, it’s best to seek assistance from a licensed plumber to avoid any further damage to your plumbing system.
Preparing to Replace the Toilet
To ensure a successful repair, it’s crucial to prepare adequately, just as a painter readies their canvas before beginning to paint.
First, turn off the water supply.
This step is akin to pausing a live TV show before grabbing some snacks. It’s essential to prevent any water from spraying everywhere while you’re working.
After the water is out, flush the toilet to remove any remaining water from the tank and bowl. Now that you have a dry workspace, it’s time to clear the area around the toilet.
Remove any items such as rugs or trash cans to create an unobstructed space. It’s also wise to keep a towel handy in case of any spills or leaks during the repair process.
Next up, disconnecting the plumbing connections. Use pliers or a wrench to unscrew the nuts connecting the water supply line and flange bolts to the toilet base.
This step is like unplugging cables from your computer before moving it around.
Now it’s time for the heavy lifting.
With a partner’s assistance, carefully lift the old toilet off of the flange bolts. It’s similar to removing a large turkey from the oven – teamwork makes it safer and faster.
Last but not least, inspect the flange and surrounding area for any damage or wear. This step is akin to checking your oven temperature before baking a cake – everything needs to be in good shape before proceeding.
Take your time turning off the water supply, clearing your workspace, disconnecting plumbing connections, and removing the old toilet.
Inspecting the Flange
When it comes to fixing a gap between your toilet and wall, inspecting the flange is an essential step.
Think of it as the foundation of your toilet – it connects your throne to the drainpipe in the floor, and it must be in good shape for everything else to function correctly. To inspect the flange, you need to remove the toilet from the floor first.
It’s like taking apart a puzzle to see how it works. Turn off the water supply, flush the toilet to remove any remaining water, and disconnect it from the water supply line.
Then, loosen the bolts that hold it to the floor. Now that you have access to the flange, you need to check it for any signs of damage or wear.
Look for cracks, corrosion or any other damage that might cause a gap between your toilet and wall. If you notice any leaks, you may have to replace the entire flange – just like swapping out old tires for new ones.
If there is no visible damage, check if the flange is level with the floor. An uneven flange can cause a gap between your toilet and wall – think of a wobbly table with one leg shorter than the others.
Use a level to check this and shim it with plastic or metal shims to create a level surface. Another important thing to check is whether the flange is securely attached to the floor.
If not, it will move when weight is applied to it, leaving space between your toilet and wall. Tighten any loose screws or bolts that hold it in place or replace them if they are damaged – just like tightening loose screws on a chair before sitting on it.
Replacing the Toilet
Perhaps your old toilet has shifted or moved away from the wall, leaving an awkward space.
The solution is simple: replace your outdated throne with a new one. Replacing a toilet may seem daunting, but it’s actually an easy process.
Start by turning off the water supply and draining the tank and bowl to prevent any spills. Remove the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor, taking care not to damage the flange on the floor.
Next, carefully lift the old toilet and move it away from the wall. If necessary, ask a friend for help as toilets can be heavy and difficult to lift.
To avoid any mess, place old towels or a tarp beneath the toilet before cleaning up any old wax or sealant on the floor. Install a new wax ring around the drain hole before positioning your new toilet over it.
Line up the bolt holes with those on the flange on the floor and press down firmly to get a good seal. Reattach the bolts and nuts, but be careful not to overtighten them as this could crack the porcelain bowl.
Once you have reinstalled the toilet, turn on the water supply and flush several times to check for leaks. If everything looks good, use caulk to fill any remaining gap between the toilet and the wall.
Replacing a toilet may be daunting for some, but with basic equipment and patience, you can easily do it yourself. However, if you’re unsure about any part of the process, it’s best to hire a professional plumber to help you out.
Turning on Water Supply and Testing for Leaks
Turning on the water supply and testing for leaks may seem like a small task, but it is actually a crucial one to ensure that your newly installed throne is functioning properly and won’t cause any headaches in the future.
Think of it like filling up a swimming pool. You wouldn’t just turn on the hose and walk away, right?
You would keep a close eye on the water level to make sure there aren’t any leaks. The same goes for your toilet repair job.
You should be alert and vigilant for any signs of leaks. Before turning on the water supply, double-check that the flange and wax ring are securely attached.
Once you have confirmed this, slowly turn on the water supply valve and allow water to flow into the tank. While the tank fills up, keep a watchful eye on the base of the toilet for any signs of leaks.
If you do notice any water seeping out, immediately turn off the water supply and inspect the flange and wax ring for any damage or misalignment. It’s better to fix any issues at this stage than wait for them to worsen over time.
Once you have confirmed there are no leaks, flush the toilet a few times to ensure everything is working properly. Pay attention to how quickly the water level in the tank refills after each flush – it should be consistent and not take too long.
If you notice any issues with the water level or refill time, don’t panic. You may only need to adjust the float or valve in the tank.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, fixing the gap between your toilet and wall is not just about aesthetics.
It’s also crucial for preventing unwanted odors and cold air from invading your bathroom. To determine the correct solution, identifying the source of the problem is critical.
This could involve tightening bolts or leveling the floor. When it comes to replacing a toilet, there are several necessary steps to take.
Turning off the water supply, clearing the area around the toilet, disconnecting plumbing connections, and removing the old toilet are all important steps. However, don’t forget about inspecting the flange – this connects your toilet to the drainpipe in the floor.
Ensuring that it’s level with shims and securely attached will prevent gaps from forming in the future. Replacing an old toilet may seem daunting, but it can be done in a few simple steps.
For example, mounting a new wax ring before installing a new toilet is crucial. Additionally, it’s essential to monitor for leaks by turning on water supply slowly and being alert for signs of leaks.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of this process, seeking advice from a licensed plumber is always recommended. With this straightforward upgrade, you can say goodbye to that annoying gap between your toilet and wall.
