What’s Under My Toilet? Understanding the Anatomy of Your Toilet and How to Fix Toilet Leaks
When it comes to toilet installation and repairs, understanding what’s beneath your toilet is essential. If you’re dealing with toilet leaks, a crucial area to examine is the space between the toilet’s base and the floor, as well as the toilet flange and horn. Here’s a breakdown of the components that make up this critical area and how they affect your toilet’s performance.
Understanding Your Toilet’s Base and Flange
Beneath your toilet is an area called the foot of the toilet, which extends below the bottom surface. This part typically measures anywhere from 3/8” to ¾” and determines the space between the toilet’s base and the top of the toilet flange. The toilet flange itself is the connection point between your toilet and the drainpipe. It ensures a secure structure for the seal connection to the sewer system.
Another critical component is the horn of the toilet. This extends from the bottom of the toilet bowl, guiding sewer water past the seal. The size of the horn varies, usually between 2 3/8” to 2 7/8” in diameter, and it extends downward anywhere from 3/8” to ¾”. The horn plays a role in guiding water away from the toilet seal and ensuring proper drainage.
Common Issues with Toilet Flange and Seal Placement
Toilet Flange Height and Seal Issues
The height of your toilet flange significantly impacts the seal between the toilet and the floor. Ideally, the flange should be between 3/8” above the floor to 3/8” below the bathroom floor, but this isn’t always the case. If the flange is positioned higher than the floor (e.g., 3/8” to ½”), and the toilet foot is shallow (e.g., ½”) with a long horn, it can create difficulties when installing a toilet seal. In these rare cases, there might be little room for sealing material, making it challenging to use a traditional wax seal, as the gap can be as thin as 1/16”.
In such cases, you cannot use a wax seal with a plastic funnel because it may either hold the toilet off the floor or collapse and block the drain, resulting in leaks or drainage issues. It’s essential to be aware of these limitations when choosing a toilet seal.
Toilet Flange Below the Floor
On the flip side, when the toilet flange is positioned below the floor (more than 3/8”), the space is too deep for even the deepest wax ring. Homeowners often try to solve this by stacking multiple wax rings, but this practice is discouraged. Stacking seals creates the risk of sliding during installation, which can lead to leaks or blockages in the drain.
In this situation, it’s better to use a seal designed to adjust to any flange depth rather than relying on traditional wax rings.
The Solution: One-N-Done Toilet Seal and Flange Repair Kit
T10-OND-200-DS
To address the challenges of toilet movement, flange height issues, and wax seal failures, we’ve developed the One-N-Done Toilet Seal and Toilet Flange Repair Kit. Our leaking toilet seal repair innovative kit is designed to resolve the common problems associated with toilet installation and repair. Here’s how it works:
Handles Toilet Movement
Unlike traditional wax rings, the One-N-Done wax-free toilet seal is the only toilet seal movement solution designed to handle toilet and floor movement. Whether your toilet shifts slightly over time or experiences more extreme rocking, the One-N-Done seal grips tightly around the horn of the toilet and adjusts automatically to create a watertight seal. We like to say it will seal even if your toilet “doubles as a rocking chair.”
The One-N-Done toilet seal’s flexibility makes it the perfect solution for toilets with varying flange depths or movement.
Reinforced Bolts to Prevent Over-tightening
One of the common causes of toilet leaks is over-tightening toilet bolts, which can crack or break the toilet flange. The One-N-Done toilet seal kit includes reinforced nylon toilet bolts and nuts that prevent over-tightening, ensuring the toilet is securely held in place without damaging the flange. If you prefer metal bolts, we also offer them as an option. However, our reinforced toilet bolts are strong enough to securely hold the toilet and are easier to trim using the included diamond saw.
Easy-to-Clean Toilet Caps
The kit includes toilet caps that lock into place with a simple ¼ turn. These caps are designed for easy cleaning and ensure a sanitary, low-maintenance toilet installation.
How to Install the One-N-Done Toilet Seal and Flange Repair Kit
T10-OND-400-DS
The One-N-Done toilet seal and flange repair kit is designed to fix toilet flange height problems while addressing the most common toilet flange repair issues (solving toilet installation challenges and toilet leaks). The One N Done provides the deepest sealing range and never requires toilet flange extensions to provide a tight seal (even if the flange is buried in the floor by 1 ½”). Here's how to install it:
Place the Kit Over the Flange
If the toilet flange is 1/8” above the floor or 1 1/2” below the floor, simply place the One-N-Done toilet flange repair kit over the flange. Center the bolts and screw through the flange to anchor it securely.
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Attach the Toilet
Set the toilet over the top of the repair kit. The One-N-Done seal will automatically adjust to the flange depth, ensuring a perfect fit. -
Tighten the Bolts
Tighten the nylon bolts by hand, turning ¼ turn past hand tight. Afterward, cut the excess bolts with the included diamond saw. For metal bolts, use a 7/16” wrench to tighten. -
Check for Leaks
Turn the water supply on, wipe all connections dry, and check for leaks around the toilet base. Flush the toilet a few times to confirm that everything is dry and secure.
Why Choose One-N-Done?
The One-N-Done Toilet Seal and Flange Repair Kit provides toilet leak prevention and a permanent solution for toilet seal leaks, preventing future issues caused by over-tightening, toilet movement, or flange height problems. Whether you have a low or high toilet flange, a worn-out wax seal, or a damaged flange, the One-N-Done kit is the perfect fix.
Stop dealing with recurring leaks and costly repairs. With the One-N-Done Toilet Seal and Flange Repair Kit, you can confidently fix your toilet and avoid future plumbing headaches.
By understanding what’s beneath your toilet and using the One-N-Done Toilet Seal and Flange Repair Kit, you can ensure a long-lasting, leak-free installation. This kit is the solution to the common challenges plumbers and homeowners face when installing or repairing toilets, providing a secure and permanent fix.