Leak Central

It seems like no matter what I’m installing in the master bath, I’m having an issue with leaks. I had to install an offset toilet drain because the original drain position did not account for the extra insulation we decided to use on the wall. I installed the toilet as usual but the wax ring didn’t cover the rim of the toilet flange well enough and the toilet leaked at the floor when it was flushed.

First install--leaked

First install–leaked

I un-installed the toilet and had to clean off all the yucky wax from the ring. It didn’t look like it was on crooked but it was flatter on one side. So I decided to try a non-wax ring. The plumbing inspector had recommended them when he learned I had radiant heating pipes. Although hot water radiant does not get hot enough to melt wax, nevertheless, he gave me the idea. So I bought a foam rubber type of toilet ring. But I also tried a new type of bolts that really didn’t work for me so I took that toilet off and on the foam ring about three times.

Sani-seal waxless toilet gasket

Sani-seal waxless toilet gasket

The bolts were “zero cut” and I liked the flat bolt covers.

Zero cut toilet bolts

Zero cut toilet bolts

But I could not get them to tighten enough to hold down the toilet. They kept slipping and turning under the rim. I finally gave up and went back to old fashioned bolts.
I also had a difficult time finding the shorter bolts in the foam ring. They came with plastic locaters but I promptly broke one trying to locate it with the heavy toilet.

Multiple tries to set toilet on bolts

Multiple tries to set toilet on bolts

It was the Sani-Seal gasket that allowed me to place and lift the toilet multiple times. The gasket comes with a rubber “throat” that goes into the pipe. I hope since the pipe is offset, that the rubber flap won’t restrict the flush.

Foam and rubber toilet ring

Foam and rubber toilet ring

After I switched back to the long bolts, I was able to tighten them and get the toilet re-installed without leaks.
Next try the sink. Hmmm.

 

 

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