Toilets: every home needs at least one. Essential to our everyday lives and functioning bathrooms, these modern-day plumbing fixtures are often overlooked. But, if not installed properly, toilets can cause structural issues and severe damage, which could negatively affect a home inspection report. Whether constructing a brand-new house or renovating the bathroom in your current place, you won’t want to skimp on the toilet installation. If done incorrectly, you could encounter these issues.
Water Leakage from Toilet
One of the most common problems is water leakage coming from the toilet. This is typically caused by either a cracked/broken flange or a damaged wax ring. Wastewater should not leak from the bottom of the toilet, so if you do spot leakage, don’t ignore it. Letting the bathroom remain wet can lead to the growth of mold and mildew in this high-humidity room. It can also damage the flooring, and if there’s a room below, that ceiling could become water stained. If you suspect a leak or if your toilet is newly installed, here’s how to test it:
- Turn on the water shut-off valve and allow the tank to fill.
- Flush the toilet and keep your eye on its base, where the tank and bowl meet.
- If it’s difficult to see, consider adding a leak-detecting dye to make it easier.
Furthermore, never apply caulk around the base of a new toilet; if there were a leak, the caulk would trap water underneath and cause significant floor damage.
Sewage Odor Coming from Toilet
Do you notice a persistent sewage smell coming from the toilet? Even a small gap in the flange can cause waste leakage. Over time, this waste decomposes. Besides the fact that it creates an unpleasant odor, the harmful bacteria and microbes in waste also pose health risks.
Unstable, Loose Toilet
Another frequent problem is when a toilet moves slightly, rocks, or wobbles. This can happen if the flange bolts which hold the toilet to the bathroom floor become loose. You can tighten the bolts yourself, but do so carefully, as tightening too much can crack the toilet’s delicate porcelain.
Here at Homeinex Corporation, we’ve seen countless bathroom issues and plumbing problems in other rooms negatively impact home valuations and sales. So, when it comes to toilet installation, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Save yourself from headaches, costly repairs, and failed inspections by hiring a reputable, licensed plumber to do the job. Upon completing a thorough home inspection, our experienced inspectors will inform you of any problems that need addressing before selling or buying. To ensure a safe bathroom, contact us today.