How to Caulk Around Your Toilet: Step-by-Step Guide for No Leaks

So, you’re done with your bathroom renovation and the absolutely undesirable task of installing a toilet, and you’re wondering about whether or not to caulk around your toilet.

We’ve been there and it’s not as easy as it seems to get the answer. Every plumber you ask will probably give a different opinion and the people of the internet can get surprisingly heated in the online forums over it.

So, should you caulk around your toilet?

Well… it depends.

Here are the pros: Caulking around your toilet helps prevent water seeping under the base and damaging your floor. It can also create a more aesthetically pleasing look by hiding any gaps between the toilet and the floor.

But, if your toilet has a leak or other issue from the inside, caulking can actually trap the water and cause further damage which is a very big con in the argument.

What we’ve done in our renos

For us we’ve opted for the caulk because it’s much easier to clean and looks much more finished. But I guess we’ve kind of found a loophole and done both, because our approach is to caulk most of the way around the toilet and leave about six inches around the back curve that is uncaulked.

Doing that means there is still some space for water to escape and notify us of any leaks (and give us a chance to fix it before there’s any water damage), and it also saves us the terrible task of trying to get those enormous caulk guns to fit in the tight space between the toilet and the wall, so it’s kind of a win-win.

In the end, the decision to caulk around your toilet is up to you. If you’re comfortable with the potential risks and benefits, then go for it! But if you’re unsure or have any concerns, it’s always best to consult a professional plumber for their advice.

How to caulk around your toilet

To caulk around your toilet, first ensure the area is clean and dry. Begin by removing any old caulk using a utility knife or caulk remover tool. Next, thoroughly clean the surface around the base of the toilet with a mild cleaner and let it dry completely. Apply painter’s tape along the floor and the toilet base to create a neat edge and protect surfaces. Load a caulking gun with a tube of silicone caulk suitable for bathrooms, and cut the nozzle at a 45-degree angle.

Squeeze the caulk into the gap between the toilet base and the floor, moving steadily around the entire perimeter. Smooth the caulk with a wet finger or a caulk-smoothing tool for a clean finish. Finally, remove the painter’s tape before the caulk dries to achieve sharp lines, and allow the caulk to cure as per the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for at least 24 hours before using the toilet.

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