Question:

For some time we have been experiencing occassional bad odours from our ensuite toilet. I am assuming it has something to do with the seal to the floor/pipe which is supposed to prevent sewer gases from coming in. I (think) I replaced the seal a few years back (when I installed ceraminc tile)with a no wax rubber seal and sponge but think I may have done something wrong. I have now taken the toilet apart but am not sure what to use to fix it. I bought a wax seal Bol-Wax #1 but it seems to fit to loosely on the bowl horn. I also have a sponge ring which seems to fit snuggly but this is what was on there before (along with two no wax rubber seals that go around the flange in the floor and what I believe would be called a flange extender). The flange in the floor is about 1/4 inch below the ceramic tile surface.
The drain pipe is 3".
Any advise

Answer:

I am wondering if you have too much sealing the toilet to the flange and things are not seating properly. Examine the flange itself before you put the toilet back on to ensure it is not loose or broken. It should be securely attached to the floor and no sign of broken parts. Use new closet bolts and see that they fit securely into the grooves on the flange.

A 1/4" drop from the ceramic tile to the flange is not significant and a "Kant Leak" seal with a plastic horn that protrudes into the stack should be adequate sealing. Set the seal over the flange and then lift the toilet on top. You should have to push down on the toilet to make the seal compress and the toilet sit firmly on the floor. If you did not have to push down to compress the seal you will have to lift the toilet and place a second wax seal on top of the first one; repeat the installation and compress the seals and bolt the toilet down. Push down as straight as possible to ensure the seals do not slide off centre and create an air gap around the edge of the stack.

Bob
Bathrooms First

Answered By: Bob Steele

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