When people think of large-scale damage to a home, it is common to suspect harsh weather or fire as the culprits. However, water causes more property damage than fire or smoke on an annual basis. Water damage comes in a variety of forms and that includes faulty toilet seals.
That is why it’s in your best interest to have your toilet seals inspected once a year. The seal may leak without you knowing it causing major damage to your bathroom floor. This could literally coast hundreds to thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs.
Function of a toilet seal
The seal on a toilet should be thought of as a protective barrier. Located on the bottom of the toilet where it meets the floor, it keeps water and unpleasant odors from spilling into a home. The seal is not visible as it is covered by the actual toilet. The seal is typically made of wax, but can also be waxless. The seal also protects the floor from incurring any water damage.
Signs of a bad toilet seal
Once you understand the function of a toilet seal, it is easier to identify signs that the seal is bad. Foul odors emanating from the toilet indicate that the seal is no longer keeping out the smells that emerge from gases in the sewer line. Another sign would be the presence of water on the bathroom floor. Stability issues are another sign that the seal is failing.
Professional repair of a toilet seal
Enlisting the services of a professional plumber for toilet seal inspection is strongly recommended and that is because it involves some tasks that homeowners may not know how to perform. The bowl tank needs to be emptied before the bolts are removed. The supply line also needs to be disconnected while there is a gentle way the bowl should be removed. All of those disconnections must then be reconnected.
Replacing a toilet seal
When an inspection reveals that it is time for a replacement seal, there are a variety of options. An experienced plumber will suggest using a seal from a top manufacturer, whether it be a wax or waxless seal. It is important to choose a quality product and have it installed properly. A failure to do so could lead to more problems in the future. Toilet seals play a vital role and that is why it is important to check them annually and this could also be part of a whole house plumbing inspection in Charlotte NC at Best Rate Plumbing.