So, you are ready for a new toilet for your home in Owasso. Maybe your old toilet has seen better days. It might be constantly clogging. Or you are just tired of that dated look. That is great. A new toilet can make a big difference in a bathroom. Horizons Kitchens & Bathrooms has been helping Owasso homeowners with their Bathroom Remodeling projects for years. We have seen some real head-scratchers when it comes to toilet installations.
It is easy to think a toilet installation is a simple swap. But a few common missteps can turn a straightforward project into a leaky situation. It can also cause a wobbly toilet. Or it can just be a plain wrong situation. We will talk about what we see most often. This will help you avoid regretting your new toilet in your Owasso home.
Ignoring the Rough-In Measurement
This is probably the biggest and most common mistake we see with Bathroom Remodeling projects in Owasso. Homeowners find a beautiful new toilet online or at a big box store. They love the look. They buy it without a second thought. Then they get it home. They realize it does not fit. Why does this happen? Because they did not measure their toilet's "rough-in."
What is a rough-in? It is the distance from the wall behind your toilet to the center of the drainpipe. That is usually where the closet bolts are. Standard rough-in measurements are typically 10, 12, or 14 inches. Most modern homes in Owasso, especially those built in the last few decades, often have a 12-inch rough-in. But if you are in an older home, maybe one of those charming places near Main Street, you might have a 10-inch rough-in as well as a 14-inch rough-in.
If you buy a 12-inch rough-in toilet for a 10-inch space, it is not going to sit flush against the wall. In addition, if you buy a 10-inch toilet for a 12-inch space, you will have an awkward gap behind it. Always measure from the finished wall, not the baseboard. Measure to the center of the bolts before you even start shopping for your new toilet in Owasso.
Skimping on the Seal (or Messing it Up)
The wax ring or seal between your toilet and the floor flange is important. It keeps water from leaking out. It also keeps sewer gases from leaking in. It is a small part. But it does a huge job for your Bathroom Remodeling project in Owasso.
Here is where folks go wrong:
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Reusing the old one: Do not ever do this. Once a wax ring is compressed, it is done. Trying to reuse it is asking for leaks in your Owasso bathroom.
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Improper placement: The toilet needs to be set down perfectly on the first try with a wax ring. If you set it, then lift it to reposition, you have likely broken the seal. Our team at Horizons Kitchens & Bathrooms makes sure this is done right.
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Not leveling the toilet: A wobbly toilet will eventually break that seal. This leads to leaks. It can also lead to potential floor damage. You need to make sure it is level before you tighten anything down. This is important for any toilet installation in Owasso.
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Choosing the wrong seal type: Wax rings are traditional and effective, especially for uneven flanges. Newer wax-free seals, which are rubber or foam, offer more forgiveness as well as the ability to be repositioned. They are also less messy. Consider your floor type. Also consider whether you have radiant heating, because wax can soften. This will help you make your choice for your Owasso Bathroom Remodeling project.
Overtightening (or Undertightening) Bolts
You want your toilet to be secure. That is a given. But there is a sweet spot for tightening those bolts. We have seen homeowners crank them down so hard they crack the porcelain base of the toilet. That is an expensive mistake for a Bathroom Remodeling project in Owasso.
On the flip side, if they are not tight enough, your toilet will wobble. This leads to seal failure as well as leaks. Tighten them gradually. Alternate sides until the toilet is firm but not stressed. Our team at Horizons Kitchens & Bathrooms understands this balance for your Owasso toilet installation.
Forgetting to Check for Leaks (Thoroughly)
You have got the toilet in. The water is connected. It flushes. That is good. But do not just walk away. You need to thoroughly check for leaks. Flush it multiple times. Inspect around the base. Inspect the supply line connection. Also inspect the tank bolts. This is a key step for any Bathroom Remodeling project in Owasso.
Even a tiny drip can cause significant water damage over time. This is especially true in a humid climate like ours here in Oklahoma. Moisture can quickly lead to mold as well as subfloor rot. Catching a small leak early can save you a huge headache. It can also save you costly repairs down the line for your Owasso home.
Choosing the Wrong Toilet Type for Your Needs
Not all toilets are created equal. You have gravity-flush toilets. You have pressure-assisted toilets. There are comfort height toilets. There are also elongated toilets as well as round toilets. There are many more types.
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Gravity-flush toilets are the most common type. They are generally cost-effective. They use the weight of water to create a siphon action.
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Pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air for a more forceful flush. This can be great for preventing clogs. It can also save water. They can be noisier than other types.
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Comfort height toilets are taller. This makes them easier to use for many adults. Our team can help you choose the right comfort height toilet for your Owasso Bathroom Remodeling project.
Think about who uses the toilet. Think about your household's needs. Also consider your budget. Do not just pick the cheapest or prettiest one without considering its function. A toilet that constantly clogs, which is a common issue with older, low-flush models, is a mistake. A toilet that is uncomfortable is also a mistake. You will live with this mistake every day in your Owasso home.
When in Doubt, Call in the Pros
We are all for DIY when it makes sense. But sometimes, a toilet installation is not as simple as it looks. If you are unsure about any of these steps, do not hesitate to call a professional. Our team at Horizons Kitchens & Bathrooms can help. If you run into unexpected issues like a damaged flange or subfloor, we are here for you. We have seen it all in Owasso. We are here to make sure your toilet installation is done right the first time. This saves you stress as well as money in the long run.