Repairing Guides

how to repair rotted floor under toilet

by Herminia Leuschke DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair the Floor Under a Toilet

  • Remove the Toilet. Turn water off to the toilet by closing the valve on the water line behind it. Disconnect the flex water line to the toilet at the valve.
  • Cut Away the Rotten Wood. Cut at least a few inches past the rotted wood under the toilet wood floor area with a reciprocating saw, up to the closest joists.
  • Make Your Measurements. Measure the open area and cut a new piece of 3/4 inch plywood to fit. ...
  • Repair Floor Under Toilet. Nail the plywood to the floor joists. Make sure to make your nails flush with the wood. ...
  • Reinstall Toilet. Clean bottom of toilet by removing old wax ring and all debris. You can use a small putty knife to scrape it and then clean with steel wool.

Part of a video titled How to Fix a Toilet - Wooden Sub-Flooring Flange Repair
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Below when the subfloor is removed supporting struts will need to be installed to give theMoreBelow when the subfloor is removed supporting struts will need to be installed to give the replacement floor more stability. They must be cut to fit and be mounted between the floor joists.

How to repair the floor under a toilet?

How do you fix a rotten bathroom floor?

  • Close the water valves.
  • Prepare the room.
  • Inspect the areas that need replacement.
  • Remove the flooring.
  • Inspect the subfloor.
  • Inspect the joists.
  • Replace or reinforce joists.
  • Replace the subfloor.

How to replace damaged subflooring under toilet?

  • Start exposing the floor to fresh air by removing any rugs or furniture. ...
  • Any wet drywall needs to be removed anyway, so remove the ceiling drywall below the damage to expose the floor joists.
  • Create air movement with box fans ( available on Amazon ), both on top of the finished flooring and the floor below. ...

More items...

How to repair a rotted bathroom subfloor?

Subfloor damage in the bathroom usually comes from a leaking toilet, but it can also be the result of a persistent sink drain leak or even a drip behind the walls. If you can catch the leak in ...

How to replace a rotten floor under a shower?

Things You Will Need

  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Carpenter's square
  • Pry bar
  • Circular saw
  • Dimensional lumber boards
  • Plywood
  • Bolts or screws (optional)
  • Construction adhesive

More items...

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How much does it cost to replace subfloor under toilet?

Subfloor replacement typically costs about $3 to $10 per square foot. This range can vary based on labor costs, which will add $25 to $30 per hour, and the type of subflooring you choose.

How do you replace toilet floor rot?

1:153:09How to Fix a Toilet - Wooden Sub-Flooring Flange RepairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst if the subfloor is still in good condition. Then a flange repair ring can be installed overMoreFirst if the subfloor is still in good condition. Then a flange repair ring can be installed over the top of the existing flange. The second way is to cut out the damaged flange of the subflooring.

How do you install a new floor under a toilet?

0:358:47How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Around Bathroom Toilet ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have a wax one you'll have to scrape it off and this one i have a rubber gasket easily comesMoreIf you have a wax one you'll have to scrape it off and this one i have a rubber gasket easily comes off take a scrap piece of cardboard. Now place the cardboard on top of the drainage.

Can you replace bathroom floor without removing toilet?

They often ask if they should remove the toilet before installing a new bathroom floor. While it is possible to install a new linoleum or ceramic tile floor without removing the toilet, it is not recommended and actually can increase the labor involved in the project.

Will a plumber replace subfloor?

Yes, plumbers may be able to replace the subfloor. But more suitable professionals are handymen, carpenters, or contractors. Of course, you can do it yourself. Subfloor damage is mostly due to rot, and signs include a musty smell, squeaky floors, cracked tiles, loose fixtures, and sunken floors.

How do you fix water damaged bathroom floor?

0:0013:53Floor Water Damage Repair | Repair or Replace? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd if you're looking at this video you've probably google searched how to wire repair water damageMoreAnd if you're looking at this video you've probably google searched how to wire repair water damage and mold damage in my subfloor. While you're doing your bathroom renovation.

Does flooring go under the toilet?

If you're installing a new floor, pedestal sink, and toilet, you should install the laminate flooring first so it's under the sink and toilet. Because laminate flooring floats above the sub-floor on top of underlayment, it will expand and contract slightly with the temperature and humidity of the room.

How do you fix water damaged floor joists?

1:545:06Rotten Floor Joists + Subfloor? EASY! Repairing/Replacing our ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBoard and the nails. And stuff and putting the new pressure treated board underneath that wasMoreBoard and the nails. And stuff and putting the new pressure treated board underneath that was actually a pretty big pain but we got it done and then i use these cool brackets.

How much does it cost to repair a bathroom floor?

Cost to Repair FlooringFloor Repair CostNational average cost$1,600Average range$500-$3,000Low-end$100High-end$10,000May 2, 2022

Does flooring go under toilet flange?

The toilet flange needs to be on top of the finished floor. Meaning the bottom edge of the flange needs to be on the same plane as the toilet. So if your toilet sits on the tile, the flange needs to be on top of the tile too.

Should you caulk around a toilet?

Caulk Keeps the Toilet Secure Think again! Caulk keeps your toilet secure the floor, and avoids any chance of injury or toilet malfunctioning. It's actually required by the International Plumbing Code to caulk a toilet to the floor, and now knowing the reasoning behind it, why would you not want to?

Is it better to tile under or around a toilet?

The bathroom fitters are unanimous—if you're looking for a high quality finish, with a better seal against water damage, then always tile the floor first.

How much does it cost to replace a floor in a bathroom?

Average Cost of Bathroom Flooring The national average cost is around $2.10 per square foot. The total budget, which includes the materials and labor cost, runs between $11.36 and $17.34, with the average cost being $14.45.

How do you know if your bathroom floor is rotting?

Signs You Have Water DamageMusty smell.Recurring mold and mildew.Warped walls.Spongy, soft floor.Gaps in caulk, tile or tub.

How much does it cost to repair a bathroom floor?

Cost to Repair FlooringFloor Repair CostNational average cost$1,600Average range$500-$3,000Low-end$100High-end$10,000May 2, 2022

How do you repair a rotted toilet flange?

4:426:34Broken Rusted Closet Flange Replacement Kits | How To - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you notice I put some masking tape to keep these bolts stable. Now some people will put strawsMoreSo if you notice I put some masking tape to keep these bolts stable. Now some people will put straws here to actually guide and have a better visual as you lower the toilet.

For minor rot, a flange support is a quick fix

Minor wood rot around a toilet flange doesn't always mean you have to replace the subfloor. Solve the problem with a metal flange support instead.

Install the flange support

If you discover minor rot around the toilet flange, install a closet flange support under the flange to transfer the weight of the toilet to solid wood.

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

Why does my toilet leak?

It's inevitable; sooner or later your toilet will leak. Whether from a bad wax ring, bolts coming loose or a crack in the porcelain, all toilets leak from time to time. Hopefully you will notice before the water does any damage to the wood subfloor underneath. Replacing a wax ring or even the entire toilet is easier than replacing ...

Can you reinstall tile in a bathroom?

Install flooring. If you were able to take up tile, you can reinstall it. If you had vinyl, you will need to put new flooring throughout the bathroom.

Can you replace a wax ring under a toilet?

Replacing a wax ring or even the entire toilet is easier than replacing the subfloor under a toilet. Most times the sagging subfloor repair only requires replacing a small area, while the flooring itself will have to be totally replaced because you can't match it. Whatever the case, you must fix rotting wood before the toilet goes completely ...

How to remove a toilet that is too heavy?

If the toilet is too heavy to lift safely, separate the tank from the bowl by removing the three bolts that hold these two components together.

How to shut off water to toilet tank?

Turn the toilet’s water supply valve clockwise to shut off water to the tank.

How far can you peel a rotted floor?

Peel the flooring several inches beyond the rotted area.

What does it mean when a toilet is spongy?

A spongy floor around the toilet is a strong indication that the subfloor has absorbed water. Peel back the flooring around the fixture and you will likely discover swollen, discolored wood -- a sure sign that the subfloor needs replacing. The job is laborious, messy and time consuming, so take a moment to assess whether this is a task you want ...

What to do if bathroom subfloor is rotten?

If the rot has gone all the way through the bathroom subflooring and is completely rotten, removing it so it can be replaced will be necessary.

What to do if subfloor is rotting?

If there is serious wood rot in your bathroom subfloor, the chance is you will need to replace all of the subflooring which often is best left to a professional.

How Do I Know If My Bathroom Floor Is Rotted?

When water leaks or splashes are allowed to continue to accumulate, your flooring in bathroom will continue to absorb moisture, and over time as it remains in contact with the subflooring will begin to cause rot.

Can I Replace The Rotted Subfloor And Flooring Myself?

Replacing your own rotted flooring and subflooring is possible, but will require some specialized equipment and materials. If you feel confident in your ability and have access to the necessary tools and equipment/materials needed, it is entirely feasible to replace the rotted subflooring yourself.

What to do if water damage to bathroom subfloor?

If the water damage is severe and all of the subfloor in your bathroom is completely rotted and needs to be replaced, this will require taking up/sawing out all of the subfloor and replacing it with new sheets of plywood.

How long does it take to replace a bathroom floor?

Replacing a Rotted Bathroom Floor / Subfloor can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours of actual labor time, so you’ll want to plan in advance so you have enough time to finish

What to do if water damage takes over bathroom floor?

In cases of serious water damage and wood rot that has taken over all your subfloor in the bathroom, replacing is the safest route to go.

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