Repairing Guides

how to repair subfloor around toilet

by Prof. Torey Rau MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair the Sub-Floor Under a Leaky Toilet

  • 1.. Turn off the toilet valve and flush the toilet to drain the tank. Sponge the water in the bottom of the tank into...
  • 2.. Remove the floor covering from the area around the toilet. Depending on the bathroom configuration, the easiest...
  • 3.. Unscrew the screws holding the flange to the subfloor with a screwdriver. Drill...
  • 8..

Part of a video titled How to Fix a Toilet - Wooden Sub-Flooring Flange Repair
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Cut out the bad subflooring. Using a power saw set to the sub phalanx thickness. Usually a 3/4 of anMoreCut out the bad subflooring. Using a power saw set to the sub phalanx thickness. Usually a 3/4 of an inch. Be careful not to cut the floor joists.

Full Answer

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 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. ...

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How much does it cost to repair a bathroom floor?

There are many different types of issues that can occur. This leads to a wide range of costs associated with repairs. The national average for floor repair ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 with most people paying around $2,000 for hardwood repair with moderate damage.

How to remove bathroom tile floor around toilet?

  • With the toilet out of the way, you have more room to work.
  • It allows you the opportunity to inspect the wax ring and toilet flange, which can allow sewage to seep into your home when they fail.
  • Your bathroom flooring project will go much smoother and exhibit a professional look when complete.

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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 fix a rotted subfloor underneath?

3:035:18How to Repair Bathtub Subfloor Damage Underneath in ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr the subflooring. So simply fill it in cut it in fill it in if the damage is bad block underneathMoreOr the subflooring. So simply fill it in cut it in fill it in if the damage is bad block underneath it. And make sure that the blocks are supported properly here's a way you can support the blocks.

Does water damaged subfloor need to be replaced?

The best choice for damaged subflooring is usually to have it replaced — especially if it is growing mold. In severe situations, it may feel like replacing the flooring is the only action you can take.

Why is the floor around my toilet soft?

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.

How do you replace a rotten bathroom subfloor?

0:105:46How to replace repair rotted sub floor, rotten floor. Easy! Home MenderYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing I need to do is find out which way my joists are running. I want to reach in and I canMoreFirst thing I need to do is find out which way my joists are running. I want to reach in and I can feel the joist this. Way.

How do I redo my bathroom subfloor?

0:047:43How to Remove and Replace a Rotten Subfloor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhether you're remodeling your entire home or just sprucing up a room with a fresh coat of paint we'MoreWhether you're remodeling your entire home or just sprucing up a room with a fresh coat of paint we're going to show you how to do it. Right. This house is in pretty good shape but there's one 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 reinforce a floor under a toilet?

1:183:01How to Fix a Toilet - Wooden Sub-Flooring Flange Repair - Part 3 ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBelow 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 do you fix water damaged subfloor?

How to Fix a Water-Damaged Subfloor: Your 8-Step DIY GuideStart by Stopping the Water. ... Expose the Subflooring. ... Make Your Mark. ... Carefully Cut Subflooring. ... Remove Damaged Materials. ... Speed Up the Drying Process. ... Reinforce Floor Joists. ... Install Your New Subflooring.

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.

Can my toilet fall through the floor?

So, can a toilet really fall through the floor? If your flooring is weak or damaged, it is possible for a toilet to fall through your flooring. If you notice your bathroom floor softening, or if you know there was a leak, be sure to check that your flooring and sub-flooring are solid.

How do you fix a soft spot in a bathroom floor?

Steps to Take to Fix the FloorsTurn off the water. Close the main water valve so you can prevent any more water from coming into the room as you work.Prep the area. ... Inspect the area. ... Remove damages. ... Give time for area to dry. ... Reinforce the joists. ... Cover the gap.

Can I put new subfloor over old subfloor?

Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks. This is particularly important if your old sub floor has lumps and bumps in it. If you don't respect this thickness of ply, then you're highly likely to see rises and falls in your new flooring.

How do you fix water damaged subfloor?

How to Fix a Water-Damaged Subfloor: Your 8-Step DIY GuideStart by Stopping the Water. ... Expose the Subflooring. ... Make Your Mark. ... Carefully Cut Subflooring. ... Remove Damaged Materials. ... Speed Up the Drying Process. ... Reinforce Floor Joists. ... Install Your New Subflooring.

How do you replace a small section of a subfloor?

3:0915:14How to replace a section of a subfloor. (Replacing a rotten floor)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right so to get started I'm gonna measure from the wall. From where I'm gonna be changing outMoreAll right so to get started I'm gonna measure from the wall. From where I'm gonna be changing out the subfloor which is about right here. I'm gonna make a measurement right here mark.

How do you replace second floor subfloor?

5:009:45Replacing the 2nd Bedroom Subfloor Part 1. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay now what I'm gonna do is screw the new piece a half inch OSB down on to the half inch plywoodMoreOkay now what I'm gonna do is screw the new piece a half inch OSB down on to the half inch plywood subfloor the rafter or floor joists run this way.

What to do if toilet support blocks rot?

There may be support blocking under the toilet. If any of the blocks have rotted, pry them out and replace them with identical ones.

Why is my toilet spongy?

If the subfloor is spongy under your leaking toilet, the toilet may have started to wobble, and the problem is quickly going to get worse unless you make a fairly major repair. The sponginess is the result of a persistent leak that probably started a long time ago and has caused the subfloor -- and possibly the joists -- to rot.

How long does it take for a rotted joist to dry?

If any one is rotted and spongy, you will have to reinforce it, but first, give it a few days to dry out. When it is dry, cut a new joist from 2-by-6-inch lumber that spans the water-damaged area and nail it to the damaged joist with 3-inch nails.

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.

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 ...

How far can you peel a rotted floor?

Peel the flooring several inches beyond the rotted area.

How to pop more tile?

If you're willing to pop more tiles, you could run 2 pieces of lumber (2x4/2x6 -- the biggest you can fit) on the flat, parallel to the joists. They'd be wider than the hole by a foot on either side, and you could get good screws through the subfloor (I'm assuming it's sound) to hold them up. Alternately, can you re-route the shower drain pipe to give you more room? Then lumber on edge, perpendicular to the joists, with some sort of joist hangers to the i-beam would be ideal.

Can I use nails to anchor a floor?

Secondly, I would use nails or structural screws to anchor supports for the floor directly to the other floor joists not the the new ledgers as shown in your drawing.

What is rotten flooring in a bathroom?

A common area in your bathroom prone to rotting is the plywood subfloor around your toilet area. When remodeling a bathroom, homeowners often discover rotten flooring after they have removed the toilet. When this is present, replacement is required before installing new flooring and the toilet.

How thick is plywood for a toilet?

When this is present, replacement is required before installing new flooring and the toilet. Most plywood subfloors measure 3/4 inch thick to provide a sound and stable surface for finished flooring. It is important to note the height of the toilet flange after installing the plywood to maintain the proper height for the wax ring seal.

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