Personally, I leave a gap at the back so any water has somewhere to escape... not everyone agrees, but it’s saved a few headaches in my experience.
Interesting approach. I’ve always wondered if leaving that gap could let in more dust or even bugs, though. Has anyone run into issues with draft or pests coming through the uncaulked section? Maybe there’s a balance between sealing and letting leaks show themselves...
- I get the logic behind leaving a gap, but honestly, I’ve had more trouble with dust bunnies and the occasional spider sneaking in than with leaks.
- Tried both ways—fully sealed once, and when the wax ring failed, it was a nasty surprise. But leaving it open means more sweeping for me.
- Drafts haven’t been an issue, but if you’ve got pets or kids, that gap turns into a magnet for lost toys and mystery crumbs.
- For me, I just run a thin bead around the sides and front, leave the back open... seems like a decent compromise without inviting half the outdoors inside.
For me, I just run a thin bead around the sides and front, leave the back open... seems like a decent compromise without inviting half the outdoors inside.
That’s basically my go-to as well, though I’ll admit the first time I did it, I was convinced I’d missed some “secret plumber rule.” Still, the amount of rogue cat toys I’ve fished out from behind the toilet… kinda makes me wish for a full seal sometimes. But then again, that wax ring paranoia is real.
I hear you on the cat toys—mine somehow manages to get hair ties back there constantly. I used to do a full seal, but after one leak, I realized it just hid the problem until it got worse. Now I leave the back open too. Feels safer, even if it means more cleaning.
Leaving the back open definitely makes it easier to spot leaks before they turn into a disaster. I’ve had tenants seal everything up tight, then call me when water’s already soaked through the floorboards. Ever tried those little water alarms? They’re cheap and have saved me a few headaches.