Toilet Install Gone Wrong | What Failed | THE HANDYMAN |

[@fmradio42]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d569kI2wm5x2fLs

[@robvidalbjj]

I literally laughed out loud when you said you weren't wearing gloves because it would ruin the flavor of your sandwich.

[@andreww6738]

You just reminded me of a toilet I installed for someone a year ago, they called me, I kid you not a week later and told me the toilet was leaking. It was exactly like this one and I had to tell the lady that her husband needs to turn the light on in the middle of the night. As for cleaning... RUBBER gloves, a deep breath before starting to clean up, and I used baking soda, vinegar and water, followed up with a very quick wipe of bleach and then rinse with water. I was just there today and I think he actually took my advice, have to say I was amazed. Timing of this video was amazing. Handy Andy.

[@davesmith6435]

Just sit down in the middle of the night and you can leave the lights off!

[@SplashJohn]

@@davesmith6435 Yep, this. I really, really don't understand men who insist on standing up every single time.

[@TheMarinadoeshair]

Great grout cleaner : Hydrogen peroxide and a little bit of baking soda. Let it sit for about 20 minutes then use an old toothbrush, a rag and some clean water -wipe it up. Ps if you save a sprayer from any cleaning product , that’ll fit the top of a standard hydrogen peroxide bottle. I always keep one in the laundry room and one under the sink for cleaning. It’s a great to get stains out of the carpet too.

[@jefffuhr2393]

Good tip. Thank you.

[@jeffleach2668]

Nothing more embarrassing than when you have the soft close toilet seats at home and you visit someone who still has wood seats.😝🍺

[@droolbunnyxo9565]

Better than peeking into their medicine cabinet & having the door fall off. 🤭

[@marsjam4117]

@@droolbunnyxo9565 why do I have the impression this is from personal experience 😂

[@droolbunnyxo9565]

@@marsjam4117 🤫 😉

[@daddy1571]

@@droolbunnyxo9565 😂

[@AlkalineInsides]

I’ve experienced this! Lolol

[@gbrown7911]

For scrubbing/cleaning grout I do warm water add baking soda to give grit and some dish soap. Pour straight vinegar over the grout and then the other mix and scrub with a grout brush. Pretty saw it on This Old House before worked like a charm on nasty grimy grout at my last house.

[@Opp4.]

I'll typically caulk around the base and leave the back end open for warning water. I love these not wax rings they have now. Never tried the gel! that seemed fun! Always nice to put some good vibes out into the world, they have a way of coming back to ya!

[@spudboyQ]

So you have good luck with the non-wax rings? I just tiled my bathroom, and really wanted to avoid the wax, but I just couldn't convince myself that it would work.

[@Opp4.]

@@spudboyQ use em all the time! Just gotta make sure to use the proper height with them. My rule of thumb is that if the toilet ring is flush with final floor then just the one layer is fine. But if tile is higher than ring I'll use both for full height.

[@alexb8926]

@@spudboyQ wax rings are good, they last for lots of years if installed properly. I use they more expensive ones here in CA

[@jmzbnd724]

Ive tried every combination with installing toilets....best combo is...the one piece toilet ....thick wax ring (non wax sux)....no caulk......

[@vtxdaryl]

Just changed my wax ring but looked at the plastic rings, just old fashion.

[@daveroeglin4458]

Nicely done! I could here your L4/L5 shifting when you removed that toilet. Must have a few young lads in that home doing all the missing!

[@michaelprosperity3420]

Soft close toilet seats are nice. Sometimes I forget when people don't have them and I forget. What a noise especially with the old wooden ones.

[@HPCNight]

i"m that way with truck tailgates, so used to my tundra soft drop i dump other truck tailgates

[@frankbier1690]

Shooters with short barrel should stand closer to target

[@billysyms5761]

I did a lot of jobs like your little bathroom here. As much as I like the look of setting a new toilet on a new tile floor without caulking, moisture will get under the toilet and not be able to evaporate causing these staining issues. Polyseamseal makes a siliconized latex caulk in every grout color (even sanded). It's a way to seal joints like this in your bathroom which will blend in with the look of your design - unlike real plumbers who butcher caulking toilets with white silicone. I also use these neoprene rings every time I set a toilet.....which now will be $275😅🤣😅🤣 Paying it forward, you want to be a real Handyman folks, you better take care of your customers from time to time so they'll take care of you!

[@MS-gn4gl]

yep - always caulk the edge and leave the back side you can't see open to ensure if any issue does occur you will see liquid.

[@SplashJohn]

Great video! I like the way you think, especially regarding a freebie. A handyman doesn't improve his reputation by nickel-and-diming his customers. He *does* improve his reputation by considering each situation from the customer's point of view, and adjusting fees accordingly. There is a lot of money to be made as a handyman, especially when one's reputation is gold-plated.

[@norfolk7573]

I have some reuben flavored latex gloves for ya: also, if its in the truck: -Shop vac the h20 from bowl - distilled white vinegar/ bak8ng soda on grout (cheap) - sometimes ill lay clear caulk around bottom rim depending on type of flooring.. (leaving rear open).. keeps the spray n pray types from marking their turf so badly. You did great man.. love this channel long time🇺🇸🙏✝️🧡

[@davieboy1970]

But why didn’t you put caulking around the bottom of the toilet base?

[@bharr05]

Do you caulk the perimeter of the toilet fixtures in your area? It eliminates this fowling area under the toilet and would probably solve the staining issue on future installs.

[@conephompany]

Wouldn't sealing around the toilet hide any potential leaks ie: regular wax failing, until they're at a way worse point that could've been caught earlier?

[@NAW1566]

That's why you test the toilet before caulking the base. Leaving the base open allows a nice place for insects to hide and wet stuff spilled on the floor to stink. @@conephompany

[@pennilessjester211]

@@conephompany​​⁠ for exactly this reason if someone prefers to have the base sealed I’ll leave a small gap at the back in between the wall which isn’t noticed although it’s uncertain if any leak would seep through if the floor isn’t level to begin with plus a myriad of other factors

[@MoneyManHolmes]

Caulk the front and sides. Leave the back open. That’s how I do it anyway.

[@RobsSHiT]

Damn, this job was 4 years ago?! Time flew

[@yukonj2567]

Great video! had the same problem basically misalignment of the placement doing it with tank on in tight space.

[@haroldrobinson-nx3mw]

Possibly the front section of the flexible ring was misaligned when the commode was repeated. Ths leak probably not urine. Water only coming from one source. Remove tank to reduce weight.

[@BStride]

Nice to see the blue plastic is fine, most of my installs were good old wax.

[@oldmanSturzl]

I was thinking the toilet was sweating at first but you were correct. Must not have taught the cat how to aim. 😉

[@timj1196]

Use two screw drivers to mark the flange bolts when installing. Plumbers trick. 😊

[@PalmettoParatrooper]

Regular old white vinegar gets stains out of most things pretty easily and kills mold and prevents it from coming back.

[@PFunk-kt9gc]

I’m glad you mentioned the gel. I watched a couple other videos and they talked about putting the powder in to create the gel but I was wondering how on earth you would get it out of there after that.

[@oldworldchris4187]

That tile floor is beautiful!

[@TMOATLLC]

Toilet bowl gel cleaner on grout lines, let it sit 30+min, then hits grout with a rough bristle brush 👍🏻👍🏻😎

[@tnrcleancare7847]

Sulfamic acid.

[@TheJirish]

OMG! "Ruin the flavor of the sandwich I'm going to have later." 🤣 Classic!

[@colinmoore68]

I totally agree with considering a 'freebie' for such a job with an existing client and/or referral base. At about $275 average a couple of years ago, I should reconsider charging $75 first hour and $50 thereafter, although still at side-hustle stage.

[@tabbott429]

I set toilets on a 5 gallon bucket to catch the water tipping it back and forth gets 99% of the water out so it can be moved without dripping. I also silicone the toilet base to the floor. It just looks better and helps fill voids and uneven floors then you know its not coming from under the toilet. I leave the back uncaulked to show if the seal isnt holding which is extremely rare.

[@SerenoOunce]

No need to solidify the water. Just use the plunger a couple times. You'll certainly need to after using that product. Don't over-complicate it.

[@markboettcher9443]

I'm too lazy to put a new toilet together in place instead of whole. I always build them out in the open easier to work on then lift the whole thing on just like you just did. done hundreds that way.

[@beerbeforebreakfast]

Yup. Same

[@billysyms5761]

Me too! Especially in the day of the wax ring, you have one shot to set that bad boy. Pop it in place, tighten closet bolts, snap in the caps & get paid!

[@thebordernow]

2:32 - What kind of vanity sink is that??!! It would seem impossibly difficult to clean thoroughly!

[@stlrsmike]

I had that happen before, I pulled the toilet and there was nothing wrong with the seal. I had installed vinyl planking and told the customer I could re-install it after it was cleaned up a bit. I noticed there was moisture under the planks. I said I could replace the planks after cleaning them up, but the smell of urine beneath the planks was so bad I had to install new flooring. Embarrassing for both parties.

[@pauldobin52]

As a general issue sometimes you have to give a little to a good customer because they're always call you for something else if they were the type of customer that is understanding and yes I agree about taking pictures. I've always told the customer one picture or video is 1000 words. You're a good businessman.

[@tedsobottka2750]

Great video. Yeah like you said removing the tank is the way to go, makes the job much easier and it only takes a few minutes.

[@SINSTER7THREE]

One of the best upgrades I’ve done to my house is a soft close toilet seat.

[@beerbeforebreakfast]

It's like $10 for such a useful thing! Love em.

[@default_user_id]

I'd have been down a 1/2 bottle of tilex by now. Baking soda paste?

[@billymorgan7717]

My experience with the rubber flange has not been good. Leaked upon install. Went back to wax. No leaks. Your milage may vary.

[@Joshhhhh12345]

They make a grout paint, it’s like 15 bucks and it’s a little brush you just go over the discolored spots and in about 24 hours it’ll go back to the same color. I’ve used it multiple times and always works

[@nickpaz2421]

This is a great video on trouble shooting leaks. I learned a lot and loved the sense of humor. Thanks for making this video.

[@HB-yq8gy]

Why did you use a metal toilet flange & rubber ring? Instead of PVC & a wax ring? Did you use the shims like before?

[@lrc87290]

I use those SS reinforcement rings. And I used to use those waxless rings. They work well but you have to fit them. If you haven't already done so try the Fernco toilet seal. So smart. It goes inside the pipe. And sticks to the toilet. The height of the flange is irrelevant.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

OMG handyman was using his Knipex pliers BACKWARDS!

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

Could it be the tile is due for sealant? Why did you choose not to caulk around the toilet? I am having a similar issue and I am hoping that aim is the only issue, even though I am the sole stand pee'R in the house. Also I have an extra wax ring from when I installed my last toilet, is it worth getting the rubber ring and scrapping the wax ring. Are rubber rings really that much better than wax rings?

[@briha3142]

A good ending to this video, should’ve been you bringing out your sandwich, eating a bite, and THEN licking your fingers! I would’ve been floored, had I seen you do that! Levity goes a long way! Great video, brother! Thanks for posting! LOL

[@j.lietka9406]

So when you add the "magic powder" to turn the remaining bowl water into a gel, does any of the gel go into the drain? (Before you remove the commode?) When you pull the commode to inspect the floor, seal, etc, and the seal is new, do it should you replace the seal?

[@knowledgeispower6192]

Correct me of I'm wrong but I believe it's plumbing code to caulk around the base of the toilet after installing it.

[@chuckcapage6238]

If a wax seal goes bad, will water necessarily ALWAYS be on the floor next to the toilet? I have fresh water damage on the 1st floor ceiling, directly under the 2nd floor toilet. But no water on the floor around the toilet.

[@humbertocarrionjr8111]

Use comet or ajax powder and a nylon scrub brush. Apply, scrub and allow to sit on grout lines and let it work it's magic. After a few minutes scrub again and clean off residue . A bit abrasive. Could use a tooth brush if you only want to scrub the grout lines. Hope that helps. I use it on white grout line and on bathtubs that I have clean up and recaulk.

[@jodytucker4474]

Labor prices in Louisiana have changed, I use to be on the upper end of the scale, I just found out from a job I was the lowest, so yeah, Im upping my labor prices,

[@timdex91]

As a long time firefighter.... we have found that toilet bowl cleaner will clean the grout around the toilet....stay safe. Tim

[@haydenuk02]

Great work and thanks for taking us along take care

[@beekeeper8474]

You can get that liquid gel powder cheap it's used with crickets and stuff for safe watering

[@GoGospel1]

Steam the grout. Usually cleans without scrubbing.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

If you don’t make it a freebie, the Husbands going to be getting an earful about that bill for awhile…😂

[@user-sf9pq5ox7w]

and what caused the water on floor? condensation?

[@synaptoscope]

I'm curious why you don't(or didn't) caulk or grout the toilet base. I never seem to have luck with toilets staying put without it.

[@gilc7626]

Ive used Lysol 10x cleaning power toilet bowl cleaner. Just follow the grout lines let it set and scrub and it comes out. Have to wear gloves cause it can burn your skin.

[@TommyLemery]

The big question is…….what did you tell the homeowner about the aiming issue? Sure she was embarrassed 😂😂

[@KennedyEdwardM]

Not as embarrassed as the husband when he gets an earful!🤣

[@droolbunnyxo9565]

Keep it light & simple, "The problem was just minor urine stains."👍🙂 (And, "I left a box of Depends under the sink!" 😌)

[@joshuataylor283]

@@droolbunnyxo9565 😂😂😂😂

[@billysyms5761]

Could have been water splashing out of the tub or cleaning lady mopping floor. Moisture gets under a toilet, good luck with it evaporating. Gotta caulk these - or go back and do something like the for free.

[@psalm23sheepdog]

I’ve seen comments about caulking around the toilet base, but it’s my understanding that even that can be subject to your local codes.

[@danielmarks505]

Like my grandpa used to tell me, "Those with shorter bats have to stand closer to the plate." He didn't want us pissing on his floor either.

[@redfo3009]

😂😂

[@tomslick2058]

Piss is steral.

[@essentialjudge2279]

Comet or Ajax should clean that. Salon care developer 40% peroxide. I did four toilets from 9 am to noon Saturday morning. $250 each. All in an office building. Great morning.

[@orcoastgreenman]

I just bought one of those blue foam no-wax seals... glad to see it was not that. I hate dealing with nasty old wax rings, and the fact that they lose their seal if anything moves, sucks, especially when people use the plastic toilet flanges and then overtighten the bolts.

[@flankman9385]

I use better than wax as well but they will fail after about 7-10 years. They deteriorate and break apart.

[@ptso7580]

Toilet bowl cleaner works pretty good as a grout cleaner. Let it set for a few minutes, scrub with grout brush and wipe clean.

[@truhunk1]

I never thought of that flashlight idea. Good tip.

[@Thumbsdwn]

This is completely speculative, but I have noticed in bathrooms with inadequate ventilation (or where the homeowner actively restricts ventilation) the toilet and tank will “sweat” after a hot shower. Not sure if this is the case here, but definitely an easier and less awkward explanation to offer the homeowner

[@robstidham8754]

If that happens, you can install a mixing valve on the toilet supply line to add a little hot water to take out the chill!

[@SerenoOunce]

As a handyman my job is to inform the customer, not LIE to them. They want their rear end kissed, that's outside my job description.

[@williamhoudersheldt7076]

@@robstidham8754 Who would want to add hot water to their toilet tank all the time? It's not gonna stay warm. 👎

[@Rodbuilder109]

Vinegar is the best for that with brush. Let the vinegar sit and work a few minutes before using the brush.

[@danbeeson9564]

Just wanted to echo the comments of others about the caulking around the base of the toilet. I nearly always use clear silicone because it ends up blending in better than white and shows dirt less. Also secures the toilet and shims to avoid rocking.

[@jasonhernandez6747]

I laughed so hard when you said the eating a sandwich after lol love it

[@alldaygaming9709]

How you prevent the pee line / crystallized Urine you silicone the base of the toilet

[@drewnelson5704]

I use beeswax for the seal but didn’t see that here, do you use a different product?

[@joeywest386]

SoftScrub and a 'utility brush" (stiff plastic bristled brush)

[@GreenOne01]

Grout Stain blocker/sealer helps!😅

[@PalmettoParatrooper]

Man I wish I had that magic potion on all the bathroom tile jobs I did... I used a sponge...

[@stevenhajost4804]

For any form of grout always use a good peroxide cleaner and/or a steam cleaner.

[@3danmensional0000]

Thank you handyman dad. Woulda asked my dad, but he’s old school and would take a long time to do home improvements that should be quick and easy like this.

[@0xVeniVidiVici]

Nothing like some mountain dew to go with your sandwich!

[@brandonlee8400]

😂A Squirt helps wash it down

[@JorgeHernandez-ib1px]

I've seen you work on front doors, replacing, repairing them. You've mentioned that they needed an awning. Can do a DIY easy to build, stylish, wood awning lean to style. I would love to see your take on it!

[@TheHandyman1]

If you are on an extreme budget and have lower framing skills it will get the job done. I would never put a lean to style entry on my house. Gable roofs look and sell better.

[@rottmanthan]

does that blue seal have the foam ring under it?

[@spudboyQ]

He's not kidding about the compliments on the shirt. People comment on the regular. Super nice T-shirt too. I tracked down the company and bought a ton of the blank ones I liked them so much. Buy more than one. Once you have one you will wish you had.

[@jordandaman903]

Kitty litter will stop the water from making a mess and it will flush when you reinstall. I always have a bag with me incase I spill paint, which happens to the best of us 🤣

[@h.d.5288]

Wasn’t the rubber toilet flange that you installed upside down?

[@SeeonX]

Question: Why don't you caulk around the base of the toilet? :) Thanks!

[@mriforgiate]

You definitely have to make sure the flavor of the forthcoming sandwich is assured!! 💪

[@HankC9174]

also fix the closet bolts with nuts *before* putting the toilet back - 2 sets of nuts

[@adamswan3991]

ZEP makes a tile and grout cleaner I recently used on similar colored tile/grout with major success

[@rickschiaffo618]

Wish I could see the look on their faces when you say "bad aim" 😂

[@ImJustKindaHere]

The gel product is neat. Personally, I've found that if you dump about gallon of water from a small bucket really fast, the toilet will create a vacuum effect which will syphon out most of the water. The little water that does remain will be in such a low level that it will allow you to remove the bowl without fear of spilling anything out. It's a nice hack I learned a while back.

[@juzoli]

I just rock the toilet while still over the flange to get the water out, and whatever stays will stay unless I put it on its side. But I’m a noob, so don’t listen to me, even if it worked:)

[@blotto3204]

I just use a shop vac to empty the bowl of water

[@blt981]

@@blotto3204won’t it contaminate your shop vac with toilet water…

[@cledusvandamme4513]

Tilex mold and mildew has worked the best for me to clean up poor aim residue. Spray it on, let it sit for 5 mins and wipe it off. No scrubbing required.

[@Aepek]

Can try the grout cleaners out there. Different grout brands have different cleaners, it’s a type of “acid” that helps clean the grout, then I’d recommend buying sealer to seal after cleaning b/c it does strip the grout a tiny bit, plus grout not waterproof anyways (well, some is, but that diff discussion 😉). For grout sealer I like 511 impregnator sealer (just don’t buy the kind with enhance b/c will look “wet” all the time unless like that look”. Also if seal the grout, would seal entire floor, not just area around toilet as could see “color diff” being side by side. Thx handyman, have good one✌🏻

[@jhomrich89]

Product called RJ8 by Spartan Chemical not available in stores but its the best grout cleaner in my experience

[@JTTTTx]

You need more than one flush to locate a toilet flange leak-- professionally, I usually do 5 or six flushes to find the small leaks. Big leaks are found real quick with one flush.

[@TeamCuellar]

Hey Handyman, How much did you charge to remove and replace the toilet since it wasn't an issue from your past work?

[@TeamCuellar]

Sorry! I watched the rest of the video where you answered my question.

[@weekendhomeprojects]

How do you get the gel out? Drink 8 coronas?

[@philsnider3472]

The flash light trick.....pretty slick. Wish I had known that over the years.

[@whatthehellimbored]

That's a cool sink and vanity

[@martingillette7613]

So, they take a shower and condensation forms on the front of the toilet. That drips down and wets the floor.

[@laragreene8328]

i like your flashlight trick and the gel also!! i'm fixing to check my toilet also due to a little water/leak at front of the toilet. It makes no sense though to me either since its at the front only. Thanks for the video.

[@rekdaknight]

I like to seal my grout to stop it from excepting liquid and stains for at least a couple years.

[@UntetheredBanshee]

But why is no one talking about that nightmare of a sink? Who the heck ever thought that was a good idea??!!

[@Zippy1415]

Slightly off topic, but On Off boat hull cleaner will remove hard water deposits or rings in the bowl like magic. Just cleaned a toilet for a friend, removed years of deposits easily.

[@charlesmcadory8286]

The best cleaner I use is RMR-141.