How to Confirm If a Toilet Drain is Properly Installed

Properly installed toilet drains are crucial for preventing water leaks, foul odors, and blockages. This comprehensive guide will help you verify if your toilet drain is installed correctly and provide solutions for common drainage issues. Whether you're a homeowner or a DIY enthusiast, this guide will help you ensure that your toilet system is functioning efficiently.

Signs of a Properly Installed Toilet Drain

First, check the floor around the base of the toilet for any signs of moisture or hard water residues. If your water is hard, look for calcium deposits. Ensure that the reservoir lid is level with the wall and that the bottom of the toilet is flush with the floor from front to back. Repeat this check from the left and right sides for accuracy.

Steps to Validate the Drain's Placement:

With the seat folded in an upright position, hold the rim and gently shake it side to side. If there is no give to the toilet and no rattling of nuts and bolts, it indicates that the base is properly secured to the floor. Flush the toilet and run your hand around the base to check for any moisture. Repeat the test from the left and right sides. Observe the water flow to ensure that the evacuation of the bowl is happening with equal speed as it evacuates the reservoir. If any of these steps raise doubts, the toilet drain may need attention.

Common Issues and Solutions

There are common issues that can arise with toilet drains. Here are some of the most prevalent problems and steps to resolve them:

1. Incorrect Drain Installation

Ensure that the toilet drain does not have a P-trap installed. A P-trap prevents sewer gases from entering the home, but having one installed on the toilet can cause blockages. Additionally, make sure that the drain pipe is connected correctly and securely.

2. Poor Toilet Operation

Strange smells and improper flushing can indicate a poorly installed drain. These issues might also be linked to the presence of a P-trap on the toilet, which can lead to air bubbles forming and causing the toilet to clog. In such cases, you might need to manually remove the blockage or unclog the system.

3. Utilizing Professional Services

If you cannot crawl under the house to inspect the drain, consider hiring a professional plumber or using an inspection camera. These tools are similar to a colonoscopy and can provide a clear view of the drainage system from the inside. The inspection generally costs around $200.00.

A Real-Life Example

One interesting anecdote from a house inspector highlights the importance of proper drain installation. A new bathroom was built, but after 1-2 years of use, the occupants noticed a smell and poor toilet flushing. A plumber discovered that the blueprint specified two drains without P-traps, but the plumber mistakenly installed a P-trap on the toilet. This caused an air bubble formation, leading to blockages. Meanwhile, the lack of P-trap on the shower caused sewer odors to enter the bathroom.

Correcting the Issues:

For the toilet, the P-trap had to be removed, and water had to be manually dumped into the system to clear the air bubble. The shower and sink drains had to be corrected to include proper P-traps.

Now that your toilet drain is properly installed, you can enjoy a leak-free, odor-free, and reliable toilet system. Remember, preventive maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and plumbing issues in the long run.