Cut . This type of toilet bolt cap is way simpler compared to the threaded adapter-type toilet bolt cap. If it still rocks, proceed with shimming the base. Tightening the bolts too much can crack the brittle porcelain of the toilet, for which there is no repair. Take a screwdriver and hold it firmly, then slip the flat end under the plastic cap and push it upward. Use the tip of a flat screwdriver or edge of a kitchen knife to pry the toilet bolt caps in an upward motion. Some plastic covers for toilets are threaded, while others snap on the bolts. If you happen to have an angle grinder, you can cut the bolts much faster, but any slip of the grinder could spell disaster. You can try to remove the caps with your hands, but its easier if you have the right tool. Although the process of removing the toilet bolt caps may vary from brand to brand, once you get the general idea of how to go about it, you can handle it. Over time, these bolts can slowly freeze to the nut, which makes tightening them a difficult job. Since toilets reside in the most humid room in the house, it's common for these nuts and bolts to corrode and "freeze," so that you can't get the nut off the bolt -- and therefore can't get the toilet off the floor. http://www.VideoJoeKnows.com Examine the base of the toilet, and identify any gaps between the toilet and the floor. Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design. Pour the solution on the bolts until it becomes wet, then leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing with water. To install this type of cap, you have to first remove the nuts and metal washers on the existing closet bolts using a wrench. These caps aren't just for show; they protect the bolts from corroding in the moist conditions in the bathroom. In case the bolt spins along with the nut, you should cut it off with a hacksaw. Instead, you just thread an adapter piece onto the bolt, and the cap snaps or threads onto the adapter. Thanks. There are a few obvious signs that you need to replace your toilets bolt caps. A relative newcomer to the toilet cap market is the extra-tall threaded cap, which is even simpler than threaded adapter-type caps but is just as secure. Grand EZ Toilet Bolt Caps - Pair, Universal One Size Fits All, No Need To Cut The Bolt and No Tools Required! Allow it to sit undisturbed for three to four hours while the oil works its way under the nut. If the cap doesn't come right off, work the blade around it and pry in several locations, and it will come off eventually. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Avoid transferring germs from the toilets surfaces by putting on rubber gloves. For this reason, some plumbers leave the backside of the basethe side you can't seewithout caulk so that leaking water will announce itself by running out onto the floor. You could also use plumber's putty to hold the existing bolt caps in place if they are in good shape. If you notice that the cap doesnt come right off as you pry it upward, consider working the kitchen knife or screwdriver around it in several locations. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. It may help to rock the toilet from side to side. Heres how it works. If you ever need to remove the toiletin the future, simply unscrew the cap and adapter to access the nuts. Cap installation isn't difficult, but one of the frustrating facts of life that plumbers have to face is that the cap is usually too short for the bolt, so the bolt has to be cut. http://www.VideoJoeKnows.com How to re-secure a loose toilet bolt, is easy, when you know how. Cam Merritt is a writer and editor specializing in business, personal finance and home design. 100% Made in USA! However, regardless of whether you want to fix a leak or replace your toilet, the entire process starts with removing the toilet bolt caps. It looks like you're using an ad blocker. No problem. When dealing with corroded bolts, you may need to use a wrench to unscrew the rusted bolts. Lift the toilet straight off the flange and set it down nearby. Ms. Kay Chen . Now it's time to get to the toilet bowl. Now its time to get to the toilet bowl. Set the toilet on the floor with the flange bolts poking through the holes in the base. However, there are a lot of razors because the competition is intense and because of this there are some very Gillette ProGlide Versus Gillette Mach 3: Battle of the Razor Handles! Check the flange bolt at each side of the toilet, using a pair of pliers or a . If so, you'll need to cut them down using a hacksaw or rotary tool. If the nut is frozen, do not try to force it. You should also disinfect the surfaces with an effective disinfectant to ensure the work environment is thoroughly clean. Let the caulk dry overnight before trimming the shims. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. It's guided me through all my plumbing challenges while remodeling my kitchen three years ago, and now my bathroom which I'm close to finishing. If that doesn't work, replace the flapper. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. First, thank you for this forum. Second, some caps are tall enough so that you don't need to cut down the bolt. This makes knives and screwdrivers perfect for removing bolt caps that arent too stiff or rusty. If your toilet is wobbly or loose but not leaking, this quick fix might be just what you need. The 1/4-inch size is the morestandard. First, thank you for this forum. Removing the toilet bolt caps, which are hinged at the back, exposes the metal screws that hold the toilet seat. Remove the plastic cap over the stuck bolt, if you haven't already. Apply penetrating oil to the top and bottom of the nut surrounding the bolt stem. Scrape off the old wax ring that is still left on the floor around the flange with a putty knife. Smith Edwards is a licensed plumber and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Sometimes, the toilet bolt cap may be welded so hard to the toilets plastic base by rust or water deposits so firmly that prying the cap with a knife doesnt work. In fact, some of the plastic toilet bolt caps on the market are even more decorative than the original ones. American Standard 7381148-200.0200A Bolt Cap Kit, EZ Install Toilets-White, Stinky John's Tall Toilet Bolt Caps - Universal Fit with a Round Top - Almond Colored Caps - 2 count (1 package), Fluidmaster 7110T-002-P10 Secure Toilet Bolt Caps, White, KOHLER GENUINE PART GP1013092-0 BOLT CAPS KIT FOR TOILETS,White, 4Packs Universal Toilet Bolt Caps, Round Plastic Push-On Toilet Bowl Bolt Caps Covers, with Extra Washers for Easy installation, 1.44 Inch Height, White Color. Step Five: Remove the screws and nuts. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Always wear eye protection when using power tools. Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice. Caps come with flat plastic keepers that go below the metal washer and nut. Plumbers complained, manufacturers listened and now you can purchase tall caps that will cover long bolts. Stop frequently to check the toilet and see if it is still loose. The sequence you follow when securing a toilet is as follows: The most challenging part of the procedure is cutting the bolts. Be aware that this method will make it harder to access the carriage bolts in the future if need be and it is not the intended purpose of plumber's putty. Remove the seat and lid that contains the toilet bolt caps from the bowl, be itround or elongated. Aaron's articles about plumbing on The Spruce span four years. Do not rotate the pliers on the nut; doing so could damage the threads. He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. These caps securely cover the bolts holding your toilet to the flange, particularly forfloor-mounted toilets. When this happens, you must install a new set of caps. If the screw is stripped, only the screw will turn in place. Before installing new bolt covers, check the length of the bolt head. I hate having to remove a toilet, just because I didn't know how to resecure ittoilet bolt or no toilet bolt. PRO TIP: If you dont want to mess with the toilet bolts, go for tall toilet bolt caps you can purchase taller Push-On Caps on Amazon. If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. Cut the stripped or frozen bolts off the toilet with a pair of bolt cutters. The base and cap are threaded, so when the toilet bolts are tight, all you have to do is screw the caps to the bases and they're there to stay. Stop tightening once the toilet sits securely. Screw on the caps far enough so they sit flush against the base of the toilet. Alternatively, try to douse the toilet bolt cap with vinegar to dissolve the hard water deposits or lime. That's what you want to have happen when you install the cap on the toilet. Keep reading Bomisch articles for more DIYs just like this we have a lot more bathroom ideas and practical tips to share with you! 1. We also participate in programs from eBay, CJ, Bluehost, Clickbank, ShareASale, and other sites. Attach a metal-cutting wheel to a rotary tool. Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general constructionwith two decades of professional experience. Set the cap on the base and push down until it snaps and locks. Toilet bolts come in standard sizes, but sometimes they are higher because of the toilet weight. Plastic nuts and bolts are often recommended because they dont corrode. The typical toilet has a dome-shaped cap over each bolt, both to protect the hardware and hide it. Loosen the nut as best you can, using a wrench or a socket set to turn the nut counterclockwise. To do so, hand roll the putty into a small tube shape, place on the bottom of the cap and press the cap back down over the bolt. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads. Even though toilet bolts should be tight, they shouldnt be overtightened. JavaScript is disabled. Yep, you're right. If necessary, smooth the caulk with your finger, wiping your finger clean frequently with a paper towel or a rag. Wheninstalling the toiletbolt cap, you need to cut the long bolts with a hacksaw so that the short replacement toilet cap can perfectly fit over the bolt. Use the cap as a guide and make the bolts as short as they need to be fit beneath it. You shouldn't be hesitant about cutting . A little time, oil and pressure are usually all that's needed to tighten them. Put on your rubber gloves to protect your hands and keep them clean. If you notice that your covers are missing or damaged, replace them ASAP. A member in good standing with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Asaff has working knowledge of all areas of home design. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove toilet bolt caps without too much difficulty. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Otherwise, place the edge of the wheel at the point where the nut and washer come together. However, it is sometimes hard to do it manually. It even said "this side up".Like my wife said, it's time for reading classes. Stinky John's Tall Toilet Bolt Caps: Don't Cut Those Bolts! Level and steady the toilet by inserting shims into any gaps you've identified. With the improved threaded caps, you dont need to remove the nuts and washer so as to install your new caps. Recommended fix: Jiggle the handle. If the gaps are too small to see, try sliding a shim under the base to see how far it goes in. Fortunately, there's now a solution for that. The work of toilet bolts is holding the toilet onto the flange, which attaches it to the floor. At 5/16 inches tall, you dont have to worry about cutting down your bolts for the caps to fit perfectly unless the bolts are too tall. Confirm that your toilet is not leaking. These bolts may be hidden by a pair of plastic caps, or they may be behind a panel on a "skirted" toilet. If the flange is a little higher than the surrounding flooring, the toilet becomes raised slightly in the center, allowing it to rock to either side. Shut Off the Water. However, before you cut it off, spray some lubricant around the plastic base and wait for a few minutes before you try prying it out again. You need to make sure the cap snaps and locks tightly when installing and fitting it onto thetoilets plastic base. Scrape off any old wax that is still left to the bottom of the toilet as well. Installing Toilet Bolt Caps. Grasp the top of the bolt stem above the nut with a pair of pliers. If you don't use snap-off breakable bolts, you'll probably have to cut them with a hacksaw as demonstrated by CVideos. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. Make surethat the bolts coming through the base of the toilet are not too long. Once you understand how to install the toilet bolt caps, it becomes easier to get them off. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Fortunately, there is an easy fix. Next, you should follow the cap with a metal washer and a nut to firmly hold down the toilet. Check the Bolts First. However, be careful not to damage the bolt nuts underneath or cut your hand. You may have to try them in a few different positions to properly level the toilet. Rocking is for concerts and chairsnot toilets. If you can't just pull off the cap, pry it off with a flat-blade screwdriver. 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