• Get a Quote
  • Technical Support
  • Contact
  • Literature
  • My.Warmup login
  • enEnglish
Warmup
  • Heated Floors
    • Electric Systems
      • View All Systems
      • Heating Mat
      • Foil Heater
      • Uncoupling System
      • Inslab Cable
      • Floor Insulation
    • Floor Coverings
      • Laminate
      • Wood
      • Vinyl and LVT
      • Tile & Stone
      • Carpet
      • Concrete
    • Room Type
      • Bathroom
      • Kitchen
      • Bedroom
      • Living room and Sunroom
      • Basement
    • Find out
      • Installation
      • How it Works
      • Running Costs
      • Commercial Projects
      • Case Studies
      • Blog
      • Videos
      • Where to buy
  • Snow Melting Systems
    • Driveway Heating
    • Heated Sidewalks
    • Roof Deicing
    • Pipe Freeze Protection
    • Controls
  • Thermostats
    • 4iE Smart Thermostat
    • Tempo
    • Support
  • Bathroom Collection
    • Towel Warmers
    • Mirror Defoggers
Select Page

Should You Tile Under Or Around The Toilet When Installing Heated Floors ?

Alice WarnierSep 21, 2017 | Insights, Installing a System, Money & Energy Saving Tips | 0 comments

SOME DECISIONS ARE ALREADY MADE FOR YOU

Whatever your design objectives are for your bathroom remodel or redesign (there is a difference), if you are planning to take it to the next level by adding the comfort and practicality of electric radiant floor heating, some decisions are already made for you.

For example, under no circumstance is the floor heating system installed underneath permanent fixtures such as cabinets, bathtubs or toilets.

The floor heating system (including the factory joint) must be completely encapsulated in modified thinset.

Additionally, when laying out your radiant electric floor heating system, you will need to keep the heated wire at least 6 inches from the wax ring installed under the toilet.

Let’s move on to installation options for you to consider.

SHOULD I TILE UNDER OR AROUND THE TOILET?

While either method will work, the vast majority of both tile professionals and DIYs are in favor of removing the existing toilet and tiling underneath. It is worth mentioning that the only time you will likely confront this option is if you are removing bathroom carpeting (always a good idea) or vinyl flooring and replacing with tile.

In these instances, some have chosen to go what appears to be the “easier route” and leave the toilet alone, perhaps thinking “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”

Why though are the majority of professionals in favor of tiling under the toilet?

Here are some top reasons why:

  • Less cutting involved – less frustration trying to cut the tile up to the toilet.
  • Easier to replace the toilet down the road, especially if it has a different footprint.
  • The end result looks more professional.

We had an opportunity to get some feedback from Phil Green of Edge Strip Kits, who has been a tile setter for over 42 years. He states:

“As a professional Tile setter for over 42 years, I would say that I have never tiled AROUND a toilet. It’s just easier to pull it and then tile under it. This allows the toilet to be changed in the future with no additional call back for tile repairs. Another good reason for pulling the toilet and not cutting around it would be to replace the wax ring at this time. Many simple leaks can easily be repaired by changing the wax ring seal. If you tiled up to the toilet, you would not be able to notice this small leak until extensive damage had occurred.”

For additional advice, it is always helpful to see what type of advice is available on related, reputable forums. Here are two that discuss this topic:

  • MyBuilder.com
  • JohnBridge.com

MAKE A GREAT BATHROOM REMODEL OR REDESIGN EVEN BETTER

If you are considering laying tile for your bathroom, this would be the time to also consider adding Warmup electric radiant floor heating to keep those tiles luxuriantly warm during chilly days.

A complete floor heating solution can cost as little as $372.00 (includes advanced thermostat with GFCI) depending on your needs.

To improve the performance of your floor heating system, especially if you want it to serve as primary heating so you can remove those old baseboard heaters, you should seriously consider including Warmup Insulation Boards (WIBs) as part of the installation.

Recommended for you:

How To Repair Heated Floors?
Porcelain versus Ceramic Tile
Are Electric Heated Floors safe ?
Heated Tiles Installation Tips
Categories : Insights, Installing a System, Money & Energy Saving Tips




""
1
To receive these expert articles straight to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter here.
EmailEnter your Email Address
Previous
Next




Like this article? Share it with your friends.
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Email this to someone
email


About

The Company

Research & Development

Contact Us

Support

Where to buy

Register a warranty

Media Content

Pricebook 2019

Warmupedia

Specifications

Manuals & Submittal Sheets

Installation Videos

T&Cs

Privacy Policy

Careers

Warmup Inc. in Toronto, ON on Houzz

USA Site

International Sites


   icon_facebook_128x128   icon_linkedin_128x128   icon_twitter_128x128   icon_youtube_128x128

Designed by Warmup PLC

Soumission rapide

 
""
1
Prénom / Nom
Adresse courriel
Code postal
Numéro de téléphone
Revêtement final
Surface à chauffer (pi²)
Previous
Next
x
x