Tiffany Haney
If you're installing a toilet pan, you might be wondering whether you need to bed it down. While a normal toilet pan can be held down with a couple of coach screws, you can also bed it into silicone sealant or mortar if you want to. To bed a toilet pan into mortar, carefully mark the outline of the area to be covered by the toilet pan, then score the floor tiles with a tile cutter or angle grinder to allow the bedding to set. Mix a bag of premixed 'just add water' mortar with 3.5 litres of clean water, then apply the mixture to the scored areas, leaving a slight gap around the pan connector. Set the toilet pan into the mortar bed, ensuring it remains 10mm above the finished floor, then level the pan with a spirit level and wipe away any excess mortar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of screws | Brass or steel |
| Material | Silicone sealant, "no more nails", or mortar |
| Mortar type | Premixed 'just add water' |
| Mortar brand | Cement Australia Sand & Cement |
| Mortar quantity | One 20kg bag |
| Mortar height | 50-60mm |
| Toilet pan height | 10mm above the finished floor |
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What You'll Learn
Use mortar to bed the toilet pan
To bed a toilet pan using mortar, you will need a premixed 'just add water' mortar product, such as Cement Australia Sand & Cement. You will need one 20kg bag of this product to set a toilet pan. As cement-based products can cause burns to exposed skin or eyes, it is important to protect your skin and eyes during this process.
Before you begin, carefully mark the outline of the area to be covered by the toilet pan. Score the floor tiles with a tile cutter or angle grinder to allow the bedding to set on a roughened surface to ensure adequate binding. Remove any dust or loose materials from the tiles.
Mix the mortar by adding one 20kg bag of Sand & Cement to a large bucket and adding 3.5 litres of clean water. Apply the mixed product around the scored-out areas of the tiles, leaving a slight gap around the pan connector on S-trap installations. The mortar bed should be approximately 50-60mm in height.
Set the toilet pan into the bed of mortar, ensuring that it remains 10mm above the finished floor. Use a spirit level to ensure that the pan is level. Remove any excess mortar, trowel the outside of the mortar bed smooth, and wipe the pan clean with a sponge or wet cloth.
If you are removing an old toilet, you may need to use thinset mortar to level out the floor before setting the new toilet pan.
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Secure the pan with sanitary silicone
Securing a toilet pan to the floor has evolved over the years. The most common method used by plumbers today to fix a toilet pan to the floor is with clear sanitary-grade silicone.
To secure a toilet pan with sanitary silicone, start by placing the toilet pan on the floor and marking its position with a pencil. Remove the pan and cut a hole in the floor for a key. This will create a lock between the pan and the floor. Mix a stiff batch of mortar and place a large amount inside the toilet pan and on the floor. Clear sanitary-grade silicone will be used to secure the pan to the bathroom floor.
Carefully turn the pan over and place it on top of the mortar bed, ensuring that the mortar remains inside the pan. Level the pan and dress away the excess mortar with a damp sponge. Use a soap and water solution to prevent excess silicone from sticking to the floor and your fingers.
It is advisable to leave the toilet pan for as long as possible before its initial use, preferably 24 hours, before applying any weight to it. Consult a plumber for specific advice on curing times.
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Use packers or wedges to raise the pan
When bedding down a toilet pan, one of the methods to secure it is to use packers or wedges to raise it. This method is often used by plumbers to fix a toilet pan to the floor. It involves placing small packers or wedges under the toilet to raise it by approximately 2 to 3 millimetres until a level toilet pan is achieved. It is important not to create a gap larger than 5 or 6 millimetres at the front of the pan when using this method.
The use of packers or wedges provides a stable and secure base for the toilet pan. They can be made of various materials, such as wood or plastic, and are designed to be cut to the appropriate size and shape. Packers are preferred by some due to their durability and resistance to rotting. Additionally, they can be easily secured in place.
When using packers or wedges, it is crucial to ensure that the toilet pan remains level and stable. Any unevenness or instability can lead to issues with the toilet's functionality and stability over time. Therefore, it is important to take precise measurements and make careful adjustments when raising the pan with packers or wedges.
To further secure the toilet pan, a sanitary-grade silicone sealant can be applied around the base. This helps to fill any gaps and create a watertight seal, preventing leaks and odours from escaping. The silicone also adds stability and durability to the installation.
It is recommended to leave the toilet pan for a minimum of 24 hours before use to allow the packers, wedges, and silicone to set properly. This waiting period ensures that the toilet is securely installed and can bear the weight safely. Consulting a professional plumber is always advisable to ensure the correct procedures are followed.
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Avoid over-tightening screws
When bedding down a toilet pan, it is important to be careful not to over-tighten the screws. Over-tightening the screws can lead to an expensive and irreparable crack in the base of the pan.
To avoid over-tightening, it is recommended to first hand-tighten the screws as much as possible. Then, use a wrench to give each screw a quarter turn more. You can also check the manufacturer's guidelines for how tight the screws should be. It is important to remember that the goal is to prevent bowl movement, not to hold up the floor by the toilet bolts.
If you are using a long wrench, choke up on the handle as much as possible. Be careful not to deform the washer, as this will affect the tightness of the screws. If you are unsure, it is better to err on the side of caution and not tighten the screws too much.
Additionally, you can sit on the toilet after tightening the screws to test if it is snug. If the toilet moves, tighten the screws slightly more, alternating sides, and then test again. You can also check if the toilet is level by placing a level across the bowl and applying upward pressure on each side. If there is still movement, you can shim the base.
By following these steps and being cautious, you can avoid over-tightening the screws when bedding down a toilet pan.
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Clean the floor with a damp sponge
When installing a toilet pan, it is important to ensure that the area is clean and free of debris. This is especially important when using adhesives like sanitary-grade silicone, tile grout, or tile adhesive, as dirt and debris can interfere with the adhesion process and affect the final result.
To clean the floor with a damp sponge effectively, start by mixing a mild detergent with warm water. Ensure that the sponge is only slightly damp and not dripping wet, as excess water can pool on the floor and delay the installation process. You should also avoid using too much detergent, as it can leave a soapy residue that may need to be rinsed or wiped away.
Gently squeeze the sponge to ensure it holds an adequate amount of the detergent mixture. Start wiping the floor in small, circular motions, focusing on the area where the toilet pan will be installed. This will help remove any dust, dirt, or residue that could compromise the adhesion of the toilet pan to the floor. It is important to be thorough and cover every inch of the installation area, including the surrounding areas, as dust and debris can easily be kicked up or blown onto the installation site.
Once you have finished cleaning the floor, go over it again with a dry cloth or a slightly damp (almost dry) microfiber cloth to ensure no residual water or detergent is left behind. This step is crucial, as it helps prepare an ideal surface for the adhesion process, ensuring the toilet pan will be securely and effectively installed.
By following these steps and allowing adequate time for the floor to dry before proceeding with the installation, you can ensure a clean and secure adhesion of the toilet pan to the floor.
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