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Sealing the space between the toilet and the floor...

4K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  Yoyizit 
#1 ·
The space between my toilet and the floor (tiled) is not sealed well. I've ran into both a roach and a large spider since moving in, both within close vicinity to the bathroom, so I'm guessing they're finding their way into the apartment from under the toilet.

What is the quickest way to seal it? Would caulking do it? I'm looking for something cheap and functionally sound (keep the bugs out, and not peel away).
 
#4 · (Edited)
Don't forget to leave a small gap in the caulk at the back of the toilet base to bleed water if necessary and thereby alert you to a problem.

With these bugs, maybe you have already been alerted.
What kind of problem would insects indicate exactly? If I don't leave a small gap at the back, would that result in a water leak or something for the person living one floor below should something leak?

This isn't even my place per se. It's just a walkup apartment (2nd floor) - landlord owns it. I'm sure theres tonnes of problems with the building since a lot of it seems to be in disrepair. I wouldn't be surprised if there are plumbing issues to go along with it. In fact, I believe the walls behind my closet to be somewhat moldy, since theres a panel in there that leads to the shower pipes, and I can smell a musty odour from the closet area on humid days.

I'd just tell the landlord to look into these sorts of things, but he's pretty cheap and he doesn't particularly like me at present, so I doubt he would fix anything properly. Figure it's better to spend the $10 and do it myself.
 
#5 ·
What kind of problem would insects indicate exactly?

Depending on what they are, it might mean someone next door to you is using an insect repellent so now they (the bugs, not your neighbors:no:) are taking up with you.

If I don't leave a small gap at the back, would that result in a water leak or something for the person living one floor below should something leak?

Gap or not, if there were a major failure of your toilet, tenants below you would probably know about it in a day or two.

This isn't even my place per se. It's just a walkup apartment (2nd floor) - landlord owns it. I'm sure theres tonnes of problems with the building since a lot of it seems to be in disrepair. I wouldn't be surprised if there are plumbing issues to go along with it. In fact, I believe the walls behind my closet to be somewhat moldy, since theres a panel in there that leads to the shower pipes, and I can smell a musty odour from the closet area on humid days.
You might get a book on tenant's rights from your local library. Nolo Press probably publishes some. If your local library doesn't have it, and you don't mind waiting six weeks or so, they may be able to get it through Inter-library loan.

Mold could = health problems for you or others
Bugs could = health problems for your or others

I'd just tell the landlord to look into these sorts of things, but he's pretty cheap and he doesn't particularly like me at present, so I doubt he would fix anything properly. Figure it's better to spend the $10 and do it myself.

See if your lease permits you to charge the landlord for time and materials for repairs you make.
Re: repairs not being done, there are Material Breach(es) of contract and immaterial breaches. Not a lawyer, but I believe in return for the rent you are paying, you are entitled to live in a place where they don't do illegal, offensive or dangerous things.
Try Googling

"material breach" wiki

Something else just occurs to me. Using the Internet or other means, try to find out what company insures your building.
Bring up your concerns with that company.
Your landlord will probably pay strict attention if his insurance company contacts him.
 
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