“Toilet Spud” isn’t a term you hear often, even though we’re in Idaho, where you’d think we’d know all about spuds. A toilet spud is one of the many little pieces that keep your toilet in working order. Imagine a toilet, and you will likely picture the rectangular tank and the toilet bowl, with a base sealed to the floor. But what about the connection between the two pieces? That is where you can find the spud.
The toilet spud keeps the water in your toilet tank while preventing leaks. The spud acts as a water-tight seal that screws directly into the base, working as a passageway for water to move from the tank into the bowl while connecting the two parts of the toilet.
Anatomy of a Toilet Spud
You can find the spud by removing the tank. To do this, you unscrew the two screws on the bottom of the tank and lift the tank off the seat. The spud gasket will be sitting on the back part of the seat.
A toilet spud washer is not as small as you might imagine. It’s a cylindrical gasket with a flat edge on one end and a beveled edge on the other, about the size of a small teacup. A plumbing spud can be made completely of rubber, but may also be brass or copper, or a combination of these materials. Some spuds are beveled into a cone shape, while others are constructed with an internal bevel that runs along the inside of the lip. Almost all spuds are threaded at one end to screw directly into the toilet.
Signs of a Malfunctioning Toilet Spud
The biggest sign that you may have a malfunctioning spud washer is water leaks or puddling around the toilet on the floor. A spud is meant to be water-tight, so if it is worn out, it may allow water to leak through the rubber seal on the floor. Some signs of toilet spud issues to look out for are:
- A dripping sound
- The back or sides of the toilet feel wet
- Water pooling on the floor
- Damaged or peeling flooring around the toilet
DIY Toilet Spud Maintenance
If you’re comfortable with heavy lifting and plumbing jobs, you may try to replace the spud washer on your own. While possible, you may find that installation is difficult, especially if you don’t have the proper tools (like a spud wrench) and experience to do so. Breaking the spud off can be catastrophic, and installation may have hiccups, depending on the size and brand of spud you choose.
For a guaranteed, fast, and economical fix, call Express Plumbing, Heating, & Air to do it for you. We’ll get it replaced for you in no time, and you can relax knowing it’s done correctly.
When To Call a Professional Plumber
If you suspect your plumbing spud is malfunctioning, it is best to have a professional come take a look, as installation can be tricky for the average homeowner. You will also need to call a professional plumber if:
- Water backs up into your toilet, shower, or sink
- The flush has slowed or become weaker over time
- The toilet is clogged and a plunger isn’t helping
- The water bubbles or “burps”
- The tank or bowl is cracked
- The bathroom smells like sewage
- The toilet won’t stop running
- There’s loose or damaged flooring around the toilet (indicating a leak)
- More than one toilet and/or drain is having issues at the same time
It’s a smart idea to fix your leaking toilet quickly. Not only can the errant water cause damage to your floors and cause a spike in your water bill, but it can be bad for the environment. The EPA website notes that leaking toilets are one of the biggest causes of water waste in the US, contributing to over one trillion gallons of wasted water every year.
If your toilet is leaking, aging, or needs repairs or replacement, call Express Plumbing, Heating, & Air today. We can install a modern, efficient toilet model in your home that will waste less water, have fewer clogs, and flush properly. Our licensed Boise, ID, plumbers offer efficient, respectful in-home service that can be done right away.
Tips for Choosing Toilet Spuds
Choosing a toilet spud is best done by professionals, as there are a wide variety of shapes and sizes, each fitting different toilet brands and sizes. Let the experts handle the small details like finding the right size plumbing spud by calling Express Plumbing, Heating, & Air. Our licensed plumbers specialize in all types of plumbing repair and emergency services, making life easier for homeowners like you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toilet Spuds
Where is the spud located?
The spud is a leak-proof gasket located in the area behind the toilet seat, connecting the tank and the bowl of the toilet.
What are the common problems that happen with toilet spuds?
The most common problem is leaking. This can occur when the rubber begins to wear out, if you’ve installed the wrong size, or if it wasn’t installed as tightly as it needed to be.
When would I need to replace a toilet spud during a bathroom remodel?
In most cases, if your toilet is functioning properly you can keep the same toilet components. If you’ve noticed wet or damaged flooring around the base of the toilet, you may need to replace the spud.
How do I know if the spud is the problem, or if it’s something else?
Calling a professional plumber is the easiest way to determine whether your toilet spud is the issue or if there’s something bigger going on. Call Express Plumbing, Heating, & Air at any time to book an appointment or schedule online and a licensed plumber will come to have a look.
If I’m replacing my toilet, do I automatically need a new spud?
If you’re replacing your toilet, you’ll likely need a new spud. When you buy a brand-new toilet, it will come with a spud that is designed to fit properly. While you may be able to fit your old one into the new toilet, using the new one will ensure it lasts a long time, without leaking.
Are there different sizes of toilet spuds?
Yes, there are many spud sizes and shapes to choose from. You can even find offset spuds to correct misaligned toilets or sleek integral spuds integrated into the toilet design. If you don’t know which spud to use, call one of our expert plumbers to assist you with your replacement.
Contact Express Plumbing, Heating, and Air
Express Plumbing, Heating, & Air serves the city of Boise and the surrounding area, with experience in everything from bathroom remodeling to sewer line repair. Whatever you need help with, we can get it done quickly, with efficient, reliable customer service. Financing options are available, and you can find more coupons and discounts on our website.
If your toilet is leaking or you suspect there’s an issue with your toilet spud, contact us today. We look forward to working with you.
