
- Scrape the wax seal off of the base of the toilet and off of the flange in the floor using a putty knife.
- Take a new wax seal and place it on top of the flange, making sure that the seal is perfectly centered on the flange.
- Lift the toilet and set it back on top of the flange, using the bolts as guides for placement. ...
- Put the washers over the bolts and thread the nuts onto the bolts. Tighten the nuts until the toilet is secure.
- Reconnect the water supply by attaching the supply tube to the water supply valve and turning the compression nut clockwise.
- Turn the water supply valve on and flush the toilet several times. ...
How to make the perfect wax seal?
- You will need a wax seal stamp, sealing wax, foil paper and an electric hot plate.
- Put the sealing wax into the holder of the hot plate.
- Connect the hot plate to the socket.
- Wait for about 3 - 5 minutes for melting the sealing wax. ...
How to replace a wax seal on a toilet?
Things You'll Need
- Wax replacement ring (neoprene , optional)
- Towel or dry sponge
- Plastic cup
- Wrench or pliers
- Flathead screwdriver
- Piece of cardboard (optional)
- New wax seal with urethane foam core
- Putty knife (optional)
- Rags or old towel
- Mildew resistant silicone tub and tile caulk of appropriate color to match the bowl and flooring (optional)
Can wax be put over a sealant?
Wax over sealant. The sealant will provide a synthetic base for the wax to be applied upon. The sealant will most likely last longer the wax, but needs more preparation then just wax alone. The wax will degrade within months, and will need to be replaced.
How to know when a wax ring is bad?
How do I know if my wax ring is bad?
- Water around the Toilet Base. The first sign of a bad toilet ring is water forming around the base of the toilet.
- Bad Odors Coming from the Toilet.
- Ceiling or Floor Damage.
- Non-Wax Related Toilet Leaks.
- Call for Toilet Repairs Right Away.

How do you replace a wax seal ring?
1:423:33How to Replace Toilet Wax O-Rings : How to Fix Toilets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can use scraper go ahead and remove all that extra wax. Now take your wax ring and peel theMoreSo you can use scraper go ahead and remove all that extra wax. Now take your wax ring and peel the plastic. Away. Take your wax ring and firmly. Press it on the hole on the bottom of the toilet.
How do you remove an old wax ring?
3:083:58Toilet Flange Wax Ring Replacement Part 1 of 2 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSet the toilet back upright. Then take the plastic scraper. And begin to scrape off the wax fromMoreSet the toilet back upright. Then take the plastic scraper. And begin to scrape off the wax from around the sewer flange. And place the wax into the trash bag. When most of the wax has been removed.
When should I replace toilet wax seal?
Whenever you remove a toilet for any reason, replace the wax ring seal between the toilet and the toilet anchor flange (sometimes called a closet flange) attached to the floor. Anytime a wax seal is replaced you should replace the T-bolts that attach the toilet to the toilet flange.
How long does it take to replace a wax seal?
Attach the new toilet to the floor with new toilet bolts by placing a wax ring on the flange and dropping it onto it. Turn on the water when the toilet is secured. The job should take two to three hours.
How much does it cost to replace a wax ring on a toilet?
between $60 and $150Replacing a wax ring, also called a wax seal, will run between $60 and $150, including labor and materials. While the ring itself is inexpensive, at around $2 to $10, replacing it takes time and expertise. The closest flange may also need replacing, increasing the total project price.
Should you caulk around a toilet?
Caulk Keeps the Toilet Secure Think again! Caulk keeps your toilet secure the floor, and avoids any chance of injury or toilet malfunctioning. It's actually required by the International Plumbing Code to caulk a toilet to the floor, and now knowing the reasoning behind it, why would you not want to?
How do I know if my wax ring is leaking?
The first sign of a failing wax ring is water that seems to be seeping out of the base of your toilet. Other signs to look for include: Water stains on the ceiling from the floor below. A lingering, unpleasant bathroom odor from escaped sewer gasses.
How long do wax seals on toilets last?
The wax ring is exactly what it sounds like: a ring made of sticky wax that helps form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe. It requires no maintenance and can last 30 or more years, often as long as the toilet itself. But sometimes wax rings can dry out, crumble, and fail prematurely.
What causes a wax ring to fail?
One very common cause of wax ring problems is loose toilets. If the toilet is not firmly mounted, or gets loose to the point where it rocks a bit, it can cause the wax ring to lose its seal. When installed, a wax ring is compressed to fit the flange and the toilet, creating the seal.
Do I need to remove old wax ring?
When should you consider replacing your wax ring? Here are a few times when replacement may be necessary: If you have to remove your toilet for any reason, you should plan to replace your wax ring. Lifting the toilet will break the seal and if the wax is old, it may not reseal.
Which is better wax or rubber toilet seal?
It all comes down to your personal preference. If you feel more comfortable using something tried and true, stick to a wax ring. For a newer mess-free approach, wax-free toilet seals are the way to go.
Does the wax ring go on the toilet or the flange?
Place the wax ring on the closet flange, not on the toilet. Pick up the toilet and set it evenly over the closet flange, making sure the bolts come through the bolt holes in the toilet base. Fine-tune the toilet position, so it's right where you want it, then push it straight down so it smashes the wax evenly.
How do I know if my wax ring is sealed?
To test that a bad seal is the problem, grab a couple of towels and wipe up the water. Go on with your day, checking periodically to see if the water has returned. If the floor is still dry, chances are that the water wasn't coming from the toilet's base.
Do you have to replace the wax ring when you remove a toilet?
Whenever you remove a toilet for any reason, you will need to replace the wax ring seal between the toilet and the toilet flange (sometimes called a closet flange) attached to the floor. A wax seal is used because it resists mold and bacteria and retains its sealing ability after years of use.
Does the wax ring go on the toilet or the flange?
Place the wax ring on the closet flange, not on the toilet. Pick up the toilet and set it evenly over the closet flange, making sure the bolts come through the bolt holes in the toilet base. Fine-tune the toilet position, so it's right where you want it, then push it straight down so it smashes the wax evenly.
How long does a wax ring last?
The wax ring is exactly what it sounds like: a ring made of sticky wax that helps form a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe. It requires no maintenance and can last 30 or more years, often as long as the toilet itself.
Essential Toilet Repair Facts and Tips
Whenever you remove a toilet for any reason, replace the wax ring seal between the toilet and the toilet anchor flange (sometimes called a closet flange) attached to the floor.
Drain and Remove the Toilet
Have a bucket and some towels or cloths within reach to catch any drips when you turn off and disconnect the water supply line.
Install the New Wax Ring
Before toilet wax ring installation, prep the toilet flange and address any floor damage.
What to do if toilet ring leaks water?
The moment you notice water leaking from a toilet in your home, contact The Pink Plumber for fast and affordable wax toilet ring replacement.
Why do toilets have wax rings?
Your toilet’s wax ring creates an airtight seal to prevent water and sewer gas from escaping. When the thick wax ring goes bad, you need to replace it right away to prevent leaks. Knowing the signs of wax ring failure helps you spot an issue early to prevent major plumbing repairs.
What to do if water is coming back from toilet?
Go on with your day, checking periodically to see if the water has returned. If the floor is still dry, chances are that the water wasn’t coming from the toilet’s base. Maybe someone spilled water or water sloshed out from the shower or bathtub. However, if the water is back, call a plumber for further inspection.
