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should i use extra thick wax ring

by Mekhi Witting III Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Yes, you can use two regular wax rings instead of using one extra thick wax ring. However, that won’t be the most efficient way to seal your toilet because there will still be a chance of leakage around it. If your toilet requires a double-thick wax ring, I recommend going for that instead of using two regular wax rings.

If it's at the same level, or no more than 1/4 inch below it, a regular wax ring, which is between 3/4 and 1 inch thick, is all you need. If the flange is recessed deeper than that, you need an extra-thick wax ring, which is about an inch thicker than a regular one.

Full Answer

When do you need an extra thick wax ring?

You will need to use an extra-thick wax ring whenever you are dealing with a flange that is on the floor level or maybe a bit below or deeper to the floor level. Anything below ¼” should clearly indicate using an extra thick wax ring. Why are wax rings extra thick?

What is the difference between wax rings and regular wax rings?

There is a clear difference in weight between the two types of wax rings. Typically, the extra thick wax ring will be much heavier than a regular wax ring. The reason for that is the extra material in the ring. However, this doesn’t impact the results of the toilet seal.

Which wax ring is right for your toilet?

To determine which one is right for you, you’ll need to check the “toilet flange” – a metal or plastic piece that can be found over the pipe in the floor under your toilet. If the flange is level with your floor, a regular-thickness wax ring will be fine. You’ll only use a double-thickness wax ring if the flange is located under the floor.

What type of wax ring should I use for a floor flange?

If the flange is level with your floor, a regular-thickness wax ring will be fine. You’ll only use a double-thickness wax ring if the flange is located under the floor.

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Are extra thick wax rings better?

Extra-thick wax rings usually contain about 40 percent more wax than a standard wax ring and measure about an inch thicker than their standard counterparts. These wax rings can provide a better seal for shorter flanges that are recessed below the floor level, particularly for those recessed more than ¼ inch.

Why are wax rings extra thick?

Extra-thick wax ensures a water tight seal and secure fit. The 7513 model is designed to fit even with the floor and below the floor waste lines with an included flange.

What size wax ring should I use?

To determine the correct width for your wax ring, simply turn your toilet bowl on its side, and measure the opening on the bottom of your toilet, called the “elbow neck.” Whatever width this measurement is, use that width wax ring. E.g. if the elbow neck measures 3 inches, use a 3-inch wax ring.

Should I use a double wax ring?

Place the Wax Ring and Toilet Do not be tempted to stack up two wax rings because this setup tends to leak. Installing a flange extender or using an extra-thick wax ring will work much better in the long run. Place the wax ring on the closet flange, not on the toilet.

Can you put 2 wax rings on a toilet?

You can certainly install a toilet with multiple wax rings, in fact sometimes it is necessary to make sure you don't have a leak. The most common case is when a homeowner will install a tile floor (or really any thick floor).

Should toilet flange be flush with floor?

In a typical toilet installation, the floor flange that sits inside the drain opening below the toilet should be positioned so that its bottom surface rests flush against the finished floor or no more than 1/4 inch above or below the floor.

Should I put the wax ring on the toilet or the flange?

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.

How long do toilet wax rings last?

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. When that happens, they need to be replaced. The telltale sign of wax ring failure is water leaking out from around the base of the toilet.

What toilet seal do plumbers recommend?

Waxless Foam Gasket Waxless foam gaskets are made from a soft foam that has more flexibility than the rubber gaskets listed above, and they are quickly becoming the toilet seal of choice for every Houston plumber and homeowner.

Why toilet still leaks after replacing wax ring?

If the closet flange sits below the level of the finished floor or the wax ring is installed catawampus, the seal can be incomplete, and the toilet will leak. Removing and resetting the toilet properly will stop the leak.

Why does my wax ring keep failing?

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.

Can you stack reinforced wax rings?

You can buy an extra-thick wax ring, or you can just buy two rings and stack one on top of the other. I would buy the type that has the rubber insert in it as it directs the waste down the hole. Once you stack the wax rings, line up the bolt holes and push the toilet down towards the floor.

What is reinforced wax ring?

The “reinforced” wax ensures that the wax does not break free from itself or breaks away from the surfaces it is binding to or when the wax is being applied to the toilet and flange. This reinforcement allows the wax to stay intact and make a good seal.

How do you extend a toilet flange?

2:234:47How To Install A Toilet Flange Extension Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right so here's our our flange extension there's a little lip here if you look there you can seeMoreAll right so here's our our flange extension there's a little lip here if you look there you can see there's a lip you're gonna want that facing down that's gonna also help make the seal.

How much does it require to replace a toilet wax seal?

It requires $50 and $220 to replace a toilet wax seal, including labor and materials. If you are doing it yourself, then it requires $3 to $10. The closest flange also needs replacing, and it can increase the total project price.

Can you use 2 wax rings on your toilet?

Do not be influenced to stack up two wax rings because this setup tends to leak. Placing an extra-thick wax ring will work much better in the long run. Place the wax seal on the closet flange, not on the toilet.

What is the purpose of the flange on the wax ring?

The flange on the wax ring has the purpose of flashing the toilet protecting against leaks, guaranteeing that water can not escape when there is not a blockage. The cone on the bottom of the toilet sets in the cone of the wax seal creating a propor flashing against water intrusion.

How much should wax be compressed?

The wax ring should be compressed around 1/2 to 3/4 it's initial height once installed. If it will compress less, you need a taller ring. If it will compress more, consider getting one with a flange to limit wax extrusion into the drainage path. Share. Improve this answer.

How tall is a toilet ring?

How tall the ring is depends on how close the toilet's outlet horn is to the flange. Under ideal conditions, the standard ring is just a bit too tall so that it compresses just enough to form a good seal without squeezing out into the drainage path and causing an obstruction.

What are the factors that determine the size of a wax ring?

There are only two factors to a correctly sized wax ring: width and thickness .

Can you buy a wax ring for a toilet?

While you can buy a standard wax ring for your toilet, we also have another option for you…

Do you need to get a new wax ring for a toilet?

Whenever replacing a toilet wax ring, it’s essential to make sure you get the appropriate size for your toilet. If you don’t and try to install a new toilet or put back your old one, you’ll have to buy a brand new ring and start all over!

Can you use a wax ring on radiant floor?

There are lots of homeowners who have upgraded to heated flooring over the years. Installing a wax ring on a radiant heated floor is probably not the best idea. It is becoming more common for plumbers and remodelers to recommend that you do NOT use a wax ring, because the heat from the floor may melt the wax. ...

Can you replace a wax free toilet ring?

A point that can be made in favor of wax free seals is that they are reusable. If you ever need or want to replace your old toilet with a new one, you will have to replace the wax ring as well. You can avoid this with a wax free seal as long as it is still in good condition.

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Primary Differences Between The Two Wax Ring Types

  • Since both are wax rings, there are no basic differences in their functionality or composition. Some things that differ between these two are the thickness and application. So, let’s check out how they differ and their impact on applying these rings. 1. Thickness When it’s about a regular …
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Can Choosing The Wrong Size Cause Any Issues?

  • Yes, if you choose the wrong thickness of the ring size, there can be several issues that you will face with your toilet. One of the major issues that you will face is the toilet leaking due to the wrong wax size. When you use a regular wax ring in place of a double-thick wax ring, you will have this issue of leaking. When you use a regular wax ring, it leaves some space from where the toile…
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How to Know If The Wax Ring Is Working Or Not?

  • It’s very easy to notice whether your toilet seal is working correctly or not. Because the seal isn’t working, you will come across several issues. The first thing to notice is water seeping through the toilet base. This is a clear sign that your wax ring is not working properly. Even if you don’t notice the water seeping through, you will notice the stains that they leave on the toilet base. So…
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Is A Wax Ring The Best Option For A Toilet Seal?

  • Well, this is a debatable topic to discuss. For a wax ring, the alternative you get is typically a rubber gasket seal. Now, there are plenty of advantages to the rubber gasket seal that you don’t get in a wax ring. At the same time, wax rings also have their benefits. It all comes down to your preferences regarding the seals. If you want something that doesn’t cause any mess and is very …
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