Can you stack two wax toilet rings?

Author: Dr. Jamie Hayes  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

While we understand the lure behind stacking rings, we want to stress again that doing this will not result in a better or more secure seal. In fact, it will have the opposite effect. Because stacking wax rings requires joining two separate pieces, you create gaps where sewage byproducts can escape.

Can you use two toilet wax rings?

Re: 2 wax rings on toilet install? Usually use 2 rings when you have added a subfloor and now the toilet is setting up farther from the pipe than it used to be, or when the first ring has been smashed over time and there needs to be an extra ring added to keep things on an even keel.

Do you remove an old wax ring from the toilet?

Using a putty knife, you'll need to remove as much of the old wax ring as possible from both the bottom of the toilet and the pipe fitting in the floor, called the toilet flange. Clean and dry the flange completely before preparing to install the new wax ring.

Why is my toilet still leaking after replacing the wax ring?

The wax rings are probably misaligned. The fix is to reseat the toilet using a flange extension and one wax ring. The slight unevenness of the slab might be a contributing factor, but you can fix that by shimming the bottom of the toilet so that it sits level. Toilet hydraulics are pretty simple.

Is it better to put wax ring on toilet or flange?

Position the new toilet wax ring on top of the toilet flange, ensuring it is centered. Want to know more about choosing the correct wax ring size, crucial installation tips, and other frequently asked questions?

Toilet Flange Height and Toilet Wax Ring Thickness

Can you put a toilet back on the same wax ring?

How Often Should I Replace the Wax Ring on a Toilet? Anytime you remove or replace a toilet for any reason, you should always change the wax ring and replace the flange on the toilet.

How many years does a toilet wax ring last?

Every toilet in your home has a wax ring connecting it to your plumbing, which creates a waterproof seal to keep what goes down to the sewer from seeping out the sides. This piece of equipment usually lasts as long as the toilet, about 30 years.

How to prevent a toilet from leaking from a wax ring?

Simply grab the bolts with the pliers and use the adjustable wrench to tighten the nuts around the bolts until they are secure at the base of the toilet. Tightening the bolts securely will help ensure that the wax seal gets an airtight seal, which is essential to preventing leaks.

Should you caulk around a toilet?

Reasons to Caulk Around a Toilet

Moisture Prevention: Without caulk around the toilet base, external water can seep under the toilet, leading to floor and subfloor damage over time. This is especially important in bathrooms with wooden floors, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rot and structural issues.

What is the symptoms of a bad wax ring on a toilet?

The first sign of a bad toilet ring is water forming around the base of the toilet. 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.

Can plunging a toilet damage the wax ring?

Plunging down too hard

A hard thrust downward can break the wax seal between the toilet and the floor, causing a leak. And a really hard thrust could even crack the bowl.

Do new toilets still use wax rings?

Traditional wax toilet seals are widely used, but they can be messy and tricky to install. Modern wax-free toilet seals are easier to install, but not always as durable. Professional plumbers use both at times, depending on their preference and job's requirements.

Why is my toilet wax ring not sealing?

If a wax ring breaks or wears down, then it loses its watertight seal. When this happens, the seal allows water to leak out when you flush. Often, when this happens, you'll see some water on the floor around the base of your toilet.

What happens if you don't replace wax ring on toilet?

A damaged wax ring not only creates a leak every time you flush your toilet, but it can allow gases from the sewer system to leak into your home. This isn't just a sign of a damaged wax ring but also a sign of a serious health risk. Sewer gases are foul smelling, potential fire hazards and harmful to your health.

What if the toilet flange is below floor level?

If you install the toilet flange flush with the finished floor, or even below the finished floor, leak paths will form, because the flange won't be at the correct height to accept the horn at the bottom of the toilet.

Is it okay to double up wax rings?

In fact, it will have the opposite effect. Because stacking wax rings requires joining two separate pieces, you create gaps where sewage byproducts can escape. This is due to the rings not fully molding to form one solid new piece. As noted, the consequences of stacking wax rings are serious.

Is there something better than a wax ring?

Wax-free Toilet Seals: The New Kid on the Block

For plumbers interested in a mess-free option, wax-free toilet seals check this box. These seals affix to the toilet using a strong adhesive. There's no wrangling the ring in into place. It's a straightforward method of keeping your toilet base leak free.

Why is the caulk around my toilet turning brown?

If you notice the caulk around the base of your toilet start to turn brown, it means your toilet has a wax ring which is leaking. As a result, human waste especially urine is decolorizing the normally white caulk. The solution to this is to remove the toilet and put a new wax ring.

Why do I have to keep replacing wax ring on toilet?

An improperly installed wax ring may leak. Perhaps the installer used a ring that wasn't thick enough, or perhaps the flange is high enough to lift the toilet off the floor and make it rock. Once water begins seeping through a compromised wax ring, it won't stop.

Can you remove a toilet without replacing the wax ring?

If you're installing a new toilet, you'll want a new wax ring, so you can discard the old one. Inspect the flange for damage. A broken flange will need to be replaced when installing a new toilet.

How much should I charge to replace a toilet wax ring?

The wax ring is the seal between your toilet and the sewer pipe. It's essential to have a good seal so that waste and water would not leak from the base of your toilet. If your toilet is leaking, the wax ring likely needs to be replaced. On average, it costs between $200 and $250 to replace a toilet wax ring.

Can you replace an old toilet with any new toilet?

It boils down to something much simpler — size. That's right, not every toilet fits in every bathroom. You need to make sure to measure your existing toilet accurately to ensure that the new one will fit in its place. Here's how to ensure your replacement toilet will fit in your bathroom.

Why is my toilet leaking from the bottom when I flush?

One reason for a toilet leak from the base might be a loose connection where the tank meets the toilet. Check the connecting bolts. If they seem loose or you can see water gathering in that area, use the screwdriver to tighten them. Approach the bolts from inside the tank and screw downward to create the best seal.

How do you align a toilet wax ring?

Proper alignment: Align the wax ring with the flange and center it around the waste pipe. Make sure the wax ring is evenly pressed down to create a tight seal. Apply even pressure: When placing the toilet on top of the wax ring, apply even pressure to ensure a uniform seal.

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