If you're installing a new toilet or replacing a broken seal, there are a couple of options for a new toilet seal. Traditionally plumbers have used wax rings, but there are new mess-free options on the market as an alternative.
Toilets usually include a wax ring. However, it's best to purchase a backup wax ring in case of damage during installation. You can also use a wax-free ring. These types of rings fix on the flange, rather than the toilet outlet.
Using a wax-free seal makes clean up easier and there's less room for error. An argument that one could make for wax-free seals is that they're reusable. If you need to remove the toilet base with a wax ring, you'll need to purchase another ring to reinstall the toilet.
The wax ring is located underneath the toilet and is designed to cover and seal the waste pipe and toilet flange. If the wax ring isn't sealed correctly, it can cause wastewater to leak from the bottom. Leaking water can lead to mold around the floor.
A toilet wax ring is a seal between the fixture and the closet flange on the floor. Its primary purpose is to prevent leaks from the bottom of the toilet and provide an odor-proof 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.
In theory, the wax ring “should” last the lifetime of the toilet, or certainly 20 to 30 years. We come across situations all the time, however, where wax rings are in need of replacing well short of this scenario.
Plunging down too hard
A hard thrust downward can break the wax seal between the toilet and the floor, causing a leak.
While toilets are meant to last several decades, they do have a limit. If you know your toilet has been around longer than you've been alive, then there's a chance that it's likely on its last leg already. A general rule of thumb is to replace a toilet around every 25 years, though your mileage may vary.
Silicone caulk is the go-to option for sealing around plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, and faucets, and for any caulk joints on the tile in wet areas.
It is recommended that you use a silicone base caulk due to its waterproofing capabilities.
While wax is the classic toilet seal material, newer wax-free options are another option. Usually made of rubber, foam, or a combination of materials, they are designed to work just as well as a classic wax ring.
When you purchase a new toilet, it should come with most of the parts that you'll need. Check the box and make sure it includes brass closet bolts (to connect the toilet to the flange), and a gasket for connecting the tank to the base, a wax ring, a fill valve, flush valve and flapper.
If installation parts aren't included, make sure you purchase all the toilet parts you'll need: a toilet seat, a wax ring with a sleeve, closet bolts and bolt caps. Wall-mount or wall-hung toilets are another style option that's becoming increasingly popular in modern homes.
$90-$120 is a good ballpark.
If you are having other plumbing work done, they might do it cheaper, and if they have a large travel fee, you may pay closer to $150. Unless there is a problem, it should take them under a half hour, whereas, it might take a novice 1.5-2 hours.
There are important reasons you should flush after using the restroom, such as being able to avoid bathroom germs that could make you sick. Although some individuals may flush the toilet out of habit—or at least use one that automatically flushes—not everyone does it.
On average, most toilets will have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, even with regular use. The lifespan may vary depending on the toilet model and the wear and tear it experiences over the years. Most toilets will start to give you warning signs indicating the time for replacement is near.
The seal is created instantly once you seat the toilet on top of the ring. From this moment forward, everything should be stable, and there should be no water leaks or other signs of a bad toilet seal.
Replacing the wax ring is as easy as sliding the new piece onto the bolts in the floor, then sliding the toilet down to make a tight seal.
The only-when-flushed toilet leak could be caused by loose mounting bolts or a worn-out wax gasket while the all-the-time leak could be caused by a loose water supply line connection, a problematic water shutoff valve, or a faulty seal between the toilet tank and its base.
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.