For years, wax rings have been plumbers' go-to options for making these types of toilet repairs. Although, the term “wax” can be a bit misleading. Some seals are made from beeswax, but others are constructed from petroleum or other ingredients.
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.
Like many things in the world of plumbing, a wax ring (aka wax seal) on a toilet is an inexpensive part by itself. However, the expertise and time needed to replace it often necessitate using a professional plumber to do the work.
Remove the hassle out of replacing your toilets wax seal with Fluidmaster Better Than Wax. This superior solution eliminates messy wax, and cuts down on repair time, with a rubber toilet seal design. A truly universal toilet repair part that fits any toilet, drain, or flange.
🚽 Caulking Prevents Water Contamination
It could be water splashing out of a bathtub, mop water, water from a shower and even misguided potty training from your young boys who seem to miss the toilet bowl every single time! Without caulk around the toilet base, water can get under there and sit for a long time.
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.
$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.
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.
Again, leaky water is a telltale and common sign of a bad wax ring. If you do not regularly see moisture or puddling water under your toilet, you may be fine. Leaks can, however, happen where you do not see them, under the finished floor and into the subfloor.
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.
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.
Another method to create a 'wax' seal is with glue. While transparent glue is the most popular variety, glue gun glue is available in a wide range of colours, too. Choose your glue and then heat a stick of it in your glue gun for a couple of minutes.
The optimum flange height to aim for is 1/4 inch above the finished floor. This typically allows for almost any type of wax ring to be used and still ensure a good seal. If you recently tiled or changed the bathroom flooring, the flange height is likely less than optimal.
The wax ring seals a toilet base to the toilet flange. If during installation the wax is squashed out such that it partially blocks the waist opening that can cause clogging.
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 toilet is placed on top of the flange so that its weight compresses the wax into the exact shape of the flange, forming a perfect seal. Wax seals are still the go-to for many plumbers. If the flange is particularly high and can't be lowered, wax might be the only option.
Here's what to know. 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.
There are many options available today for wax rings and other products used create the sealed connection between the toilet and the floor flange (or closet flange.) While there are some differences in each toilet and its installation we typically recommend a standard sized wax ring.
No waiting necessary. The wax deforms and makes a water/waste proof connection instantly. Also turning the water on won't exposed the ring to the full flush until you flush your toilet.
Apply the mineral spirits with a rag and scrub gently to remove the wax residue. Always use care with mineral spirits as it is flammable. If you don't have mineral spirits on hand, check in your garage for a bug and tar remover or Goof Off Heavy Duty.
Determine if the Wax ring is possibly bad by inspecting the floor for water or a foul odor of sewer gas. Use food coloring. If are unsure of where water is coming from you can add food coloring to the toilet tank. If the floor's water is the same color, then you likely will need to install a new wax ring.
If there is no caulk, any water that creeps underneath the toilet can remain undisturbed for some time. It will soon start to stagnate, providing a breeding ground for mold and fungus. The application of caulk to the toilet prevents this from happening, and the bathroom is healthier as a result.