How to fix a broken toilet seal?

Author: Prof. Chaim Fay III  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Install the New Wax Ring
  1. Step 1: Remove the Existing Wax Ring. ...
  2. Step 2: Replace the Toilet Flange Bolts. ...
  3. Step 3: Attach the Wax Ring. ...
  4. Step 4: Position the Toilet. ...
  5. Step 5: Bolt the Toilet Back Into Place. ...
  6. Step 6: Reconnect the Toilet and Check the Toilet Wax Ring. ...
  7. Step 7: Seal the Toilet With Caulk.

Can a toilet seal be fixed?

Replacing the seal is actually very straightforward, however, it is very labour intensive. Generally, the toilet pan has to be disconnected from the cistern and lifted out of the way. The locking ring holding the seal has to be removed and then the seal is replaced.

How much does it cost to fix a broken toilet seal?

Just post your job to get free quotes from tradespeople near you across the UK. On average, the total expense for a toilet gasket replacement or repair ranges between £50 and £150, depending on various factors such as labour, materials, and any additional fees. Labour costs average around £40 to £60 per hour.

What happens when a toilet seal breaks?

If the air around your toilet smells strongly of sewage all the time, then your wax ring might have lost its seal. A damaged wax ring can allow sewer gas to come up through your system and out into the room. You may or may not also have some water on the floor at this point. Sewer gas isn't hygienic.

How much does it cost to replace a seal around a toilet?

Seal replacement has a price around $60 to $200 on average. The wax seal or wax ring is the part of the located around the base, sealing it in place and connecting with the drain opening in your floor. The seal can become damaged over time and cause the toilet to become wobbly, loose, and leaky.

How To Remove & Replace A Toilet Wax Seal

Can I replace a wax ring myself?

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.

Is it cheaper to fix a toilet or replace it?

Some problems require expensive, complicated repairs. If you encounter these issues frequently, scheduling a replacement will most likely be the most cost-effective solution, as you can save money.

How many years does a toilet seal last?

It ensures that when the toilet drains, all the water goes down the pipe and not under your finished floor into your subfloor. A properly installed toilet ring forms a watertight seal that can last for 30 years or more with no maintenance needed.

How do you fix a toilet tank seal?

How to Fix a Leaky Toilet Tank
  1. Turn off the water at the shutoff valve below the tank. ...
  2. Drain the tank completely. ...
  3. Hold one of the tank bolt nuts. ...
  4. Unscrew the tank bolts with the screwdriver. ...
  5. Remove the tank from the bowl and lay it down. ...
  6. Remove the old spud washer. ...
  7. Insert the new spud washer.

Can Flex Seal fix a cracked toilet?

Flex Glue can help seal and bond cracks in the toilet bowl or tank. It's important to note that Flex Seal products are not designed for high-pressure applications, so they wouldn't be suitable for repairing the hose carrying water to the toilet. You may need to call a plumber for that one!

What do plumbers use to seal toilets?

The International Plumbing Code requires caulk around the base of a toilet. You must use 100% silicone caulk where fixtures meet the wall or floor. Here are a few of the primary reasons it's required, and you should take the time to properly seal toilets above and beyond basic code requirements.

How much does a plumber charge to fix a leaking toilet?

Leaky Toilet: Expect to pay $100–$600 for leaky toilet repairs. Leaks happen where the toilet meets the floor, at the water supply valve, and between the bowl and tank. Clogged Toilet: Repairing a toilet clog costs $85–$600.

What is the most common toilet repair?

One of the most common toilet issues is a toilet that continues to run after flushing. This can lead to wasted water and higher bills. To address this problem, you can check the flapper valve and the fill valve. If the flapper is worn or misaligned, replace it.

What is the best sealant for toilets?

It is recommended that you use a silicone base caulk due to its waterproofing capabilities.

Can a leaking toilet increase the water bill?

A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flow down the drain. This can cause a terrible increase to a family's typical water use, so fix toilet leaks as soon as possible. Some leaks are easy to find, such as a dripping faucet or running toilet.

How do you fix a sealed toilet?

Toilet Seal Replacement: Quick Overview
  1. Turn off the water supply and drain the toilet of all water.
  2. Disconnect the toilet and move it to a safe space.
  3. Scrape the old wax seal off with a putty knife.
  4. Place the new wax seal on top of the toilet flange.
  5. Reinstall the toilet and flush it to check for leaks.

How much does it cost to reseal a toilet?

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 reseal a toilet yourself?

Place the new wax seal on top of the toilet flange and make sure it's centered. Reinstall the toilet by using the johni-bolts as a guide. Make sure you hold the toilet as level as possible when placing it onto the new wax seal. The toilet tank should be parallel to the wall behind it.

How to tell if a toilet flange is bad?

5 Toilet Flange Leak Symptoms
  1. Your toilet is wobbly. Even if it's not leaking yet, a wobbly toilet is a sign that the wax ring and flange underneath it are failing. ...
  2. Odors. ...
  3. Water puddling where your toilet meets the floor. ...
  4. The floor around the toilet feels springy or spongy. ...
  5. The flooring around your toilet is coming up.

How do you seal a broken toilet?

What Happens Once Cracked
  1. Step 1 – Turning Off The Water. ...
  2. Step 2 – Dry Out the Tank. ...
  3. Step 3 – Find a Porcelain Sealer or Use Epoxy. ...
  4. Step 4 – Apply the Sealer. ...
  5. Step 5 – Smooth Out the Sealer.

How much do plumbers charge to replace a toilet?

Replacing a toilet costs between $275 and $480 in most cases, and the average cost sits around $375.

How long do toilet wax rings 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.

Can a handyman fix a toilet?

#4: Toilet Repairs

A toilet that constantly runs or doesn't flush correctly can typically be fixed by replacing internal components like the flapper or valve—tasks that are straightforward and mess-free for a handyman.

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