Wax-free toilet seals are made out of a heavy duty rubber, so they're flexible enough to shimmy into the flange without smearing a wax ring. Wax-free seals can also be reused. As long as they're still attached to the bowl in good condition, you can reinstall the toilet without replacing the seal.
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.
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. Even the thinnest wax-free seal can't compress as effectively as wax. Other plumbers consider wax seals a cheaper, but messier and out-dated option.
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.
Wax-Free Foam Gasket
If more height is required the foam gaskets can easily be stacked. Unlike most other types of seals, foam gasket seals maintain a good seal even if the toilet rocks. This type of gasket will allow you to set the toilet multiple times, unlike wax rings that get smashed once and need to be replaced.
It is recommended that you use a silicone base caulk due to its waterproofing capabilities.
Some plumbers use plumber's putty, some grout the toilet to the floor and others use silicone sealant (caulk) for that final connection. The application of silicone is much quicker and experienced plumber can probably do it in just a few minutes, where the plumber's putty may take more effort and time.
Loose Bolts
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.
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.
🚽 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.
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.
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.
Place the Wax Ring and Toilet
If the toilet's floor flange height is slightly less than 1/4 inch above the flooring, you can use an extra-thick wax ring to make up the difference. Do not be tempted to stack up two wax rings because this setup tends to leak.
Protip: Do not use silicone rubber Instead of a wax ring on a toilet .
Non-Wax Related Toilet Leaks
Sometimes a toilet leaks around the base and it has nothing to do with the wax ring. For example, sometimes the bolts that attach the toilet to the floor cause water to leak out from base. Tightening or replacing these bolts should solve the problem.
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.
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.
Flex Glue can be used for an assortment of bathroom repairs. Customers often use the waterproof glue to fix toilet tanks, shower tiles, sink pipes, and other bathroom needs. Flex Glue is also mold and mildew resistant, making it perfect for bathroom repairs.
International building codes require that a fixture shall be made watertight where it comes in contact with the wall or floor. One way of making sure this code is adhered to is by caulking around the toilet.
New Methods Of Installing A Toilet
Over the years securing a toilet pan to the floor has changed in a good way. Today the method most commonly used by plumbers to fix a toilet pan to the floor is with clear sanitary grade silicone.
In most parts of the United States, it is a requirement of building code to caulk around toilet bases. This could apply to both new builds and remodeling, though as regulations vary from one state to another it's a good idea to check local statutes.