Why is my toilet leaking after I replaced the wax ring?

Author: Meagan Paucek  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 3, 2024

A wax ring, when correctly installed, produces a watertight seal between discharge hole and the waste pipe. If the closet flange sits below the level of the finished floor or the wax ring is installed catawampus, the seal can be incomplete, and the toilet will leak.

Why would a new wax ring leak?

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.

How do I know if my wax ring is sealed?

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.

Why is my toilet leaking around the flange?

If your toilet leaks, there's a good chance that a broken toilet flange is to blame. The flange is the metal coupling on top of the wax ring that secures your toilet to the floor and seals the connection between the toilet and sewer pipe. If either piece becomes worn or broken, you'll likely have a leak on your hands.

Can you use a wax ring twice?

Place the Wax Ring and Toilet

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.

Toilet Still Leaking After Replacing Seal (Reasons & Solution)

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

I have installed a few toilets over the years and have always placed the wax ring on the toilet, then placed the toilet over the flange, carefully aligning the holes with the "wobbly" closet bolts. This is the way recommended in the current new toilet's installation instructions.

How long do you let a wax seal sit?

Firmly press your sealing stamp in the wax for a couple of seconds and leave it to harden for about a minute. Gently remove the sealing stamp. If you feel some resistance, leave it to cool for a little longer.

Why is my toilet running not seal?

Why Won't My Toilet Stop Running?
  • Cause 1 – Flapper Chain. First, make sure the chain is connecting the flush lever and the rubber flapper correctly. ...
  • Cause 2 – Dirty or Broken Flapper. Over time, the flapper may not seal the drain properly because it has become dirty, warped or broken. ...
  • Cause 3 – Float out of Position.

Why is water constantly leaking into toilet bowl?

The most common toilet leak is caused by a deteriorated flush valve (flapper) at the bottom of the toilet tank. If the flapper does not seat properly, water will leak into the toilet bowl. Often this leak will occur without being heard.

What happens if your toilet isn't sealed properly?

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 poorly sealed wax ring can also cause foul odors to stink up your bathroom. If you smell sewage or see water leaking, then you may need a new wax ring.

Can you use a toilet right after replacing the 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.

How do I know if my toilet flange is bad?

In addition to your toilet rocking, there are other warning signs that may indicate your flange is broken including:
  1. Visible leaks beneath the toilet.
  2. Flooring surrounding the toilet feels soft.
  3. Water spots appearing on the ceiling located directly below the toilet.

What is better than a wax ring?

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.

Is it OK to use a extra thick wax ring on toilet?

A regular wax ring is all you need if the flange is set on top of the finished floor. Oatey® Heavy Duty Wax Bowl Ring can be used to set any floor type closet bowl. A thicker wax ring is used when the flange has already been set on the subfloor and is flush with the tile instead of sitting on top of it.

What toilet seal do plumbers recommend?

Wax Toilet Seals: Keeping with Tradition

For years, wax rings have been plumbers' go-to options for making these types of toilet repairs.

How often do toilet wax rings fail?

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.

How many years does a wax ring last?

In theory, the wax ring “should” last the lifetime of the toilet, or certainly 20 to 30 years.

How do I know if my toilet bolts are tight enough?

Then, doing a turn or two a side, alternate tightening the nuts until the toilet is firmly pressed to the floor. You can check by trying to rock the toilet. If it is firm and unyielding, you're probably tight enough. It is possible to break the toilet by overtightening, so don't tighten more than necessary!!

Can you over tighten a toilet?

Tightening the bolts too much can crack the brittle porcelain of the toilet, for which there is no repair. Check the flange bolt at each side of the toilet, using a pair of pliers or a small wrench. If a bolt is loose, tighten it slowly just until it is snug.

Can you put a new toilet flange over an old one?

Can you put a new toilet flange over an old one? A standard toilet flange should fit snugly into the outflow pipe and sit level with the subfloor. Installing a new one without first removing the old one will make it impossible to form a seal and keep the toilet bowl bolted securely in place.

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