Phone:
(701)814-6992
Physical address:
6296 Donnelly Plaza
Ratkeville, Bahamas.
A toilet wax ring is a seal at the base of your toilet that keeps sewer gases and liquid from leaking when flushing. If you notice water leaking from your toilet onto the floor or smell a bad odor in your bathroom that doesn’t go away the wax ring on the toilet may need to be replaced.
Replacing the a toilet wax ring is a do-it-yourself project that can save you money versus having a plumber come out to do the job. You can purchase a replacement wax ring for under $5 from your local hardware store. Before you replace the wax ring first make sure that water on the floor isn’t leaking from the water connection or the toilet tank.
Why Wax Rings Fail
There are several reasons a toilet wax ring seal may leak. Toilets are used every day and the constant use can crack the wax ring. The age of the wax ring is another factor to consider. Toilets can also shift or rock back and forth from loose bolts causing the ring to loose it’s seal breaking down over time.
Tools And Items You Will Need To Replace Toilet Wax Ring
Adjustable wrench
Putty knife
New wax ring (preferably with a flange)
Disposable gloves
Bucket and sponge
Cleaning supplies
Small Trash Bag
Other items to consider if needed: New toilet bowl floor bolts, a toilet flange repair kit shims and caulking.
Safety Precautions
Wear protective goggles and waterproof disposable gloves as you are working around bacteria. Shut off the water supply to the tank. Drain most of the water out of the bowl and tank by flushing. Using the sponge remove as much of the remaining water out of the bowl and tank as possible.
Removing the Old Toilet
Remove the white caps covering the toilet bolts at the base of the toilet. Using an adjustable wrench unscrew the nut on the bolts mounting the toilet to the floor. By rocking the toilet back and forth this will break the seal of the wax ring seal. While straddling the toilet lift the toilet straight up from the floor and lay the toilet on some cardboard or an old towel. Using the putty knife pry the old wax ring from the flange on the floor and possibly from the under side of the toilet and place in the trash bag.
Inspecting and Preparing the Flange
The floor flange holds the bolts for mounting the toilet. Inspect this flange for damage. A flange repair kit is available if you find any damage. For a tight seal you want a clean flange to place the new wax ring on so clean the flange of old wax and debris.
Installing the New Wax Ring
Wearing gloves remove the new wax ring from the packaging. Install the new wax ring (flat side down) onto the flange or the bottom of the toilet. The wax ring should fit snuggly and evenly. Press the ring firmly onto the surface so it stays in place and creates a good seal.
Reattaching the Toilet
Once the wax ring seal is secure straddle the toilet again lift the toilet off the ground and over the flange. With the toilet above the flange line the bolt holes up with the bolts in the flange and gently lower the toilet straight down onto the flange make sure the bolts go through the holes. Press the toilet down sealing the wax ring. Put the nut and washer back on the bolt and tighten but not too tight.
Reinstall the white nut caps and reconnect the water supply to the toilet tank and check for leaks. flush the toilet a few times and check for leaks at the base. If no leaks are detected you can caulk the base of the toilet. Wipe down and disinfect the toilet bowl and tank.
Troubleshooting after installation
If the toilet rocks after installation you may have to place a shim under the base of the toilet to stop it from rocking. If the toilet continues to leak at the base after installing the new wax ring the toilet will need to be pulled again and a thicker wax wing installed. For severe problems special seals can be purchased.
In some cases the flange itself may be loose or damaged. In this case purchase and install a new floor flange for a stable installation.
