Is a wax ring the best way to seal a toilet?

When installing a new toilet or replacing an old one, ensuring a proper seal between the toilet and the floor is crucial to prevent leaks. The most common way to create this seal is by using a wax toilet ring (also called a wax toilet seal). But is a wax ring really the best option for sealing a toilet? There are a few key factors to consider.

What is a wax ring and how does it work?

A wax ring is a simple but important toilet component. It is a round ring made of wax that sits beneath the toilet between the toilet flange and the bottom of the toilet. The ring creates a tight seal that prevents water and gases from leaking out of the toilet/drainpipe connection.

Wax rings work due to the pliable and adhesive properties of wax. When the toilet bolts are tightened down onto the toilet flange, it compresses and deforms the wax ring, pushing it outwards to fully fill the gap between the toilet and flange. The wax adheres to the toilet and flange, creating an airtight, watertight seal.

What are the benefits of using a wax ring?

There are several key reasons why wax rings have been the go-to method for sealing toilets for decades:

• Simplicity – Wax rings are very simple to install. Just set the ring on the flange, set the toilet on top, then compress it by tightening down the bolts.
• Affordability – Wax rings are one of the most affordable options for sealing toilets. They typically cost just $3-$7.
• Wide compatibility – Wax rings work with the vast majority of toilets and flanges. As long as the toilet sits flat on the ring, it will seal.
• Easy replacement – Since wax rings are soft and pliable, they can be easily removed and replaced if ever needed without damage.
• No leaks – When installed properly, a wax ring creates an exceptional water and gas tight seal for the life of the toilet.

The simplicity, affordability, and reliability of wax toilet seals make them a very appealing option that has become standard practice for toilet installation.

What are the potential downsides of wax rings?

While wax rings have proven their usefulness, there are some potential disadvantages to be aware of:

• If the toilet is not set perfectly level on the wax ring, it may not make full contact and seal properly. Proper leveling is imperative.
• Over time, the wax can dry out and crack, breaking the once-solid seal.
• Wax seals are not ideal for toilets that need to withstand heavy commercial use with constant heavy loads.
• Wax can be slightly messier and more difficult to work with versus some other seal options.
• The seal may be compromised if the wax shifts position as the toilet is set.

While these issues do not occur in most residential installations, they demonstrate wax rings do have some vulnerabilities in certain situations. Using extra wax, replacing dried rings, and taking care to level the toilet can help mediate most of these problems, however.

What are some alternatives to wax rings?

There are a few other options available besides wax rings for sealing toilets:

Rubber toilet gaskets

These gaskets are flexible rubber sleeves or rings that fit over the toilet flange to seal against the bottom of the toilet. They slide into place rather than being compressed like wax rings. Benefits include durability, ease of installation, and chemical resistance. Downsides are higher cost and lack of pliability.

Plastic foam seals

Foam rings made of compressible plastic can also substitute for wax rings. They are inexpensive and simple to install. However, foam is more vulnerable to compression fatigue over time versus wax.

Silicone sealants

Applying a silicone caulk between the toilet and flange can create an exceptional seal. 100% silicone sealant is very flexible and waterproof. However, installation is messier than wax and silicone lacks wax’s natural adherence to surfaces.

Rubber gaskets with bolts

These combine a rubber gasket seal with bolts and washers that get compressed down tightly to the toilet flange. They provide a strong, secure seal but at a higher cost than simple wax rings.

Seal Type	Pros	Cons
Wax ring	Inexpensive, simple, compatible	Can dry out or crack over time
Rubber gasket	Durable, reusable	Higher cost, less pliable
Plastic foam	Cheap, easy to install	Prone to compression fatigue
Silicone sealant	Flexible, waterproof seal	Messier installation
Gasket with bolts	Very secure seal	More expensive

So is a wax ring the best option?

For the majority of standard residential toilet installations, wax rings provide an optimal balance of affordability, ease of use, reliability, and effectiveness. Their compression fit design has stood the test of time as the norm for sealing toilets. As long as proper installation technique is followed, a wax ring will create an excellent lasting seal in most cases.

However, there are some situations where alternatives like rubber gaskets or silicone may be preferable:

• In commercial settings or public restrooms with very heavy usage, rubber gaskets can provide more durability.
• On uneven floors, silicone caulk can better fill small gaps.
• For repetitive toilet removal and replacement, rubber gaskets hold up better.

So while wax rings cover the vast majority of use cases, the choice comes down to selecting the right seal for the specific toilet installation. Being aware of the minor vulnerabilities of wax rings can allow you to make an informed decision. Overall though, the simplicity and proven performance of wax toilet seals keeps them firmly entrenched as the go-to solution for creating a watertight bathroom.

Installing a wax ring correctly

To achieve the best results from a wax toilet seal, pay attention to these installation tips:

• Make sure the floor flange is in good condition and sits level.
• Only use new rings – don’t reuse old dried out wax rings.
• You can apply an additional ring if the toilet sits high above the flange.
• Set the toilet straight down without shifting it side-to-side.
• Tighten the bolts evenly to compress the wax ring.
• Periodically check the bolts to ensure they stay tight.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Don’t set the toilet on its side – this can deform the wax ring.
• Don’t over-tighten the bolts which can crack the porcelain.
• Don’t allow gaps or uneven compression in the wax seal.

Taking a few simple precautions allows a basic wax ring to provide an exceptional toilet seal in any home. While new sealing technologies exist, the effectiveness, affordability, and ease of use makes wax hard to beat for this simple but essential plumbing task.

Signs you need a new wax ring

Here are some signs that may indicate it is time to replace an old wax ring:

• Water pooling around the base of the toilet
• Damp spots or stains on the floor by the toilet
• A rocking or loose toilet base
• Visible cracks or gaps in the wax ring
• Sewer smells around the toilet
• The need to frequently re-tighten the toilet bolts

Replacing a wax ring seal requires unbolting the toilet and lifting it off the flange. This allows full visibility to inspect the wax ring and the flange below it. If the wax is dried, cracked, or not making full contact, it should be replaced. A new ring only costs a few dollars and takes minutes to install.

It is also wise to replace a wax seal any time an existing toilet is fully removed and reset. The compression and movement can compromise the old ring. Starting fresh with a new ring ensures everything seals tight.

With basic maintenance and periodic replacement when needed, a wax toilet ring should function well for many years before replacement is required.

Troubleshooting wax ring problems

If you notice leaks even with a new wax ring, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure the toilet is level – use shims if needed for an even mount.
• Try an extra thick wax ring for a higher toilet.
• Tighten the bolts carefully but securely.
• Check that the closet flange is in good shape and sits flush.
• Apply silicone caulk around the toilet base if small gaps are present.
• Replace old bolts and hardware which may have weakened.

With proper installation and troubleshooting, minor leaks and other issues can typically be corrected without replacing the wax ring seal. But if problems persist, switching to a modern rubber gasket is an option to resolve persistent wax ring issues.

Problem	Potential Solution
Toilet rocking/unlevel	Use shims to level toilet
High toilet above flange	Use an extra thick wax ring
Small gaps present	Apply silicone caulk around base
Flange loose or damaged	Repair or replace flange
Bolts loose over time	Replace bolts and hardware
Continued wax ring leaks	Switch to modern rubber gasket

Conclusion

For several decades, simple wax toilet seals have been the standard solution for creating a watertight seal under most residential toilets. When installed properly on a level flange, wax rings provide an effective, affordable, and long-lasting seal. While new sealing technologies exist, wax rings remain a tried and true method.

Paying attention to proper installation technique, periodically replacing dried out rings, and troubleshooting issues like rocking or gaps can allow a wax seal to work reliably long-term. But in situations with repeated heavy usage or toilet removal, modern rubber gaskets may provide an even more durable and resilient toilet seal.

Overall, wax rings have stood the test of time due to their simplicity, universality, and proven performance. For most homeowners, they remain the easiest and most effective way to prevent leaks under the toilet and keep sewer smells out of the bathroom. With just a bit of care taken during installation, a basic wax ring provides a perfect toilet seal in the vast majority of bathrooms.