What toilet seal do plumbers recommend?

When it comes to toilet seals, plumbers overwhelmingly recommend using a wax ring toilet seal. Wax ring seals are the tried and true standard that technicians have used for decades to create a watertight seal between the toilet and the floor flange. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and provide a reliable, long-lasting seal in most situations.

What is a toilet wax ring seal?

A toilet wax ring is a simple but ingenious circular gasket that goes between the bottom of the toilet and the floor flange (the metal or plastic ring that is bolted to the floor around the toilet drain pipe). The wax ring is slightly tapered, with the narrow end going down towards the drain pipe.

The ring is made of wax that is mixed with plastic polymers to make it pliable and long-lasting. When the toilet is set into place, the weight squishes the wax ring down to create a perfect seal all the way around the toilet drain opening. The wax fills in any small gaps or roughness in the mating surfaces, preventing leaks and preserving the integrity of the installation.

Why do plumbers prefer wax ring toilet seals?

There are several key reasons why plumbers overwhelmingly choose wax rings for setting new toilets:

• Proven reliability – Wax rings have been used for toilet installs for over 150 years. The simple bi-cone shape provides a time-tested leak-free seal.
• Universal fit – Wax rings are flexible and can seal to any size/shape of floor flange or toilet outlet. There is no need to stock different sizes.
• Easy to install – Wax rings squish down easily when setting the toilet using gravity and body weight.
• Inexpensive – Wax rings are very affordable, typically costing just a couple of dollars each.
• Long lifespan – The wax and polymer formula is designed to stay pliable and resilient for decades.
• Forgiving – The wax can conform to small imperfections in the toilet or flange surfaces to create a tight seal.

With this winning combination of benefits, it’s no wonder that the humble wax ring remains the #1 choice for professional toilet installation.

When are alternatives to wax rings used?

While plumbers default to wax rings for most residential toilet installations, there are some situations where alternatives may be used:

PVC or rubber toilet seals

PVC and rubber seals are options for toilets installed on floors with small flange openings. Since they are not as flexible as wax, these harder plastic seals may provide a tighter fit. However, wax rings still work well in the majority of cases.

Extra-thick wax rings

For installations where the floor flange height is significantly below the surface, an extra-thick wax ring can help make up the distance to create a good seal. Adding an additional regular wax ring can also shim up the height.

Flange extenders

These plastic shims can be installed on top of the flange to boost its height closer to the surface. Great for remodels where the finished floor is higher than the old flange. Still use a regular wax ring on top of the extender.

Wax ring with horn

For difficult installations where the floor is uneven, a wax ring with a plastic horn can help. The horn extends down into the toilet outlet to hold the wax ring in ideal sealing position.

Can you reuse an old toilet wax ring?

It is never recommended to reuse an old toilet wax ring. Even if the ring seems intact, the seal may have been compromised so leaks can occur. A fresh new wax ring should always be installed. They are inexpensive and reusing rings is just not worth the risk.

Installing the wax ring seal

Installing a toilet wax ring is a quick and simple process:

1. Clean the bottom (horn) of the toilet and the floor flange thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Place the wax ring directly over the floor flange, with the taper pointing down.
3. Press down firmly to adhere the ring to the flange. The ring should stay in place without any adhesive.
4. Carefully set the toilet into position over the flange/ring assembly. Rock the bowl slightly side-to-side to press the wax evenly.
5. Compress the wax ring by putting body weight on the toilet while installing bolts/washers and nut caps.

Be sure to avoid shifting the toilet bowl too much before it is fully bolted down. This can displace the wax ring and break the watertight seal. A simple, focused downward pressure is best.

Troubleshooting toilet seal leaks

If a newly installed toilet develops a leak at the base, there are a few steps to identify and resolve the problem:

1. Confirm the leak is coming from the toilet/floor joint – leaks originating higher up indicate a different issue.
2. Check that the toilet is level after being tightly bolted to the flange. Rocking can indicate an uneven wax seal.
3. Remove the toilet and inspect the floor flange and wax ring. Look for cracks/damage in the ring and ensure the flange is stable.
4. Completely clean the flange and toilet horn to remove any residual putty, wax, or debris. Apply a new wax ring.
5. Slowly set the toilet back into place, keeping pressure centered over the ring. Tightly bolt the toilet.
6. If leaks continue, the floor flange may be too far below the surface. Try an extender or thicker wax ring to make up the distance.

Sometimes multiple attempts with fresh wax rings are needed to achieve a perfect seal on troublesome installs. But plumbers have the patience and knowledge to methodically correct any sealing issues.

Conclusion

Simple, inexpensive, and amazingly reliable – toilet wax rings have proven their unbeatable sealing performance in countless installations for over a century. Plumbers know from hands-on experience that wax rings provide the best, most dependable toilet seal in the vast majority of residential settings. With proper floor flange preparation and installation technique, wax rings create watertight toilet joints that last for decades without leaks or need for repair. They are rightfully the #1 seal product plumbers reach for when setting new toilets for their customers.