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To determine the correct width for your wax ring, simply turn your toilet bowl on its side, and measure the opening on the bottom of your toilet, called the “elbow neck.” Whatever width this measurement is, use that width wax ring. E.g. if the elbow neck measures 3 inches, use a 3-inch wax ring.
What type of wax ring should I use?
If it’s at the same level, or no more than 1/4 inch below it, a regular wax ring, which is between 3/4 and 1 inch thick, is all you need. If the flange is recessed deeper than that, you need an extra-thick wax ring, which is about an inch thicker than a regular one.
Do wax rings fit all toilets?
While buying a new wax ring, you will need to make sure that you buy one which will fit into your your toilet. Toilet wax rings are universal but the size has to be right. It is also important to note down the size of the toilet drainpipe. Most toilet drainpipes have a standard size of 3 or 4 inches.
What height wax ring do I need?
The optimum flange height to aim for is 1/4 inch above the finished floor. This typically allows for almost any type of wax ring to be used and still ensure a good seal.
Is there something better than a wax ring for a toilet?
Product Description. The Fluidmaster 7530P8 Universal Better Than Wax Toilet Seal is truly a better way to install a toilet. Made from advanced materials, this gasket helps you install a toilet on any 3-inch or 4-inch drain line just like a wax ring would, but without the mess.
Which is better toilet wax ring or rubber?
Using a wax-free seal makes clean up easier and there’s less room for error. If you need to remove the toilet base with a wax ring, you’ll need to purchase another ring to reinstall the toilet. When you use a wax-free seal, it’s reusable as long as it’s in good condition.
Can you use 2 wax rings when installing a toilet?
You can certainly install a toilet with multiple wax rings, in fact sometimes it is necessary to make sure you don’t have a leak. You can buy an extra-thick wax ring, or you can just buy two rings and stack one on top of the other.
Do Waxless toilet rings work?
All of the wax style rings, waxless rings, or gasket seals will work if installed properly. Some of the new waxless style toilet seals have a longer seal or can be stacked which can make it easy for anyone to set a toilet without leaks.
How often does a toilet wax ring need to be replaced?
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. When that happens, they need to be replaced.
What causes a toilet wax ring to fail?
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.
What size toilet wax ring do I need?
To determine the correct width for your wax ring, simply turn your toilet bowl on its side, and measure the opening on the bottom of your toilet, called the “elbow neck.” Whatever width this measurement is, use that width wax ring. E.g. if the elbow neck measures 3 inches, use a 3-inch wax ring.
How do I fill the gap between my toilet and floor?
Apply a thin, even bead of caulk around the base of the toilet to cover the gap along the floor and hide the shims. If necessary, smooth the caulk with your finger, wiping your finger clean frequently with a paper towel or a rag.
Do you need to remove old wax ring?
If you have to remove your toilet for any reason, you should plan to replace your wax ring. Lifting the toilet will break the seal and if the wax is old, it may not reseal. Sagging or soft spots on the bathroom floor near your toilet could also point to water damage.
Should you seal around base toilet?
Turns out, caulking your toilet to the floor is actually smart. These clients say that caulking around the base of the toilet would trap water from a leaking toilet, causing damage below and around the toilet since it has no place to leak onto the floor.
How do you know when to replace your wax ring?
3 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Toilet Wax Ring Water around the Toilet Base. The first sign of a bad toilet ring is water forming around the base of the toilet. Bad Odors Coming from the Toilet. Ceiling or Floor Damage. Non-Wax Related Toilet Leaks. Call for Toilet Repairs Right Away.
Should I grout under the toilet?
If the toilet sits securely to the floor without rocking or leaving any noticeable gaps, it is not technically necessary to grout or caulk the toilet to the floor. This is a matter of aesthetics and personal preference.
Do plastic wax rings work?
Leakage WILL and DID occur between the spacers, so they just don’t work. A real plumber would never attempt such a jackleg repair. The original flange has to be cut out and a new flange installed at the correct height in order to guarantee no leaks. A $1 wax ring will seal the toilet to the flange perfectly.
Do you caulk toilet to floor?
Toilets should be caulked to the floor to prevent side-to-side movement that can break the wax seal (and to prevent splashes or overflows from puddling under the toilet and rotting the floor). DIYers often set the toilet and then apply a tiny bead of caulk along the outside edge.
