It’s a messy job, especially if two wax seals were used. That requires applying enough indirect heat to soften the wax so that you can scrape it off. In these situations, you’ll need to remove the old wax seal and install a new one. There might also come a time when you need to remove the toilet to clear a blockage. If the floor bolts loosen from corrosion or being bumped once too often, that also allows the toilet to move.Īny of these issues can break the wax seal and let bacteria, mold, and wastewater leak out. Most floors aren’t perfectly level, and while using shims helps compensate, the toilet can still shift. Some new toilet models have smaller bases than older models, making them more likely to rock somewhat when used. The problem with that is that toilets often shift slightly over time. Wax seals are highly durable and can easily last 20 years or longer as long as the toilet isn’t moved. If you don’t have another person to help, you might ruin a few seals before you get it right. Lifting and positioning a toilet on your own can be difficult. Shifting the toilet after you’ve put it down can deform the wax so it doesn’t seal correctly. The toilet must be placed exactly over the flange and straight down. If the wax is too warm, though, the weight of the toilet can squeeze it out of place. Cold wax is too hard to shape and won’t form a good seal. Most wax seals must be above 70 degrees, meaning around room temperature, to be soft enough to mold. While wax gets the job done, it’s not easy to work with. Other plumbers consider wax seals a cheaper, but messier and out-dated option. Even the thinnest wax-free seal can’t compress as effectively as wax. If the flange is particularly high and can’t be lowered, wax might be the only option. Wax seals are still the go-to for many plumbers. The toilet is placed on top of the flange so that its weight compresses the wax into the exact shape of the flange, forming a perfect seal. Stacking two wax seals is another possible solution, but it’s not ideal. If the top of the flange is below floor level, you’ll need an adapter. The ring is placed on the bottom of the toilet or the top of the flange. Beeswax was the original material, but now vegetable and petroleum waxes are more common. Traditional toilet seals are made from a ring of wax. Wax Toilet Seals: Traditional, but InconvenientĪ toilet seal, also known as a tank-to-bowl gasket, forms a semi-flexible seal between the flange (the part in the floor) and the toilet. To decide which is best for you, consider the pros and cons of each. Professional plumbers use both at times, depending on their preference and job’s requirements. Modern wax-free toilet seals are easier to install, but not always as durable. Traditional wax toilet seals are widely used, but they can be messy and tricky to install.
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