How To Replace Wax Ring On Toilet? Replacing Wax Ring In 6 Steps

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Although a wax ring can serve many years, issues can occur at anytime. And if you ignore it, it will start leaking. To replace the wax ring on the toilet, it is necessary to:

1. remove the tank cap;
2. unscrew the water supply hose;
3. unscrew the toilet;
4. identify the problem and start repairing the ring.

Maybe it doesn’t seem easy for you to fix it. But you can install a new wax ring whether you are repairing a leaking toilet flange or planning to install a new toilet. You can do it yourself with a few hand tools in an hour or two. You need such tools as a wrench, hacksaw, paint scraper, and pliers. Every homeowner has such instruments that you can do without the help of a plumber.

3 Signs That Say It Is High Time To Replace Wax Ring On Toilet

If you notice unpleasant smells from the toilet, water, a damaged floor around it, or leaks from the bathroom, you need to change the wax ring. Its damage will not be able to serve for a long time, so it must be done as soon as possible. As a result, it can damage the floor and even cause health hazards.

It is not necessary to inspect to find out if there are any malfunctions with your wax ring. Usually, people notice it themselves because when this problem appears, it immediately becomes noticeable. Therefore, you can detect it by the following signs:

1. The Water Around The Toilet

If you notice even a little water around the toilet, this may indicate that the wax ring has broken. So, even a little moisture under the toilet can indicate problems.

2. Unpleasant Smells

When the wax ring breaks, you may smell unpleasant odors. Why does this happen? Because the sewer gasses go up, and if you do not install a new toilet wax ring, it will acquire an even more unpleasant smell every time.

3. The Toilet Wobbles

The fact is that the water that accumulates near it can spoil your floor. Accordingly, the toilet will not stand straight and will start to wobble. Even if you have one side slightly swaying and feel the toilet is not standing securely, this may also indicate a broken wax ring.

So, if you notice at least one of these signs, it means that you have a damaged wax ring. In this case, you need to solve this problem immediately because the consequences can be severe.

Replace Wax Ring On Toilet: 6 Steps

You may have a new toilet, but problems can occur just like with the old one. Perhaps you have installed something incorrectly or haven’t repaired it in time, which became the reason for the breakdown of the wax ring. But in such situations, try not to panic and not immediately contact a plumber. It is not a global issue so you can solve it yourself. 

Therefore, for this, you need to follow the following six steps:     

1. Turn Off The Water

The first and most crucial step is shutting off your toilet’s water supply. It is necessary so that you do not have a flood and can safely unscrew the toilet. To replace a toilet wax ring, you need to turn the valve, which is located around the bathroom on the left. And remember that it must be turned clockwise. However, not everyone has it there because someone may have the valve, for example, in the basement or another room. So, you must flush the toilet and pour out as much water as possible before removing it.

2. Disconnect The Water Pipe

After blocking the water, you need to completely detach the pipe from the toilet to make its removal more straightforward. Disconnect the water supply hose by turning the nut on the valve counterclockwise with a wrench or pliers. But before you start changing the wax ring on the toilet completely, you should be aware that excess water can flow out of the pipes. So take a bucket and place it behind the bathroom under the water supply line. 

3. Remove The Toilet

Unscrew all the bolts with a wrench, then rock and slightly move the toilet. Why? Because the wax ring accumulates dirt and the toilet can be clogged. Therefore, to facilitate replacing the toilet wax ring and loosening it, you need to perform these actions and then altogether remove the toilet from its place. And remember that the toilet should be withdrawn with light movements and carefully put on its side to avoid damage.

4. Disassemble The Faulty Wax Ring

Most likely, the toilet is attached to the flange with a round wax seal. So, use a paint scraper or putty knife for it. It would help if you scraped all the wax off the flange and any wax that may be left on the underside of the toilet base. Most of all, the ring will be discolored and flattened after you remove the toilet. So, in general, your task is to do everything clean so that you can easily replace it with a new wax ring on the toilet.

5. Install New Toilet Wax Ring

Buy a new wax ring, the surrounding core consisting of polyurethane foam. This ring is better attached to the toilet and the flange, creating a more robust seal. So, take a new ring and put it on top of the flange. It is needed to be located precisely in the middle. Lift the toilet and put it above, screwing it with bolts. You must fix it so well that it does not have to be repaired again due to the toilet leaking.

6. Fix The Wax Ring

To facilitate this task, sit on the toilet and evenly distribute your weight over the wax ring. Then rock back and forth a little until the toilet is entirely standing on the floor. It will help to install the toilet and wax ring without displacement. And finally, when it comes to the bottom, tighten the nuts and bolts.

Summary

So, as you can see, it is unnecessary to call a plumber for it. Correctly selected stages for performing the work can significantly facilitate your work and save money on the services of specialists. Therefore, if you have the appropriate tools, you can start doing it yourself without the help of a plumber.

FAQ