A toilet wax ring is a circular gasket that creates a watertight and airtight seal between the toilet base and the floor flange. Its main job is to prevent water leaks and sewer gases from escaping every time you flush.
When a wax ring begins to fail, you may notice water pooling around the toilet, unpleasant odors, or a toilet that rocks or feels unsteady. These are signs that the seal has loosened or deteriorated and needs to be replaced.
To learn more about how wax rings work and why they're essential for every toilet installation, read: Oatey 101: Wax Rings.
Replacing a worn or damaged wax ring restores the proper seal between the toilet and the flange, preventing leaks and blocking sewer gases from entering the home. This simple repair not only stops odors and moisture, but also protects your subfloor from hidden water damage. Whether you choose a traditional wax ring or a wax-free seal, replacing it helps your toilet operate efficiently and keeps your bathroom clean and odor-free.
This blog will provide a step-by-step guide on replacing a toilet wax ring and offer tips to ensure your project is executed correctly.
While DIYing is admirable, some jobs require the expertise of a licensed professional. Always be honest about your skill level and don't hesitate to call for help when needed.
What to Consider Before Replacing a Toilet Wax Ring
- New flooring: Replacing vinyl flooring with something thicker, such as ceramic tile, can create a gap between the toilet and the toilet flange. We recommend using a flange spacer to raise the flange to the proper height. Toilet flanges should sit on top of the finished floor.
- Check your toilet flange: Does your toilet wobble from side to side? If your toilet rocks enough for one side of the base to lift off the floor - even just a bit - you may have a broken toilet flange. As a precaution, we recommend picking up a flange repair kit.
- Test your toilet's flapper: Fixing a leaky flapper can save hundreds of gallons of water. A good time to replace a leaky flapper is after you've drained the toilet tank and disconnected the water supply. To test the flapper before turning off the water, tint it in the tank with food coloring and let it sit for 10 minutes. If any colored water leaks into the bowl, replace the flapper.
- Check for water damage: If you are removing the toilet because of a leak at the base or water damage in the ceiling below, confirm the cause of the damage before heading to the store. Water can damage the subfloor enough to affect the strength of the fasteners attaching the toilet flange - and the toilet - to the floor. Determine whether you need to cut away the damaged subfloor and replace it.
- Inspect T-bolts: Whenever a wax seal is replaced, it is also recommended to replace the T-bolts that attach the toilet to the flange. Some toilet wax rings come in a complete kit with new mounting bolts.
What You'll Need For This Project
Before you begin, gather these tools and supplies:
Tools
- Adjustable wrenches
- Bucket/sponge
- Mini hacksaw
- Razor knife
- Disposable gloves
- Plastic putty knife
Materials
- Replacement wax ring
- Replacement toilet mounting bolts
- Replacement water supply line
- Floor covering
- Oatey® Liquilock™ Water Absorbing Crystals
Oatey Tip: If your flange sits below the finished floor, choose an Oatey MaxWax® Wax Bowl Ring or a flange extender for the best fit.
For help deciding which type of seal to use, see Wax vs. Non-Wax Toilet Seals.
Step 1. Turn off the water supply tube and drain the toilet.
Locate the shut-off valve behind or beside your toilet and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow. Flush the toilet to empty both the tank and the bowl. You may need to hold down the handle for a few extra seconds to drain as much water as possible.
Remove any remaining water from the bowl using a sponge, or use Oatey LiquiLock to solidify the remaining water in the bowl temporarily. Place a bucket or towel under the shut-off valve to catch any drips from the supply line when it's disconnected later.
Oatey Tip: Wear rubber gloves during this step to keep the process clean and hygienic.
Step 2. Disconnect the water supply and remove the toilet.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut on the water supply line where it connects to the toilet's fill valve. Once detached, remove the decorative bolt caps at the base of the toilet. Loosen and remove the nuts from the closet bolts that secure the toilet to the floor.
Gently rock the toilet side to side to break the old wax seal. Using a razor knife to score the existing caulk will help remove the bowl easier. Lift the toilet straight up and place it carefully on a towel, cardboard, or drop cloth to protect your floor from scratches or leftover water.
Oatey Tip: Toilets can be heavy. If possible, ask for help when lifting to prevent damage or injury.
Step 3. Remove the old wax ring and inspect the flange.
Using a putty knife, scrape off all remnants of the old wax ring from both the flange and the toilet outlet (horn). Wax is single-use and cannot be reused once removed.
Inspect the toilet flange closely for cracks, rust, or uneven surfaces. The flange should sit level with the finished floor for a proper seal.
If you notice damage, a low flange, or corroded bolts, visit our How to Repair a Toilet Flange guide before installing your new seal.
Step 4. Install the new wax seal.
Center the new wax ring directly on the flange, then follow the instructions provided with the product.
Oatey Tip: Never stack wax rings. If your flange sits below the floor, use an extra-thick wax ring or a flange extender instead. Learn more in our blog on Why You Should Never Stack Wax Rings.
Step 5. Reset the toilet and install closet bolts.
Insert new or cleaned Hercules® Johni-Bolts® into the flange slots. Lower the toilet slowly and straight down onto the bolts, aligning them with the holes in the base. Press firmly on the bowl to compress the seal evenly.
Tighten the nuts gradually, alternating sides to maintain even pressure, but avoid overtightening, as this can cause the porcelain to crack. Reconnect the water supply line and hand-tighten, finishing with a quarter-turn using a wrench.
Oatey Tip: Sit gently on the toilet after placement before tightening bolts to help compress the wax evenly for a perfect seal.
Step 6. Turn the water back on and test.
Turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise to restore water flow. Allow the tank to fill, then flush several times to test for leaks around the toilet base.
If you do not see any leaks, caulk the toilet bowl to the finished flooring. If a leak is detected, identify the source as soon as possible to prevent any damage to the floor. For insurance against leaks, replace the water supply line linking your toilet to the water shut-off valve coming through the wall or floor.
Finally, dry the area and replace the bolt caps for a clean, finished look.
Oatey Tip: If the toilet still rocks slightly, consider using toilet shims or checking the flange height to prevent movement and future leaks.
Need more help? Check out this step-by-step video tutorial on replacing a toilet wax ring.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Never reuse a wax ring: Always replace it when removing a toilet.
- Avoid stacking rings: Use an extra-thick ring for low flanges.
- Wobbling toilet? The flange may be uneven; shim if necessary.
- Still leaking? Confirm the flange is level and the bolts are secure.
For a more in-depth look at flange installation and troubleshooting tips, see our blogs Five Best Practices for Installing a Toilet Flange and Should I Use an Offset Toilet Flange?
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does a toilet wax ring do?
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A toilet wax ring creates a watertight and airtight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the toilet flange on the floor. This prevents leaks and sewer gases from escaping into the bathroom.
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How does a toilet wax ring work?
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When the toilet is set onto the flange, the wax ring compresses to fill any gaps between the toilet bowl and the flange. This compression forms a secure seal that typically lasts for years unless disturbed.
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How long does a toilet wax ring last?
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Under regular use, a wax ring can last many years, often as long as the toilet itself. However, movement of the toilet, improper installation, or issues with the flange can shorten its lifespan.
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When should you replace a toilet wax ring?
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Replace the wax ring if you notice water pooling at the base of the toilet, persistent sewer odors, or feel the toilet shifting or wobbling. It's always good practice to install a new ring when replacing or removing a toilet.
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What types of toilet wax rings are available?
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Common options include standard wax rings or extra-thick wax rings for added sealing power, and wax-free toilet seals for a mess-free, reusable alternative.
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Can wax rings be stacked to fill the gap between the toilet bowl and flange and still create a watertight seal?
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Although a common practice, Oatey does not recommend stacking two wax rings on top of each other. Instead, we recommend using a jumbo or extra-thick wax ring. Also, consider raising the flange height with one of our spacer kits.
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What's the difference between wax and wax-free toilet seals?
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Wax seals provide a traditional, permanent seal, while wax-free seals, such as rubber or flexible foam, offer flexibility, repositioning, and a cleaner installation experience -an ideal solution for DIY projects. Wax-free toilet seals can be less reliable than wax rings because they may not seal well on uneven or damaged surfaces, have limited compatibility, and can lose durability over time.
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