Buzz
Wax ring over the drain pipe flangeThis is a great do-it-yourself task since it's not complicated, and by replacing the seal quickly, you can prevent damage rather than waiting for a plumber. With a little know-how and a few simple steps, you can tackle this job yourself.
The seal, located at the bottom of a toilet where it sits on the floor, is a wax ring gasket. You can purchase a replacement at any local hardware store.
This affordable seal helps protect your flooring and sub-flooring, which can be costly to repair if a leak is left unchecked. Be sure to complete this task when the temperature is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit so that the wax becomes soft and workable.
If you're replacing a leaking seal on an existing toilet, make sure to wear rubber gloves and start with Part 1. If you're installing a toilet in new construction, go directly to Part 2.
Part 1
- Start by turning off the water supply. You may be able to do this at the toilet itself, but you might need to go into the crawl space or basement to shut off the water.
- Flush the toilet one or two times to empty both the tank and bowl.
- Use a sponge to absorb and remove any leftover water from the tank and bowl.
- Take off the caps covering the bolts that secure the toilet base to the floor.
- Unscrew the bolts. You might need pliers and penetrating oil to loosen them.
- Disconnect the water supply line.
- Carefully rock the toilet back and forth to break the seal and any caulking that may be in place. Be cautious to grip the bowl and not the tank to avoid cracking it where it is bolted to the bowl.
- Remove the remnants of the old seal from both surfaces. Now move to Part 2.
Part 2
- Unwrap the new wax seal and position it over the floor flange with the rounded side facing up, centered precisely over the opening. Ensure both bolts are in place.
- Lift the toilet and carefully set it over the flange and new seal, keeping the toilet as level as possible.
- Sit on the toilet to ensure the new seal forms a proper seal.
- Double-check that the toilet bowl is level.
- Reinstall the nuts you removed earlier. Tighten them by hand to avoid cracking the base of the toilet bowl.
- Reconnect the water supply line.
- Turn on the water supply to allow the tank to fill. You can partially turn on the water supply to fill the tank at a lower pressure. It will take longer, but it prevents the annoying "Who just flushed?" incident, which could scald someone in the shower due to a cold water surge into the toilet tank.
- Flush the toilet and check for any leaks.
- If necessary, apply silicone caulk around the junction of the toilet bowl and the floor.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
