Replacing a Toilet Wax Ring: Part One

Heather Kane • Mar 02, 2018

remove-toilet-wax-ring-toilet-0-remove-toilet-fill-valve-nut Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is a toilet wax ring? It’s precisely what it sounds like; a sticky, waterproof ring that makes a seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe.

Over time, these sticky rings can go bad and need to be replaced. Most will last up to thirty years, but sometimes the rings can fail by drying out or crumbling. When this happens, water will leak out the bottom of the toilet or the toilet will feel a bit wobbly.

Replacement of the wax ring is super simple and cheap. The rings can be found at hardware stores and you’ll just need basic tools: paper towels or towels, a putty knife, a bucket, and an adjustable wrench.

To start the replacement, disconnect the water supply line that comes in through the wall. Then flush the toilet to let out as much water as possible. You’ll either have to suction out the remaining water with a wet/dry vac or remove the water with towels so the bowl is completely dry.

Now take an adjustable wrench and and remove the bolts and washers at the base of the toilet. Then gently rock and twist the toilet to help loosen it. Next, get a tight grip at the center of the toilet so the weight is distributed evenly, pull the toilet up, and set it to the side.

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