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If you're researching what you need to properly set a toilet. Then you have probably come across a product called a wax ring. A wax ring is a round flange made of wax that is soft and malleable. The wax ring is made to seal and set a toilet bowl to the floor. It fits over 3" or 4" waste lines. The wax ring makes a permanent seal and prevents water and gases from escaping. Whether you're a weekend project warrior in the process of researching what you need for a future bathroom remodel or just updating a water closet. You will need a wax ring to help you complete the project. What is a Wax Ring For? A wax ring is up there with the most common plumbing products. This simple product has multiple functions. Wax rings are necessary for setting a toilet properly. Its primary purpose is to seal a toilet bowl to the floor. Another function of the wax ring is that it provides a watertight seal. The wax provides an impermeable seal and also helps to keep any sewer gases from seeping through. That alone is an amazing benefit from such a simple design. Different Wax Rings, Sizes & Types You might not know this but there are many variations of wax rings. They all serve the same purpose but some are different for slightly different applications. I'll break them down for you below. All of the wax rings I'll be discussing here are for floor-mounted toilets and are designed to seal over 3" or 4" sanitary pipes. Those pipes could be cast iron, PVC, or copper. The most basic and most common wax ring is the standard wax ring. This is a plain round wax ring for a basic toilet installation. The thickness of a standard wax ring is approximately 1" thick. The next wax ring is what's called a deep or extra thick wax ring. This is also a plain round wax ring. However, the wax is thicker or deeper making it taller. The average thickness for a deep wax ring is approximately 1-1/4" . There are wax rings that also have what they call a horn or gasket on the inner side of the wax ring. The horn is basically a hard plastic funnel inside of the wax. Some people like that it acts as a channel for the waste and water to get into the waste pipe. You can find a regular or standard wax ring with horn and also a deep or extra thick wax ring with horn. Choosing the Right Wax Ring for Your Toilet When you're selecting a wax ring for your toilet installation, several factors come into play to ensure a secure and long-lasting seal. First begin by assessing the flange size and height to determine the appropriate wax ring type. For floor-mounted toilets with a standard flange height, a traditional standard wax ring, approximately 1" thick, is often suitable for the application. However, in scenarios where the flange sits higher due to added flooring layers, consider an extra-thick wax ring, around 1-1/4" in thickness, to accommodate the difference. Additionally, for those preferring added features, wax rings with horns or gaskets can be beneficial, guiding waste and water into the waste pipe more efficiently. Understanding your toilet's specific requirements and the surrounding environment will aid in choosing the ideal wax ring for a secure and reliable seal. Reasons for Replacing Your Wax Ring Here are some reasons you would need to replace a toilet wax ring. Simple toilet replacement: When undertaking a routine toilet replacement, it's advisable to replace the wax ring as well to ensure a fresh and secure seal. Toilet shifting and damage: If the toilet has shifted or become unstable, potentially damaging the existing wax ring, it's crucial to replace it to restore the seal's integrity. Toilet removal for maintenance: When necessary to remove the toilet for tasks like snaking out the waste pipe or addressing underlying plumbing issues, replacing the wax ring during reinstallation is essential for a proper seal. Leakage around the toilet base: Any signs of water seepage or leakage around the base of the toilet indicate a compromised wax ring, warranting immediate replacement to prevent water damage and maintain a secure seal. Do You Put the Wax Ring on the Toilet or the Floor Flange? The best and proper way is to position the wax ring on the floor flange before setting the toilet bowl. The reason for this is because if you stick the wax ring to the bowl first it will not create an effective seal. Here are some tips for setting your toilet. Make sure the floor and flange is clean and clear of any debris or old wax. Place the wax ring in the correct position and center it on the flange as best you can. Set the bowl down over the wax ring and lower the bowl slowly onto the wax and center the holes over the toilet bolts. Now you can press the bowl down and give it enough pressure to have the wax create a nice seal onto the bowl. How Long Will a Wax Ring Last? A toilet bowl wax ring typically lasts for many years when installed properly. There are factors that can affect the lifespan, like correct installation, usage frequency, and environmental conditions. A well-installed wax ring can normally last around a decade or more. However, heavy usage or shifts in the toilet may wear it out faster. Some environmental elements like extreme temperatures or moisture exposure will also impact its integrity. Regular checks for leaks, odors, or movement are recommended and can help determine if the wax ring needs replacement. Promptly addressing any of these signs of wear can prevent potential water damage. Ensuring Longevity: Maintenance Tips for Extending the Life of Your Wax Ring Maintaining your wax ring is pivotal for ensuring a durable and watertight seal around your toilet. Regular inspections will play a key role; periodically check for any signs of leakage, shifting, or damage around the toilet base. Additionally, keep the area around the toilet clean and free from moisture or debris, as this can degrade the wax ring over time. A simple practice is to gently clean the base of the toilet, ensuring there's no buildup of grime that might compromise the seal. Moreover, consider scheduling annual or bi-annual inspections by a professional plumber to assess the wax ring's condition and make any necessary replacements or adjustments. These proactive measures not only extend the lifespan of your wax ring but also help prevent potential water damage and costly repairs that could arise in the future. Thank you so much for taking the time to check out our blog post, we appreciate your support!

Wax Rings 101: Plumbing Tips & Understanding the purpose of a Wax Ring

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