How to Replace a Faulty Wax Ring on a Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide

When dealing with leaks from the base of a toilet, or bad smells in the bathroom, one common culprit is a faulty wax ring. 

Understanding the Problem: Why Replace a Wax Ring?

The wax ring creates a watertight seal between the toilet and the drain pipe. If it’s not seated correctly, water can leak through the base of the toilet and cause damage below. In my experience, I’ve seen wax rings that were never properly set, allowing water to slowly seep through unnoticed until it caused damage. Here you can see that the flange is too low. New tile was installed in this apartment bathroom 'remodel' but the flange now sits lower than the previous floor. 

Barely any of the wax ring was smushed here. Now I understand raising the flange is the professional choice here but hear me out. I've seen this situation many times and this fix works.....Most of the time. 

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, make sure you have a few essential tools on hand:

• Pliers or wrench for removing bolts

• Jam bar tool (helpful if bolts spin freely)

• Shop vac (optional, but great for removing water)

• New wax ring(s)

• Plastic washers and nuts (preferably plastic to avoid damage to porcelain)

It’s important to avoid installing metal bolts and washers directly on the porcelain to prevent cracking.

Step 1: Shut Off Water and Empty the Toilet

First, shut off the water supply valve to the toilet tank. Then, flush the toilet and hold the flapper handle up to drain most of the water from the tank. You want to get as much water out of the bowl and trap as possible to minimize spills when removing the toilet.

If there’s still water left in the trap, you can try pushing it through with the flapper or use a shop vac for quicker removal.

Step 2: Remove Toilet Caps and Bolts

Remove the caps covering the toilet bolts at the base, then use pliers or a wrench to unscrew the nuts. On older toilets, the entire bolt may spin, making removal tricky. That’s when a jam bar tool can be a lifesaver—it locks the bolt to allow the nut to be unscrewed.

Step 3: Disconnect the Water Supply Hose

Next, disconnect the water supply line from the fill valve on the tank. This frees the toilet to be lifted without damaging the hose or valve.

Step 4: Lift the Toilet Carefully

When lifting the toilet, avoid grabbing the tank as it’s fragile and can crack. Instead, lift from the middle of the bowl, rocking it gently back and forth to break the seal.

Be prepared for some residual water to spill from the trap area as you lift.

Step 5: Remove the Old Wax Ring and Clean the Area

Once the toilet is off, remove the old wax ring. You’ll often find it crushed or improperly seated, which causes leaks. Thoroughly clean the flange and surrounding area to ensure the new wax ring can create a proper seal.

Step 6: Install the New Wax Ring

Remove any plastic barriers from the new wax ring before placing it onto the flange. I recommend doubling up on wax rings, OR, getting the extra large size wax ring, to ensure a perfect seal and avoid leaks. While some might disagree, this method has worked well for me without callbacks.

Step 7: Reset the Toilet and Secure Bolts

Align the toilet bolt holes with the bolts and carefully set the toilet back down onto the wax ring. Make sure the toilet is straight and not crooked.

Once positioned, sit on the toilet to evenly compress the wax ring, rocking gently to settle it. Then install new plastic washers and nuts on the bolts. Avoid metal washers directly on porcelain to prevent cracking.

Tighten the nuts carefully—over-tightening can crack the toilet base or tank, a mistake I’ve made in my early years.

Step 8: Reconnect Water and Test

Reconnect the water supply line and turn the water back on. Before flushing, press down firmly on the toilet to ensure it isn’t rocking and the seal is tight.

Flush the toilet and carefully check for any leaks around the base.

Final Tips and Considerations

Replacing a wax ring is a straightforward fix if you follow the steps carefully. Remember:

• Always remove as much water as possible before lifting the toilet.

• Use plastic washers and nuts to protect the porcelain.

• Double wax rings can provide peace of mind for a solid seal.

• Don’t overtighten bolts to avoid cracking.

While I’m not a professional plumber or a hardcore DIYer, I’ve been maintaining apartments for two decades, and this method has consistently worked for me. If you’re dealing with a leaking toilet and suspect the wax ring, give these steps a try!

For more maintenance tips and repair guides, consider following my channel. Until the next fix, I’m Dave, and I hope this guide helps you keep your plumbing in top shape.