How to Replace a Toilet's Wax Ring

Water leaking from the base of your toilet may not be as big a problem as you think. Here's how to fix it yourself in about an hour.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Find the brand and model number of the toilet, if possible. This sometimes is stamped on the rim of the toilet near the tank or on the bottom side of the tank. If you can't find the information, proceed to step 3.

2. Take your information with you to a local hardware store or plumbing supply house to purchase a replacement wax ring.

3. Turn off the water to the toilet at the water supply shutoff. This is usually found on the wall or floor near the toilet. If there is no localized shutoff, use the main water shutoff for the structure.

4. Flush the toilet a couple of times to drain most of the water.

5. Disconnect the water supply tube from the bottom of the toilet, using a large pair of adjustable pliers. (Have a bucket and towels ready as some water may drain from the tank.)

6. Find the toilet mounting bolts on each side of the toilet base. These generally have decorative plastic or porcelain covers that can either be pulled off by hand or gently pried up with a flat screwdriver.

7. Remove the nuts using an appropriately sized wrench or an adjustable wrench.

8. Lift the toilet straight up off the mounting bolts and move it out of the way. (Toilets are fairly heavy. It might be a good idea to have a friend help with the moving.)

9. Examine the mounting ring on the floor. You should find a yellowish wax ring about 4 inches in diameter - some brands have a plastic base that will have model information on it.

10. Remove the ring and take it with you to purchase a replacement if you haven't already done so. Occasionally the ring will stick to the toilet base. If it does, tip the toilet over and pull the wax ring loose from the base. (Be ready with towels or rags.)

11. Place the new ring on the mounting ring on the floor. Set the toilet back on the mounting ring.

12. Seal the toilet onto the new ring. This is most easily accomplished by sitting on the toilet and very gently rocking in all directions. This will flatten and conform the wax to the base of the toilet.

13. Replace and tighten the mounting bolts and decorative caps.

14. Turn on the water and allow the toilet to fill. Flush and check for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes you might find two wax rings stacked on top of each other. This is usually found in older homes where floors have been built up over time. Take both rings with you and purchase a ring that accommodates the added height. You will get a better seal and longer life out of the ring.

• If the toilet still leaks, the problem may be more serious (such as a cracked toilet or damaged mounting ring). These are problems probably best left to professionals.