How to Install a Kant Leak Wax Ring

A wax ring can't be seen, but it performs the critical task of making a watertight seal.

Kant-Leak is a brand of toilet wax ring. It typically comes with a plastic extension molded into the wax, plus replacement closet bolts, nuts and washers. The wax ring creates a watertight seal that also prevents sewer fumes from entering the home. The actual wax ring installation is easy, but it does require lifting and moving the toilet, which is heavy work.

Things You'll Need

• Putty knife
• Kant-Leak wax ring kit
• Wrench

Instructions

1. Remove the old wax ring if one is present. It will adhere to the flange, a plastic fitting on the drain to which the toilet is secured, and the wax often comes apart as the ring is removed. Discard the two old closet bolts that held the toilet in place. Scrape off the old wax from the flange using a putty knife.

2. Insert the new bolts that came with the Kant-Leak wax ring kit by sliding the heads into the two slots in the flange. Place a washer over each bolt.

3. Press the new wax ring into place over the flange, flat side facing down and the black plastic extension inserted into the drain. Don't push hard on the wax, just press it gently.

4. Lift the toilet bowl and align it over the flange so that the closet bolts line up with the holes in the toilet bowl base.

5. Ease the toilet bowl into position without rocking it or twisting it. Let the weight of the bowl settle the unit over the wax ring and make sure the closet bolts come up through the two holes. Let the toilet base meet the floor.

6. Slip a washer and nut onto each closet bolt. Hand tighten the nuts until they contact the base and feel snug. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts further, only moving them 1/4 turn each and alternating one to the other. As soon as you feel resistance, stop. Over tightening will break the porcelain toilet.

References

• This Old House: How to Install a Toilet
• Ron Hazelton: How to Replace a Toilet