To determine the correct width for your wax ring, simply turn your toilet bowl on its side, and measure the opening on the bottom of your toilet, called the “elbow neck.” Whatever width this measurement is, use that width wax ring. E.g. if the elbow neck measures 3 inches, use a 3-inch wax ring.

How thick of a wax ring do I need?

Standard wax rings are about ¾- or 1-inch thick. This standard size is suitable for flanges which are set slightly above, at the same level as the floor, or slightly below the flooring (up to ¼ inch).

Are there different sizes of wax rings?





Wax rings come in two diameters, 3 inches and 4 inches, because — as you might expect — those are the two standard sizes for toilet waste openings. Besides diameter, thickness is also an important parameter when it comes to wax rings. Again, there are two possibilities: regular and extra thick.

Should you use 1 or 2 wax rings on a toilet?

Do not be tempted to stack up two wax rings because this setup tends to leak. Installing a flange extender or using an extra-thick wax ring will work much better in the long run. Place the wax ring on the closet flange, not on the toilet.

Why use a jumbo wax ring?

Oatey® MaxWax® Wax Bowl Ring with horn is a 100% pure petroleum wax gasket that is 40% thicker than standard rings for use when standard rings can not make a good seal. Provides a permanent seal impervious to vermin, odors, gases and acids.

How do I know which wax ring to buy?

To determine the correct width for your wax ring, simply turn your toilet bowl on its side, and measure the opening on the bottom of your toilet, called the “elbow neck.” Whatever width this measurement is, use that width wax ring. E.g. if the elbow neck measures 3 inches, use a 3-inch wax ring.

Can you use 2 wax seals for a toilet?





You can certainly install a toilet with multiple wax rings, in fact sometimes it is necessary to make sure you don’t have a leak. The most common case is when a homeowner will install a tile floor (or really any thick floor).

Are there different types of wax rings for toilets?

Different Types of Seals for Toilets

  • Wax Ring. As the name implies, a wax ring is simply a doughnut-shaped ring of wax. …
  • Wax Ring with Sleeve. Flanges that sit lower than 1/4-inch above the floor will need something a bit more substantial than a basic wax ring. …
  • Felt Wax Ring. …
  • Sponge Gasket. …
  • Waxless Gasket. …
  • Waxless Foam Gasket.


Can I use an extra thick wax ring?

Wax Ring With Sleeve



If your flange is floor level or slightly below then you can use an extra-thick wax ring. If the flange is lower than a 1/4” below the floor level then you should use a flange extension to raise the flange height or remove and replace the old floor flange and set it to the right height.

Can I reuse toilet wax ring?



Before the toilet can be reinstalled, a new wax ring will need to be put down. The old one cannot be reused. If a toilet needs to be lifted in order to remove an object from the toilet or provide access to a clogged drain, the wax seal will need to be replaced.

Are Waxless toilet rings good?

Using a wax-free seal makes clean up easier and there’s less room for error. An argument that one could make for wax-free seals is that they’re reusable. If you need to remove the toilet base with a wax ring, you’ll need to purchase another ring to reinstall the toilet.

How far should toilet flange be above finished floor?

For those that don’t already know, the proper toilet flange height is when it’s flush with the top of the finished floor. The optimum height is about ¼ inch.

Does a wax ring need a flange?



The flange helps to ensure that the ring is centered over the flange in the floor and to direct the waste into the pipe. More wax in the ring helps ensure a good and thick seal. That’s not good advice. If you use extra wax where not needed it can squeeze into the path of the water.

Are there different sizes of toilet flanges?

Typically, the flanges are similar in size to the 4 x 3-inch flange, however. An ABS plastic flange with a 3 1/2-inch bottom diameter and a 7-inch top diameter is available. This flange is often used to connect an ABS drainpipe to the toilet.

How do I know if my wax ring is sealed?

To test that a bad seal is the problem, grab a couple of towels and wipe up the water. Go on with your day, checking periodically to see if the water has returned. If the floor is still dry, chances are that the water wasn’t coming from the toilet’s base.

How often should you replace the wax ring on a toilet?

Toilet Wax Ring ·

Can I use an extra thick wax ring?



Wax Ring With Sleeve



If your flange is floor level or slightly below then you can use an extra-thick wax ring. If the flange is lower than a 1/4” below the floor level then you should use a flange extension to raise the flange height or remove and replace the old floor flange and set it to the right height.

Does a wax ring need a flange?

The flange helps to ensure that the ring is centered over the flange in the floor and to direct the waste into the pipe. More wax in the ring helps ensure a good and thick seal. That’s not good advice. If you use extra wax where not needed it can squeeze into the path of the water.

Is there something better than a wax ring?

For plumbers interested in a mess-free option, wax-free toilet seals check this box. These seals affix to the toilet using a strong adhesive. There’s no wrangling the ring in into place.

When should you use a toilet flange extender?


Quote from Youtube video: Any toilet flange should always be installed on top of the finished floor. We have an example here which shows the finished floor is a wood flooring.

How do I know what size toilet flange I need?



The most common and readily available toilet flange is the 4 x 3-inch size. This pipe is 4 inches wide at the top but only 3 inches wide at the bottom. The 3-inch bottom is the correct size for fitting the schedule 40 pipe most frequently used in home drains.

Is the toilet flange supposed to be flush with the floor?

For those that don’t already know, the proper toilet flange height is when it’s flush with the top of the finished floor. The optimum height is about ¼ inch. It’s easier to get your flange flush with the floor if you lay your flooring before you install the flange.

Should I caulk around toilet flange?

Caulk prevents a fouling area. If mop water, bathtub water, or a less pleasant “bathroom liquid” gets underneath the toilet, there is no way to clean it up. Caulking around the base of the toilet will prevent this from happening.

Why does my wax ring keep leaking?

If the closet flange sits below the level of the finished floor or the wax ring is installed catawampus, the seal can be incomplete, and the toilet will leak. Removing and resetting the toilet properly will stop the leak. To remove the toilet, shut off the water to the tank.

How do I know if my wax ring is sealed?

To test that a bad seal is the problem, grab a couple of towels and wipe up the water. Go on with your day, checking periodically to see if the water has returned. If the floor is still dry, chances are that the water wasn’t coming from the toilet’s base.