If you’re buying a new toilet you’ve probably thought about installing it yourself. Don’t be overwhelmed it’s actually pretty easy if you have the right items.
Have you ever heard of a toilet wax ring? Wax has been used for decades to create a long-lasting seal between your toilet and the pipes beneath your house.
You might be wondering, “why wax”, but it’s the perfect substance that will conform to your toilet and the floor. It will adjust with pressure, but it won’t melt. Plus it lasts decades without leaking.
In recent years, there have been new seals that are wax-free. They use rubber instead and they claim to have a longer life than wax. Knowing that wax can last 20-30 years, I’m not sure their claims are true.
Depending on your needs, a wax-free toilet ring might be right for you.
In this article, I’ll share some basic information to get you familiar with wax rings and I’ll share why they are absolutely necessary when you’re installing a new toilet.
Lastly, I’ll answer a few common questions about wax rings, including how long they will last, when to replace a wax ring, and if your toilet purchase comes with a wax ring.
Why You Need A Wax Ring With Your New Toilet
When we’re buying a new toilet we focus on the actual device. Toilets come in all shapes and sizes. Some are designer brands that look modern while others have the traditional, functional look.
No matter the style, the toilet has to connect to the floor in your bathroom and this is where a toilet wax ring comes in handy.
A wax ring ensures a waterproof seal between your toilet and pipes under your house. Without a wax ring, there would be serious leaks. Water leaks are bad enough, but nothing compared to a sewage leak. A wax ring will protect your floor from moisture damage.
A flange is a small device that connects the toilet to the sewage pipes. The wax ring is placed on top of the flange and it should complete the seal
What Type Of Wax Ring Do I Need For My Toilet
There are a few different types of toilet rings that create a seal. The most common is the wax ring. There are also wax rings with a horn (funnel) and a wax-free toilet ring that is usually made of rubber.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.
Wax Ring
A wax ring is the original way to achieve the toilet seal. Wax is the most simple option and usually the most inexpensive. It’s an easy, straightforward process to understand and will easily last over a decade if the seal is made correctly.
The difficult thing about the original wax ring is that you need to get it right the first time. When you set the toilet on the flange/ring you get one shot to make sure the positioning is correct. If it’s set incorrectly you’ll get a leak or you’ll have to try it again with a new wax ring.
Wax with Horn/Funnel
The wax ring with a horn/funnel is still a wax ring, however, it uses a plastic insert that neatly fits inside the flange. I like the shape of it and how it directs all the waste into the pipes below the house. It is slightly more expensive (not by much) and makes the installation a little more convenient.
Because it’s still a wax ring, make sure to set the toilet correctly the first time. Once there is pressure on the ring it will conform to the toilet (no additional adjustments)
Wax-Free
Wax-free toilet rings are becoming more popular because they don’t require the same clean up as a waxy substance and they tend to last longer. A rubber toilet ring should provide an adequate seal but doesn’t conform to pressure like wax does (wax tends to melt around the to ends which creates the seal).
Reviews for wax-free toilet rings are pretty good so they must be a good alternative to the norm.
5 Best Toilet Wax Ring (Wax and Wax-Free Seal)
#1 Lasco Toilet Bowl Extra Thick Wax Ring
Lasco is a well known American company that focuses on pipe fittings. In this case, they make a toilet wax ring that helps bring to pipes together.
You might think that wax is an out of date technology and a rubber toilet ring would be better. Hold that thought! Wax rings have been around for so long because they work (order Lasco wax ring on Amazon).
I actually recommend wax over the other wax-free rings because they have the ability to conform to whatever they are pressed against (even though they may work well, rubber and synthetic rings can’t do that).
Highlights:
- Extra thick wax
- Funnel to direct waste down the pipes
- Tight, natural seal that lasts for decades
- Inexpensive
- Fits 3-4 inch drains
You’ll notice the wax rings will fit multiple size pipes (3-4 inch). It’s because they are a little more adaptable. When installed correctly, it will form a barrier for gas, odor, and water.
Customers like it because it’s a great brand, extra thick, and easy to install. I like it because of the price!
#2 Fluidmaster “Better Than Wax” Toilet Seal
Fuildmaster is a reputable toilet company and they have a non-wax product that is a top selling product. It comes at a similar price, if not cheaper than the wax rings, and it is easy to install.
It fits 3-4 inch flanges, and has a few different height options to fit flanges that are above or below the level of the floor (order Fluidmaster seal on Amazon).
Highlights:
- 3-4 inch opening
- Rubber
- Fits flanges above or below level of floor
- Mixed reviews – some say “great”, others “not so great”
- Easy installation
- Looks good, cleaner than wax
I like the concept of this toilet ring, but other than being a cleaner way to install a toilet, I don’t see how it’s a better option than a wax ring (wax takes a little more time to clean up).
I think it’s still a good option to try but I’m skeptical about the seal
#3 Fluidmaster Extra Thick Wax Ring For Toilet
Fluidmaster also offers the traditional wax option and I prefer this to their waxless option. Similar to the Lasco wax ring, this Fluidmaster is large and in-charge.
It fits wastes lines that are 3 or 4 inches and has the handy funnel built inside (order Fluidmaster on Amazon).
Highlights:
- Fits 3-4 inch waste lines
- Extra thick for added protection
- Works for flange above or below floor level
- Added waste funnel in wax
- 40% more wax than standard seals
Fluidmaster is a solid toilet company so you can guarantee this product will work. As with every wax seal, make sure you get a good placement of the toilet on the wax ring.
It’s wise to use painters tape around the toilet to mark the correct spot on the floor (before placing wax on flange). The painter’s tape will guide you where to put the toilet once the wax is in place.
#4 Korky University Wax-Free Toilet Ring
Korky is a solid toilet company and they make another alternative to the wax seal. This wax-free seal can handle repositioning (unlike wax) and it works for multiple size waste lines (3-4 inches).
It’s backed by a 10-year warranty (not quite as long as what you’d expect from a wax ring).
Highlights:
- Made in USA
- Wax-free
- Okay to reposition toilet
- 10-year warranty
- Works on flange above and below floor
- Will not freeze or melt
If you live in a very hot area and don’t have air conditioning, wax can melt. This seal won’t melt or freeze, but I wish it had a longer warranty (check Kordy on Amazon).
If you’re worried about not setting the toilet on the flange the first time, this product allows you to reposition the toilet again and again until you get it right.
I think it’s a good option and worth a look. The reviews are mixed but overall most customers are satisfied.
#5 Eastman Jumbo Flanged Wax Ring
The last item is another affordable and oversized wax ring. This option gives you that watertight seal that should last 20-30 years.
Eastman makes toilet and plumbing products that are in homes all over America. This wax seal will work and it’s comparable to the other wax rings on this list (order Eastman on Amazon).
Highlights:
- Wax ring
- Funnel insert in wax
- Long lasting seal
- Compatible with 3-4 inch lines
- Oversized
Compare the look and price to the other large wax rings and choose the one that is best for you. I like the other wax options – that’s why I ranked them higher. But there’s nothing wrong with the Eastman wax ring.
Unlike non-wax seals, you know what you’re getting with a wax seal. It will work if it’s set properly!
Do Toilets Come With Wax Rings
Nope, this is one of those purchases that will have to be separate. The good thing is you can pick the option you want and the size that’s required by your specific toilet.
It’s also nice to know that toilet wax rings are inexpensive and are likely a 1-time purchase if installed correctly.
You might also be surprised to know that toilet seat usually isn’t included with your new toilet (although I think a seat should be). Check the product description of your toilet to see if there’s a toilet and make sure to read my article on the best toilet seats.
Can I Reuse My Wax Ring (When To Replace A Toilet’s Wax Ring)
Nope, you definitely won’t want to do that. As I mentioned above, you get one chance to install a ring on your toilet. Once installed the toilet shouldn’t be moved otherwise it could break the wax seal.
When you remove an old toilet fro the floor, you’ll notice the wax isn’t in its original shape. I will look flat and messy but that’s okay (it’s supposed to look like that). Before putting the new wax ring on, be sure to scrape off all of the old wax ring – you’ll need a fresh seal.
How Long Will A Wax Ring Last
Once installed, a wax ring will last a really long time. In most cases, it will last the life of the toilet, which could be 20 or more years. As long as you install the wax ring correctly, don’t worry about it.
After installing the toilet, you’ll want to keep an eye on the base of the toilet to make sure there aren’t leaks. You should be confident after a few days of flushing with no visible leaks.
Conclusion
What’s the best toilet wax ring? It may not even be a wax ring because there are non-wax options too.
If you’re purchasing a new toilet, keep in mind that you’ll need a toilet ring to create a seal between the pipes in the toilet and in your floor. The wax ring goes on top of the flange, which is a piece that is set with screws into the floor.
After they are positioned correctly, the toilet can be gently positioned on top, bolted on, and pressure should be applied until the toilet is firmly against the floor.
Toilet wax rings and wax-free rings should not be reused and since they are inexpensive they are something that won’t break the bank to replace.
Once your new toilet is securely positioned, it should last the life of the toilet. 20-30 years shouldn’t be a problem as long it the seal remains. Earthquakes, floor damage from termites, and repositioning of the toilet can all cause the wax seal to be broken.
Hopefully, this article on the best toilet wax ring helps you get the necessary parts to successfully install your new toilet. It might seem overwhelming, but replacing a toilet is easy if it’s going in the same place as the previous toilet. Follow the directions and it can be a successful DIY project.