The wax ring at the base of your toilet is what keeps water from leaking out where the toilet meets the floor. It also helps keep odors from seeping out and plays a role in mold prevention.
When the wax ring fails, you may see one or more signs such as water on the floor near the base or even a toilet that seems like it’s becoming loose. The moment you see, smell or feel any of the signs, you need to call a plumber to have the wax ring replaced.
What Is a Toilet Wax Ring, and Why It Matters
The wax ring at the base of your toilet is literally just that: a ring of wax. It acts as a gasket that helps seal the connection between the base of the toilet and the pipe in the floor (the drain flange) where the waste goes after you flush. When a plumber places a toilet over that pipe, the weight of the toilet helps compress the ring, forming a watertight seal.
This seal not only prevents the wastewater from leaking out onto your bathroom floor, but it also contains sewer gases that flow throughout the pipe. Wax rings often last a good 20 to 30 years, but they can fail sooner if the installation wasn’t done correctly, if the toilet is frequently used or if you somehow shift the toilet.
The Top Signs Your Toilet Wax Ring Is Failing
Some of these signs make it obvious that something is wrong at the base of the toilet. But others aren’t as obvious, and you need to learn what they are so that you can have that wax ring replaced quickly.
Sign #1 — Water Pooling Around the Toilet Base
If water appears around the base after you flush, it usually means the wax ring has failed and is no longer sealing the connection between the toilet and flange. If you’re not sure whether the water is actually from the base, you can test this.
Wipe up the water you see on the floor and ensure the floor is dry. Place dry toilet paper around the base of the toilet, including over the area where you saw the water.
Wait a few hours without using the toilet (try doing this overnight), and check the toilet paper. If it’s wet, then there’s a leak at the base that’s likely coming from a failed wax ring.
Sign #2 — Persistent Sewer Odors in the Bathroom
If the wax ring is failing, then the seal is failing, and that means sewer gas and its awful odor can escape into your bathroom. One other clue to look for — or smell, as the case may be — is the odor getting stronger after you flush the toilet, or getting stronger as you look closer to where the base of the toilet meets the floor.
Sign #3 — Mold, Mildew or Staining Around the Toilet
If water is leaking out from under the base of the toilet, it’s going to promote mold or mildew growth. Keep in mind that it can be on the caulking or flooring, too.
Not only does that mold look bad, but it can create health issues for people who are allergic. And if the mold becomes widespread, you could start to suffer health issues related to all that mold.
Sign #4 — A Wobbly or Rocking Toilet
The toilet sitting over the wax ring should be steady and not move. If it moves, that can damage the ring.
Remember, it’s made out of wax, not metal or stone. By the way, a wobbly toilet can also loosen bolts or damage the flange, so you really need to get the ring replaced before these issues become worse.
Sign #5 — Soft, Spongy or Damaged Flooring
If you see warped tiles, water stains or areas that seem to sag, that’s a bad sign. Those are indications that enough water has leaked out to damage the flooring. If the toilet is on an upper floor, that water damage could seep through to the ceiling of the room below.
Other Problems That Mimic a Bad Wax Ring
Sometimes other issues have the same symptoms as a bad wax ring. These are loose or corroded toilet bolts, a cracked or low flange, cracks in the base of the toilet itself, or a leaking supply line or shutoff valve.
You’ll really want to call a plumber to check out the toilet to find the real cause of the problems you’re experiencing.
How to Diagnose the Real Issue
You really do want a plumber to make the official diagnosis, but in the meantime, you can try a few things to get a better idea of what’s likely going on. First, dry the area and flush the toilet to look for an active leak.
Next, try rocking the toilet gently to see if it’s become loose. Then, check out the supply line and shutoff valve to ensure those aren’t leaking.
Finally, if you’re able to do so, you could always lift up the toilet to see the ring for yourself. Just keep in mind that this will break the caulking around the base.
How to Replace a Toilet Wax Ring
- Shut off the water to the toilet, and drain the bowl.
- Disconnect the supply line.
- Unbolt and lift up the whole toilet.
- Remove the old wax ring and look at the flange for obvious damage.
- Add a new ring. You can find both wax and non-wax options.
- Place the toilet back down and reconnect the bolts.
- Reconnect the supply line and do some test flushes. Remember that you’ll have to recaulk around the base when all is finished.
Preventing Future Wax Ring Problems
- Avoid rocking or leaning on the toilet.
- Periodically check the bolts and the stability of the base.
- Caulk the base as mentioned. Remember to leave an inspection gap in back.
- Replace the ring during any bathroom remodels, even if the current ring looks OK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wax ring last?
Usually 20 to 30 years, but it can fail earlier for a few reasons.
Can a wax ring fail without leaking water?
Absolutely. That’s why you have to take smells and mold spots seriously.
Wax vs. waxless seals: Which is better?
Both have advantages. If you have floor heating in the bathroom, a waxless seal might be better. If you want a more economical choice with a proven life span, a wax ring might be better.
Will insurance cover water damage from a failed wax ring?
That really depends on your policy and whether the insurance company considers the failure a matter of maintenance or a defect. You’ll need to talk to your insurance agent.
Should I replace the flange at the same time?
Normally you wouldn’t have to. If the flange appears damaged or loose, then yes, you should.
Don’t Ignore Signs of a Failed Wax Ring
Remember: Leaks, odors, mold, wobbly toilets and floor damage at the base of the toilet are all signs that something may be wrong with the wax ring. The earlier you replace the ring, the less structural damage can occur, which means you have to deal with less repair work once the ring has been replaced.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is the Punctual Plumber in Clearwater and surrounding areas. If you need toilet repair, including wax ring replacement, call us today.