Getting the Toilet Wax Ring Size Right

Selecting the correct toilet wax ring size is a crucial step when installing or replacing a toilet. Using the wrong size wax ring can lead to leaks, damages, and unnecessary headaches down the road.

Whether you're a first-time DIYer or a seasoned homeowner, a little precision with toilet wax ring sizes goes a long way. Read on to learn foolproof methods for getting that new toilet set or old one re-sealed without a mess or problems.

Understanding Toilet Horn Widths and Flange Heights

Toilets connect to drainage pipes via a floor flange that sticks up from the concrete slab or subfloor. A wax ring forms a seal between the underside of the porcelain toilet bowl and this flange to prevent leaks and gases from escaping.

Standard toilet wax rings come in two main sizes - 3 inches and 4 inches. This corresponds to the width of the toilet's horn, which is the protruding waste elbow that inserts into the flange.

Measuring Toilet Horn Width

Use a soft measuring tape to accurately gauge the toilet horn width. Wrap the tape around the base of the protruding waste outlet underneath the bowl. Most modern toilets have a 3-inch wide horn.

Checking Flange Height

The other key measurement is the flange height relative to the floor. For the wax ring to seal properly, the flange should be flush with the floor level or no more than 1/4 inch below.

Use a thin ruler to measure down from the top of the flange to the floor. If there's no gap or just a slight one, a standard wax ring thickness will work.

When To Use A Jumbo Wax Ring

If the flange height is lower than 1/4 inch beneath the floor meaning a wider gap, you'll need a jumbo or double wax toilet seal instead. These extra thick rings provide more wax to take up additional vertical space.

Recessed and Damaged Flanges

Sometimes the original flange is badly corroded or was set too low from the start. If the flange rim is more than 1/2 inch below floor grade, the best solution is replacing it or using a flange extender accessory to raise it closer to floor level before installing the new wax ring.

Thicker Floor Surfaces

Another scenario where an extra thick jumbo wax ring is required is when newer flooring was installed on top of the old surface. Tile, resilient vinyl plank, or thick carpeting can create a sizable gap between the existing flange and new floor that needs filling.

Tips For Setting The Toilet On The New Wax Ring

Once you have the correctly sized wax ring for the toilet horn and flange, avoid leaks by carefully setting the bowl onto it. Here are some pro tips:

• Sit on the bowl facing the tank to press down and imprint the wax before bolting.
• Set straight down without rocking or shifting sideways to maintain the imprint.
• Make sure 100% of the toilet's base makes solid contact with the floor.
• Alternately tighten bolts to bring bowl completely level and solidly sealed.

Allowing Proper Wax Compression

Many leaks happen when homeowners get in a rush and don't allow the toilet to compress the wax ring enough. After laying the bowl onto the sealant, take your time sitting and rocking on the bowl to flatten the entire wax ring before attempting to bolt it down.

Avoid Shifting Or Rotating

Any sideways motion of the toilet after setting can compromise or break that all-important wax imprint seal. Set the toilet straight down over the horn and don't adjust or wiggle it. If it isn't aligned correctly from the start, lift straight up and reset.

Alternative Toilet Seal Materials

Modern wax-free toilet gasket rings provide an easier installation option that seals in fluids and gases indefinitely. Made of foam or rubber, they won't dry out or crack over time.

Reusable Rubber Rings

For difficult flange situations, reusable rubber toilet gaskets allow you to perfectly seal the bowl without needing to wrestle with wax each time. Just bolt the rubber seal down to the flange, then attach the bowl on top.

Clear Seal Rings

Clear or white sealing gaskets provide visual confirmation that the toilet is correctly covering the entire flange. With wax rings, you can't see if there are any hidden gaps in the seal.

Fixing Toilet Leaks From Improper Wax Ring Sizes

Catching and fixing any leaks right away prevents major floor and ceiling damages down the line. If you notice pooling water, damp drywall, or mold around the base, the wax ring likely isn't creating an airtight barrier.

• Confirm the toilet is centered perfectly over the flange.
• Rethick the wax ring if the flange is too far below floor level.
• Replace a damaged or corroded flange preventing a flush seal.

Verifying Toilet & Flange Alignment

First, check that the horn fully inserts into the pipe without hitting any edges or offsets. Misalignment can prevent the wax from making uniform contact throughout.

If the flange is heavily corroded, cracked, or lacking integrity, it needs replacing. Use an offset flange if the new floor surface bumped up the height a few inches.

By understanding exactly how toilet drain assemblies fit together and seal, getting leak-proof performance relies on precision wax ring sizing during your next toilet install or reseal job.