A wax ring may be only one small component of a toilet, but it is an essential part of every toilet installation. Different types of wax rings and seals exist to accommodate various toilet and flange configurations. It is important for an installer to choose the right one to ensure a secure, leak-free installation.
What is a Wax Ring and Why Does It Matter?
A toilet wax ring is a seal between the fixture and the toilet flange on the floor. Its primary purpose is to prevent leaks from the bottom of the toilet and provide an odor-proof seal. These wax rings are durable and simple to install.
Oatey offers a variety of wax rings to meet your bathroom needs. The most popular is the Hercules Johni-Ring®, a 100%-pure, high-grade petroleum wax that is soft and malleable enough to conform to rough and uneven surfaces. It features a clean release tray for no-mess handling and easy installation.
For tips on proper installation, read Five Best Practices When Installing a Toilet Flange.
How Does a Wax Ring Work?
A wax ring works by compression. When you set the toilet onto the flange, the wax ring is pressed and molded into place, filling any gaps between the toilet and the drainpipe opening. This compression creates a watertight seal that lasts for years under normal conditions.
Key facts about wax rings:
- Location: Sits between the toilet outlet and the flange on the floor.
- Single-use: Once compressed, wax rings cannot be reused.
- Ease of replacement: Replacing a wax ring is straightforward and doesn’t require specialized tools.
When Should You Replace a Wax Ring?
A properly installed wax ring can last indefinitely. However, the seal can become compromised if the toilet is not installed correctly or if it loosens over time, causing the wax gasket to lose its seal. It’s not that the wax deteriorates, but rather that external factors, such as continuous movement or poor installation, can lead to leaks or failure.
Fortunately, several common signs of failure are easy to identify before major issues develop:
- Water pooling around the base of the toilet often signals a compromised seal.
- Over time toilet use can also cause the fixture to wobble or shift, compromising the wax ring and leading to leaks.
- Another clear indicator of failure is the persistent presence of sewer odors, which occur when gases escape through a failed seal.
If you plan to install a new toilet or remove and reinstall an existing one, it's best to install a new wax ring to ensure a secure, leak-free connection.
If you are looking to learn how to replace a wax ring, check out our step-by-step guide: How to Replace a Toilet Wax Ring.
Types of Wax Rings
When it comes to toilet installation, not all wax rings are created equal. There are various wax rings designed to accommodate different toilet and flange configurations, heights, and performance requirements.
| Type | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Wax Ring | Basic seal, most common | Level flanges and typical installations |
| Extra Thick Wax Ring | Thicker wax body for a deeper seal | Applications where the toilet flange is low, eliminating the need for double stacking. |
| Reinforced Wax Rings | 5x stronger wax ring with reinforced core | For setting floor-mounted toilet bowls on any floor type |
| Urinal Wax Ring | Fits two-inch urinal outlets; made of 100% pure petroleum wax; assures proper urinal alignment | Wall-mounted urinals |
| Wax-Free Seal (rubber or flexible foam) | Flexible, mess-free; can often be reused; can be less reliable; may not seal well on uneven or damaged surfaces, has limited compatibility, and can lose durability over time. | Newer toilets, DIY-friendly installs |
Want to understand the differences between wax and non-wax solutions? Read our comparison guide: Wax vs. Non-Wax Toilet Seals.
How to Know What Size Wax Ring to Use
Wax rings are available in two diameters — 3 inches and 4 inches — to comply with the standard size for toilets in the United States. Thickness is also a specification that should be considered. You have two options: regular and extra thick.
How to Determine Toilet Wax Ring Size:
Remove the toilet to see the inside diameter of the waste pipe. Consider the following when choosing the size of your wax ring:
- Thickness: Determine the thickness of your wax ring by examining where the flange is set. A regular wax ring is all you need if the flange is set on top of the finished floor. A thicker wax ring is used when the flange has already been set on the subfloor and is flush with or below the tile, rather than sitting on top of it. This will help make up the height difference.
What Types of Toilet Wax Rings are Available?
Not sure which wax ring you need? Oatey offers a complete line of toilet wax rings and seals to suit any installation:
- Oatey® Standard Wax Bowl Rings: A dependable seal for most toilets, these wax bowl rings are made of 100% pure, high-grade petroleum wax that conforms to rough and uneven surfaces. The ring snugly fits over three inches or four inches of waste line, forming a permanent seal to provide a sanitary, gas- and water-tight seal on most types of toilets.
- Oatey® MaxWax Wax Bowl Rings: These rings are 100% pure petroleum, providing a permanent, sanitary, gas- and water-tight seal on most types of water closets. They are made of 40% more wax than the standard wax ring for applications where the floor flange is even or slightly below finished floor height, eliminating the need for double stacking.
- Oatey Urinal Wax Gaskets: These wax gaskets are designed for use on wall-mounted urinals and fit 2-inch urinal outlets. Made of 100% pure petroleum wax, these gaskets are stainless, waterproof, and impervious to odors and gases.
- Oatey® Reinforced Wax Bowl Rings: These wax bowl rings are a crucial component for repairing a toilet or installing a new one. Made of 100 percent pure, high-grade petroleum wax that conforms to rough and uneven surfaces, the ring snugly fits over 3-inch or 4-inch waste lines, forming a permanent seal to provide a sanitary, gas- and water-tight seal on most types of water closets.
For secure installation, consider pairing your wax ring with Hercules® Johni-Bolts for reliable hold-down hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does a toilet wax ring do?
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A toilet wax ring creates a watertight and airtight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the toilet flange on the floor. This prevents leaks and sewer gases from escaping into the bathroom.
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How does a toilet wax ring work?
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When the toilet is set onto the flange, the wax ring compresses to fill any gaps between the toilet bowl and the flange. This compression forms a secure seal that typically lasts for years unless disturbed.
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How long does a toilet wax ring last?
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Under regular use, a wax ring can last many years, often as long as the toilet itself. However, movement of the toilet, improper installation, or issues with the flange can shorten its lifespan.
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When should you replace a toilet wax ring?
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Replace the wax ring if you see water pooling at the base of the toilet, notice persistent sewer odours, or feel the toilet shifting or wobbling. It’s always good practice to install a new ring when replacing or removing a toilet.
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What types of toilet wax rings are available?
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Common options include standard wax rings or extra-thick wax rings for added sealing power, and wax-free toilet seals for a mess-free, reusable alternative.
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Can wax rings be stacked to fill the gap between the toilet bowl and flange and still create a watertight seal?
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Although a common practice, Oatey does not recommend stacking two wax rings on top of each other. Instead, we recommend using a jumbo or extra-thick wax ring. Also, consider raising the flange height with one of our spacer kits.
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What’s the difference between wax and wax-free toilet seals?
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Wax seals provide a traditional, permanent seal, while wax-free seals, such as rubber or flexible foam, offer flexibility, repositioning, and a cleaner installation experience —an ideal solution for DIY projects. Wax-free toilet seals can be less reliable than wax rings because they may not seal well on uneven or damaged surfaces, have limited compatibility, and can lose durability over time.
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