WHAT IS A TOILET WAX RING?

A toilet wax ring is a ring of molded wax on a short plastic pipe that is used to create a water tight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the drainpipe. Rubber gasket seals have in recent times proved to be an excellent alternative to wax rings.

A wax ring is mounted on top of the toilet flange and then the toilet is installed on top of it. Toilet bolts on each side of the toilet are used to firmly hold the toilet on the floor and also squeeze it hard against the wax ring creating a watertight seal.

A toilet flange which is also known as a closet flange is a circular pipe fitting that is used to secure the toilet to floor and also connect it to the drainpipe. The name closet flange dates back to the time flush toilets were known as water closets.

TOILET WAX RING SIZES

While buying a new wax ring, you will need to make sure that you buy one which will fit into your your toilet. Toilet wax rings are universal but the size has to be right.

To determine the size of wax ring to buy, remove your toilet and lay it on its side. Measure the outside diameter of the toilet outlet which is also called an elbow neck. Use that measurement to buy a new wax ring

It is also important to note down the size of the toilet drainpipe. Most toilet drainpipes have a standard size of 3 or 4 inches. It is also possible that your drainpipe has an old size so make sure you measure. Most wax rings are fortunately designed to fit in both 4 and 3-inch drainpipes.

Another important measurement is the wax thickness. A wax ring will either have a standard thickness or a double thickness.

As a rule of thumb, if the toilet flange is installed flush of the floor you will need a standard thickness wax ring. If the flange is installed below the floor level you will need the double thickness wax ring.