How to Replace a Toilet Wax Ring

Stop the Leak & Odor—Without Summoning a Plumber

Ever noticed a squishy, slightly smelly puddle forming around the base of your toilet? Thought it was just “one of those things”? Bad news: that’s not a quirky bathroom feature. That’s your toilet’s wax ring waving a white flag. And it’s time to do something about it.

Replacing a toilet wax ring might sound like the kind of thing best left to a professional with a plumber's crack and a 3-hour window of “we’ll show up whenever.” But no—this is one of those glorious DIY moments where you get to play bathroom hero and save your nose (and your floorboards) from long-term trauma.

Here’s how to replace a toilet wax ring the right way—so your throne doesn’t turn your bathroom into a swampy scent chamber.

What Is a Toilet Wax Ring (And Why Should You Care)?

Think of the wax ring as your toilet’s bodyguard. It sits between your toilet base and the flange (that pipey thing in the floor), creating a watertight, airtight seal. This unsung hero keeps water, waste, and stinky sewer gas in the pipe where they belong.

When it fails—due to age, compression, poor installation, or simply bad bathroom karma—you get:

• Leaks around the base

• Wobbling toilets

• Nasty smells

• And the eventual descent into “Why does my bathroom always smell like swamp butt?”

Signs Your Wax Ring Needs Replacing

You don’t need a plumbing degree—just a nose and a bit of awareness:

• Puddle at the base: It's not condensation. It’s sewer juice. Yay.

• Wobbling toilet: No, it’s not the haunted toilet dance. A loose toilet can crush the wax ring.

• Persistent odor: Like an invisible fart you can’t escape.

• Bugs: Sewer gas leaking out is basically an open invite to drain flies.

If any of these ring a bell, congrats—you’re now a wax ring replacement candidate.

Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

You’re not performing surgery, but you’ll want a decent toolkit. Here’s your go-to wax ring replacement checklist:

✔️ Adjustable wrench
✔️ Putty knife
✔️ Old towels or rags
✔️ Rubber gloves (unless you like feeling regret)
✔️ Wax ring (or rubber gasket upgrade)
✔️ New toilet bolts (usually come with the wax ring)
✔️ Bucket & sponge
✔️ Disinfectant spray
✔️ Optional: plastic scraper, caulk, shim (if floor is uneven)

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Wax Ring Like a Boss

1. Shut Off the Water

Look behind the toilet and turn the valve clockwise until it stops. Then flush the toilet to drain the tank. Sponge out any remaining water from the bowl and tank. Yes, it’s gross. No, there’s no glamorous way around it.

2. Disconnect Water Supply

Unscrew the hose that connects the tank to the wall. Keep a towel or bucket nearby—it’s going to drip.

3. Unbolt the Toilet

Use your wrench to loosen the two nuts at the base. These little devils are often rusty or corroded, so brace yourself for a wrestling match.

4. Remove the Toilet (Gently)

Rock the toilet slightly side to side to break the old wax seal, then lift it straight up and set it aside on a towel or garbage bag. Try not to scream if you see decades of gunk.

5. Scrape Off the Old Wax

Use your putty knife to scrape the wax from the flange (the opening in the floor). It will be gross. Embrace it. Clean thoroughly and disinfect the area. This is your one shot to start fresh.

6. Inspect the Flange

Cracked? Rusted? Broken? You may need a flange repair kit before moving on. Don't ignore this step—your new wax ring is only as good as what it’s sitting on.

7. Install the New Wax Ring

Place the new wax ring centered over the flange. If you’re using a non-wax gasket (like the fancy rubber ones), follow the instructions—they often mount to the toilet instead of the floor.

Pro tip: Don’t double up on rings. That’s a myth. One is enough. Doubling them can cause uneven seals and leaks.

8. Reset the Toilet

Lift the toilet and carefully align the holes with the bolts. Lower it straight down—no shimmying or twisting—until it’s resting on the wax ring. Push gently to compress the ring and create the seal.

9. Rebolt the Toilet

Tighten the nuts evenly on both sides. Don't overtighten or you might crack the porcelain. Just snug enough to prevent movement.

10. Reconnect the Water Line

Attach the supply hose again and open the valve. Let the tank fill. Check for leaks.

11. Test Flush & Seal

Flush and watch. No leaks? No rocking? No smell? You just nailed it. Optionally, run a thin bead of caulk around the base (leave a gap in the back for leak detection).

Should You Use a Wax Ring or a Rubber Gasket?

Time for a mini myth buster:
Myth: Wax rings are outdated—go modern!
Reality: Wax rings work perfectly if installed right. Rubber gaskets are easier to reuse and align, sure, but they cost more and don’t always provide a better seal.

Use a rubber gasket if:

• You think you’ll need to remove the toilet again soon

• Your flange is slightly higher than the floor

• You just like avoiding mess

Otherwise, a good old wax ring does the trick.

Prevent Future Wax Ring Failures

Here’s what to avoid so you’re not redoing this in six months:

• Don’t let your toilet rock—shim it if the floor’s uneven.

• Never use your toilet like a step stool (yes, people do this).

• Don’t overtighten bolts.

• Avoid chemical drain cleaners that may degrade seals over time.

Real Talk: My Bathroom Wax Ring Horror Story

Once upon a time, in a rental apartment that hadn’t seen an upgrade since the 80s, I ignored the faint smell of sewer gas and figured it was the neighbor’s cooking (he was weird). Two weeks later, the floorboard was warped, the base of the toilet was permanently moist (shudder), and I learned that ignoring a broken wax ring is like ignoring a small fire on your curtains. It doesn’t just “go away.”

Save yourself. Replace it.

Recap Checklist: Toilet Wax Ring Replacement

• ✅ Smell something funky? Check the base.

• ✅ Shut off water. Drain everything.

• ✅ Unbolt and remove toilet.

• ✅ Scrape off the gunk. Disinfect.

• ✅ New wax ring (or gasket) goes in.

• ✅ Lower toilet, bolt it down evenly.

• ✅ Reconnect water, flush, inspect.

• ✅ Celebrate your dry, smell-free throne.

FAQ

Q: Can I reuse the old wax ring if it looks fine?
A: Nope. Once compressed, a wax ring can't be reshaped or resealed properly. Reusing it is like trying to re-chew gum and expecting it to be minty fresh.

Q: My toilet still wobbles after replacing the wax ring. What now?
A: Check if your floor is uneven. Use plastic toilet shims under the base before tightening bolts. Then caulk around it for a stable, sealed finish.

Congratulations, wax warrior. You’ve not only defeated a common bathroom nemesis—you’ve also earned the right to mock those who call a plumber for every leak. Just don’t drop your phone in the bowl while celebrating.