The wax ring that fits underneath a toilet provides a seal with the drain pipe, preventing leaks and sewer odors from entering the house. If your toilet moves from its original position on the floor, that seal likely breaks, requiring a replacement. The signs of a defective ring are when the toilet rounds back and forth like a rocking chair, water leaks from the base of the toilet after it is emptied, or if you notice constantly sewer odors in the bathroom.
Instructions
1 Cut the water supply to the toilet by turning the stopcock completely to the right. Pull the chain, holding down the handle to allow as much water as possible to drain. Remove the tank lid and absorb the remaining water from the tank with a towel. Pushing the remaining water from the cup with a plunger.
2 Place the towel on the floor under the tank, where the water supply line connects to the tank. Remove the water supply line from the bottom of the tank, using an adjustable wrench. Remove the bolt caps on the base of the toilet and remove the nuts from the bolts, using the adjustable wrench.
3 Place a towel on the floor near the toilet. Straddle the toilet bowl and lift the toilet, placing both hands on the flat area behind and under the seat. Lift with your legs and not your back. Place the toilet face down on the towel. Place a rag on the open flange to prevent sewer gases from entering the room.
4 Scrape the old wax ring from the flange, using a small spatula. Scrape off the remaining wax from the bottom of the toilet. Clean the water and debris from the floor around the flange with a rag. Place the spare wax ring on the odorless horn or discharge outlet on the bottom of the container, and press it into place.
5 Remove the flange adjustment bolts and install two new screws. Install the screw heads in the flange slots and position the bolts approximately six inches apart and parallel to the wall behind the flange.
6 Turn the toilet upright and lift the toilet, to deposit it, on the flange. Make sure that the wax ring is connected with the flange and the adjustment bolts passes through the mounting holes in the bottom of the cup. Sit on the toilet and gently back and forth, with the weight of the body to crush the wax ring underneath. Install the adjusting bolts and washers. Tighten each nut evenly, with the adjustable wrench. Do not over tighten and damage the container. Fit the bolt caps into place.
7 Connect the water supply hose to the lower threaded part of the filling valve protruding from the bottom of the tank. Hand tighten the connecting nut and, using the wrench, tighten 1/2 turn more tightly by hand. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks around the toilet. Put the lid on the tank.
Tips and warnings
- Use a saw to cut the nuts of the adjustment bolts that anchor the toilet if you are able to remove the nuts with a wrench.