Picking the right toilet wax ring primarily involves selecting the appropriate thickness and ensuring the correct diameter to create a watertight seal.
When choosing a toilet wax ring, you essentially have regular and extra thick options. The extra thick rings are often chosen when the toilet flange (the pipe connection on the floor) is below floor level, requiring a thicker seal to bridge the gap. The diameter of the wax ring is also crucial; it must be the same as the opening on the bottom of the toilet.
To determine the correct size and assess the condition of your toilet flange, you typically need to remove the toilet to see the inside diameter of the waste pipe and the toilet's drain opening.
Key Factors for Selection
Here are the main considerations when selecting your toilet wax ring:
- Thickness:
- Regular: Suitable when the toilet flange is flush with or slightly above the finished floor.
- Extra Thick: Recommended when the flange is below the floor level, providing extra material to ensure a proper seal between the toilet base and the flange.
- Diameter:
- The wax ring needs to fit snugly around the toilet horn (the drain opening at the bottom of the toilet).
- According to the reference, the diameter you choose must be the same as the opening on the bottom of the toilet. This often correlates directly with the standard waste pipe diameter (commonly 3 inches or 4 inches).
- Confirming the diameter usually involves removing the toilet to measure the opening or the inside of the waste pipe.
Determining the Correct Fit
The most reliable way to pick the correct wax ring is to inspect the toilet base and the floor flange.
- Remove the Toilet: Carefully disconnect the water supply, flush the toilet, and remove the bolts holding the toilet to the floor flange. Lift the toilet straight up and set it aside.
- Inspect the Flange:
- Check if the flange is level with, above, or below the finished floor. This helps you decide between a regular or extra thick ring.
- Note the inside diameter of the waste pipe connected to the flange.
- Inspect the Toilet Base: Look at the bottom of the toilet and note the diameter of the drain opening (the "horn"). The wax ring's diameter should match this opening.
Wax Ring Options
Here's a simple comparison of the two main types:
| Type | Use Case | Flange Height |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | Standard installation | Flush or Above Floor |
| Extra Thick | Flange is below floor level, wider gap | Below Floor |
Most standard wax rings are designed to fit 3-inch or 4-inch drain pipes, which are the most common sizes for residential toilets. The key is matching the ring's inner diameter to the toilet's drain opening.
By checking the flange height and the diameter of the toilet's drain opening, you can confidently select the appropriate wax ring for a leak-free installation.
