Double Wax Ring: Install Like a Pro (Avoid This Mistake!)

Double Wax Ring: Install Like a Pro (Avoid This Mistake!)

This guide will walk you through installing a toilet with a double wax ring, helping you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a watertight seal. While single wax rings are typically sufficient, certain situations warrant using two. We’ll cover when and how to do it right.

Understanding When to Use a Double Wax Ring

Knowing when a double wax ring is necessary is just as important as knowing how to install one. Using two when it’s not needed can cause more problems than it solves.

The Gap Problem

The primary reason for using a double wax ring is to compensate for a larger-than-normal gap between the toilet flange (the ring attached to the drainpipe) and the bottom of the toilet. This gap might exist due to:

• Recessed Flange: The flange is set too low in the floor, below the finished floor level.
• Toilet Design: Some toilets have a deeper bowl, requiring extra height for the wax ring to seal properly.
• Uneven Flooring: Imperfections in the flooring can create gaps.

Why Not Just Use a Single, Thicker Wax Ring?

While thicker wax rings are available, they might not always be the best solution. A single, excessively thick ring can squish out unevenly or not provide a consistent seal across the entire flange. A double wax ring, properly installed, distributes the pressure more evenly.

Materials and Tools Needed

Before you begin, gather the following:

• Two Standard Wax Rings: Opt for wax rings without plastic horns. These are generally easier to work with in a double-ring configuration.
• New Toilet Mounting Bolts and Washers: It’s good practice to replace these whenever you remove a toilet.
• Putty Knife or Scraper: For cleaning the old wax off the flange and toilet.
• Adjustable Wrench: To tighten the toilet bolts.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Rag or Paper Towels: For cleaning up excess wax.
• Optional: Toilet Shims: To level the toilet if the floor is uneven.
• Optional: Small Bucket or Container: To catch any water that may drip from the drainpipe after the old toilet is removed.

Preparing for Installation

Proper preparation is key to a successful installation.

Removing the Old Toilet

1. Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it off.
2. Flush the toilet: Hold down the flush handle until the tank is empty.
3. Remove remaining water: Use a sponge to soak up any remaining water in the tank and bowl.
4. Disconnect the water supply line: Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the water supply line from the toilet tank. Have a small bucket ready to catch any residual water.
5. Remove the bolt caps: Carefully pry off the plastic caps covering the toilet mounting bolts.
6. Remove the nuts: Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the nuts securing the toilet to the flange.
7. Rock the toilet gently: Carefully rock the toilet from side to side to break the seal with the old wax ring.
8. Lift the toilet: Lift the toilet straight up and set it aside on some old rags or cardboard to protect the floor and the toilet itself. Be careful; it will be heavy.
9. Plug the drain: Stuff a rag into the drain opening to prevent sewer gases from escaping.

Cleaning the Flange and Toilet

1. Scrape off the old wax: Use a putty knife or scraper to thoroughly remove all traces of the old wax ring from the flange and the bottom of the toilet.
2. Clean the flange surface: Wipe the flange surface clean with a rag.
3. Inspect the flange: Check the flange for cracks or damage. If it’s severely damaged, you may need to replace it before installing the new toilet.
4. Clean the toilet’s base: Scrape and clean the area on the bottom of the toilet bowl where the wax ring will sit.

Installing the Double Wax Ring

Now for the main event: getting that double wax ring installed correctly.

Positioning the First Wax Ring

1. Place the first wax ring: Carefully center the first wax ring on the flange. Press it down firmly to ensure it adheres securely.

Stacking the Second Wax Ring

1. Place the second wax ring: Carefully center the second wax ring on top of the first wax ring. Press it down firmly to ensure it adheres securely to the first ring. The goal is to create a stacked, unified seal.

Setting the Toilet

1. Align the toilet: Carefully align the toilet with the flange bolts.
2. Lower the toilet: Gently lower the toilet straight down onto the flange, making sure the bolts pass through the holes in the base of the toilet.
3. Apply even pressure: Press down firmly and evenly on the toilet bowl to compress the wax rings. Avoid rocking the toilet once it’s in place, as this can disrupt the seal.

Securing the Toilet

Once the toilet is correctly positioned and the wax rings are compressed, it’s time to secure the toilet to the flange.

1. Install washers and nuts: Place a washer on each bolt, followed by a nut.
2. Tighten the nuts: Tighten the nuts alternately and gradually. Avoid overtightening, as this can crack the toilet base. You want them snug, but not excessively tight.
3. Check for wobbling: After tightening the nuts, check if the toilet rocks. If it does, use toilet shims to level it. Place the shims between the toilet base and the floor, then re-tighten the nuts.
4. Trim shims: If necessary, trim any excess shim material with a utility knife.
5. Install bolt caps: Snap the plastic bolt caps into place.

Completing the Installation

With the toilet securely mounted, it’s time to finish up.

1. Connect the water supply: Reconnect the water supply line to the toilet tank.
2. Turn on the water supply: Slowly turn the water supply valve back on.
3. Check for leaks: Carefully inspect all connections for leaks. Tighten if necessary.
4. Flush the toilet: Flush the toilet several times to ensure proper operation and check for leaks around the base of the toilet.

The Mistake to Avoid: Overtightening

The biggest mistake people make is overtightening the toilet bolts. This can crack the porcelain base of the toilet, leading to leaks and potentially requiring you to replace the entire toilet. Tighten the nuts just enough to secure the toilet firmly to the floor. Feel for resistance and stop tightening when the toilet no longer wobbles. Less is more.

So, there you have it! Using a double wax ring isn’t rocket science, but it’s definitely something you want to get right the first time. Hopefully, this guide helped clear things up. Now go forth and conquer that toilet installation!