How Often Should Wax Toilet Rings Be Replaced?

Although it’s not obvious, wax rings are a very important part of the proper functioning of your toilet. Without it, you’d experience major problems, like water damage from constant leaks. 

This is what keeps the toilet from leaking when water passes through from the toilet to the drain pipe. 

So how often should you be replacing it? Let’s learn about what’s necessary and the importance of them. 

How Often Do Wax Rings Be Replaced?

The truth is, wax rings never need a replacement unless it is old and you find water leaking from your toilet. Another reason might be because the toilet wasn’t on right which is causing a leak. In these cases, it will need a replacement. Water coming from the base of your toilet is never a good sign, but typically the leak associates with a bad wax ring. 

Otherwise, no worries. It can last the lifetime of a toilet. If you have a toilet that needs to be replaced, the wax ring will also be replaced with a new one. 

Leaks or Bad Odors Coming From Your Toilet?

If there are leaks coming from the base of your toilet or you smell bad odors in your home, these are both signs that the ring needs replaced. In some cases, the bolts holding the toilet to the flange have come loose and just need to be tighter.

But, if you find that the bolts are not loose, and you are still finding water at the base of your toilet, this is because of a faulty wax ring and you will need a replacement. 

Need to Remove Your Toilet?

If you are removing your toilet, no matter how many times you do it, you will need to replace the wax ring every time. This is because you are sitting the toilet down on the wax ring and when removing the toilet, the wax ring will be affected. A new wax ring is required to ensure that the toilet will not leak once flushed. 

Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, the wax ring on your toilet will most likely never need to be replaced for the lifetime of the toilet. But, it will if you find that the base of your toilet is leaking. Sometimes, leaks at the base can be caused by the bolts being too loose. On the other hand, it could be because of a faulty wax ring. 

If you do end up pulling the toilet up, you will have to replace the wax ring. This rule goes for any toilet that you have to pull up, no matter what the situation is. 

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you are having issues with the base of your toilet leaking or need help with your toilet. 

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.