Replacing A Wax Ring.

Toilets sit on a wax ring that seals the connection to the waste drain pipe below. Replacing a wax ring is heavy work (lifting the toilet and setting it down carefully).

Removing the toilet exposes the waste pipe which is going to be messy and smelly so it's not a pleasant job but it is not a complex job and can be accomplished by other than professional plumbers.

While the job is to simply replace the wax ring, removing the toilet may expose other problems. The flange holding the toilet could be damaged from corrosion. If so, special replacement flanges are available from well stocked plumbing supply stores. (Remember to work when the stores are open!)

The floor or subfloor could be rotted from prolonged exposure to water. If this is the case there could be substantial restoration work for the floor, subfloor, and joists. If the toilet was rocking or easily moved before removal, either or both of these problems can be expected.

If the toilet was solid and immovable it is much less likely that this damage would be present. In this case a simple replacement of the wax ring could be all that is needed.

Get a helper who can lift the toilet with you. (It's also helpful to have a THIRD person for a few minutes when setting the toilet back in place). Buy a new wax ring and while doing so, ask what kind of replacement flanges are available or if they are supplied at all. You may be back for one later.

The wax ring you buy could have a plastic horn or might simply be a wax ring. The horn gives better protection against leaks but the plain wax ring should be adequate.

You're working to correct a wet, leaking condtion so expect that all parts have suffered from some corrosion. Plan on buying a new set of mounting bolts and a new water supply line. If you have a friend help you lift and reseat the bowl you can avoid separating the tank and bowl. This saves can the time needed to take it apart
and put it back together. If the tank is separated, buy new bolts, gasket and washers to re-connect them.

Be prepared by filling a temporary water supply. You will at least need this for washing after handling the wax-ring which is sticky.

With a water supply, wax ring, and all the replacement parts handy, turn off the water supply to the tank.

Disconnect the supply line to the tank and flush the toilet. Reach into the tank and hold up the stopper valve to drain the tank as completely as possible. Dump a bucket of water into the toilet bowl all at one time. After doing this only a little water will remain in the bowl. Use a sponge to pick it up and squeeze it out into the bucket.

Pry off the caps covering the bolts holding the toilet to the floor and remove the bolts. These bolts may be corroded and difficult to remove. Use WD-40 penetrating lubricant on the bolts. It is best to apply the WD-40 the night before to give it the maximum time to work. If the bolts cannot be removed then they will have to be cut off with a hack saw. These bolts cannot be broken with a hammer. Damage to the bowl will almost certainly result.

Witht the bolts removed, and any caulking cut and removed, rock the bowl gently from side to side. This will break it free from the old wax ring. With your assistant, lift the toilet up and off the bolts. There is going to be some water leakage from within the toilet trap. Upon removing the toilet, stuff an old towel into the drain opening to prevent sewer gases from entering the bathroom.

Turn the toilet on its side and clean off the old wax from the base of the bowl. Also remove and clean the wax ring from the flange. Clean the floor and the base of the toilet thoroughly using a good household cleaner like 409.

A completely clean and dry flange and bown are needed to make a good seal. Inspect the flange to make sure it is not damaged and the new bolts can be fit and will hold. REMOVE THE OLD TOWEL FROM THE DRAIN and press the new wax ring evenly over the over the hole in the flange on the floor. (It can be fitted to the toilet but you and your assistant risk bumping it around while wrestling the toilet into position). Insert the new mounting bolts into the slots in the flange and turn 1/4 turn.

Next comes the heavy lifting part of the job. Before you pick up the toilet, check that you did REMOVE THE RAG FROM THE DRAIN and there is a new wax ring in place and new bolts are in the holes. Lift the toilet and with it as level as possible and lower the toilet down over the bolts.

Another assistant at floor level can help you guide the toilet down onto the bolts and see that the toilet alligns properly with the wax ring.

Screw the nuts onto the bolts by hand evenly, then tighten them with a wrench until the toilet is snug to the floor. It should not rock or move. DO NOT over tighten or the toilet can be cracked. Reattach the water supply and turn on the water. Allow the tank to fill and then flush. Check for leaks at the water supply and around the base.