How to Replace a Toilet Wax Ring

Wobbling or a leak around the base of your toilet is the classic sign that your wax ring has failed. This ring serves as the airtight and watertight seal between your toilet horn and the waste pipe in your floor. Over time, these rings dry out, crack, or compress, allowing sewer gases and moisture to escape. It is a messy job, but it is entirely manageable if you prepare your workspace and keep your movements steady to avoid damaging the new seal. Done well, your toilet will feel rock-solid once you sit back down. The secret to success lies in the cleaning phase—ensuring every scrap of old, hardened wax is removed from both the floor flange and the toilet horn. If you leave debris behind, the new ring will not compress evenly, and you will be back to square one before long.

  1. Drain and Contain Water. Close the water supply valve behind the toilet and flush the tank. Use a sponge or small cup to remove every drop of remaining water from the tank and the bowl.
  2. Unscrew the Supply Line. Unscrew the water supply line from the toilet tank using an adjustable wrench. Keep a bucket and a rag nearby to catch the small amount of water that will inevitably leak from the line.
  3. Free the Base Bolts. Pop off the plastic bolt caps on the base of the toilet and use a wrench to remove the nuts. If the nuts are rusted and won't budge, apply a penetrating oil and let it sit for ten minutes before trying again.
  4. Rock and Lift Clear. Gently rock the toilet side to side to break the seal. Lift the toilet straight up and set it onto a layer of old towels, ensuring it stays level so it does not crack.
  5. Scrape Old Wax Away. Use a putty knife to scrape the old wax off the toilet flange and the underside of the toilet horn. Scrub the area clean until you see the plastic or metal of the flange clearly.
  6. Seat the Wax Ring. Place the new wax ring onto the flange or the underside of the toilet horn, following the package instructions. Lower the toilet straight down onto the bolts, pressing down firmly with your body weight to compress the wax.
  7. Tighten and Test. Replace the nuts and tighten them slowly, alternating sides to ensure even pressure. Reconnect the supply line, turn the water on, and flush to check for leaks.