Bathroom toilet?

Linda Bracy
by Linda Bracy

How do you know when you need to replace the wax ring on your toilet?


  14 answers
  • Tuula - Color Me Thrifty Tuula - Color Me Thrifty on Nov 03, 2021

    Usually it's when you have a water leak or an odor issue. Here's an article you might find helpful. https://dbldkr.com/4-signs-your-toilet-wax-ring-went-bad/

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Nov 03, 2021

    For sure worth a try if you have a leak. They are so cheap and easy to change, it’s worth it before calling a plumber.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Nov 03, 2021

    You should not have to change it unless you have an issue. If you have a leak or wet area around the base of the toilet. Every time you remove a toilet, you should replace the ring. Additional note, there are new replacements for the wax ring that are supposed to be better. We tried to use it the last time we had to work on our toilet but it would not sit properly so if you go that route, keep your receipt as you might have to return it.

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 03, 2021

    Bad Odors Coming from the Toilet

    If you have water at the base of the toilet and there’s a bad odor in the bathroom, take this situation seriously. It’s likely that what you’re smelling is sewer gas that’s made it past the wax ring. Don’t mess around with this type of situation. Sewer gases are harmful. Not only do they make people sick, but if there is an open flame, the gases could cause an explosion. It’s important to note that sometimes the bad smell exists even when there isn’t any water around the base. Still, you should take this seriously and call a plumber to check out the situation.

    Ceiling or Floor Damage

    Have you noticed mold or other signs of disrepair to the ceiling in the home where there is a bathroom directly above the damage? Sometimes, if a plumber caulked around the toilet during installation, water won’t seep from the base when the wax ring goes bad. In cases like this, homeowners often notice damage to the ceiling or the flooring around the toilet. Just because you can’t see the water doesn’t mean that it isn’t doing a lot of damage. In fact, toilet leaks that get into the floor or ceiling cause serious damage that could end up with the toilet falling through the floor. Yes, this does happen. Call a plumber right away if you notice any floor or ceiling damage.

    Non-Wax Related Toilet Leaks

    Sometimes a toilet leaks around the base and it has nothing to do with the wax ring. For example, sometimes the bolts that attach the toilet to the floor cause water to leak out from base. Tightening or replacing these bolts should solve the problem.

    Another issue that leads to water around the toilet base is a leaky supply line. The water pipe that runs from the back of the toilet to the wall might have come loose and needs to be fixed. Or, it’s possible the pipe is corroded and has developed a small leak.

  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 03, 2021

    Hi Linda, these rings are long lasting and really don't need to be replaced unless you remove the toilet to replace it or to do repairs of some kind like new flooring, or if it starts to leak.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Nov 03, 2021

    usually if you see stains or leaks around it here is how to do that

    https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/replace-toilet-wax-ring

  • William William on Nov 03, 2021

    If you have a leak at the base of the toilet anytime the toilet is flushed or sewer gas odor on the bathroom.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Nov 03, 2021

    If you can see a leak coming out from under the toilet or there is a foul odor coming from there, especially when flushed.

  • It would depend whether you can see a leak which is coming out under the toilet.

  • Usually when you see water leaking around the base of the toilet.

  • If you have a leak at the bottom, where the toilet meets the floor, that would be your best indicator. Or, if you suspect it just anyway, they're so easy to replace, it would be worth your time and the inexpensive expense.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Nov 06, 2021

    Is it leaking if you are finding water on the floor around the toilet then it’s leaking and you need new.

  • Dee Dee on Nov 08, 2021

    When the wax ring needs replacing the potty will leak on the bottom If yours is caulked all around remove a tiny section of the caulk and water will flow out. Then you know it is time to replace


  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Nov 09, 2021

    If it starts leaking