Maya Ellison
A leaking toilet can be caused by a loose or broken flange, which can damage the floor and necessitate its replacement. The flange, also known as a closet flange, is the part of the toilet that secures the unit to the floor and connects to the drain pipe. To replace a toilet wax ring, you must first remove the toilet. To do this without making a mess, have a bucket, sponge, and towels nearby to catch water drips when you turn off and disconnect the water supply line. Before replacing your toilet, ensure the water supply is shut off. Typically, you can find the valve located behind or near the toilet. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. Once the water supply is back on, give the toilet a few good flushes. As long as you don't see any moisture coming from the bottom of the toilet, you’re good to go.
Characteristics and their values for replacing a plastic toilet ring:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to replace | Water leaking from the base of the toilet, wobbling from side to side, or damage to the subfloor |
| Materials required | Bucket, sponge, towels, new wax ring, hardware lubricant (if needed), flange repair kit (if needed), new mounting bolts |
| Steps | 1. Turn off the water supply. 2. Drain the toilet by flushing and using a sponge or wet/dry vacuum. 3. Remove the old wax ring with a putty knife. 4. Inspect the flange and replace if needed. 5. Position the new wax ring on the flange. 6. Lift the toilet and align it with the flange bolts. 7. Reinstall washers, bolts, and nuts. 8. Reconnect the water supply line and test for leaks. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the cause of the leak
Before replacing a plastic toilet ring, you must first identify the cause of the leak. Here are some ways to do that:
Inspect the toilet and the surrounding area
Check the base of your toilet for any signs of leakage. Look for water or wetness on the floor around the base of the toilet. This could be a clear indication of a leaking toilet. If the floor feels spongy, soft, or damp, it could be due to a leak. Discolouration or black mould around the edges of the toilet's base could also indicate a leaking wax ring.
Check for foul odours
If there is a strong, persistent odour of sewage around your toilet, it could be a sign that the wax ring has lost its seal. A damaged wax ring can allow sewer gas to escape into the room, causing a noxious smell.
Observe the toilet's stability
If your toilet feels unstable, such as rocking or wobbling when you use it, it could be due to a broken wax ring. Once the wax ring is compressed, it usually doesn't return to its original shape, and any movement of the toilet can break the seal.
Test with food colouring
If you are unsure of the source of the leak, add food colouring to the toilet tank. If the coloured water appears on the floor, it confirms a leak from the toilet, and the wax ring likely needs replacement.
Check for other sources of water
Ensure that the water leaks are not coming from other sources, such as the sink or bathtub, and stagnating around the toilet.
Inspect the toilet bowl
Over time, minerals such as calcium, lime, and rust particles can build up in the toilet bowl, restricting water flow and causing incomplete flushing. Inspect the rim feed and jet holes of the toilet bowl for any blockages or mineral deposits.
Contact a professional
If you are unsure of the exact cause of the leak, it is best to contact a professional plumber. They will have the expertise to accurately diagnose the problem and provide a suitable solution.
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Prepare the necessary tools
Before you begin, it is important to gather all the necessary tools to replace a plastic toilet ring. The replacement process can be challenging, and having the right tools will make the task more manageable. Here is a comprehensive list of tools you will need:
Basic Tools
- A new plastic toilet ring: Ensure that you have the correct size and type of toilet ring. Wax rings are popular for their ease of use and sealing properties. Some toilet rings come in kits with new mounting bolts.
- Bucket: You will need a bucket to catch any water drips when you disconnect the water supply line.
- Sponge and towels: These are useful for soaking up any remaining water from the toilet bowl and for placing the toilet on to avoid scratches.
- Putty knife: This tool will help you scrape off any remnants of the old toilet ring, creating a clean surface for the new ring.
Protective Gear
- Gloves: A good pair of gloves will protect your hands from any sharp edges and debris.
- Safety goggles: It is important to protect your eyes from any flying debris or dust during the removal and installation process.
Plumbing Tools
- Plunger or wet/dry vacuum: These tools will help you remove any lingering water from the toilet bowl after flushing.
- Hardware lubricant: If the bolts attaching the toilet to the flange are corroded, a lubricant will help loosen them.
- Pipe wrench: This tool can be useful for removing old bolts or tightening new ones.
- Concrete drill bits and an electric cordless drill: If you need to drill into a concrete floor to anchor the flange, these tools will be necessary.
Additional Items
- New mounting bolts: When replacing the toilet ring, it is recommended to replace the bolts as well.
- Flange repair kit: If your toilet wobbles or rocks from side to side, you may have a broken toilet flange and will need a repair kit.
- Food colouring: This is an optional item, but it can help you test for leaks before replacing the ring.
Having these tools ready will help ensure a smoother replacement process for your plastic toilet ring. Remember to be honest about your skill level and seek professional help if needed.
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Turn off the water supply
Before you begin replacing the plastic toilet ring, you must turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is a crucial step to prevent water from gushing out and causing a mess when you remove the toilet. Here is a step-by-step guide on turning off the water supply:
Locate the Water Shut-off Valve:
The water shut-off valve is typically located behind the toilet, usually just to the left. It is the valve that supplies water specifically to the toilet. If you cannot find a dedicated valve for the toilet, you can turn off the main water shut-off valve for your home. Consult a guide or a professional if you are unsure about locating the main shut-off valve.
Turn the Valve Clockwise:
Once you have located the water shut-off valve, turn the valve in a clockwise direction. This action will shut off the water supply to the toilet. Make sure to turn it tightly and securely to ensure that the water flow is completely stopped.
Drain the Toilet Tank and Bowl:
After turning off the water supply, flush the toilet to drain the excess water from the tank and the bowl. Hold down the toilet handle to ensure that as much water as possible drains out. You may also use a sponge or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the bowl. This step is important to prevent water spillage when you lift the toilet.
Prepare for Disassembly:
Place a bucket, some towels, or cloths near the toilet to catch any drips or spills during the disassembly process. You may also want to place the toilet lid on a soft surface, such as an old towel, to avoid scratches.
Disconnect the Water Supply Line:
Now that the water is turned off and the toilet is drained, you can proceed to disconnect the water supply line. This step will vary depending on your toilet model, but it generally involves detaching the line from the bottom of the tank. Be gentle and take note of how the parts are connected for easier reassembly.
Remember that turning off the water supply is just the first step in replacing a plastic toilet ring. Make sure to refer to comprehensive guides or seek professional help for the complete replacement process, which may involve heavy lifting and complex reassembly.
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Remove the toilet
To remove the toilet, start by turning off the water supply to the toilet. The valve is typically located behind the toilet on its left side. Turn the valve in a clockwise direction to shut off the water flow. If there is no valve present, locate and turn off your home's main water shut-off valve.
Next, drain the toilet tank and bowl by lifting the lid and flushing the toilet. Hold down the toilet handle to drain as much water as possible. You can use a sponge or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the bowl.
Now, it's time to disconnect the water supply line. Have a bucket and some towels or cloths nearby to catch any drips. You may need a hardware lubricant to loosen the bolts if they are corroded.
After the water supply line is disconnected, you can start the process of lifting the toilet. The toilet is likely to be heavy, weighing around 100 pounds, so proceed with caution. Bend at your knees to get the best leverage and focus on lifting the toilet away from its two flange bolts without using your back.
Once the toilet is lifted, slowly place it down onto a towel or a blanket. You can now proceed with replacing the wax ring or making any other necessary repairs.
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Install the new plastic ring
Before installing a new plastic ring, you must first remove the toilet and the old wax ring. To do this, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to drain the excess water from the tank and bowl. Use a sponge or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the bowl. You can also use a product like Oatey LiquiLock to solidify the water in the bowl temporarily.
Now, lift the toilet slowly and place it onto a towel or blanket. You should now be able to see the flange. Scrape away any remnants of the old wax ring with a putty knife and smooth out any debris to create a clean, dry surface.
Once you have removed the old wax ring, you can install the new plastic ring. Position the new ring on top of the toilet flange, ensuring it is centred. Then, carefully lower the toilet bowl into place, aligning the bolt holes in the base of the bowl with the flange bolts. Holding the bowl by the inside rim will give you a better grip.
Apply pressure to set the seal, being careful not to move or tilt the toilet, as this could break the seal and cause future leaks. Replace the washers and nuts on each toilet bowl bolt and tighten the nuts evenly onto the bolts.
Finally, reconnect the water supply line at the bottom of the tank. Again, ensure that the connection is tight and secure, but not too tight, as this could cause pressure and damage the line. Flush the toilet a few times to check for any leaks.
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Frequently asked questions
If there is water leaking from the base of your toilet, the plastic ring is likely worn out and needs to be replaced.
First, drain the toilet by turning off the water supply. Then, flush the toilet to drain excess water from the tank and bowl. You can use a wet/dry vacuum or a plunger to remove any remaining water from the bowl. Next, remove the toilet by lifting it away from its two flange bolts and placing it on a towel or blanket. Scrape off any remnants of the old wax ring with a putty knife and smooth out any debris. Position the new wax ring on top of the toilet flange, ensuring it is centred. Lift the toilet again and align its base holes with the two flange bolts. The wax ring should be comfortably compressed between the toilet and the flange.
Replace the plastic disc and metal washer before screwing the nuts into the flange bolts. Reconnect the water supply line at the bottom of the tank, ensuring a tight and secure fit.
Perform a ""sit test" by sitting on the toilet and wiggling around to ensure it is stable and does not wobble. Flush the toilet a few times and check for any leaks or moisture coming from the bottom. If there are no issues, the replacement was successful.
Before beginning, have a bucket, sponge, and towels nearby to catch any water drips. Be careful not to move or tilt the toilet after placing it on the new wax ring, as this could break the seal and cause future leaks. If you are unsure about your ability to replace the ring, it is best to call a licensed professional for help.
