Week 6 · February

Replace a toilet wax ring

A rocking toilet, a stain around the base or a sewer smell after rain means the wax ring has failed. Water is soaking the subfloor every time you flush.

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Week 6FebruaryTime: 1 to 2 hoursSkill: Moderate

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How to do it

Step by step

Shut off the water, flush, and sponge out the tank and bowl.
Disconnect the supply line and remove the nuts on the closet bolts.
Lift the toilet straight up and set it on cardboard.
Scrape off all old wax. Check the flange. If it is cracked, add a repair ring.
Put new bolts in the flange, press the new wax ring on, and set the toilet straight down.
Tighten the nuts a little at a time, side to side. Shim if it rocks. Reconnect and check for leaks.

When to call a pro: Soft or rotted floor around the toilet, or a broken cast iron flange: call a plumber.

Guide

What you need to know

Signs your wax ring failed

Water or stains around the base after flushing
Toilet rocks side to side
Sewer smell in the bathroom, worse after rain
Ceiling stain in the room below

Why it fails after rain

Heavy rain can surcharge an older sewer lateral, pushing air and water back up against an old ring.
Settling floors and loose bolts break the seal over time.

Need help?

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Short on time, or the job needs a license? Tell us the project and the property address area. We will connect you with a licensed local partner and get you a written estimate.

Jobs that require a contractor's license under California law are referred to CSLB-licensed contractors. Check any license at cslb.ca.gov.

Keep going

Next projects

‹ Week 5: Install water leak sensors and an auto shutoffFull 52-week scheduleEvery project by month Week 7: Weatherstrip doors and add door sweeps ›

Broker, not a contractor. David Thomas Mejia is a California real estate broker (CA DRE #01448424), not a licensed contractor. Work that needs a California contractor's license should be done by a CSLB-licensed contractor; check any license at cslb.ca.gov. Cost ranges on this page are general estimates, not bids.