Replies

1. 
   sungod | Apr 23, 2004 05:11am | #1

   Wax rings fail mostly from in being installed wrong.  Things that make it wrong are---

   The closet ring is not flush TO the finished floor.  Added cement & tile is the common reason.

   The close ring is rotted so the brass bolts cannot hold the toilet.

   The closet ring is not bolted/screwed to the floor or no floor to screw to.

   The closet ring is closer than 12" to the back wall, so the toilet is leaning against the wall.  The bolts still line up at an angle, but cannot tighten against the ring.

   You can all test right now to see if you wax ring is sealing.  If the toilet is rockin---something is wrong.

   Alway silicone chaulk it to a firm floor, that will further keep it from rockin' and keep the water (or pee) from rotting the subfloor. 

   Do this and a 300lb friend or you will not affect it.

2. 
   DanH | Apr 23, 2004 05:36am | #2

   The three types of rings you describe are used in three different situations. The urethane core one is the "normal" ring that most plumbers would use for a standard situation. The extra-thick ring is use in situations such as when the floor as been tiled after-the-fact, increasing the distance between flange and toilet beyond what a regular ring will handle. OTOH, the non-reenforced ring is the better choice when the flange is fairly "proud" of the floor.

   In an ideal world, of course, none of these situations would occur, but reality has a way of butting in.

   The most common cause for ring failure is motion betwen toilet and flange. Any degree of motion will eventually cause the ring to fail, while if there is absolutely no motion then the ring can last 50 years. So it's critical that a toilet be carefully shimmed if it tends to move or rock at all.

   Another occasional reason for ring failure is using a plunger when the clog is in the pipe vs the toilet gooseneck. The pressure of the plunger can cause a "blowout" in the ring.

   But keep in mind that the wax ring is primarily to provide a gas seal. A properly-installed toilet, connected to decent plumbing, should dump right into the pipe such that a ring is hardly necessary.

3. 
   andybuildz | Apr 23, 2004 03:04pm | #3

   they make an adjustable ring for bowls now.

   Thats what I'd use along with plaster under the base.

   My life is my passion!

   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

1. 
   edwardh1 | Apr 23, 2004 03:20pm | #4

   seems like caulking around the base would be bad as if the seal did fail then the water would be trapped and you would not know it = rotted floor

1. 
   rez | Apr 23, 2004 06:09pm | #5

   I sometimes seal to the floor for looks but always leave a little unsealed inch on the back of the stool.

   In the event there is a problem then you are going to know about it.

   .