 Wax or Rubber? (by zero [IN]) Mar 28, 2026 11:43 AM
 Wax or Rubber? (by Rick [IN]) Mar 28, 2026 11:47 AM
Wax or Rubber? (by DJ [VA]) Mar 28, 2026 12:13 PM
Wax or Rubber? (by Dodge [PA]) Mar 28, 2026 12:24 PM
Wax or Rubber? (by 6x6 [TN]) Mar 28, 2026 12:55 PM
Wax or Rubber? (by RB [TN]) Mar 28, 2026 12:55 PM
Wax or Rubber? (by Richard [MI]) Mar 28, 2026 2:36 PM
Wax or Rubber? (by JS [CA]) Mar 28, 2026 2:52 PM
Wax or Rubber? (by gevans [SC]) Mar 28, 2026 8:59 PM
Wax or Rubber? (by RR78 [VA]) Mar 29, 2026 12:17 PM
Wax or Rubber? (by Hoosier [IN]) Apr 6, 2026 12:10 PM
Wax or Rubber? (by zero [IN]) Apr 6, 2026 1:21 PM
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Wax or Rubber? (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Mar 28, 2026 11:43 AM
Message:
I have an upcoming rehab and I will be pulling the stool to redo the flooring.
Typically I put in a new wax ring and reinstall the toilet.
I have tried a rubber seal one time and it failed, but that could have been installation error.
Curious what others do. Wax is messy when you have to replace it. It is a one time use as well.
It's not necessarily about the money spent. I was having a conversation off line a bit ago and now I am wondering if using something like a Fluidmaster Better Than Wax seal might be better. Say for when I have to pull the stool for new flooring, a clog that won't go away or simply because the tenant cracked it.
I have a few waxless versions I have picked up over the years but I am wary about testing them at a rental.
Have had wax rings fail because the toilet was shaken loose. Just had one I replaced in my half bath, It might have been because I used a slim ring?
What say you, and why.
--138.199.xx.xxx |
Wax or Rubber? (by Rick [IN]) Posted on: Mar 28, 2026 11:47 AM
Message:
Well to be honest, I don't worry about things like this. Whatever my repairman uses is fine with me. --76.35.xxx.xx |
Wax or Rubber? (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Mar 28, 2026 12:13 PM
Message:
I always use the extra-thick wax ring with the black plastic horn.
I've seen those other "modern" ones fail, but never wax - when installed PROPERLY. Just make sure it's centered & seated properly.
The bigger problem is the level of the floor - must always make sure the flange is level or (better) slightly higher than the level of the finished floor. --72.218.xx.xxx |
Wax or Rubber? (by Dodge [PA]) Posted on: Mar 28, 2026 12:24 PM
Message:
Wax. Often the thick if the floor has been tiled. Also had a foam type leak. --174.220.xx.xx |
Wax or Rubber? (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Mar 28, 2026 12:55 PM
Message:
2 thoughts.
Rubber dry rots and thus I would not attempt to reuse.
Wax has been used for decades for a reason.
Bonus thought.
Don't fix what isn't broke. --73.19.xxx.xx |
Wax or Rubber? (by RB [TN]) Posted on: Mar 28, 2026 12:55 PM
Message:
Wax.
A well installed toilet,
level and bolted properly, shouldn't move.
After that, it becomes a Tenant Lifestyle Issue. --204.10.xxx.xx |
Wax or Rubber? (by Richard [MI]) Posted on: Mar 28, 2026 2:36 PM
Message:
These days about 60 percent of people in this country are obese. "Big uns'" Many way over 250 lbs. Some 350+ lbs.
When they sit on the toilet and twist around, if they can, it tears the base loose from those 2 tiny bolts and the entire thing shifts and starts leaking. They don't say anything until the floor rots out then deny everything.
When you fix the rotted floor, put double 2x4's around all 4 sides of the drainpipe, maybe more and use extra screws/nails/lag bolts all over. Use the strongest bolts you can find to secure the toilet to the floor. Most toilets have 4 holes in the base but use only 2 bolts. Get lag bolts and washers and install them in the other 2 holes as well.
It generally doesn't take long for a big un' to rip the toilet loose and you'll have more repairs. It's probably a lawsuit if you say no to big uns' for discrimination against weight challenged persons, so instead increase the rent maybe $100 a month to allow for regular repairs like this. --172.222.xx.xxx |
Wax or Rubber? (by JS [CA]) Posted on: Mar 28, 2026 2:52 PM
Message:
I like the one with wax to the floor and rubber to the toilet but I only use this one new toilets. If it’s existing then always wax. --162.204.xxx.xxx |
Wax or Rubber? (by gevans [SC]) Posted on: Mar 28, 2026 8:59 PM
Message:
We got on board with the rubber and synthetic rings early on. Installed about six...several different types...every single one of them leaked.
Back to wax. It's messy, but if properly installed will not fail. --216.218.xxx.xxx |
Wax or Rubber? (by RR78 [VA]) Posted on: Mar 29, 2026 12:17 PM
Message:
I also stick with wax. But usually without the horn.
If you ever snake the toilet. It can grab the plastic horn when pulling the snake back out. And deform the plastic. So you now have a smaller hole.
--73.99.xxx.xxx |
Wax or Rubber? (by Hoosier [IN]) Posted on: Apr 6, 2026 12:10 PM
Message:
I use wax and usually the thick one. Most important is the height of the flange relative to the flooring...too high or too low is a problem. Make sure bolts are snug, no wobble, and caulk only the front of the toilet to help secure it while allowing the back open for water to come out if the ring fails so you can see the failure. --64.38.xxx.xxx |
Wax or Rubber? (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Apr 6, 2026 1:21 PM
Message:
I stopped running any silicone around the stool out of fear that I would not catch a leak in time.
It seems that more people still caulk the front and sides of the toilet.
Maybe I am too wary? --47.227.xx.xxx |
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