Installing wax ring - Plumbing Forum

**havasu** · 10-18-2011, 02:47 PM

I recently got involved in a debate about where to place the wax ring when re-installing the toilet. Many feel it is best to seat it on the toilet and then insert the neoprene down into the sewer. Others feel it is best to seal the sewer and place the toilet on top of it.

What is the professional opinion on the matter?

**johnjh2o** · 10-18-2011, 03:28 PM

havasu, that has been a discussion that has been going on for years. I for one don't like the wax seals with horns. In some flanges the horn is to large and it will crush in the flange restricting the opening. I prefer to put a standard wax seal on the bowl. That way there is less of chance of pushing some of the wax into the opening. When two are needed I put one on the bowl and the other on the flange. I'm sure you will get many other opinions on this. Each with there own reasons.

John

**Caduceus** · 10-19-2011, 12:32 AM

The many discussions that I have encountered with other plumbers brought all of us to the same conclusive answer. It is a matter of personal preference as long as the toilet and ring seat evenly on the flange and there are no leaks.
I've done it both ways and there is no difference in the result.

**phishfood** · 10-19-2011, 01:00 AM

Personally I put the ring on the flange, at the same point in the process that I install the closet bolts. Mr. David had a thread going awhile back that reinforced my main reason why. If the wax ring is on the flange, it can't fall off of the bowl and therefore it is still in place to seal against the bowl. Either way, an attentive plumber feels the resistance as the wax ring makes contact and seals the bowl to the flange. With the ring on the flange, once the bowl starts on the closet bolts, you know that the ring is in the right place doing it's job, rather than lying halfway across the flange, as it might be if it is placed on the bowl.

**havasu** · 10-19-2011, 02:50 AM

Phish, this was my reasoning during the debate. One of the other guys came back with "seating" issues to the bowl and this was why he liked doing it the opposite way. I also feel that the wax being slightly mushed down also will hold the closet bolts from wobbling as you are dropping the toilet onto the hole.

Well, the experts have spoken and I appreciate your opinions! Thanks!