Wax Free toilet seals- which is better?

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Which waxless seal is the best?

  • Fluidmaster Better-Than-Wax 7530

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Korky Rubber 3-in Wax-Free Gasket For Universal

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Danco Perfect Seal Universal Rubber 4.75-in-in Wax-free Gasket

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Other (please say in comments)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    0

Zanne

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I know there have been posts about the wax-free things in the past, but I never saw any specific answers on which brand/type are the best & why.

My old closet flange, which sits on top of the floor, broke. It is nailed down & we weren't able to get the nails out to slide a repair ring underneath & since it's the only working toilet in the house, we didn't have a lot of time to mess with it. I did not get any pics when it was pulled, unfortunately. We put down a metal repair flange on top of the flange and screwed it down- it had screw holes on pieces sticking out from around the outside. Put the wax ring on and set the toilet, sat on it to make sure it was firm, & tightened the nuts on the bolts. Unfortunately, a few hours later the toilet started moving & water is leaking out. I don't know if it wasn't set right or if the metal ring is interfering with the seating of the toilet (it's a Toto Drake) or what the problem is, but the wax is a huge mess, so I'm considering going with wax-free.

I've seen various kinds and don't know what to get. I've already ruled out the green donut looking Sani-Seal bc it delaminates, but I'm currently considering 3 options (although I'm open to more suggestions)

1. Fluidmaster Better-Than-Wax 7530
2. Korky Rubber 3-in Wax-Free Gasket For Universal
3. Danco Perfect Seal Universal Rubber 4.75-in-in Wax-free Gasket

Does anyone have experience with or opinions on any of those?
I don't know if I will need spacers since the flange is above the floor.
Also, do you think the problem is the metal ring getting in the way?

I'm considering having the whole flange replaced but still want a better option for the seal-- although, if you guys think wax would be better, I'll stick with it.
 
Those you list are all potentially just ok.
The margins of every particular installation spacing is going to be different.
If your space matches what the wax alternative (the Danco has wax within the rubber). Danco is not universal as they claim, it will only work if your spacing matches its range limitations.
Wax is the most forgiving and reliable.
We typically carry every thickness to match the situation.
We also carry all the alternative types from time to time for fun and flexibility or where a warm, electric or hydronic floor is in close to the WC flange, we use a foam type gasket b/c wax breaks down.
Any slight movement and wax seal is ruined.
Perfect setting of WC requires solid, stable flange.
We always have solid plastic wedges (cut with chisel and hammer) and dry fit WC first before setting on the seal.
 
Thanks, breplum. Is there any particular seal you would recommend (even a wax one).
I've been using Oatey but I think the colder weather has made the wax more brittle and there's no insulation under the floor. It's an OSB patch job bc the plywood rotted and the previous toilet fell over. I'm thinking of warming a wax seal with a blow dryer on lowest setting from afar to soften it just a little.

What is your opinion of the blue colored metal closet flanges? I'm probably going to need a new flange and I want something that won't break. Although, if I call the local plumber, I'll probably just have to make do with whatever he picks. I wish I could tell what the pipe size was and if the current flange goes inside or outside the existing pipe. I think it's either 3" or 4" flange. I suppose worst case, I could buy some flanges & return what doesn't work.

Right now my toilet really rocks- it tips back when I flush the toilet & the waterline is really low & it has trouble flushing. So I need to get it taken care of soon.
 
I have seen, but not used the blue colored repair flanges. Should be ok.
But need to be sealed to the pipe or old flange to make water tight seal.
All the wax seal mfrs are super similar.
I do use no-seep type or not depending on circumstances.
I also try to use only stainless steel repair flanges if possible.
Sounds like you have a real c/f.
Sorry.
 
Thanks again. There are actually replacement flanges/ new construction ones with the blue metal ring. I think it's coated in plastic, but am not sure. I'll have to see what flange kits are available at Lowes when I go later today.
 

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