New toilet O-ring seal only lasts @ six months before leaking again?

[TrueCompanion]

Any ideas why a new toilet O-ring seal lasts @ six months before leaking again?

Much Obliged

 

[jeffmattero76]

I am not sure, but I believe you are referring to the "wax ring" which goes between the bottom of the toilet and the floor.

If so, is the flange below the level of the floor? If it is, you either need two standard wax rings (one on top of the other) or the extra thick wax ring that has the plastic horn in it. Also, when reinstalling it, make sure it is at least at room temperature, and , once installed, put all of your weight on the toilet, rock back and forth to compress the wax ring. Then tighten the nuts on the closet bolts firmly.

The other thing to check is to make sure the toilet flange is screwed down to the floor so that it can't move.

 

[TrueCompanion]

Thanks for the feedback jeff

 

[TomFOhio]

If the toilet is not centered over the wax ring perfectly it will eventually leak.

 

[Mr_David]

I always make sure the toilet sits firmly on the floor and does not rock from side to side or front to back.
They make plastic shims just for this.
I like to set my shims first. A little dab of caulk on the bottom of shim so they stay when I lift the bowl off to set the wax.