How To Replace the Seal of Your Toilet

Published On: March 10, 2019|Categories: Blog, Home Sellers, Jasper IN Real Estate, Moving, Sellers, Staging, Things to Do, Tips, Life Hacks & How-to|Tags: basic home maintenance, replace wax ring on toilet, replacing toilet seal|

Over time, it becomes inevitable – all the time spent sitting on the toilet along with passing years eventually wears down the wax seal under your toilet. This seal keeps water from leaking out of the base of your toilet, as well as foul sewer odors from escaping and also stops major flooding that could cause you to have to replace the floor of your bathroom. If you’re preparing to sell your house, it might be a good idea. You certainly don’t want dampness ruining an otherwise perfect showing.

Usually, a toilet ring lasts twenty to thirty years, but sometimes it may be sooner, especially if it is a highly used bathroom. However, even a novice homeowner can complete this project with little help or experience.

You’ll first need to remove the old seal. Before you do this, turn off your water supply. This is highly important or you will have a huge mess! Secondly, flush the toilet twice to thoroughly empty the tank. Use a sponge to soak up any remaining water in the toilet and toilet tank.

Remove caps from the nuts that hold the toilet base to the floor. If your toilet is old, this may require pliers, oil and some elbow grease.

Then, you’ll need to locate and disconnect the water supply line. Rock the toilet back and forth to dislodge it from the old wax base. This may require two people depending on the size of the toilet and your personal strength. Always use caution to not injure your back. You will be breaking the old seal and any caulking. Always grip the toilet by the bowl and not the tank. Set the toilet aside and remove the old seal. It can be discarded with regular trash.

Open the new seal and place over the opening in the floor, round side up. Life the toilet (with help as needed) so that it is centered over the flange. Make sure the toilet is level as you do this. Sit on the toilet. This will help the toilet bond to the new seal.

Replace the nuts and coverings. Reconnect the water supply line and turn on the water supply. Let the tank fill up. Flush the toilet and carefully check for any leaks. Make sure the floor is dry around the toilet and then apply a silicone caulk around the base. Allow this to thoroughly dry before you put your toilet back in use. Regularly check the base of the toilet at intervals to make sure there are no leaks.

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