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Author:
yonson (SC)
What would the reason or possible reasons be for a wax to begin leaking?
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Generally speaking, there are 3 causes of leakage around a wax ring. The first would be that after a remodel, the flange wasn't raised to the proper height and the wax ring never actually sealed in the first place. The second is that the toilet is moving. This is most common in commercial bathrooms in the handicap stalls, and in mobile homes(due to the floor material reacting with moisture). The third is simply age. As the ring gets old, it can eventually dry out and pull away from the sealing surfaces, allowing water out. If this is caught soon enough, it can keep the damage to the sub flooring to a minimum; if it is allowed to go for a long time, it can destroy a subfloor, the ceiling below, and in the case of lead, can crack the pipe as the floor weakens and the toilet sinks.
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
If a toilet bowl has any side to side or front to back movement or rocking, the seal will be broken. That's why it is important to make sure the bowl is sitting rock solid .
I always dry fit a toilet bowl to see if it needs any shims or leveling compounds before I sit it down on the wax.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
From my unprofessional perspective......If it's been several years without leaking, and now has started leaking, be prepared to replace a flange.
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Author:
SwimRunPlumb (MI)
I would disagree with that assertion Paul. I replace wax seals all the time on flanges that are in good condition. Yes it does happen, but I certainly wouldn't say it is the norm.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
You disagree that he should be prepared?
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Author:
Fixitangel (NC)
Be Prepared... You're a good scout, Paul. If there's any wobble to the toilet, it could be a number of things, including the flange. Never know until you pull it and check it all out.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
The toilet should NOT sit on or touch the flange.
The toilet should rest 'rock solid' on the floor.
The flange itself should rest on top of the finished floor.
The flange itself should be secured to the subfloor.
The 'horn' of the toilet should be centered into the flange.
If the toilet moves relative to the flange the wax seal will be compromised.
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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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