When you look at the toilet in your bathroom, you won’t see the toilet seal. It is, nevertheless, a crucial part on the toilet and is installed at the base of the toilet. It is a ring that prevents the toilet water from dripping onto the floor of the restroom. This ring, typically made from wax, creates a seal between the drain pipe and the toilet.
Since toilet seals can last up to 30 years, you don’t need to replace them frequently. However, if a toilet seal is broken and dripping water, it can be replaced relatively easily. The most common symptom of a failed toilet seal is water that leaks out from around the toilet base when the toilet is flushed.
Turning off the water source is the first thing you should do if you discover a broken seal on your toilet. You can turn off the water supply at the main source outside the bathroom, or you can find the valve just next to the toilet.
After that, use a sponge to get the remaining water out of the toilet tank. A shop vacuum can also be used to remove the water from the bowl. You can also buy a chemical that will turn the water in the toilet into a gel. This helps keep the water from spilling out when you move the toilet.
You should then disconnect the hose that connects the bowl to the tank. Before doing this, set up a bucket to catch any water that may spill from the hose.
The next step is to loosen the nuts on the toilet bolts. Don’t use excessive force or pressure to prevent damaging the toilet and the bolts. After you remove the nuts, lift the toilet and set it down somewhere where it will be out of the way. The base of the toilet may have wax on it so we recommend setting it down on some newspaper or a garbage bag to protect the floor.
The next step is to remove the old wax ring with a putty knife and clean the drain and anchor flange with mineral spirits-soaked rags. We recommend wearing disposable gloves for the next several steps of this process. Remove the old mounting bolts and check the toilet anchor flange for any damage. If everything looks good, gently press the new wax seal into the correct position on the drain line. Move it slowly and avoid using improper or excessive force. After the ring is in place, lift the toilet and put it back into its original position.
To complete the process, follow the removal steps in reverse. Tighten the nuts on the bolts, reconnect the hose, and turn the water back on. Flush the toilet several times and check for leaks.
You can find more information about this process in the following video: