Hey everyone! I'm starting to plan a DIY bathroom renovation in my tiny 1950s house, and I think I might need to replace the wax ring on my toilet. I've owned the place for 10 years, and apart from regular cleaning, I've never really done any work on it. I've noticed some leaking issues since September, though it's been pretty stable lately. Also, my toilet rocks quite a bit when I use it. I'm not sure if that's a problem with the toilet itself or just my weight. I want to know if I need to remove the toilet to determine which wax ring to get and whether this is a standard issue or something more specific. I have access to places like Amazon, Lowe's, Menard's, and Home Depot. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
You’re on the right track! For a slab house with vinyl flooring, a standard wax ring should work just fine. There are tons of YouTube videos that can guide you through the process. When you buy the new wax ring, grab some nuts and bolts, too, as many kits come with those. If your toilet rocks, it might just need some tightening. But if it does end up moving a lot, you’ll need to remove it anyway to check the hardware. Just a heads up, toilets are heavy, so be careful when positioning it over the new wax ring! Also, keep a rag handy for the hole to avoid any unpleasant odors while you work.
If your toilet is rocking, there's a good chance the wax seal is compromised. Definitely grab a double-thick wax ring and new bolts. Just check the flange on the floor first, it should be in good shape. If it’s been leaking for a while, you might find that the subfloor beneath your vinyl tiles needs some work, which means it could get a bit trickier. Make sure you have the right tools—if you're comfortable with basics like a tape measure and a saw, you should be able to handle it! Just be prepared for those surprise costs that always seem to pop up during home repairs.
Before diving into the project, consider getting an RV toilet or a bedside commode for a temporary solution. That way, you'll avoid the stress of having no toilet while you work, especially if things take longer than expected! It’s a great way to keep the pressure off and let you focus on doing it right without rushing.
Omg that is SUCH a great idea! I was wondering how we’d power through it fast so we’re not running to the neighbor’s to pee ?