Leaking Wax Ring / Wax Toilet Gasket or Not!

[@vanilla50]

I tried both of these with a PVC flange setting on top of finished floor as in your example, both leaked & went back to wax without problem. The issue was both of these were appx 3/16 inch too thick & not allow bowl to sit on the finished floor resulting in some wobble. Also Sani-Seal rings no longer have the horn extension, I contacted them & they said they started cutting them off 2 years ago (2019).

[@nelsonechevarria7009]

Thank you for the video Mr.Sessa,I use the Fluid Master gasket and so far I have had very good results.I used the green gasket and I had to toss it after just one use where as the Fluuid Master gasket has allowed me to reset my toilet without having to run out to buy another gasket.God bless you and yours Mr.Sessa.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you Nelson, stay safe out there. Bob.

[@tomdowling3994]

I have used the Set Rite flange set, which is used to correct flanges installed below the floor level. It has a flange with a rubberized gasket, and spacers. Works great, makes it simple.

[@markmark123412341]

Wow! I learned more from your video in 18 minutes than I did in 3weeks of watching other plumbing videos. Keep up the good work! 👏

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank's my friend, I try my best for an old man LOL! Regards, Bob.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I'm learning it has to do much more with "getting your videos ranked" in you-tube (S.E.O) that the quality of the content. Thanks for the compliment....Regards, Bob.

[@ABCDABCD-tm9xd]

Only one correction ... you are not old ... you are an experienced problem solver.

[@Al_Swilling]

Ditto! Being a plumber, Bob seemed to anticipate questions that people would have based on his own experience, and answered them before they were asked. Two years later, his video is still helping people like me who have had limited experience with toilet seals. Thanks, Bob, for the help; and thank you, "markmark123412341" for expressing what I think a lot of guys have discovered after watching this video.

[@armondedge8840]

@@BobsPlumbingVideos I found your video most timely. Just yesterday my wife told me the upstairs toilet is leaking. In the past, I've tried the plastic seals, and my experience is that the old wax works best. I will follow your lead about wax. Thanks.

[@AI-oz6ju]

Any product you all recommend for an offset flange. The problem with wax rings with plastic funnel is that the opening gets a bit constricted and easier to clog the drain since the offset makes it a bit shallow. Thanks in advance.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Any kid of wax or non wax gasket (Sani-Seal, Fluid-Master, Korky etc without the plastic horn. The horns do not work with offset flanges.

[@franciscomorenosanchez6888]

Great way to explain different scenarios some floors are just complicated

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you Francisco! Bob.

[@brokenglass849]

Do they make a Sani-Seal product with a 4 inch opening? I have antique toilets which have an extended porcelain horn with an OD of 4 inches that needs to fit into the seal.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Not ot my knowledge, a good quality traditional wax gasket is bulletproof in my opinion!

[@sidviscous5959]

glad to see I've been doing the wax seal right all these years, putting it on the flange instead of on the bowl.

[@ArcolaBridge]

Amazon reviews say the green style Sani seal deteriorates warps and stretches over time. And they say that the fluid master is too firm and doesn't compress. But there is another kind made out of silicone called leakno. I haven't seen any reviews on that one yet.

[@carlcampbell6827]

@@roberta949 Excellent reply Robert. Wax covers a multitude of sins, except a loose waste line and flange.

[@gstrader73]

I thought, cut that piece off as soon as you mentioned it not going into flange..haha. If the flange is below the floor, I put down a regular wax ring, then one with the horn...essentially doubling the wax ring. The horn keeps the wax from the regular ring from smushing inward. It has worked great for 27 years. Great comparison man.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you!

[@melodicman3032]

Dont use the sani seal !!!! Green ring acts like sponge and finally gets saturated with water and water will leak onto tile or floor underneath the toilet.

[@michaelfragosi2256]

I was about to order one, thanks for the heads up!

[@Electronics61]

Thanks for explaining these new gaskets. As said, we had bathroom floor redone. Guy replaced old plywood with a new plywood followed by new vinyl sheet flooring. Then started leaking within few days. He came in and put two wax rings. The problem persisted later on down the months that followed. Little tightening of two flange nuts stopped the floor leaks each time. By the way bathroom flooring underneath has wooden floorboards. It is possible if someone of heavy weight sits on the toilet bowl then it rocks microscopically the bowl and finally compromise the wax seal. However watching your video, it is clear that the plumber should have put spacers with silicone compound. Thanks.

[@hemrajdhanraj807]

I did not know we had other option besides wax. I will keeping this in mind for the future, thanks for the video.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Absolutely, they've been available for a while and look promising. Thanks for watching! Regards, Bob.

[@juanquijano9612]

Excellent. Explanation

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Glad it was helpful! 👍

[@Chainyanker007]

I’m going to try the new sticky elastomer rings from Home Depot, good reviews. Comes with 2 extra 1/4” rings for spacing differences. Some plumbers have switched to this. May use a regular spacer, I’d have to look at the flange spacing first. Toilet not yet leaking but the other toilet leaked last week and I went with the Fluidmaster. Both were put in 22 yrs ago with wax rings. I’m trying the new sticky elastomer from HD, seems like good stuff based on reviews.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thanks for the tip!

[@desert1able76]

I used one of the SaniSeal rings and it started to disintegrate immediately around the bolts. I'm going to have to replace it after just a couple months!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Wow, that’s a first? Long before the craze of toilet setting products, wax was and in my opinion still KING! Regards, Bob.

[@dancloutier485]

Good video with clear demonstration. I will try the Fluidmaster and see how it goes. I am doing a bathroom remodel and used a SaniSeal for about 4 months until I got to retiling the floor. When I pulled the toilet and removed the SaniSeal the surface had bubbled up and when squeezed water came out of the inner portion of the seal. Not a lot of water but there was water in the seal. Also, the rubber around the horn and bottom of the seal had become delaminated from the foam ring. Again, this was only after about 4 months of use. I will try the Fluidmaster or the Korky Waxfree Seal Kit and hope for better results. Maybe you can do a comparison with the Korky Seal kit. Keep up the great videos.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thanks for posting, I will check out the Korky Seal Kit! Don't ever discount the old reliable wax gasket, properly installed it's bullet proof!

[@pixiemermaid]

Very helpful video. Now I am wondering which one holds better longer before deteriorating. Longevity is a concern I have. Once toilet is installed I want it to last for as long as possible.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Wax was and still is the choice of the majority of plumbers (IMHO). It was being used long before all these new products came onto the market and I suspect it will continue to be used in the future. Regards, Bob. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@voo8165]

Hi Bob, Thanks for the video, very informative. What are your thoughts on the longetaivity of these two rings verses the wax ring? The packaging for both list a ten year warrenty, but plastic, and foam deteriorates. I'm about to replace a wax seal in a family home that I believe is 50 plus years old. Thanks again.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

A boat load of new products on the market for setting toilets. Bottom line in this plumbers opinion, there is no substitute for a good quality wax gasket. Take a look at the Hercules product line, they make a great wax seal. Thanks so much for checking out the video. Regards. Bob.

[@Chieftain357]

Fluidmaster is the one to go with if it fits properly. The Sani Seal isn't good, go check out videos of toilets' lifted off them after a couple of months. The outside coating degrades and the foam starts absorbing water. Better yet just use the wax seal, old and proven. I got the Fluidmaster on one my toilets for about 3 years now and works great. The wax ring that came with toilet started to leak after first day so that's when I decided to try the Fluidmaster one. I picked up the toilet and I could see how it had good suction to it. Just my two cents on the products.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

My personal opinion is that long before these products came along wax was and is for me the go to way of setting a bowl. Regards, Bob.

[@devinmccloud]

30 year experienced plumber told me don't use anything but wax. 99% of leaks are due to alternative rings or improperly set flange. The flange needs to be flush on the FINISHED floor. 95% of homes built have the flange installed on the sub floor. Stick with what is tested and works, wax.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I use wax 99.9% of the time!

[@devinmccloud]

Let me rephrase this statement. The flange should be seated flush on top of the finished floor. If it's to high you need to shim the toilet, otherwise the wax gets pancaked. If it too low, sewage will leak past the wax seal.

[@Chainyanker007]

My wax seal leaked after 22 yrs and 3 months. Used two Fluidmaster sealers because the flange was below floor level, this made it even and the toilet sat flush to the floor all around, no wobble. Seems to have worked, I won’t be around in 20 yrs to see if it still holds, lol. I’m going to try the new sticky elastomer from HD on the other toilet since I put both Totos in myself 22 yrs ago and the 2nd one may be leaking before too long. I’ll put in a spacer if the flange is below floor level which I expect is the case because tile was installed a few years ago.

[@scfdiva]

Great video! One comment though.......if a new tile floor is installed and the flange is below the new flooring, the products that you are featuring can be stacked also. The Fluidmaster already comes with an optional spacer. The biggest benefit to using these products over using wax is that you can reset your toilet as many times as you need to. Wax is a one shot deal. Once you set your toilet using wax, you will not be able to use the same wax ring again.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

This is true and although I've used both of these products when the job conditions call for it, you cannot discount the reliability of a good quality (messy agreed!) wax gasket. Regards, Bob

[@richardfroste4548]

What about the extra thick wax rings? I know someone that they are all they use

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I've used them in certain situations, they work well!

[@mrzacat3tasm3xxxico20]

Plumber installed a toilet over a yr ago, no issues. My 8yr for whatever reason has started clogging the toilet with a ton of tp. I unclogged it many times, now has a small leak, about to try the blue fluidmaster since package says plunging won't cause leaks, 10yr warranty . wish me luck🤞

[@SinnerSince1962]

I have seen the green one get a slight tear in it over time and soak up water. Not good.

[@JD-lw3pf]

Thank you for your video as the inventor of the Sani seal I want to assure you that you do not want to cut the horn off you simply fold the horn up into the gasket and turn it over and it will work perfectly thank you

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Duly noted Joe! I will be sure to advise viewers and thanks for creating a great product and checking out the video! Regards, Bob.

[@BobPaul]

The FluidMaster looks to have soft foam on the flange side and stiff rubber on the toilet side. I think that soft foam is there to adjust for times when the floor isn't perfectly level. Haven't tried either, just my observation.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Honestly, I've yet to use one. I've used the Sani-Seal gasket, but I'm old school and the wax still does the job for me. Thanks for watching! Regards, Bob.

[@ABCDABCD-tm9xd]

The Fluidmaster does not compress if the flange is above the floor.

[@fizout]

Thanks for this video. It would be super helpful if you could make a comprehensive comparison between different wax/wax-free gaskets, which ones are recommended, and when each type is preferable. Following the example of your video on pipe thread sealants would be perfect. In addition to wax, Fluidmaster 7530P8, and Sani-Seal, I'm also curious about Korky's Wax Free Seal kit. In particular, how does it compare to Sani-Seal, which seems to have issues with the foam absorbing water? Then there's Danco's Perfect Seal which has had complaints about restricting the pipe and extruding wax into the pipe (by design!). Fernco's FXS-3/4 waxless seals are reported to have an adhesive that adheres strongly to the ceramic, but with a backing that detaches from the gasket itself. Bonus for notes about the gaskets' suitability for different flange heights (above, below, flush with finished floor), offset/angled flanges, and toilet installations tending to rock or needing shims. I know it's a lot to ask! I've been reading about the many options for a repair, and it gets so confusing that it's tempting to just stick with the solution with a century's track record. So, your expert opinion would be welcomed guidance.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thanks for asking, I'll surely consider it, but just for the record and as a professional plumber. I use wax gaskets which sometimes can get messy (summertime) but in my opinion are bullet proof!

[@fizout]

Thanks! This time we went with wax, since we had one lying around. What's your opinion on the horn/funnel on some wax gaskets?

[@jeffbrower68]

I make sure any spacer rings I use have the same newer flange bolt slots, if you put the bolts into a newer flange and silicone spacers with the side bolt slots you'll trap your bolts in, if you need to replace bolts now you have to take up spacers, that'd be a fine spacer for either going over cast or if a plumber used the slots on the side of a pvc flange, which I guess some guys prefer as it's stronger, but then your placement of the flange had to be dead on when you rough if you're going with the side slots. This is a cool video, I'm never going to wax again Bob :)

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Mike Anyone I’ve been using the Sani Seal more frequently lately, but I’m finding for the toilet to sit correctly, the floor flange must be flush with the finished surface (floor). If it sits above, I still use the time tested wax gasket. Thanks for checking out the video. Regards, Bob.

[@jeffbrower68]

Awesome I'll stick to the wax then unless I'm in a situation where I have to pull and temporarily reset

[@dnsean03]

My toilets flage opening is 5 inches and recessed to 4 inches about 2 inches deep, I threw on the green sani as it fills up all the way to the bolts.. I guess alternatives my plumber said he stacked wax.. even if there's a small gap below it should still be fine? No leaks and I've plunged a few times already

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

As a rule I will use spacers to get flush to the finished floor. With the Sani Seal I'm comfortable with being 1/4" below the finished floor, if you've already plunged it and there are no leaks, I would leave it. If it ain't broke, dont fix it!

[@dnsean03]

@@BobsPlumbingVideos spacers wouldn't thr flange itself is level perfectly they welded the ion flange higher than the 4 inch pipe 2 inches, probably when they finished the tile

[@philfye5934]

I must caution you on modifying the sandi seal. It looks like a foam product. Once you cut that outer skin the foam will saturate. I think to cut any injection molded product probably compromises its integrity.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Noted! Thanks for the input, regards, Bob.

[@harmonvlog]

Once you've installed the replacement toilet, how do you know for sure it has seated correctly? We just installed a new toilet and used the Fluid master with the spacer but we just can't find a way to know if when we seated the toilet that we for the horn in the right place and in three months we won't have a water leak from it not being installed correctly. Is there any way to know for sure?

[@bilbobaggins4710]

If it ain't leakin don't worry

[@CHANEL97]

Great Informative Video, Bob! My question is regarding my new tile floor. It's going to need about two stackers to be level with the floor, as in your demo. Question is, do I screw down each stacker individually, or shoot one screw through both stackers? Regards, Joe

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

If you have a good solid subfloor to screw in to, one screw thru both stackers will be fine.

[@Rebel9668]

I used a brand of Gasket called Leakno and it seems to be working great. It's a bit different than either of those. It's closer to the blue one but you attach it to the bottom of the horn on the toilet and it sticks in place with what feels and looks like plumber's putty although the rest of the unit is a firm rubbery feeling material. The Leakno gasket comes with an extension or spacer as you call it in case of a flush flange or a recessed into the floor flange.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I'll have to check that out! Alway's coming out with new products, CRAZY! Thanks for checking out the video. Regards, Bob.

[@terryjerome9229]

Bob, what do you do if the flange is above the level of the floor? That is, if we are replacing an existing toilet, and the existing flange is not only above the floor - but also uneven - 1/2 inch on the right side, and 1/4 inch on the left side?

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

The right answer is to replace the flange and get it even. Easier said than done, in some cases. How was the old toilet sitting? Did it leak? You could try to use a deep wax gasket, set it in place level the bowl with plastic toilet shims, flush it to check for leaks. Rather than use plaster to seal around the base, I would use tile grout mixed a little on the dry side. Sponge off any excess and you should be good to go. Good Luck!

[@terryjerome9229]

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Bob, thanks for the reply. Yes - it leaked. In fact, the pvc toilet flange cracked on the higher side - from trying to bring that side down - not realizing that the toilet flange was seated into the pipe incorrectly. So, I am now trying to remove that toilet flange - but, I think it is glued to the pipe? Any ideas for easily removing that broken toilet flange?

[@terryjerome9229]

OMG! It wasn't glued afterall! So, I removed it easily (had to use a pry bar, etc.). But, now, when I go to place the new flange in, it is still not level .. would you suggest trying to level the flange? Or, go with what you indicated above - just put in the flange as is (i.e., not level), and then level the toilet after?

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

@@terryjerome9229 Go to about the 11:00 minute mark and it's the same technique for removing a broken toilet flange. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3TTmIyLpbOLl7M

[@terryjerome9229]

It turned out that the waste pipe was not exactly perpendicular, and that is what was making the flange not level. So, I ended up just following what you said - I used the wax seal and then leveled the toilet with shims.

[@boltup5566]

Whats the best flange for preventing back up leaks? Im sure its wax. The green donut and the sani seal will leak if theres a back up from down below.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

In my opinion nothing can compete with a quality wax seal when installed correctly! Regards, Bob.

[@boltup5566]

@@BobsPlumbingVideos You should have a lot more than 13K subs. There's a guy named Sal Diblasi who does tiling videos. He's at 100K subs and you're just as good as him.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Connor Pearson Hey thanks Connor, appreciate that. I will check him out, youtube is a search engine and they’re the ones who decides which videos get seen. Still trying to figure out the system. Regards, Bob.

[@kimlongley3300]

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Hey Bob, My plumber says my flange is up to high on the floor and that the wax ring failed because it squished out. He says that I would need to build the floor up... Any suggestions?

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

@@kimlongley3300 How high are we talking? I would say anything over a 1/4" max, he's correct!

[@Al_Swilling]

Thank you for the video. It was very helpful. I'm about to replace the seal in my toilet. I bought the Fluidmaster, which comes with a spacer if needed, but I didn't know about the Sani-Seal version. I think I'm going to return the Fluidmaster and get the Sani-Seal instead. I just like the way it works better. It's a lot more versatile than the Fluidmaster and WAY less messy than a wax seal. I actually bought a wax seal in case the Fluidmaster didn't work out. I haven't removed the toilet bowl yet, but I'm trying to anticipate the variables and make provision for them. The Sani-Seal just seems to work in a better way than the Fluidmaster. I could be wrong. I'm not a plumber; but as a retired machine fabricator and installer with more than a few years working with plumbing and seals related to the machinery I've built, the San-Seal concept just seems to be more versatile than the Fluidmaster "Better Than Wax" seal. Thanks again for the informative video and the comparison.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you Al, I hope it helped you out. I do prefer the Sani-Seal version Truth be told, I'm a dinosaur and still use wax gaskets 90% of the time. Regards, Bob.

[@robertmaier9816]

I removed the closet flange. It came out fine. However, the 4" pipe is coming up at an angle to the bathroom floor. When I slid in the new flange, it was about 1/4" high on the right side. If I glue this in, I'll have a problem mounting the toilet unless there is a spacer of some kind to compensate for the 4" pipe angle.Any ideas?

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Send a few detailed photos to : [e-mail]

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

I think the brand is Korky they have a waxless seal like the one you show but has several layers of thickness to use instead of the spacers

[@frankm2588]

I bought the Fluidmaster waxless and the Korky and tried both on a couple toilets installed for a friend, both times liked the seal on the Korky better. Seemed more adjustable, the Fluidmaster always seemed to sit too high if the flange was a bit high. Thinking back on it I think old wax may be the best for a high flange, you can sit on the toilet and get the wax to squish better than a waxless.

[@jr303official]

Actually the sani seal says if the flap don't fit, push up the flap and flip the gasket upside down, dont cut it, especially if you have to double the gasket.

[@carissafisher7514]

JR303 yes he said that, he just wanted to do his own thing.

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Suggestions would be most appreciated, please... My toilet sits on an offset flange which is embedded in the slab subfloor and sits lower than the finished tile floor. Flange angles down and to the right; repositioning it is not an option. I'm sure you've got lots of experience with these. I wanted to install a Kohler Highline (pressure assist) toilet but plumber warned the offset flange/angled pipe might not tolerate the high pressure flush and could cause back pressure that might blow out the wax ring and cause a leak. So we put a standard toilet there instead and, unfortunately, still have a leak. I'd really like to install that Kohler Highline but do worry about the offset flange/pipe not playing well with the pressure flush. Bob, in your experience, is my plumber right about not using a pressure flush toilet with an offset flange? Do you have any suggestions or words of wisdom? Thanks for any advice you can give. Steve

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

You might want to check this out -kzbin.info/www/bejne/larYp4OfmrufgLM. In general offset toilet flanges are one big P.I.A. but it is what it is, I've used the set right flange kit in few crazy situations with good success, you might want to check them out. I don't think is should be a problem with a power assisted toilet if you can get 100% seal. Find them here - www.oatey.com/products/oatey-setrite-toilet-flange-extension-kits-448029873

[@drmitofit2673]

Tried a day old bagel. Too hard! Just kidding. The spacer looks like a good idea. I bought a house with 8 toilets. Most of my flanges are a bit below the tile floor. I had to use double or triple wax rings. One flange was seriously tilted and I held the drain pipe up with a strap while the pro plumber readjusted the flange. Another had the toilet way off center on the wax ring/flange. These new products are a definite improvement. One trick my plumber said is to use one new wax ring to water seal the flange/tile gaps. That way if there is a gasket ring leak you will see it on the bathroom floor and if caught in time, might prevent ceiling water damage to the floor below.

[@snowismas]

Go to Amazon and look at the customer pictures of the Sani Seal after it has been used a while. They don't look good. Sure it has high stars, but I suspect that is from short term users or based on install only.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I still use WAX!

[@Handygrrl]

It appears that you haven't actually installed or used them. Hope you can make a follow-up giving your thoughts

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I have used both, but I am still a die-hard wax gasket fan. If your flange is set below the finished floor 1/4"-/3/8" the Sani-Flush version works really well. If the flange is flush with the finished floor and the floor is perfectly level, in all directions, the Fluid-Master version will do the job.

[@hziegler]

Thank you so much Bob for sharing your knowledge and generosity. You are simply the best!....Vincent Chiba

[@mrpcakes]

Have you tried the danco perfect seal ? also is the flange supposed to be flush with the floor or above the floor ?

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I have not, the flange should be flush wit the finished floor.

[@DatBanga]

The sani seal doesn't work well if the flange sits on top of the floor. They state this in their FAQ. I actually tried it too. The toilet doesn't compress down the gasket far enough to make the bowl level with the floor. Just FYI, it's better if you actually use a toilet bowl in your demonstration if you can to show how the toilet compresses the gasket.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Fair enough! Thanks, Regards, Bob.

[@chick328]

Thank you for the information.Wish I seen this video before I brought that seal. I install it on my toilet and my floor wasn't that level.I got some leaks going back to the wax seal.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Mark Ciccarelli S. You’re welcome Mark, appreciate you checking out the video. Regards, Bob

[@gmoneyplumbing4197]

I replaced you and I found the flange not bolted to the concrete floor and the PVC flange is slightly warped where the mounting bolts attach to the toilet do I need to replace it

[@thetruckerchannel6896]

Thanks for the video buddy. Maybe I'll finally get this toilet seated correctly

[@honolulu1476]

Could you use 2 wax rings on below the tile flange ? Thanks.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

You could, but if you can put a spacer or two depending on how high you have to come. It would be a much better job. Thanks for watching. Regards, Bob.

[@Kcducttaper1]

I'd installed a wax ring on my toilet about 6 months ago and it just started smelling like sewer gas in there already. The floor is a bit uneven, so I suspect it moved at some point and broke the seal. I installed the Fluidmaster hoping to let the toilet move a little bit if necessary. I followed the directions exactly as described, but I still get a bit of a smell - even after reseating it a time or two. Might just go back to wax again.

[@deborahhenderson4761]

You might have a crack in your closet flange. You should always clean everything that comes in contact with wax ring, that includes removing all old wax. Just wear plastic gloves.

[@devinmccloud]

You need to level the toilet and adjust it for any difference in the uneven flange. Most toilets have 3/4 inch height from the base to the drain. My last wax seal measure 1 inch height. If the flange isn't flush with the finished floor or higher on one side it will cause issues and leaks. If its too high it pancakes the wax, too low, it doesnt seal properly and leaks.

[@detleftank8351]

I have a problemthat my waste line is cast Iron, what is the best solurion there?

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

What kind of problem?

[@ABCDABCD-tm9xd]

The Fluidmaster product has some difficulty with flanges that sit above the floor. It doesn't seem to compress so that the toilet sit flush to the floor. It wobbles. Almost forgot .... thanks very much for this tutorial. It's head and shoulders above the vast majority of material available.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you so much, a little secret...I still use a WAX GASKET!

[@ABCDABCD-tm9xd]

That's the message that is most valuable here I think.

[@f4fixer]

Great video. Do you have to screw down the spacers or just silicone them is ok.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Best case would be to securely screw them down, but I am guilty of using silicone under certain job conditions.

[@elsuperman-sama9656]

i need help my flange is not secured to any part of the floor and tubing comes up and overlaps hiding most of the flnge. i thought you had to rotate the rig to where the screw are. prior was a wax seal but it looked like it was getting ready to clog the tube...

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

send me some photos: [e-mail]. Thanks! Bob.

[@DabblelyDiddly]

idk man. for years now this has been the hot topic of homeowners doing anything with setting a toilet. and i just dont think anything but wax works well. every time ive set a toilet as a homeowner with wax its worked fine. and i use the cheapest one homo depot has.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Still use it every day...👍

[@JayRoc3k]

My toilet flange is only 3/16" above finished floor. Do you recommend I use flange spacer?

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

What material are we talking about?

[@JayRoc3k]

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Either one wax or rubber? Not really sure what to go with. I have a wooden subfloor that I replaced due to rotting and covered in laminate flooring. So the laminate flooring covered about 1/8" of the flange.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Jr. I would try the larger rubber gasket. Line up the bolts with the holes in the gasket and try it. I generally use them when the flange is dead level or slightly below the finished floor. If you feel you’re having to force the bowl down, go with the flat fluid master version. Or you can purchase a jumbo wax gasket from Hercules called “Johnny Ring”

[@JayRoc3k]

@@BobsPlumbingVideos thank you very much!

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

What do you seal the spacer with if the flange is cast iron?

[@bonniemorris1456]

Great demo! Thanks for sharing.

[@RobertSessaPlumbing]

Bonnie Morris Thank you Bonnie, I appreciate you checking out the video! Regards, Bob.

[@ericimi]

Thanks BOB !

[@ericimi]

Just used the sani seal and it works great well worth the $13 compared to $8 for the wax ring

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Great video, thanks!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

You're welcome!

[@JS50108]

Great, informative video. Thank you.👍👍

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank You! My pleasure. Bob.

[@deborahhenderson4761]

Wax is still the best. Just make sure you clean all surfaces that the wax ring will come in contact, this makes a big plus for ring to last.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

100% Agreed!

[@gordonadams5891]

I switched from wax to the Sani Seal (old, listing floor), and am so happy I did!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I use them when I can, but if the floor flange sits a bit high I revert back to the old reliable wax gasket. Regards, Bob

[@lcoi-3200]

Do they last and are they reliable?

[@MeetJoeBlack55]

Same here ... unlevel concrete floor, but Sani Seal allowed me to set old toilet with no leaks after "professional plumber" used double wax that leaked immediately. Don't know about longevity .. will find out .. happy for now !!

[@tomheringer2047]

Greg Wood: I used a large professional plumbing company to come in and lift an upstairs toilet to remove a foreign object that fell into the bowl during a flush and lodged in the trap. He used wax to reseal it and a week later it began to leak. He came back and used shims and wax seal and after a week it began to leak. On the third visit he removed the shims and used two wax seals and a week later it began to leak. The fourth time I did it myself using a SaniSeal. I thoroughly cleaned all of the wax from the floor flange and the toilet. Had the trim off a quarter inch from the funnel of the seal to prevent it from "gathering" which was caused by the design of the plumbing when the seal was compressed by the weight of the toilet . It has been three years a no water leaks and no odor of sewer gas. Fortunately I have a clear view of the floor above from an unfinished utility room downstairs. I am well aware now of the flack that the SaniSeal has been receiving due to its inability to hold up under contact with chlorine. I plan to lift the toilet in the near future to inspect its condition and install a new one. If I find it heavily deteriorated, I will try another no wax alternative. Actually, lifting a toilet every five years for an underfloor inspection is considered an excellent preventative maintenance procedure to protect your home.

[@garymui980]

Bob, thanks for the instructive video. I tried a Sani-seal on mine. It sealed great, but water would not flush down. It's as if something is obstructing. I had wax seal before and it flushes fine, just a bit leaky. Any insight would be helpful.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

The only thing I can think of is that the gasket may have moved as you were setting the bowl down causing it to partially block the opening. It's happened to me wax, the beautiful part about the Sani-Seal gasket is that you'll be able to re-use and re-position it. Hope that helps, Regards. Bob.

[@garymui980]

I've experienced wax moving on the opening as well, but wouldn't expect that for the rubber, especially with the aligning screw through holes. I did repeat installing on the sani-seal also and every time no flush...it's a mystery.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Gary Mui Gary. did the horn of the seal fit inside your flange or did you flip it upside down as per Sani-Seals recommendation? If it performs with a wax gasket, guess what! I'm going with the wax. Although I've never had an issue with the Sani-Seal.

[@garymui980]

The horn fits inside. I tried flipping it up, and tried installing the seal upside down as well. Always no flushing. The wax flushed fine, but leaky, even with double wax. I didn't try trimming off the horn of the sani-seal; gonna try that next.

[@Handygrrl]

Maybe his rag was still in the pipe? 😗

[@briangoldberg6501]

Well Done Bob. Still learning from you in March 11-2019. Thanks

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thanks Brian, hoped it helped you! Regards, Bob.

[@tomdowling3994]

Have you ever tried the Set-Rite, or the Danco Perfect Seal, for flanges that are lower than the finished floor?

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I have not, looks like a good product. I use plastic spacers available at most big box stores or plumbing supply houses followed by a deep wax seal with a plastic horn. Regards, Bob

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

I haven't heard of that one. If the top of the lead bend ( a new york thing) is somewhat compromised the horn will just direct the water down a little better. It's not a fix for a bad pipe, but it might buy you some time before having to replace it. Regards, Bob.

[@d-obvious]

I'd be hesitant to use synthetic options. It will eventually harden and shrink or crack. Sure it's fine in the short term.. Say 5ish years.. Synthetics continue to cure and eventually loose elasticity.

[@carlcampbell6827]

Bob I replaced my wax seal twice and it is still leaking. What I noticed is that the plastic flange where the bolts attach on one side is bent up thus shifting the toilet slightly to one side. This condition shows that the wax seal is not centered and will eventually leak. I think I am going to try the puffy rubber seal this time. What do you think? Thank you.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Any reason that flange is not flush? The Sani Seal gasket is pretty substantial, if the flange is flush with the finished floor, it may do the trick. If the flange is sitting on top of the finished floor it may be too much and you’ll find yourself forcing the bowl to sit correctly.

[@carlcampbell6827]

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Thanks Bob. The flange is flush with the laminate finish flooring on the slab. It appears the bolt had been over tightened in the past and one edge of the flange is distorted bent upward and weak. This causes the bolt to sit at a tilted angle. Like you say, the Sani Seal should work. I am going to go get one. The last re-setting I did was flawed, as it is several months later and now it is seeping badly. I wonder if I should install some kind of repair plate over the existing tweaked flange? Have you seen or used to Danco Hydro Seal flange repair; maybe some other type whatever?

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

@@carlcampbell6827 Send me a picture. [e-mail].

[@CJGfarm]

Very informative. Thanks for posting!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thanks very much for checking out the video! Regards, Bob.

[@patcupolo9274]

Is the Dani seal reusable if replacing toilet

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Yes!

[@patcupolo9274]

Doesn't cutting off the horn defeat the purpose of the to more protection against possible water leak?

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Sani Seal says to not cut but invert the horn up into the gasket and set the toilet that way.

[@achigurh88]

After looking at Amazon reviews of the new concepts that are trying to improve upon the wax ring, I'll just stick with the wax ring...

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Always has and always will be my choice. Unless you have the perfect conditions, the wax is your best choice! Regards, Bob

[@deenachittenden313]

Thanks for the video

[@igotstaknow]

A good advantage of the non-wax types is for customers (renters, etc.) who would pour hot water in the toilet. I poured hot antifreeze from my car in the toilet and caused a leak from the wax.

[@igotstaknow]

I should have given my ex a wax ring.

[@JS50108]

Hahaha...😃😃

[@richardluca8562]

The old timer I started with all those years ago made us set toilets with a wax gasket, a ring of putty on top of that, and plaster of paris around the flange. I felt sorry for whoever had to pull those toilets years later

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Ouch🙈

[@black328is]

@@BobsPlumbingVideos The toilet I pulled out of my basement had the plaster of paris around the ring. I used the Fluidmaster seal on the one upstairs and is working well conidering the house is 50 yrs old.

[@CarlexDIY]

Great and informative video.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank you!

[@charlesrichardson8635]

The green one has a soft open cell foam that if you cut it it will fill with water and become useless. Don't cut either. Follow instructions or don't buy.

[@janetsterno]

Neoroprene seal #1

[@efman2k3]

Great video. Thanks for posting!

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

You're welcome, thanks for watching! Regards, Bob

[@BaseballDiamondJim]

Thank you, Thank you!!!!

[@HolbergEM]

Thanks!

[@sharriblanchard7522]

What would you recommend for a rear discharge toilet?

[@johnhashim8946]

greats

[@fritzb.5921]

Toilet vibes, if you will...

[@unmatrixed]

Thank you great job teaching.

[@BobsPlumbingVideos]

Thank You! for checking out my video. Regards, bob.

[@honolulu1476]

Thanks for the video.