Wax rings are seemingly a small part of your toilet seat’s configuration. Still, they play a critical role in maintaining the hygiene of your bathroom’s space.
Unlike most toilet parts, the great thing about the wax ring is that you won’t need a plumber for the job!
However, you might be overwhelmed by the numerous options you have when you plan on buying a wax ring.
Fortunately, you don’t need to fret about it! I’ve made a list of the top 10 best wax ring for toilet functioning out there.
I’ve analyzed them in detail and listed out the positives against the negatives.
Therefore, you’ll quickly recognize which is the best wax ring for the toilet in the market right now!
Buyer’s Guide
Before choosing the wax ring for your bathroom, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve done your due research before making the purchase.
Luckily, you don’t have to browse the web for hours on end to conduct this research.
I have listed out the main factors that you need to keep in mind before deciding which Wax ring will suit you the best.
Make sure you go through each of them.
Wax Rings vs. Non-Wax Rings
There are both kinds of rings in the market, and people usually prefer to buy the wax rings, but don’t be hasty.
If you want to avoid the mess, you may want to opt for the rings that contain just the plastic exterior. I have listed one of such rings below, for your perspective. (No. 3)
I’ll still recommend that you go for seals with wax. It might be messy, but the stability you’ll get in exchange is totally worth it.
The Thickness of Wax
A thicker wax will ensure proper sealing of all those nasty leakages. Most waxes even prevent the odor from breaking through the drainpipe.
You might be amused by the number of people that end up buying thin wax rings. Be on the lookout when observing product specifications
Flanges and Funnels
The wax of your toilet wax ring is mounted on flanges and funnels. They are ring-shaped, and you should go for the ones that are made of either polyethylene or urethane.
These are the sturdiest plastics for wax rings out there. Some sellers may try to sell you just the wax. Please don’t fall for it! Without the ring, the wax is useless.
It’s hard to point out whether the leakage is in the plastic or the wax, so it’s best to buy the whole thing!
Quality of Wax
This should be a no-brainer. The most important role in blocking out those leakages will be of the wax.
It’s absolutely necessary that you choose the right one. 100 % petroleum wax will be your best bet in this regard.
Some wax rings come with their own scent in the wax. If you’re having major odor issues, you may want to take a look at these waxes too.
Top 10 Wax Ring For Toilet Reviews
Let’s move on to the choices I have narrowed down after careful review of a massive number of wax rings in the contemporary market.
For each product, I’ll be describing its main features with the pros and cons listed afterward for a general overview.
Let’s get started:
1. Fluidmaster 7513 With Extra Thick Wax
The Fluidmaster wax ring provides unparalleled protection with a thickness that’s almost twice the size of regular wax rings.
You might have noticed that some people install two rings to ensure double security. You won’t need to go down that road if you get this product.
But keep in mind that you get just one shot while mounting it. This is because the thick wax settles in quickly, and you won’t have time for 2nd attempts.
You’ll get a bonus polyethylene flange in the package, too, if you buy this unit!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Extra wax provides stability
- Fits both on and below the floor waste lines
- Easy installation
- Comes with bonus flange
Cons
- Needs to be warm before installation
2. Prime-Line MP56533 With Rubber Funnel
Although the prime line wax ring has little wax on it, it still has a unique feature, i.e., its universality.
It will fit almost any bowl, which means you don’t need to worry about diameter and the radius too much.
You’ll love the pleasant smell of the wax also which, frankly, will be much needed if your toilet has been leaking for a few days!
Refer to product no.6 on my list if you need to buy more than one of these!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Can fit on almost any bowl
- Includes all the essentials for installation
- The wax gives off a decent smell
Cons
- Misleading marketing regarding the number of items in the package
3. Fernco Inc. Wax Free Toilet Ring
If you’re looking for a wax-free installation with minimal mess and easy mounting, the fernco inc is one of the better options for you.
To ease the setting-in-place of the seal, make sure you apply some sort of moisturizer on the ring’s base.
This seal is best for installation on raised floors. You might want to consider other options if your waste line is below the floor!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- No wax on the outer edges
- Installation is easy
- Suitable for above the floor waste lines
- One-unit design, no bolts required
Cons
- Unclear instructions regarding installation in the manual
4. Danco 10879 Wax Ring
There’s always a compromise you’ll have to make when deciding whether you need a wax ring or a waxless ring.
However, that’s not the case with the danco ring. With this unit, you get the protection of a wax ring without dealing with its mess.
That’s because the wax is hidden inside the black seal. The package is a complete kit that includes bolts and sliding parts that you can screw in with just your hands.
You won’t need any extra tools, whatsoever!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Wax without the mess
- Bolts and sliding parts can be inserted without tools
- Can be used for drainage systems below the floor
- Sturdy design
Cons
- Somewhat complicated installation
5. Proflo Toilet Wax Ring
The proflo toilet wax ring distinguishes itself from its competitors by providing a polyethylene flange. Unlike the rubber flanges, these can withstand immense pressure.
That’s a plus one for durability! There’s also a straightforward installation process for this one, contrary to the danco wax ring I mentioned above.
Make sure you order it only when it ships to you in under a week. You don’t want to end up with melted wax in the package!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Polyethylene flange gives durability
- Easy installation
- Closet bolts provide a traditional look
- Works for both on the floor and below the floor waste lines
Cons
- The wax melts if not installed right away
6. Prime Line Universal Wax Ring
In case you missed it above, this is the second product on my list by the prime line. This product is the same as the unit I mentioned earlier.
The only difference is that this particular purchase will save you a lot of extra money as this is a pack of 6.
You won’t need to run down to the hardware store once the seal breaks, which it inevitably will.
It’s better to have a spare so you can repair the damage before the entire bathroom floor covers itself with the leakage!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Can fit on almost any bowl
- Includes all the essentials for installation
- The wax gives off a decent smell
- Good value for money
Cons
- Removal might be difficult after a long time of usage
7. Oatey 31194 Toilet Wax Ring
If you’ve gone a little overboard while plunging, you may have damaged the previous wax ring beyond repair.
But you can plunge away, all you want when you have the Oatey toilet wax ring installed as your bowl seal.
This absorption of frequent shocks from plunges owes its sturdiness to the polyethylene sleeve that the oatey toilet wax ring provides.
It’s a little extra money, but you truly get what you pay for in this product!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Polyethylene exterior of the ring provides sturdiness
- Ring aligns perfectly with the bowl
- Good quality petroleum wax
- Can fit most waste lines
Cons
- Doesn’t work well with non-floor-level waste lines
8. Fluidmaster Toilet Wax Ring With Tray
Just like the prime line wax seals, you may have spotted the similarity between the fluid master I mentioned above (No. 1) and this one.
Unlike the prime line wax rings, these two are different. The only drawback with the fluidmaster toilet wax ring that I mentioned earlier was that it needed to be warm before installation.
You won’t find that issue in this release. The package is delivered in a tray, which means you can install the wax ring right away because the required temperature is maintained beforehand!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Extra wax provides stability
- Fits both on and below the floor waste lines
- Easy installation
- Can be installed instantly, no need to warm up like the earlier version
Cons
- Some of the installation equipment was missing
9. Lasco Toilet Wax Ring With Urethane Core
The Lasco toilet wax offers everything you may have on your checklist. Durability, ease of installation, and a durable polyethylene sleeve.
You name it! Note that the sleeve is polyethylene, not the core. The core of the Lasco Toilet wax ring is made of urethane, which you won’t usually find in toilet wax rings.
You can imagine the stability that comes with this too. I’ll advise you to install another single ring wax with this one for an extra safety measure!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Polyethylene sleeve provides sturdiness
- Urethane core gives stability
- Easily installed brass bolts
Cons
- Plastic covering sticks to the wax and damages it
10. Eastman 40007 Toilet Wax Ring
The last item on my list is the Eastman toilet wax ring. I haven’t saved the best for last if that’s what you were hoping for.
The Eastman toilet wax ring is your usual day-to-day go-to item. It’s still in the top 10, and that’s because everything that is promised for this package is delivered too!
Don’t worry about false advertisements or click-bait marketing in this case. You’ll find all the brass bolts you need, included in the package!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Reinforced wax ring
- Flexible dimensions of bolts
- Sturdy brass bolts for installation
Cons
- Wax ring thinner than other seals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to put a wax ring on the toilet or on flange?
It’s better that you put the wax ring on the flange to avoid all possible leakages. Most wax rings will come with their own flanges.
Is there something better than a wax ring?
No. Wax rings are the best option for treating the leakage between your drainpipe and the toilet.
Wax free seals are also available, but they don’t deal with leakages effectively.
How long do toilet wax rings last?
A good wax seal can last for up to 20 years if installed correctly and used efficiently.
However, sometimes you may have to change the wax ring earlier if there’s a leakage or an odor.
What size wax ring should I use?
Use the wax ring following the size and diameter of your toilet’s waste line.
Typically, drainpipes are 3 or 4 inches wide, but make sure you measure yours before making the purchase.
Do waxless toilet rings work?
Yes, they work. But just because something works does not mean that it’s the best option out there.
As stated earlier, wax rings are your best bet in dealing with water outbursts!
Are there different sized wax seals for toilets?
Yes, there are many different sizes of wax seals available out there.
These sizes range both in height, width, and diameter. A standard bowl will be around 3 to 4 inches in radius.
Can plunging a toilet damage the wax ring?
You bet! Plunging is one of the most common reasons for damaged wax seals.
However, if you’re someone who needs to plunge often, get the Oatey toilet wax ring I have reviewed above.
When should you use an extra-thick wax ring?
When it’s clear that the leakage in your toilet’s waste line is a major one, it’s most likely that a thin wax ring won’t do.
However, it’s recommended that you always use a thick wax ring as a safety precaution.
When should I replace my toilet wax ring?
It would be best if you changed your toilet wax ring under the following circumstances:
- When experiencing Odors and smell
- When observing leakage from drainpipes
- While re-installing a toilet or removing a toilet
Conclusion
Although the general life span of a wax ring should last a lifetime for a toilet, a lot of the times, you may have to replace it beforehand.
And if that time has come for you, you must be glad that you gave this article a read.
Did I miss something? Kindly let me know in the comment section down below!
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