When installing a toilet, what type of wax ring is recommended?

When installing a toilet, the recommended choice is a standard wax ring or a wax-free seal. This type of wax ring provides an effective barrier against leaks between the toilet base and the floor flange. Wax rings are specifically designed to create a watertight seal, which is crucial in preventing sewer gases and odors from escaping into the bathroom.

Standard wax rings are effective for most installations due to their ability to conform to irregularities in the flange and toilet base, ensuring a secure fit. In scenarios where the toilet is positioned at the standard height and the flange is properly installed, a standard wax ring will typically suffice.

Wax-free seals are also an excellent option, as they offer ease of installation and are less messy compared to traditional wax rings. They provide similar waterproofing capabilities and often come with built-in features to assist in alignment and sealing.

Knowing the advantages of these seals helps in understanding their appropriateness for typical installations. Other types, like extra-thick wax rings or soft wax rings, might be necessary under specific circumstances, such as when the toilet is installed higher than usual relative to the flange. In contrast, a plastic flange, while important for support, does not serve the sealing function that wax rings do, making it unsuitable for this particular application