Wax Ring Failure?

[Ntcarson]

Hello all,

I was chasing down an AC issue at my house today and came upon a new leak. Fortunately, I was just under there recently, so it hasn't been going on for long. I traced to the most likely location (a toilet) and found the following condition of the wax ring/flange. Since I cannot clearly see moisture below the tile, I wanted to verify that what I am seeing here shows a breakdown of the wax seal against the flange, where it looks like something worked its way in between. Thank you for looking and for your sage advice, as always,
Neil

 

[Reach4]

It looks to me as if the toilet flange sits considerably lower than the floor. I would suspect the wax was not thick enough. I also wonder if the wax was centered on the hole.

How much did you use a plunger on that toilet ?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[John Gayewski]

To me it looks as if someone put a wax ring with horn on top of an old single wax ring.

 

[Ntcarson]

Hey guys - thanks for checking!

Reach - you are correct that the flange is below the tile, though just slightly. It has been close to 10 years since the builder installed and, I suspect, didn't do so optimally, as with many things in the house.

As for plunger - we didn't keep one in that bathroom, and I don't recall many occasions where it needed plunged. Probably just 3-5 times over the years.

Since the flange is a little low, do you have a ring that you recommend?

Thanks again,
Neil

 

[Cliffyk]

You need to get some hydraulic cement, clean the area around the plastic flange as well as you can and fill that void around and below the flange (hopefully it's not "bottomless"¹) with the hydraulic cement. level it off and reinstall the toilet...

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¹ - Sometimes packing the "void" tightly with plastic shopping bags can provide enough "bottom" to support the cement 'til it cures;

 

[Reach4]

Terry might put a wax ring on the bottom and a wax ring with a horn atop that, which may be similar to what was there already.

I think no cement needed.

 

[Ntcarson]

Thank you!

 

[All Fug Duck]

Yup, flange is too low as stated. they make several things that will extend it higher...good luck.