Need Help: How to Install a Toilet Properly?

Hey everyone, I’m looking for advice on installing a toilet. I have a new toilet, a wax ring, and some basic tools, but I want to make sure I do it correctly.

What are the key steps I should follow? Should I use a wax ring or a rubber seal? Any tips to prevent leaks or avoid common mistakes?

I’d appreciate any guidance or personal experiences. Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the forum!

We have always used the wax ring.  

john Bruce wrote:Hey everyone, I’m looking for advice on installing a toilet. I have a new toilet, a wax ring, and some basic tools, but I want to make sure I do it correctly.

What are the key steps I should follow? Should I use a wax ring or a rubber seal? Any tips to prevent leaks or avoid common mistakes?

I’d appreciate any guidance or personal experiences. Thanks in advance!

John, I do not have much experience with the rubber rings. We have one in our RV and I had to change it after 3 years so I don't think I am a fan. It may have been a foam ring and not rubber.

I have a lot of experience with the wax rings. I almost always use a jumbo wax ring. The only time I would not is if the flange was sticking up a ways from the floor surface. If it is close to even with the floor surface or below, use the jumbo. It will last decades.

Also, it can be hard not to overtighten the tank to the base and the base to the floor because of the rubber gasket and rubber or wax ring. For the tank, you just want a good stiff connection. For the base, you just want it touching the floor all the way around.

I recently re-installed 3 toilets (don't ask), and on advice of my neighbour I used FluidMaster rubber/foam rings.
With the rubber/foam rings you can fiddle around.
With the wax ring you have 1 shot to lower the toilet into place and tighten.
We will see how long they last; I previously used wax rings.
You need to read the instructions and figure out where the flange at the top of the drain pipe sits, relative to the floor surface upon which the toilet base will rest.
In many renovated bathrooms the floor surface no longer aligns properly with the original flange; you can get extenders.
cheers Doug