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

Both options work, but most plumbers still go with a wax ring for a reason—it’s simple and reliable if installed right.

Quick tips from experience:

Make sure the flange height is correct (flush with floor or slightly above)
Use a jumbo wax ring if the flange is low
Set the toilet straight down once—don’t wiggle too much
Tighten bolts evenly, but don’t crank them (cracked base = big problem)

Rubber/foam rings are easier to reposition, but long-term I’ve seen more failures with them than wax.

Also—big one people overlook—test for leaks properly:

flush multiple times
check around the base AND underneath if possible

I’ve seen a bad seal cause slow leaks that go unnoticed and turn into serious water damage. Happened to someone I know in Las Vegas—tiny toilet leak over time ended up damaging flooring and even the unit below before anyone realized.

So yeah, take your time on the seal—that’s the part that matters most

You’ve got everything you need, it’s not a bad job if you take your time.

Biggest thing is making sure the flange is in good shape and sitting about level with the floor. If it’s too low or busted, that’s where problems start.

I usually stick with a wax ring. It’s simple and it works. The rubber ones are fine too, just a little more forgiving if you have to lift the toilet back up and reset it.

When you set it, try to drop it straight down onto the bolts don’t wiggle it around too much or you’ll mess up the seal. Then press down (I just sit on it) to compress the wax.

Tighten the bolts slowly, going back and forth side to side. Don’t overdo it people crack the base that way more often than you’d think. If it rocks at all, shim it before tightening everything down.

Hook up the water, turn it on, flush a few times and check around the base and supply line. If it’s dry, you’re good.

It’s one of those jobs that feels intimidating but is actually pretty straightforward once you’re into it.