A wax ring creates a watertight seal by forming a flexible barrier between the toilet and the drainpipe.
What is a Wax Ring?
As the name suggests, a wax ring is a ring made of sticky wax. It is specifically designed for plumbing applications, particularly for toilets.
How the Seal is Created
The wax ring is placed around the drain opening at the base of the toilet. When the toilet is installed and bolted down to the floor flange (the fitting connected to the sewer pipe), the weight of the toilet and the pressure from tightening the bolts compress the wax ring.
This compression causes the sticky wax to conform precisely to the shape of both the bottom of the toilet's drain horn and the sewer pipe opening. This process effectively fills any small gaps or irregularities between the two surfaces, form[ing] a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe.
Key Features of a Wax Ring Seal
Based on its design and purpose, a wax ring offers several practical benefits:
- Material: Made of sticky wax.
- Function: Helps form a watertight seal.
- Location: Sits between the bottom of the toilet and the sewer pipe.
- Maintenance: It requires no maintenance after installation.
- Longevity: It can last 30 or more years, often as long as the toilet itself.
By being compressed into place, the wax creates a reliable, impermeable barrier that prevents water and waste from leaking out and sewer gas from entering the bathroom.
