Stacking wax rings definitely makes me nervous too. It’s one of those fixes that feels like it’ll work in the moment, but you’re always wondering if you just set yourself up for a mess later. I’ve seen a couple toilets where someone tried to “build up” with two or even three rings, and it just never seems to last. Either the wax squishes out weird or you end up with a slow leak you don’t notice until it’s too late.
Adjustable flanges are kind of a lifesaver when you’re dealing with old, uneven floors. They’re not perfect, like you said, but at least you get a chance at a proper seal without having to rip up half the bathroom. The only thing that trips me up sometimes is making sure the flange is actually anchored into something solid. I’ve run into subfloors that are basically sawdust by now, and then you’re in for a whole different headache.
I get why people try to shim under the toilet, but that just feels like kicking the can down the road. If the base isn’t solid, it’s gonna rock, and then the seal’s toast anyway. I guess there’s no real shortcut when the floor itself is shot—you either patch it up right or keep coming back to mop up leaks.
Anyway, it sounds like you handled it about as well as anyone could at midnight. Sometimes you just have to make do with what you’ve got and circle back for a better fix when you can actually see straight.
Yeah, stacking wax rings always feels like a gamble. I tried it once when I was in a pinch and, sure enough, it started leaking again a few months later. If the flange is too low, I’ve had better luck with those thicker wax-free seals—they’re a bit pricier up front, but you don’t have to worry about them squishing out or shifting if the toilet rocks a little. And you nailed it about the subfloor... if it’s soft or crumbly, nothing’s gonna hold for long. I ended up cutting out a section and patching with plywood, which wasn’t fun, but at least it stopped the endless leaks. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet and fix the base before anything else.
Totally get where you’re coming from—stacking wax rings never really feels like a long-term fix. I’ve switched to those wax-free seals too, and yeah, they’re a bit more expensive but way less hassle in the long run. Patching subfloor is a pain, but honestly, it’s the only way to make sure you’re not just treating the symptom. Props for tackling it head-on. Sometimes the “quick fix” just isn’t worth the stress or wasted water.
I hear you on the wax-free seals—they’re definitely less messy, but I’m still a bit skeptical about how long they’ll actually last compared to the old-school wax. Maybe I’m just stuck in my ways, but I’ve had one of those rubber ones start leaking after a couple years. Anyone else run into that? Also, patching subfloor is such a drag... ever tried using reclaimed wood for repairs? I’ve been tempted, but not sure if it’s worth the hassle or if it holds up.
I totally get being wary of the wax-free seals. I tried one a while back and, honestly, it started leaking after about three years—right after I’d finally stopped worrying about it, of course. I guess nothing’s perfect. As for reclaimed wood, I actually patched a spot in our bathroom subfloor with some old barn planks. It took a bit more work to get everything level, but it’s held up great so far and feels good knowing I reused something. It’s not always the easiest route, but I like the character it adds.
