Flange extenders really are a lifesaver when you’re dealing with a low flange after new flooring. I’ve run into the same issue after a laminate install—thought I could get away with just a thicker wax ring, but it never sealed right. Ended up pulling the toilet twice before biting the bullet and fixing the flange height. Curious if you ever tried those rubber gasket seals instead of wax? I’ve had mixed results, but they’re less messy for sure.
Curious if you ever tried those rubber gasket seals instead of wax? I’ve had mixed results, but they’re less messy for sure.
Tried the rubber gaskets a couple times—honestly, I’m still on the fence. They’re definitely cleaner to work with, but I’ve seen them leak if the flange isn’t perfectly level or if there’s any wobble in the toilet. Wax is messier, yeah, but it seems to forgive minor imperfections better. Had one job where the rubber seal worked great, then another where it failed after a month and I had to go back to wax. Guess it depends on how flat your floor is after the new flooring goes in.
Wax is messier, yeah, but it seems to forgive minor imperfections better.
- Totally agree on wax being more forgiving. I’ve had a rubber gasket shift just a hair when tightening the bolts and—yep, slow leak city.
- Wax is gross, but it’ll fill in gaps if your flange is a little off or the floor’s not dead flat.
- Rubber’s nice for a quick, clean install, but you really need everything lined up perfect. Not always realistic in an older house with wavy floors.
- Funny enough, I once tried stacking two rubber seals to make up for a low flange... didn’t end well. Back to wax after that.
- If you hate mess, rubber’s tempting, but for peace of mind, I still reach for the wax ring most times.
- Wax rings have saved me more times than I can count, especially in older homes where the flange is never quite flush.
- Rubber gaskets are cleaner, sure, but if the floor’s even a little uneven, you’re rolling the dice.
- I’ve seen folks try to shim under the toilet to make rubber work—usually ends up with a wobbly bowl or leaks down the road.
- Curious if anyone’s had luck with those wax-free foam seals? I’ve only used them once and wasn’t convinced they’d hold up long-term.
- For me, unless it’s a perfect install, wax is still the safer bet... even if it’s a pain to clean up.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with those wax-free foam seals? I’ve only used them once and wasn’t convinced they’d hold up long-term.
Tried the foam seals a couple times—honestly, not impressed. They compressed weird on an uneven floor and started leaking after a year. Wax is messy, but it just works, especially in old houses where nothing’s square. Rubber’s fine if everything’s perfect, but that’s rare.
