I get where you’re coming from—wax rings have been the go-to for ages, and they do handle a lot of the weirdness you find in older homes. But I’ve actually had decent luck with the newer wax-free seals, especially the ones with a rubber gasket and a bit of flexibility built in. They’re not all created equal, though. Some of the cheaper foam ones just don’t cut it, especially if your flange isn’t level or you’ve got any movement in the floor.
One trick I’ve picked up is to double-check the flange height before picking a seal. If it’s too low or too high, even wax can fail. Sometimes I’ll shim the toilet base to get things sitting right, then use a wax-free seal with a flange extension kit. Less mess, and if you ever need to pull the toilet again, it’s way easier.
Not saying wax is obsolete—far from it—but I wouldn’t write off all the new options just yet. Sometimes it’s about matching the right product to the job, and being willing to try something different if the old way keeps giving you grief.
- Totally agree about checking flange height—learned that one the hard way after a midnight leak in unit 3.
- Wax-free seals are a game changer for quick turnovers, but I’ve noticed they don’t always compress right if the floor’s uneven.
- I still keep a couple wax rings around for those “nothing else will fit” situations, especially in older places where the flange is a mystery.
- Anyone else ever had the bolts shift when tightening down? That’s another reason I sometimes stick with wax—seems to forgive a bit more movement.
- Curious if anyone’s tried those adjustable-height seals... worth it or just another gimmick?
Adjustable-height seals actually worked out for me in a 1950s house with a weird subfloor dip. They’re not perfect—sometimes the rubber feels a bit flimsy—but they do bridge that gap when the flange is too low. Still, I agree wax rings are more forgiving if things aren’t lined up just right. I’ve had bolts shift too, and wax seems to “grab” better when you’re tightening everything down. For eco reasons, I lean toward wax-free, but sometimes old-school just works better.
“sometimes the rubber feels a bit flimsy—but they do bridge that gap when the flange is too low. Still, I agree wax rings are more forgiving if things aren’t lined up just right.”
You nailed it with the “flimsy” part. Those adjustable seals are like the Swiss Army knife of toilet installs—great in theory, but sometimes you’re left wishing for something a bit more... substantial. I’ve had a couple of those rubber gaskets twist on me during install, and then you’re back to square one, mopping up at 2am and questioning your life choices.
I get the eco angle with wax-free, and I’ve tried to make the switch a few times. But honestly, in these older houses where nothing is level and every flange seems to have its own personality, wax just seems to forgive my mistakes more often than not. There’s something about that “squish” as you tighten down the bolts that lets you know it’s making a good seal—even if your aim was a little off.
One thing I’ve started doing (after too many midnight emergencies) is keeping both types on hand. If it’s a newer subfloor or a perfect flange height, I’ll give the wax-free a shot. But if there’s any doubt—or if I’m dealing with one of those mystery dips under old linoleum—I’m reaching for wax every time. It’s messy, sure, but at least it doesn’t leave me second-guessing whether I’ll be getting a call about water in the hallway.
Funny how sometimes “old-school” just means “less likely to ruin your night.”
You nailed it with the “flimsy” part.
That “squish” you mentioned is exactly why I stick with wax in my rentals. Had a rubber gasket fold over on me once—tenant called about a “weird smell,” and sure enough, water everywhere. Lesson learned: wax might be messy, but it rarely surprises you.
