Couldn't agree more about silicone rings. They seem great at first, but I've had a couple fail on me too—usually because the flange wasn't perfectly level or clean. If anyone's going silicone, make sure you thoroughly prep and level the flange beforehand. Wax is messy, yeah, but it's forgiving if your flange isn't exactly perfect. Also, keep an eye on the floor around the toilet; any softness or wobble can mean moisture damage underneath...better catch it early than deal with rot later.
Yeah, silicone rings can definitely be hit or miss. I've tried them a couple times when wax wasn't handy, and honestly, I'm still not sold. Like you said, prep is everything—if the flange isn't perfectly clean and level, you're pretty much asking for trouble down the line. But even with careful prep, I've seen silicone rings fail prematurely. Maybe it's just my luck, but I haven't had one last as long as a decent wax ring yet.
Wax might be messy (and trust me, I've had plenty of sticky fingers and ruined towels to show for it), but at least it's predictable. You squish it down, bolt things up tight, and you're usually good to go for years. Silicone sometimes feels like gambling... you either nail it or end up redoing the job sooner than you'd hoped.
Also totally agree about checking around the toilet base regularly. Had a client last month who ignored a slight wobble for way too long—ended up having to rip out and replace a chunk of subfloor because of hidden water damage. Not fun for anyone involved (especially their wallet). So yeah, catching that early wobble or softness can save you a ton of hassle later on.
Bottom line: silicone rings aren't necessarily bad, they're just less forgiving. If your flange situation isn't ideal or you're not confident in your prep skills, stick with wax. It's old-school for a reason... it just works.
"Silicone sometimes feels like gambling... you either nail it or end up redoing the job sooner than you'd hoped."
Yeah, that's pretty much my experience too. Tried silicone once thinking it'd be a greener alternative, but ended up back with wax—messy towels and all. Maybe someday they'll perfect it... but until then, wax it is.
I've had similar experiences with silicone, and I completely understand the frustration. Silicone can indeed be tricky—it's sensitive to surface prep, curing conditions, and even the brand you choose. I've found that meticulous preparation is key: surfaces must be spotless, dry, and free of any old residue or oils. Even a tiny bit of moisture or dirt can compromise the seal.
Wax rings, on the other hand, are more forgiving in terms of installation conditions. They're messy, sure, but they tend to form a reliable seal even if things aren't perfectly aligned or spotless. That said, silicone does have its advantages—it's flexible, resistant to temperature fluctuations, and theoretically longer-lasting if installed correctly.
If you're ever inclined to give silicone another shot (and I wouldn't blame you if you're not), I'd recommend carefully following these steps:
1. Thoroughly clean both surfaces with rubbing alcohol or acetone.
2. Allow ample drying time—moisture is your enemy here.
3. Apply an even bead of high-quality plumbing-grade silicone (avoid generic brands).
4. Carefully seat the toilet straight down without twisting or sliding it around.
5. Let it cure fully before use—usually at least 24 hours.
Even then, it's still a bit of a gamble... but your odds improve significantly.
Still, there's no shame in sticking with wax rings if that's what works best for you. Sometimes the tried-and-true methods are popular for good reason—they just work reliably. Maybe someday we'll see a foolproof silicone solution hit the market; until then, it's all about choosing what gives you peace of mind and fewer headaches down the road.
I've been down this road more times than I'd like to admit, and honestly, wax rings have saved my sanity more often than silicone. Silicone sounds great on paper, but in practice... well, you've summed it up nicely—it's picky as heck. One thing I wonder though, has anyone tried those newer foam gasket seals yet? I've heard mixed reviews but haven't tested one myself. Curious if they're worth the hype or just another gimmick.
