Korky Toilet Seal vs Wax Ring: Which One Should You Choose?

A toilet seal is a device that prevents water and sewer gas from leaking between the toilet and the drain pipe. A toilet seal is essential for maintaining a sanitary and odor-free bathroom.

There are two main types of toilet seals: wax rings and wax-free seals. Wax rings are traditional toilet seals that are made of beeswax or petroleum-based wax. Wax-free seals are newer toilet seals that are made of rubber, foam, or plastic.

One of the most popular brands of wax-free toilet seals is Korky. Korky toilet seals are made of flexible foam that conforms to any flange height and floor surface. Korky claims that their toilet seals are easy to install, reusable, and mess-free.

But how do Korky toilet seals compare to wax rings? Which one should you choose for your toilet? In this blog post, we will compare the pros and cons of Korky toilet seal vs wax ring and help you make an informed decision.

Korky Toilet Seal vs Wax Ring

Pros and Cons of Korky Toilet Seal

Advantages

• It is easy to install. You just need to place it over the flange and press it down. There is no need to align it with the horn of the toilet or worry about breaking it.
• It is reusable. You can remove it and reinstall it if you need to adjust or replace your toilet. You can also use it for multiple toilets.
• It is mess-free. You don’t have to deal with sticky wax residue or stains on your floor or hands.
• It is durable. It does not melt, harden, or deteriorate over time. It can withstand temperature changes and water pressure fluctuations.
• It is universal. It fits any flange height and any toilet model.

 Disadvantages

• It is more expensive than wax rings. A Korky toilet seal costs around $10, while a wax ring costs around $2-$5.
• It may not seal well if the flange is damaged or uneven. You may need to repair or replace your flange before installing a Korky toilet seal.
• It may not be compatible with some toilets that have a large horn or a recessed drain opening. You may need to trim or modify your Korky toilet seal to fit your toilet.

Pros and Cons of Wax Ring

 Advantages

• It is cheap and widely available. You can find wax rings at any hardware store or online for a low price.
• It creates a tight and reliable seal. Wax rings conform to the shape of the flange and the horn of the toilet and create an airtight and watertight seal.
• It is compatible with most toilets. Wax rings fit most standard flanges and toilets without any modification.

 Disadvantages

• It is hard to install. You have to align it with the horn of the toilet and press it down firmly. You have to be careful not to break it or displace it during installation.
• It is not reusable. You have to replace it every time you remove or replace your toilet. You cannot use it for multiple toilets.
• It is messy. You have to deal with sticky wax residue or stains on your floor or hands. You also have to dispose of it properly as it may clog your pipes or harm the environment.
• It is not durable. It may melt, harden, or deteriorate over time. It may lose its shape or adhesion due to temperature changes or water pressure fluctuations.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between Korky toilet seal vs wax ring depends on your preference, budget, and situation. Both types of toilet seals can work well if installed correctly and maintained properly.

If you want a simple, cheap, and reliable toilet seal, you may prefer a wax ring. If you want an easy, reusable, and mess-free toilet seal, you may prefer a Korky toilet seal.

However, you should also consider the condition of your flange and the type of your toilet before choosing a toilet seal. If your flange is damaged or uneven, you may need to repair or replace it before installing any type of toilet seal. If your toilet has a large horn or a recessed drain opening, you may need to trim or modify your toilet seal to fit your toilet.

You can also consult a professional plumber for advice on which type of toilet seal is best for your toilet. A plumber can also help you install or replace your toilet seal correctly and safely.

FAQs

Q: What is a toilet seal?

A: A toilet seal is a device that prevents water and sewer gas from leaking between the toilet and the drain pipe. A toilet seal is essential for maintaining a sanitary and odor-free bathroom.

Q: What is a Korky toilet seal?

A: A Korky toilet seal is a wax-free toilet seal that is made of flexible foam that conforms to any flange height and floor surface. Korky claims that their toilet seals are easy to install, reusable, and mess-free.

Q: What is a wax ring?

A: A wax ring is a traditional toilet seal that is made of beeswax or petroleum-based wax. Wax rings are cheap and widely available, but they are hard to install, not reusable, and messy.

Q: How do I replace a toilet seal?

A: To replace a toilet seal, you will need to turn off the water supply and drain the tank, remove the old toilet seal and install the new one, and reattach the toilet and flush valve cover. You will need a flathead screwdriver, a pliers, and a new toilet seal for this task.

Q: How often should I replace my toilet seal?

A: You should replace your toilet seal whenever you notice any signs of leakage or malfunction, such as water on the floor, weak or incomplete flushing, constant running or refilling of the tank, high water bills, or sewer gas smell. You should also replace your toilet seal every 3 to 5 years or as needed.