# Are all toilet wax rings the same? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 25, 2009, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-toilet-wax-rings-the-same/504224 "2009-07-25T14:56:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![vertizontal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ad7895/32.png) [@vertizontal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vertizontal)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2009, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-toilet-wax-rings-the-same/504224/1 "2009-07-25T14:56:28Z")
It seems obvious that we need to replace the wax ring that seals our toilet. I’ve never done it before, but I’ve visited a couple of how-to sights that explain the process - it looks fairly straightforward. So first I need to buy a new wax ring. \*\*Do different toilets need different wax rings, or are they all rings the same? \*\* I looked on the toilet itself, and I don’t see any brand name on it. (Although something might be on the side of the toilet that is next to the wall, which I can’t currently see). On the inside of the lid, it has the letters MPP KPP on it. I would say it is just a very ordinary style and brand, one that a developer would put in all homes they build. Can I just go to Home Depot and pick up a new ring off the shelf, or is there more to it than that? ---
**Author:** ![DrCube](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2009, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-toilet-wax-rings-the-same/504224/2 "2009-07-25T15:35:35Z")
I’ve changed out wax rings several times before. Last time I looked at Home Depot, they had some that were reinforced and some that had extra wax, but they are all the same size and should work on all normal toilets. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2009, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-toilet-wax-rings-the-same/504224/3 "2009-07-25T15:47:09Z")
Same everytime I’ve done it. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2009, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-toilet-wax-rings-the-same/504224/4 "2009-07-25T16:04:40Z")
Hint: buy two. Just do it. They’re cheap, and you’ll be cussing all the way to Home Depot if you screw it up. ---
**Author:** ![janeslogin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2009, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-toilet-wax-rings-the-same/504224/5 "2009-07-25T16:10:02Z")
There are different sizes and shapes used for some older toilets. The flooring contractor ruined two in my 1987 home and had to call a plumber to get the proper replacement. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2009, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-toilet-wax-rings-the-same/504224/6 "2009-07-25T20:59:55Z")
They vary by height and width. There are regular and double height ones. The latter is when the toilet sits high the floor for some reason, e.g., a tile job. The drain can also come in 3" and 4" sizes. The 3" is so common that most big box stores will only stock the 3" size. Using a 3" on a 4" drain works. Sort of. (Guess how I know this.) ---
**Author:** ![SoulFrost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f07891/32.png) [@SoulFrost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SoulFrost)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2009, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-toilet-wax-rings-the-same/504224/7 "2009-07-26T07:02:17Z")
Some have a rubber gasket, some don’t.