Better Than Wax Toilet Seal Reviews: A Game-Changer?

If you’ve ever had to deal with replacing a toilet, you know how messy things can get with traditional wax rings. Wax is tricky, gets everywhere, and once you make the wrong move, it’s game over—you have to start all over again.

When I came across the Better Than Wax Toilet Seal from Fluidmaster, I knew I had to give it a try. What attracted me most was its promise: no mess, no leaks, and no worries about repositioning. It sounded too good to be true, but I had to find out for myself.

My Better Than Wax Toilet Seal

When I received the Better Than Wax seal, I was impressed by its compact packaging and the fact that it came with everything I needed for installation—spacer, gasket, and even brass bolts.

Compared to the bulkier, mess-prone wax rings I’d used in the past, this felt like a modern, convenient solution.

• Installation Experience: Simple and Straightforward

Now, this was my first time installing a toilet seal myself, and as a somewhat handy person, I felt up for the challenge.

What made it even better was the helpful instructional video Fluidmaster provides. The installation process was refreshingly simple.

Whether your flange is at floor level, below, or above, the seal works for all situations, thanks to the included spacer.

In my case, the flange was just slightly below the floor, so I had to make a small adjustment by trimming the spacer. It wasn’t difficult at all and made a perfect fit.

The thing I loved most about the Better Than Wax seal was that it’s repositionable. I didn’t have to worry about ruining the seal or making a huge mess if I had to adjust the toilet slightly. With wax seals, if you miss the alignment or need to move things around, it’s an instant headache.

Pros of Using Better Than Wax

After installing the Better Than Wax seal and testing it out for a couple of weeks, I can confidently say it’s a great alternative to the traditional wax ring. Here’s why:

• No Mess: The main reason I opted for this wax-free seal was to avoid the sticky, messy situation that comes with wax rings. Better Than Wax completely eliminated that problem for me. No more scraping off old wax, no residue, and no dirty hands. It’s a much cleaner installation process.
• Repositionable: One of the biggest drawbacks of wax seals is their one-and-done nature. Once they’re squished into place, that’s it. If you need to move the toilet, you’ll have to replace the entire seal. But with Better Than Wax, I had the freedom to adjust the position of my toilet as needed without worrying about breaking the seal.
• Fits Any Toilet, Any Drain: This toilet seal is designed to fit both 3-inch and 4-inch drain lines, and it works on any toilet model. The included slide-on spacer made it easy to work with uneven floors, which is something I encountered in my older home. It sealed perfectly even though the flange was a bit recessed.
• Durability: I’ve had the seal installed for a couple of months now, and it’s holding up incredibly well. Even with regular plunging (yes, unfortunately, I’ve had to do that a few times), the seal is tight, and there are no leaks. This gives me a lot of confidence in its longevity.
• Affordable: At under $10, this product is a steal. Traditional wax rings are slightly cheaper, but considering the ease of installation and the potential for leaks with wax, I’d say the Better Than Wax seal is well worth the investment.

Cons of Using Better Than Wax

No product is perfect, and the Better Than Wax seal has a couple of minor downsides worth noting.

• Spacer Adjustments May Be Needed: If your toilet flange is significantly below the floor level, you might find that the spacer included in the kit is not tall enough. In my case, I had to trim the spacer down a bit, which worked fine, but others might need a taller spacer that isn’t included in the kit. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.
• Doesn’t Include Extra Spacers: For some people with older or uneven flooring, having multiple spacers or different size options could be helpful. While the single spacer worked for me after trimming, others might have to get creative with additional materials.

Maintenance Tips: Keep It Leak-Free

Even though this seal is pretty low-maintenance, it’s always a good idea to take a few steps to ensure your toilet remains leak-free for the long term. Here are some simple tips:

1. Check the Seal Regularly: Even though the Better Than Wax seal is durable, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your toilet’s base for any signs of leaking, especially after plunging.
2. Use a Plunger Gently: While the seal can handle most situations, aggressive plunging could still cause some strain. I recommend using your plunger gently to avoid disturbing the seal.
3. Tighten Bolts as Needed: Over time, the bolts securing your toilet to the floor may loosen. Make it a habit to check them periodically and tighten them if necessary to keep everything in place.

Comparison With Other Brands

When it comes to wax-free toilet seals, there are a few notable competitors that offer similar solutions. Here’s how the Better Than Wax toilet seal stacks up against two other popular wax-free options: the Korky Wax Free Toilet Seal and the One-N-Done Toilet Seal.

Better Than Wax Vs. Korky Wax Free Toilet Seal

The Korky Wax Free Toilet Seal is another well-known wax-free option, and like the Better Than Wax, it promises an easier, cleaner installation. However, there are some key differences worth noting:

• Installation Flexibility: Both seals are designed to eliminate the mess associated with wax rings, but the Better Than Wax seal offers more flexibility. The Korky seal doesn’t require a spacer for recessed flanges, which makes it a bit simpler in some installations, but it’s not as adjustable if your flange is significantly below or above the floor. The Better Than Wax includes a spacer, making it more adaptable to various flange heights.
• Durability: Both seals provide long-lasting solutions, but the Better Than Wax seal feels slightly more durable thanks to its brass hardware and ability to withstand aggressive plunging. Korky’s seal holds up well too, but the Better Than Wax seems to have a stronger overall construction.
• Ease of Adjustment: This is where Better Than Wax really shines. The Korky seal is not as easy to reposition once it’s installed, whereas the Better Than Wax allows you to make adjustments without losing the integrity of the seal. If you’re a DIYer who’s nervous about getting it right on the first try, Better Than Wax gives you the flexibility to make corrections.

Better Than Wax Vs. One-N-Done Toilet Seal

The One-N-Done Toilet Seal is another competitor in the wax-free toilet seal market. It shares a lot of similarities with Better Than Wax, but there are a few key differences that might sway your decision:

• One-Time Use Vs. Repositionable: As the name suggests, One-N-Done is designed to be installed once, and then you’re finished. While this is convenient for some, it doesn’t offer the same repositioning flexibility that Better Than Wax does. If you make a mistake during the installation of One-N-Done, you may need to start over, which could be frustrating. On the other hand, Better Than Wax allows you to reposition the toilet as needed without compromising the seal.
• Installation Process: The One-N-Done seal is a bit more rigid in its installation process. While it’s fairly easy to install, it doesn’t offer the same versatility as Better Than Wax, which includes a spacer for situations where the flange height is uneven. With Better Than Wax, you have more control over the installation to ensure the best possible fit.
• Price Point: Both seals are competitively priced, but One-N-Done tends to be slightly more expensive. Considering the flexibility and ease of installation that Better Than Wax offers, I find it to be the better value for the money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

If you’re like me and want a hassle-free toilet installation that doesn’t require dealing with messy wax or worrying about leaks, then yes, the Better Than Wax toilet seal is absolutely worth it.

It’s affordable, easy to install, and offers the flexibility that traditional wax rings simply don’t.

I would never go back to using a wax seal again. After trying the Better Than Wax seal, I’m convinced that this is the superior option. Whether you’re a DIY novice or someone with experience, this product makes toilet installations and repairs much easier and cleaner.