When a floor-mounted toilet leaks or smells at the base, the joint between the pan outlet and the waste below is usually the cause. The Manta Wax Pan Seal (M1619) is one way of making that joint: a ring of wax that compresses as you set the pan down, moulding to both the pan outlet and the waste to give a watertight, odour-tight seal. Here's how it works, how to get it right first time, and when a different connector is the better choice.
How a wax pan seal works
The seal sits between the pan outlet and the waste connection in the floor. When you lower the pan and bolt it down, the weight and the bolt pressure squash the wax. Wax doesn't spring back like rubber. It flows into the gaps and takes the shape of both surfaces. That's why it's forgiving of slightly uneven outlets and wastes, and also why it only works properly once. If you lift the pan after it has compressed the seal, the moulded shape is broken and you need a new seal.
Setting the pan: step by step
- Check the set-out first. Confirm the pan's outlet lines up with the waste position before you open the seal. Dry-fit the pan without the seal to check alignment and that it sits flat on the floor.
- Clean both surfaces. Remove old wax, sealant and debris from the pan outlet and the waste. The new seal needs clean, dry surfaces to bond to.
- Fit the seal. Seat it squarely on the pan outlet or on the waste, following the orientation the product needs. Keep it at room temperature. Very cold wax is stiff and doesn't mould as well.
- Lower the pan straight down. Line the pan up over the waste and fixing points and set it down in one movement. Don't slide it across the floor or drop it on an angle, which can push the wax out of position.
- Press and bolt down evenly. Rock gently with body weight to seat the pan, then tighten the fixings a little at a time on each side so the pan comes down evenly. Don't overtighten, especially on ceramic.
- Don't lift it again. If you have to lift the pan after setting it, replace the seal.
- Test. Connect the cistern, flush several times and check around the base for leaks or smell before finishing the base.
Common mistakes
- Reusing a seal after the pan has been lifted. It won't remould reliably.
- Stacking two seals to make up height. If the waste sits too low, fix the height problem at the waste instead of doubling up.
- Pan rocking on an uneven floor. Movement breaks the seal over time, so shim or level the pan properly.
- Skipping the dry fit, then sliding the pan into position on the wax.
Wax seal or pan connector?
A lot of Australian pan installs use a rubber or PVC pan connector or collar rather than wax. The choice depends on the pan, the waste and the manufacturer's instructions:
- Use a wax seal where the pan is designed to seal directly to the floor waste and the manufacturer's instructions allow for it. It tolerates minor unevenness between pan and waste.
- Use a pan connector where the pan's instructions call for one, or where you need an offset to line the outlet up with the waste. Connectors can also be disconnected and reused, which helps if the pan needs to come off for service.
Whichever you use, sanitary plumbing must be installed by a licensed plumber in line with AS/NZS 3500.2 and the pan manufacturer's instructions. See our Pan Connectors collection for the full range. If you're replacing a toilet without moving the waste, our guide I don't want to move my plumbing: can I still upgrade to a modern toilet? covers set-out, and everything you need to know about toilets covers pan types.
Buying
The Wax Pan Seal (M1619) is $10.95 each, with 5% off a box of 10 and 10% off a box of 100. That's useful if you're doing a run of pan replacements in a block of units.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a wax pan seal do?
It makes a watertight, odour-tight seal between a floor-mounted toilet pan outlet and the waste below. The wax compresses as the pan is set down and bolted, moulding to both surfaces.
Can I reuse a wax pan seal?
No. Once the pan has compressed the wax, lifting it breaks the seal's shape. Fit a new seal every time the pan comes off.
Can I stack two wax seals?
It's not good practice. If the waste sits too low, correct the height at the waste so a single seal compresses properly.
Should I use a wax seal or a pan connector?
Follow the pan manufacturer's instructions. Wax suits pans that seal directly to the floor waste. A pan connector suits pans that call for one, installs needing an offset, or where the pan may need to come off for service.
Why does my toilet smell at the base?
A failed seal between the pan outlet and the waste is a common cause, often after the pan has moved or been lifted. Reset the pan with a new seal and make sure it can't rock.