Troubles with the toilet are never pleasant to handle, especially when they're creating an unpleasant stink! If your toilet emits an unpleasant smell when flushing, chances are you've attempted to look into the toilet bowl to find out where the issue originates. However, the primary source of the problem has nothing to do with the toilet but rather the way it's attached to the flooring.

Fixing a toilet that smells foul, inspect the wax ring that surrounds the base of the toilet. If the ring's surface isn't properly sealed to the floor, air from your plumbing may leak out of the toilet when it is flushed. This is particularly common with the vent when it is blocked too.

Every time water is being flushed down drains, it is required to force any air inside the pipe to the side. When the wax seal, as well as vents, function well, the air is able to flow through the pipe before exiting through the vent with no issue. But, if one or both components are in depreciation, the air will have no other option but to exit through the base of the toilet.

How do I change the wax seal?

The first step is to assess the extent to which the seal is broken in order to repair it. In some cases, sealing the seal using caulk or silicone could be sufficient to make an effective fix in the short term. However, in order to ensure the sealing of the toilet, you'll be required to remove the toilet, empty it, and then move it.

• Clean the toilet. For emptying the toilet, switch off the water to your toilet, and flush the tank until dry. It is likely that you will need to make use of a towel or sponge to soak up any water that flushing does not remove. There are those who have had success flushing the toilet in order to make sure the water is completely passed to the pipe.

• Separate the toilet. A bucket is available to collect any remaining water; take out the water supply hose from the tank and then remove the hardware from the bolts for mounting that secure your toilet on the ground. Be cautious when completing this task since heavy pressure could cause damage to the flange of the toilet anchor.

• Remove the toilet. Place the toilet in a location that is away from your work space. We suggest placing the lumber or similar blocks under the area where the toilet will be installed to guard the drain. Make sure the toilet's base is in line with the floor when moving the toilet in order to prevent any spills from the drainage trap.

• Take off the wax rings. Wearing disposable gloves, take off the wax ring, then clean the area with an emery blade or mineral spirit. Make sure to seal the drain in this process by using an old pillowcase or towel (large enough to ensure that it won't get caught in pipes). This is essential to stop sewer gas from getting into the space.

• The toilet flange is removed, and the new wax ring is attached. The new ring of wax should be pressed securely into place, but be careful not to press it to the point that it alters the shape of the ring.

• Replace the toilet, attach it to the flooring and then reconnect with the main water line. Give the toilet some flushes to verify whether the new wax rings are working.