The information in the calculator and chart below is ESP’s recommendation based on the ARP 5316 standard and intended to be utilized by those organizations who do not already have specific recommendations for the control of elastomeric seals. It should be noted that the packaging of the elastomeric seals prior to assembly into a product is an integral part of the controlled storage procedure. It provides a positive means of product identity from the time of manufacture to the time of assembly.
ESP does not establish limitations for storage times in assembled components, nor does it in any way provide a guideline for the operating life span of a particular compound.
I'm just a homeowner. Just wondering, besides an obvious leak, is there some kind of general plumbers rule on if it's a good idea to pull the toilet off the floor to check the wax ring, say every 10 years or whatever? Even if there's no leaking or rocking noticed ? The question pertains to my own house, but I'm Just wondering since for example when I replaced my Mom's toilet, the metal flange? thing that the screws fit into (on top the floor pipe) was somewhat corroded, although not to the point of needing replaced. Am I correct in assuming the wax ring helps prevent that? I also need to caulk around base of toilet (old caulk separated) but fear if water ever does leak after I caulk it, I would then not notice it since it would be sealed. So thinking it's good to pull up, replace ring, THEN caulk??? There have been several owners of my house before me and the house was built in the 80's so I have no clue if they ever replaced wax rings or toilets. Not that I am eager to do this, mind you due to the dirty nature of the job! I live in a hot desert area if that matters for my question.
I read about leaving a gap in the caulking to know in the future if there's leaks, but at times of the year I notice many extremely tiny bugs coming from around the separated caulk (almost need a magnifying glass to see them) so I'm not crazy about the gap idea.
Also wondering if a worn-out wax ring negatively affects flushing in any way.
Also, I've seen these newfangled rubber rings sold at Home Depot. They claim to be better than wax. Have these been around for long enough to know if they work as well, as well as hold up over time ?
Is it better to stack a couple wax rings to make a better seal? Two normal size ones? Or one heavy-duty one? Or two heavy-duty ones? (is more wax better?)