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Toilet wax ring
A wax ring is a seal between the toilet base and the drain pipe in the floor.
Why it matters
If it fails, sewer gas and dirty water can leak under the toilet and damage flooring.
Where people get this wrong
A toilet that rocks can break the seal. Caulking around the base does not fix a failed wax ring.
Real-world example
You notice a faint sewage smell and the floor feels a little soft around the toilet. A failed wax ring can quietly ruin subfloor before you see obvious water.
Where this hits your build
This comes up during rough-in and final fixture installation. Accessibility for future repairs matters as much as the initial install.
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