When plumbers need to pull a water closet for access to open a drain, what is required to reset the water closet?

• A. Wax ring only
• B. Wax ring and bolts
• C. Bolts only
• D. Sealant tape

Answer: (B)

When reinstalling a toilet after pulling it for drain access, you must restore both the seal and the mounting. The wax ring provides the essential seal between the toilet base and the drain flange, keeping sewer gases and water from leaking around the joint. The bolts secure the toilet to the floor and keep it properly aligned, preventing movement that could break the seal or cause leaks. Together, a new wax ring and new bolts ensure a leak-free, stable install. Using only a wax ring would leave the toilet loose and prone to leaks, while bolts alone wouldn’t create the necessary seal. Sealant tape isn’t used for this connection, so it wouldn’t provide the proper seal between the toilet and drain.