Cappy's Corner

WAX RING...

Have you ever wondered what keeps the water flowing through your toilet into the sewage instead of on your floor, and how the seal just lasts forever? Well, Monica and I have been doing some small renovation in my bathroom, (a little upgrade from the 60's) after putting down some beautiful new floor tiles  and waiting the next day to grout between the lines, it was time to put the new (recycled) toilet on.
After removing the old, gray colored toilet, which didn't match a thing, except the sink, we noticed this gross, disgusting substance sitting on the floor surrounding the drain. Monica held her head down, looking down at this strange stuff, then turned to me and grimaced. I knew we were going to have to clean this stuff off, so I volunteered Monica to do it. I don't know exactly how to describe this substance, except that is thick, sticky, slimy and covered in who knows what. Using rubber gloves to clean this thing was even more disgusting, because then your fingers stick together.
Time for the replacement toilet and underneath it was another one of those wax rings, Monica looked at me and without uttering a word, let me know that I was cleaning the wax ring off this time. You know that feeling you get when just about to vomit, well that's what it is like to clean off a wax ring.
Working in a really small space picking up the toilet to slip it onto the wax ring just perfectly while lining up the bolts was a very precarious job. Struggling with the weight, one of us holding it up while the other lined up the bolts, almost smashing  our fingers in the process. We then tested it for leaks and the wax seal worked just perfectly. I can't believe it, our first toilet installation, and guess what! It's a no brain-er!
The best part of this two day renovation was the opportunity to work with my daughter, who just loves construction. We laughed and talked the days away. It doesn't really seem like something you would plan with your children as a form of bonding or even entertainment, but we had a great time together.
I can't wait for the next project, the kitchen counter, it is definitely time to get the chicken tiles off the walls.

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