**The broken flange is the leading suspect.** A wax ring normally lasts for decades; yearly failure suggests movement or an incorrect fit. Even if the toilet feels firm by hand, it may move slightly when someone sits on it. Wax compresses but doesn’t spring back, so movement can open a leak path. [Oatey’s flange repair guidance](https://www.oatey.ca/faqs-blog-videos-case-studies/blog/how-repair-toilet-flange)

For a lasting repair:

- **Repair or replace the flange.** If only the mounting ring is broken, a suitable repair ring anchored into sound flooring may suffice. If the drain portion or pipe connection is cracked, it needs replacement. Check for soft or rotten flooring while the toilet is off.
- **Make the bowl stable before installing the seal.** Dry-fit it without a ring and use plastic toilet shims wherever needed to eliminate rocking. The floor should support the bowl. [Korky’s installation guidance](https://www.korky.com/toilet-repair-help/why-is-my-toilet-wobbling?retailer=home_hardware)
- **Check flange height.** Ideally, the flange sits on top of the finished floor. A recessed flange may leave a standard ring insufficiently compressed; use a suitable flange extension or the seal thickness specified for that height. [Oatey’s wax-ring guidance](https://www.oatey.ca/faqs-blog-videos-case-studies/blog/oatey-101-wax-rings)
- **Reset carefully.** Remove the old wax, install a fresh ring, and seat the bowl without rocking or lifting it again. Tighten the mounting nuts evenly and gently—excess tightening can crack the porcelain. [Oatey’s installation instructions](https://www.oatey.ca/faqs-blog-videos-case-studies/blog/how-repair-toilet-flange)

Given that both ordinary and reinforced rings have failed, I’d put the effort into fixing the flange and supporting the bowl properly before trying another seal type.