Torquay made the long trip home disappointed after ending their six-match unbeaten run but Wrexham were delighted with their first home win since early November.
Tony Bedeau gave United a good start when he took advantage of a mistake by Dennis Lawrence to gain an early lead but it lasted only three minutes.
They were caught on the break as Andy Morrell hit a low shot past former Wrexham keeper Kevin Dearden, on his first return to his former club.
United were forced to change their team set up three times during the match due to injuries and threw caution to the wind by adding a third striker, then Wrexham put three up front to add to their striking strength in a lively finish.
United were caught on the break again when Morrell crossed, Steve Thomas touched the ball on and Carlos Edwards unleashed a 25-yard drive that surprised Dearden as it flew past him into the net.
Torquay squandered chances and were also denied by Andy Dibble who made a string of good saves.
They survived a penalty appeal early on when Reuben Hazell appeared to hold Hector Sam and prevented the Wrexham striker going for a cross from Edwards.
Referee Lee Cable waved away the protests from Wrexham players and allowed play to go on.
Bedeau missed a sitter midway through the opening half after a clearance from Andy Dibble hit Kevin Hill, who played it back into the striker's path. Another chance went begging when Bedeau set up Matt Hockley, who headed wide.
Substitute Jo Kuffour appeared as substitute for the second half adding a bright touch to the Gull's front line. He nearly scored with his first kick of the ball when Martin Gritton put him through only for Dibble to foil him with an excellent save.
The Wrexham keeper also saved a shot from Jason Fowler on the line and a header from Kevin Hill.
But the Wrexham keeper was in deep trouble later when he completely missed Bedeau's cross and Gritton turned it past the post.
Wrexham introduced Lee Trundle as their third striker and he was only a couple of feet high with a 20 yarder that curled over the crossbar before he missed his next real chance, shooting straight at the keeper.
Wrexham assistant manager Kevin Russell, was delighted with the win, commenting: "It wasn't the best of games, at times it was pretty ugly but the goals were worth the entrance fee. They were fantastic.
"Our problem is that we are giving goals away and it has to stop." From the visitor's camp manager Leroy Rosenior said: "We showed a lot of spirit and played some good football. It was important to keep a clean sheet after we scored for a bit longer than we did.
"We dominated the game for a long time and it's very disappointing that we have nothing to show for it."