Alexei Volkov
A leaking toilet can be a stressful experience, but replacing a plastic toilet flange can be a quick fix. Before starting, ensure you have the correct replacement flange by taking the old one to your local hardware store. The process of replacing the flange involves cleaning the wax ring, removing the mounting bolts and screws, and lifting out the old flange. If the flange is glued to the drain pipe, it's best to call a plumber to avoid damaging the pipe. Once the old flange is removed, measure the exposed drain pipe to ensure the new flange will fit. Secure the new flange with screws, slide in the bolts, and attach a new wax ring. Place the toilet bowl on top, aligning the bolt holes, and apply pressure to set the seal. Tighten the nuts and washers, being careful not to over-tighten, and reattach the tank and water supply line. Finally, test for leaks by turning on the water shutoff valve.
How to Replace a Plastic Toilet Flange
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Clean the wax ring from the bottom of the toilet and base of the flange by scraping it away with a putty knife or paint scraper |
| Step 2 | Remove the mounting bolts and screws. If they are in good condition, set them aside for reuse |
| Step 3 | If you have a gasket-sealed PVC flange, simply lift it from the outflow pipe |
| Step 4 | If the flange is metal or glued to the drain pipe, call a licensed plumber to remove it |
| Step 5 | Measure the diameter of the exposed drain pipe |
| Step 6 | Secure the new flange to the subfloor with hardware, wood screws or cement screws |
| Step 7 | Slide the toilet flange bolts into the new flange and secure them with washers and nuts |
| Step 8 | Install a new wax ring that fits your new flange. The thickness of the wax ring will depend on the thickness of your floor |
| Step 9 | Place the toilet bowl atop the new flange, aligning the bolt holes in the base of the bowl with the flange bolts |
| Step 10 | Lower the bowl down and apply pressure to set the seal. Be careful not to move or tilt the toilet as this could break the seal and cause leaks |
| Step 11 | Replace the washers and nuts on each toilet bowl bolt and tighten the nuts onto the bolts, being careful not to over-tighten |
| Step 12 | Replace the bolt caps and the toilet tank, securing it by tightening each tank bolt |
| Step 13 | Reattach the water supply line and test the toilet for leaks by slowly turning on the water shutoff valve |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the wax ring with a putty knife
To clean the wax ring with a putty knife, begin by placing the toilet bowl on its side on a towel or cloth to protect the floor. This will give you access to the wax ring at the bottom of the bowl. Scrape away the wax ring from the bottom of the toilet and the base of the flange using a putty knife or a paint scraper. Ensure that you remove all the wax residue effectively. This step is crucial to ensure a proper seal when installing the new wax ring.
Once the old wax ring is completely removed, inspect the condition of the flange and the bottom of the toilet bowl. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear and ensure that the surfaces are clean and free of debris. If the flange is damaged or corroded, it may need to be replaced as well. If the toilet bowl shows signs of deterioration, you may need to consult a professional or consider repairing or replacing it.
When cleaning the wax ring with the putty knife, be careful not to scratch or damage the surfaces of the toilet bowl or the flange. Work carefully and deliberately, maintaining control of your scraping motions. Keep a steady grip on the putty knife to avoid slipping and accidentally gouging the surfaces. If the wax is hard or stubborn, you may need to soften it with a heat gun or a hair dryer before scraping.
After cleaning the wax ring, it is important to prepare the surfaces for the new wax ring installation. Use a suitable solvent or cleaner to wipe down the bottom of the toilet bowl and the top surface of the flange. This will remove any remaining wax residue, dirt, or grime, ensuring a clean surface for the new wax ring to adhere properly. A clean and dry surface is essential for an effective and long-lasting seal.
Properly dispose of the scraped wax and any cleaning materials used during the process. Wax residue can be disposed of in the regular garbage, but it is advisable to check with your local waste management guidelines. Ensure that you recycle or dispose of any solvents or cleaning solutions according to their specific instructions and environmental guidelines. With the surfaces prepared, you can proceed to install the new wax ring, carefully following the manufacturer's instructions.
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![Danco 88904 Toilet Flange Repair Ring, Steel, [Finish]<, For Use With 1/4 in or 5/16 in Closet Bolts](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61pR-8dbmkS._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Remove mounting bolts and screws
To remove the mounting bolts and screws, start by cleaning the wax ring from the bottom of the toilet and the base of the flange. Scrape away the wax with a putty knife or paint scraper. Be sure to remove all the wax so that the bolts and screws are exposed.
Once the wax is removed, you can locate the mounting bolts and screws. These are typically found at the base of the toilet, connecting the toilet bowl to the flange. There may be two or more bolts, depending on the toilet design. Using the appropriate tools, such as a screwdriver or wrench, begin to loosen the screws and bolts. Place them in a safe location if they are in good condition and may be reused.
If you encounter any resistance or difficulty in removing the bolts and screws, they may be rusted or corroded. Applying a penetrating lubricant or rust remover can help loosen them. Allow the lubricant to soak for a few minutes before attempting to remove the fasteners again. You can also try using a rust penetrant spray to break down the rust and make the fasteners easier to remove.
In some cases, the bolts may be too tight or difficult to access. If standard tools are not sufficient, you may need to use a specialized tool such as a bolt extractor or a hacksaw. A bolt extractor can grip and remove stripped or damaged bolts, while a hacksaw can be used to cut through the bolts if necessary. Always wear appropriate safety gear when using power tools.
If you are unable to remove the mounting bolts and screws, or if the flange is sealed to the pipe, it is important to call a licensed plumber for assistance. Attempting to force the removal can damage the drain pipe, leading to more costly repairs. A professional plumber will have the expertise and tools to safely remove the bolts and screws without causing further damage.
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Lift the flange from the outflow pipe
Lifting the flange from the outflow pipe is a crucial step in replacing a plastic toilet flange. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Prepare the Work Area:
Before beginning, ensure you have turned off the water supply to the toilet. This supply knob is typically located on the wall behind the unit, closer to the floor. Plug the drain pipe with a towel, old T-shirt, or a disposable rag to prevent unpleasant odours and gases from escaping and to catch any residual water.
Remove the Old Flange:
Start by scraping away the wax ring from the bottom of the toilet and the base of the flange using a putty knife or a paint scraper. Clean the area thoroughly. Remove the mounting bolts and screws, and set them aside if they are in good condition for potential reuse.
Lift the Flange:
If you have a gasket-sealed PVC flange, the most common type, simply lift it from the outflow pipe. If the flange is metal or glued to the drain pipe, do not attempt to lift it out yourself as you may damage the pipe. Instead, call a licensed plumber to remove it for you.
Measure and Purchase a New Flange:
Once the old flange is removed, measure the diameter of the exposed drain pipe. Take these measurements with you to your local hardware store or plumbing supply store to purchase a new flange of the corresponding size, type, and shape.
Install the New Flange:
Follow the instructions provided with your new flange for installation. Typically, you will secure the new flange to the subfloor using the provided hardware or screws, depending on your subfloor material. Slide the toilet flange bolts into the new flange and secure them with washers and nuts.
Remember to exercise caution and seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any part of the process.
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Secure the new flange with hardware
When securing a new toilet flange, the first step is to ensure that the new flange is securely attached to the subfloor. This can be done using the provided hardware, or, if no hardware was provided, you can use wood screws or cement screws, depending on your subfloor material.
Next, slide the toilet flange bolts into the new flange. These bolts should be secured with washers and nuts. It is important not to over-tighten the nuts, as this could result in cracked porcelain. Once the bolts are secure, replace the bolt caps.
At this point, you can replace the toilet tank. Align the shank of the bolts with the holes in the bowl and secure the tank by tightening each tank bolt until the tank meets the bowl.
Finally, reattach the water supply line and test for leaks by slowly turning on the water shutoff valve and allowing the tank to fill.
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Reattach the water supply line
Once you have replaced the toilet tank, you can reattach the water supply line. This is a crucial step in the process of replacing a plastic toilet flange, as it will allow you to test for leaks.
To reattach the water supply line, locate the water shutoff valve. This valve is usually found near the base of the toilet, and it controls the flow of water to the toilet. Ensure that the valve is turned off before proceeding.
Next, take the water supply line and attach it securely to the toilet. There should be a specific port or connection point for the water supply line on the toilet fixture. Tighten any connections by hand and ensure that the line is firmly attached.
After reattaching the water supply line, open the shutoff valve slowly. This will allow water to flow back into the tank and refill it. As the tank fills, carefully observe any potential leaks. Check the water supply line connections for any signs of dripping or leaking. Also, inspect the base of the toilet and the new flange for any water seepage.
If you notice any leaks, immediately shut off the water supply and check all connections for tightness and proper alignment. Ensure that the water supply line is securely attached and that there is no damage to the line or any other components. If necessary, tighten connections further, but be careful not to overtighten and cause damage. Once you are satisfied that there are no leaks, your new plastic toilet flange is successfully installed, and your toilet is ready to use.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to clean the wax ring from the bottom of the toilet and the base of the flange by scraping it away with a putty knife or paint scraper.
Remove the mounting bolts and screws. If they are in good condition, set them aside for reuse.
If you have a gasket-sealed PVC flange, simply lift it from the outflow pipe. If the flange is metal or glued to the drain pipe, it is best to call a licensed plumber to avoid damaging the drain pipe.
Secure the new flange to the subfloor with the provided hardware or wood/cement screws. Slide the toilet flange bolts into the new flange and secure them with washers and nuts.
