Maya Ellison
Replacing a plastic toilet flange can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it is achievable. The process involves removing the old flange, cleaning the area, and installing a new flange. This may involve breaking the old flange with a hammer and chisel, or simply lifting it from the outflow pipe if it is not glued. It is important to note that if the flange is glued, a licensed plumber should be called to avoid damaging the drain pipe. Once the old flange is removed, a new one can be secured with screws or adhesive, depending on the type of flange and subfloor material. The toilet can then be placed back on the new flange, and the bolts and washers tightened to secure it in place.
How to Replace a Plastic Toilet Flange
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to replace | When the flange is cracked, broken, or rusted |
| Tools required | Putty knife or paint scraper, hammer, chisel, oscillating multi-tool, inside cutter, chipping hammer |
| Steps | 1. Clean the wax ring from the bottom of the toilet and base of the flange using a putty knife or paint scraper. 2. Remove the mounting bolts and screws. 3. If it is a gasket-sealed PVC flange, lift it from the outflow pipe. If it is metal or glued to the drain pipe, call a licensed plumber to remove it safely. 4. Measure the diameter of the exposed drain pipe and find a suitable replacement flange. 5. Secure the new flange to the subfloor using provided hardware or screws, depending on the subfloor material. 6. Slide the toilet flange bolts into the new flange and secure them with washers and nuts. 7. Install a new wax ring that fits the new flange, ensuring it matches the thickness of your floor. 8. Rest the toilet bowl on its side, protecting the floor with a towel or cloth, and attach the replacement wax ring to the bottom of the bowl. 9. Place the toilet bowl atop the new flange, aligning the bolt holes, and apply pressure to set the seal. 10. Replace the washers, nuts, and bolt caps, tightening carefully to avoid over-tightening. 11. Reattach the toilet tank and water supply line, testing for leaks by slowly turning on the water shutoff valve. |
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What You'll Learn
Assess the damage
Before you begin to replace a plastic toilet flange, it is important to assess the damage and determine the extent of the problem. Here are some steps to follow:
First, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to remove any remaining water from the tank and bowl. You can sponge up any residual water in the tank. This step is crucial to prevent water leakage during the repair process.
Next, carefully inspect the toilet flange and its surrounding area. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear and tear. Pay close attention to the bolts, screws, and washers that secure the flange in place. Check if they are loose, missing, or damaged. If the bolts are intact, you can set them aside for possible reuse later on.
If you have a gasket-sealed PVC flange, which is the most common type, try lifting it gently from the outflow pipe. If it comes off easily, you can proceed with the replacement. However, if the flange is metal or glued to the drain pipe, it is best to call a licensed plumber for assistance. Attempting to remove a glued-in flange on your own can potentially damage the drain pipe, leading to more costly repairs.
Once you have successfully removed the old flange or determined that it needs professional attention, take measurements of the exposed drain pipe. These measurements will be crucial for purchasing the correctly sized replacement flange. It is always a good idea to bring the old flange with you to the hardware store or home improvement centre to ensure you get an exact match.
Additionally, examine the subfloor around the drain pipe. If there are any signs of damage, warping, or deterioration, you may need to cut out the affected area and replace it with a suitable underlayment before proceeding with the flange replacement.
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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)
Prepare the new flange
When preparing to install a new toilet flange, there are several important steps to follow to ensure a secure and leak-free setup. Firstly, it is crucial to select the appropriate type of flange for your specific situation. Different types of flanges are available, such as PVC, ABS, cast iron, brass, or stainless steel, each with unique features and suitability for different applications. For example, PVC flanges are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and affordable, making them popular for modern homes, while brass flanges are ideal for areas with high moisture due to their corrosion resistance. Consider factors such as durability, ease of installation, and resistance to corrosion when selecting the flange type.
Once you have chosen the suitable flange type, ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools for the installation process. This includes items like a robust rubber gasket, stainless steel screws, a small sledgehammer, cold chisel, protective eyewear, gloves, and proper ventilation for your work area. Before beginning any work, turn off the water supply to the toilet to avoid potential leaks during the installation.
The next step is to carefully remove the old cast-iron closet flange from the toilet's drainpipe, also known as the closet bend. Work slowly and cautiously around the flange to avoid damaging the underlying pipe. Use the small sledgehammer and cold chisel to break the old flange away from the drainpipe. After removing the old flange, double-check that the new flange fits securely over the drainpipe and sits flat on the floor without any obstructions. This step is crucial to ensure a proper fit and prevent future issues.
Additionally, if you are installing the toilet flange before setting the tile or flooring, remember to use painter's tape to cover the slots where the toilet bolts will go. This will prevent mortar from entering these slots and causing unnecessary cleanup or debris issues. Alternatively, some plumbers might tape cardboard over the flange for added protection during the flooring process. These steps will help prepare the new flange for installation, ensuring a smooth and successful process.
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Remove the old flange
Before you begin the process of removing the old toilet flange, make sure you have the right tools and safety gear. Gather gloves, screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, pliers, a shop vac, and a helper. It is also important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection.
Start by turning off the water supply to the toilet. The supply knob is typically located on the wall behind the toilet, closer to the floor. Turn the knob in a clockwise direction to shut off the water. Once the water is turned off, flush the toilet a few times to drain the tank and bowl. Use a plunger to help remove any remaining water, and use sponges or towels to soak up any residual water.
The next step is to disconnect the water supply hose from the toilet. Keep a bucket or towels nearby to catch any water that may drain from the hose. To prevent water damage to your floors, lay down a tarp, towels, or newspaper. Now, you can remove the nuts from the mounting bolts that hold the tank onto the bowl using a wrench.
If your toilet was sealed to the floor with caulk, gently rock it side to side to break the seal. With a helper, carefully lift the toilet straight up and place it on its side on a towel. Plug the drain pipe with a towel or an old t-shirt to prevent unpleasant odors and sewer gases from entering your home.
Finally, remove the old toilet flange. Scrape off any remaining wax from the drain pipe and toilet with a putty knife or paint scraper. Remove the mounting bolts and screws, and set them aside for possible reuse. If the screws are in good condition, you may want to keep them for future use. If the flange is stubborn, you may need to use a chisel and hammer to pry out pieces or cut it into pieces with a Dremel tool. Once the flange is removed, use a shop vac and a rag to clean up any debris.
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Install the new flange
To install the new flange, start by securing the new flange to the subfloor using the provided hardware. If no hardware was included, use wood screws or cement screws, depending on the type of subfloor you have. Next, insert the toilet flange bolts into the new flange and secure them with washers and nuts. There is no need to use an adhesive if you are installing a gasket-sealed PVC flange.
Now, install a new wax ring that fits your new flange. The thickness of the wax ring will depend on the thickness of your floor. If you have recently installed thicker tiles, you will need a thicker wax ring. One option is to place the toilet bowl on its side (on a towel or cloth to protect the floor) and attach the new wax ring to the bottom of the bowl.
Then, place the toilet bowl on top of the new flange, aligning the bolt holes in the base of the bowl with the flange bolts. Apply pressure to set the seal. Be careful not to move or tilt the toilet after setting it on the wax ring, as this could break the seal and cause leaks.
Finally, replace the washers and nuts on each toilet bowl bolt and evenly tighten the nuts. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this could crack the porcelain bowl. Replace the bolt caps and the toilet tank, securing it by tightening each tank bolt until the tank meets the bowl. Reattach the water supply line and slowly turn on the water shutoff valve to test for leaks.
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Reattach the toilet
Once you have replaced the flange, you can reattach the toilet. Start by placing the toilet bowl atop the new flange, aligning the bolt holes in the base of the bowl with the flange bolts. Holding the bowl by the inside rim may help you get a better grip. Carefully lower the bowl down and apply pressure to set the seal.
Be mindful not to move or tilt the toilet after setting it on the wax ring, as this could break the seal and result in future leaks. Replace the washers and nuts on each toilet bowl bolt and tighten the nuts onto the bolts evenly. Avoid over-tightening the nuts, as this may crack the porcelain bowl. Replace the bolt caps.
Now, replace the toilet tank atop the bowl and align the shank of the bolts with the holes in the bowl. Secure the tank by tightening each tank bolt until the tank pulls down and meets the bowl. Reattach the water supply line.
Finally, test the toilet for leaks by slowly turning on the water shutoff valve, allowing the tank to fill.
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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. This can be done by scraping it away with a putty knife or paint scraper.
If the flange is glued to the drain pipe, do not attempt to remove it yourself as this could damage the pipe. Instead, call a licensed plumber to remove it for you.
If no hardware was provided, use wood screws or cement screws, depending on your subfloor material.
