Sofia Martinez
A toilet flange, also known as a closet flange, is a ring that sits on the floor beneath a toilet and extends into the drain pipe. It is important to set the correct toilet flange height to ensure a good seal and prevent leaks. The correct height for a toilet flange is about 1/4 inch above the floor. If the flange is too high, you can cut it down, and if it is simply misaligned, it is best to remove it and install a new one with proper alignment. When replacing a toilet flange, you will need to remove the bolts and screws that attach the toilet to the floor and the flange, clean the area, and install a new wax ring that fits your new flange.
Characteristics and Values of Sealing a Plastic Toilet Flange
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flange height | 1/4 inch above the floor |
| Flange material | PVC, cast iron, brass |
| Sealant | Wax ring, silicone caulk |
| Sealant application | Rock toilet bowl side to side to break seal, lift toilet bowl and lay on side, clean old wax ring from flange, attach new wax ring to bowl or flange, lower bowl and apply pressure to set seal |
| Flange repair | Flange repair ring, extension rings, fill around flange with concrete and attach repair flange |
| Flange replacement | Remove anchor bolts, lift toilet, remove old flange, measure exposed drain pipe, secure new flange with screws, slide bolts into new flange |
| Additional tips | Use rust-proof screws, cover bolt slots with painter's tape before setting floor, use flange extender if flange is below floor level |
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What You'll Learn
- Use a wax ring to seal the toilet bowl to the flange
- Use a flange repair kit to fix a broken flange
- Use a mechanical test plug to prevent sewer gases from escaping during remodelling
- Use a hacksaw to cut down a toilet flange that is too high
- Use a flange extender to raise the height of an existing flange
Use a wax ring to seal the toilet bowl to the flange
Toilets are sealed to the floor flange with a wax ring. The correct height for a toilet flange is about 1/4 inch above the floor. The thickness of your floor will dictate the required thickness of the wax ring. If a thicker tile has been installed since the original toilet was placed, you’ll need a thicker wax ring.
To replace an old wax ring with a new one, start by gently rocking the toilet bowl from side to side to break the old seal. Lift the toilet bowl and lay it on its side on a tarp or towels. Plug the drain pipe with a towel or old T-shirt to prevent unpleasant odours from escaping. Scrape away the old wax ring from the bottom of the toilet and base of the flange using a putty knife or paint scraper. Remove the mounting bolts and screws and set them aside if they are in good condition.
Next, install a new wax ring that fits your new flange. You can either attach the replacement wax ring to the bottom of the bowl or centre the wax ring over the flange before lowering the bowl into place. Place the toilet bowl atop the new flange, aligning the bolt holes in the base of the bowl with the flange bolts.
Lower the bowl down and 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 result in leaks. Replace the washers and nuts on each toilet bowl bolt and tighten the nuts onto the bolts, being careful not to over-tighten. Replace the bolt caps and the toilet tank. Reattach the water supply line and test the toilet for leaks.
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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)
Use a flange repair kit to fix a broken flange
If your toilet flange is broken, you can use a flange repair kit to fix it. This is a more straightforward process than replacing the entire flange. Flange repair kits are available in steel or plastic.
First, you will need to inspect the flange for cracks or decay. If the drain section is damaged or rusted, then a complete replacement is necessary. However, if the damage is minimal, a repair kit will work.
The repair kit will include a ring that sits over the top of the broken flange. Place the ring over the old flange and use the provided screws to secure it to the floor. If your kit does not include screws, you can use concrete anchors or wood screws, depending on your floor type. Once the ring is secure, seal between the two pieces with silicone.
After the repair kit is in place, you will need to put on a new wax ring. Turn the toilet bowl onto its side and firmly press the ring into place, ensuring it covers the hole at the bottom of the bowl. Then, align the flange bolts with the holes in the bowl and lower the bowl into place. Press down on the bowl to ensure the wax ring is sealed to both the bowl and the flange.
Finally, reattach the bowl to the floor and bolt the tank back on. Test the toilet for leaks by turning on the water shutoff valve and flushing the toilet.
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Use a mechanical test plug to prevent sewer gases from escaping during remodelling
If you're remodelling a bathroom and keeping the existing flange, a mechanical test plug will prevent sewer gases from escaping during the work. A mechanical test plug, such as the Oatey 33402 Mechanical Test Plug, fits inside the flange and has a gasket that is expanded with a wing nut, providing an airtight and watertight seal.
To install the plug, first confirm the diameter of the exposed drain pipe and use this measurement to find a replacement flange. If the old flange is in good condition, bring it with you to a hardware store to find the right replacement. Slide the toilet flange bolts into the new flange and secure the new flange to the subfloor with the provided hardware. If no hardware was provided, use wood screws or cement screws, depending on your subfloor material.
Once the new flange is secure, fit the mechanical test plug inside the flange. Turn the wing nut on top of the plug until it is secure and provides a complete seal. This will prevent sewer gases from escaping during your remodelling work.
After completing your remodelling work, remove the mechanical test plug by loosening the wing nut and lifting the plug out of the flange. You can then proceed with installing the toilet bowl and wax ring to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks.
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Use a hacksaw to cut down a toilet flange that is too high
If your toilet flange is too high, you can cut it down with a hacksaw. The correct height for a toilet flange is about 1/4 inch above a finished floor.
Before you start cutting, make sure you have the right safety equipment, including gloves and eye protection. You may also want to plug the drain pipe with a towel or old T-shirt to prevent unpleasant odours from escaping and to stop small parts from falling down the drain.
To cut down the flange, measure the height you need to cut it down by and mark this on the flange. Then, use the hacksaw to carefully cut through the flange at the marked point. You may need to use a mini hacksaw to cut into the fitting and wedge out pieces. Once you have cut down the flange, use a level to check that the surrounding area is flat. If it is not, you may need to use a rub brick and the mini hacksaw to angle into the surrounding area and level it out.
After cutting the flange down to size, ensure that there is a secure seal between the flange and the toilet. You can do this by installing a new wax ring that fits your flange. The thickness of the wax ring will depend on the thickness of your floor. Place the wax ring on the flange, not on the toilet, and then set the toilet over the flange, ensuring that the bolts come through the bolt holes in the toilet base. Push the toilet straight down so it smashes the wax evenly, until the base of the toilet rests on the floor.
If you have never cut down a toilet flange before, or if you are unsure about any part of the process, it is best to call a professional to ensure that everything is installed properly and to avoid leaks and a wobbling toilet.
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Use a flange extender to raise the height of an existing flange
If your toilet flange is too low, you can use a flange extender to raise it to the correct height. The correct height for a toilet flange is about 1/4 inch above the finished floor.
Flange extenders are commonly sold in 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch sizes, and most come with long bolts. If your flange is made of a different material than PVC, make sure you follow the specific instructions for that material.
To install a flange extender, first, dry fit the extender onto the old closet flange and place a torpedo level on it to check if it is level. If it is not level, you will need to shim your toilet when you install it.
Next, either slide the new closet flange bolts into the old flange before adding the extender or add them after you adhere the extender to the old flange. Then, add metal washers and nuts to the bolts and tighten them with a crescent wrench.
Finally, bolt the extender to the original flange. It is a good idea to use a nut and washer to hold the closet bolts to the flange from the top side. This will make it easier to remove the bolts in the future and prevent you from knocking them over during installation.
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Frequently asked questions
A toilet flange, also known as a closet flange, is the ring that sits on the floor beneath your toilet and extends into the drain pipe. It can be made of cast iron, brass, or PVC.
If you have a gasket-sealed PVC flange, which is the most common type, you can lift it straight up from the drain pipe once the screws have been removed. Clean the area around the drain pipe and install a new wax ring that fits your new flange. The thickness of your floor will dictate the required thickness of the wax ring. Place the toilet bowl atop the new flange, aligning the bolt holes in the base of the bowl with the flange bolts.
If your toilet is leaking from the base, you may need to replace the flange. You can use a flange repair kit, which will allow you to repair the flange without removing the existing flange and plumbing connection. If the flange is broken, you may need to replace it.
