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Replacing your toilet flange helps stabilize a wobbly toilet and prevents water damage to your bathroom floor. It may seem challenging, but this project is manageable for many homeowners with basic plumbing skills. We’ll explain the process of installing a new toilet flange so you get a secure and leak-free setup. Follow along with This Old House plumbing expert Richard Trethewey in the video above.
Signs You Need a New Flange
A toilet flange connects the toilet to the drainpipe and secures it to the floor. Over time, flanges can become damaged, corroded, or improperly aligned, leading to a rocking toilet and potential leaks.
Look out for these indicators that you need a replacement:
- Unexplainable foul odors coming from the toilet area
- Rocking or wobbling toilet
- Visible cracks or damage to the existing flange
- Water leaks around the base of the toilet
Type of Toilet Flanges
When installing a toilet flange, you’ll need to select the right type for your situation. Each type has unique features and is made for different scenarios. Below is a breakdown of each type of toilet flange.
- Cast iron flanges: Cast iron flanges are durable and long-lasting. Commonly used in older homes, they withstand heavy use and maintain their strength over time.
- PVC flanges: PVC flanges, known for being lightweight and corrosion-resistant, are a popular choice for modern homes. They’re easy to install and affordable, making them widely used in both new builds and renovations.
- Brass flanges: Brass flanges are sturdy and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for areas with high moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Stainless steel flanges: Stainless steel flanges are durable and rust-resistant, making them suitable for various applications. They offer long-term reliability and can handle exposure to moisture without corroding.
Tools and Materials for Toilet Flange Installation
Here are the materials and tools you’ll need to install a new toilet flange:
- Brass ring
- Close-quarters hacksaw
- Closet bolts
- Cold chisel
- Flat pry bar
- New toilet flange (compression type)
- Permanent marker
- Ratchet wrench and sockets
- Rubber gasket
- Small sledgehammer
- Stainless steel screws
- Wax ring
Steps To Install a New Toilet Flange
Follow our steps below to replace your toilet flange. When working on plumbing projects, always prioritize safety. We recommend taking the following precautions:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
- Wear protective eyewear and gloves.
- Make sure your work area has proper ventilation.
- Use caution when handling sharp tools and broken materials.
Step 1: Separate the Flange From the Drainpipe
- Use a small sledgehammer and cold chisel to carefully break the old cast-iron closet flange away from the toilet’s drainpipe (closet bend).
- Work slowly and methodically around the flange, being cautious not to damage the underlying pipe.
- Once loosened, use a flat pry bar to remove the old flange completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Floor
- Set the new compression flange over the toilet’s drainpipe and trace around it with a marker.
- Use a hammer and cold chisel to carefully remove any tile or flooring material that prevents the flange from sitting flat.
- Make sure the area is clean and level for proper installation.
Step 3: Secure the New Flange
- Press the rubber gasket onto the new closet flange, ensuring the gasket’s tapered edge faces down.
- Set the brass ring on top of the rubber gasket and tap it down gently with a hammer.
- Use a ratchet wrench to tighten the four stainless-steel screws, securing the flange to the floor.
- Insert two new closet bolts into the slots in the closet flange.
Step 4: Create a Watertight Seal
- Press a new wax ring firmly onto the flange.
- Carefully lower the toilet onto the flange, making sure the closet bolts pass through the holes in the toilet’s base.
- Add a white plastic base, brass washer, and hex nut to each closet bolt.
- Alternately tighten each nut with a ratchet wrench, being careful not to over-tighten and crack the toilet base.
Step 5: Finalize the Installation
- Trim the closet screws to size using a close-quarter hacksaw.
- Snap on the plastic covers to conceal the bolts.
- Reconnect the water supply line to the toilet.
- Turn on the water by opening the toilet’s shut-off valve.
- Allow the toilet to fill, then flush and check for leaks.
- Gently rock the toilet to make sure it’s stable. If necessary, carefully tighten the closet bolts a bit more.
Tips for Successful Toilet Flange Installation
Though installing a toilet flange is straightforward, mistakes can happen. Keep the following in mind to prevent issues:
- Double-check the fit: Before making any permanent installations, double-check that the new flange fits securely over the drainpipe and sits flat on the floor without any obstructions.
- Level the toilet: If your bathroom floor is uneven, use toilet shims to level the toilet and prevent any rocking or wobbling.
- Use quality materials: Invest in high-quality materials, such as a robust rubber gasket and stainless steel screws.
Troubleshooting Common Toilet Flange Issues
Below are some common issues and their solutions.
Leaks Around the Base
Pooling water around the base of the toilet after installation could indicate a poor wax ring seal. Remove the toilet carefully and inspect the wax ring. Properly center the ring and then reinstall the toilet, making sure it sits evenly on the wax ring.
Toilet Still Rocks
If your toilet continues to rock after installing the new flange, check the flange level. Use toilet shims to correct any unevenness in the floor. You can find these shims at any hardware store, which are easy to install.
Flushing Problems
A misaligned flange can obstruct the flow of water and waste. If you experience issues, check the flange alignment. Verify that the flange is properly seated on the drainpipe and secured tightly to the floor.
Additional Considerations
When installing your toilet flange, keep these additional considerations in mind to guarantee a durable and effective repair.
Choose the Right Flange
Consider the material of your drainpipe and the environment in which the flange will be installed. For example, if your bathroom is prone to high moisture, a brass or stainless steel flange may be the best choice for its corrosion-resistant properties.
Professional Assistance
Many homeowners can install a new toilet flange on their own. However, there may be situations where you need professional assistance. If you encounter complex plumbing issues or if the old flange is severely damaged, we suggest calling a plumber for your project.
Regular Maintenance
To keep your toilet functioning properly and avoid future issues with the flange, inspect the area around the base of the toilet for signs of wear or leaks and address any issues promptly.
