How Do I Replace My Toilet Flange?

  1. Place newspapers or towels on the floor next to the toilet.
  2. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
  3. Flush and siphon the water out of the tank and bowl. Since the water supply is shut off, the tank won’t refill when you flush once and empty its water into the bowl.
  4. Disconnect the water supply hose. Disconnect it at the coupling that attaches to the underside of the toilet tank.
  5. Remove the 2 nuts that attach the toilet to the floor.
  6. Lift the toilet straight up and move it to the newspapers or towels.
  7. Plug up the outflow pipe with an old towel or T-shirt. Push the towel or shirt securely into the pipe, but don’t stuff it down so far or in so tightly that you won’t be able to retrieve it later. Blocking the pipe will prevent unpleasant sewer gases from escaping.
  8. Scrape off the old wax ring with a putty knife.
  9. Take off the screws that attach the flange to the floor.
  10. Remove the flange if it's made out of PVC and sealed with a gasket.
  11. Getting the Right Replacement Flange, measure the interior diameter of the exposed outflow pipe.
  12. Take the old flange to the hardware store and buy a matching one.
  13. Installing the New Flange and Wax Ring, Feed the included bolts into the new flange.
  14. Push the new flange on and into the outflow pipe.
  15. Drive screws through the flange lip and into the flooring.
  16. Remove the towel or T-shirt from the outflow pipe.
  17. Tilt up the toilet and push the new wax ring into place.
  18. Set the toilet straight down on top of the flange.
  19. Place the washers and nuts onto the exposed bolts.
  20. Reconnect the water supply hose.
  21. Turn on the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet multiple times to check for leaks.

How To Replace Toilet Flange

Can You Put A New Toilet Flange Over An Old One?

Yes, on top of the old closet flange, apply a generous bead of 100 percent silicone caulk. And finally, the new closet flange extender. Either slide the new closet flange bolts into the old flange before or after you adhere the extender to the old flange.

What Holds The Toilet Flange To The Floor?

The toilet flange, also known as a closet flange, is the part of the toilet that connects to the drain pipe and secures the unit to the floor. This circular piece is usually made of PVC, rubber, or metal and is held in place with a few bolts.

Do You Have To Replace The Flange When Replacing A Toilet?

If you notice a lot of water pooling at the base of your toilet and inspect it, you'll discover that your flange is cracked or broken, and you'll need to replace it. Make sure to properly measure your drain pipe and drain to ensure you get the right size replacement flange kit.

Is It Necessary To Caulk Around The Toilet Flange?

Caulk keeps a fouling area at bay. There is no way to clean up mop water, bathtub water, or a less pleasant "bathroom liquid" that gets underneath the toilet. This can be avoided by caulking around the base of the toilet.

Does A Toilet Flange Need To Be Screwed To The Floor?

Closet or toilet flanges must be 1/4" higher than the finished floor. This is done to ensure that the wax ring properly seals to the toilet's flange and hub. If a proper seal is not achieved, leaking will occur. If the flange is lower than or flush with the floor, foam rings are made to cover the gap for a proper seal.

How Much Does It Cost To Have A Toilet Flange Replace?

All of the supplies you'll need to replace your toilet flange and wax ring yourself should cost less than $40. Your total installation cost will be closer to $75 if you use a cast iron flange rather than a PVC flange. A plumber will typically charge around $175 to replace your flange.

Also read: The Best Sealant For Leaking Pipe