How to Replace a Toilet Flange

Before we tell you how to replace a toilet flange, we must be sure that you have properly identified the problem. It's a lot of work, and you don't want to start the project if it's not necessary.

What Is a Toilet Flange?

Also referred to as a closet flange, this metal fitting connects the toilet to the drain pipe with a wax ring sealing the deal. A flange doesn't necessarily need to be replaced, it can be reinforced with a closet ring.

Do I Need to Replace the Flange?

If water is leaking from the base of your toilet, then I have bad news for you...you might need to replace your toilet flange. The good news is this part is affordable but is it's not a fun job to perform. You will want to catch any issue before it becomes a leak, so in this case you would look for poor anchoring (the bolts may be bent, or may have stripped out the slot). Check to see if the toilet rocks.

If the toilet is rocking then it will eventually lead to a break in the seal. The seal is made of wax and is designed to mold into place and fill any uneven surfaces. If your toilet is rocking and/or moving it will smash the beeswax, making it thinner and thinner until it no longer functions as designed. This is a serious problem because often toilets leak slow enough that it goes unnoticed underneath the flooring causing structural damage before you are aware it's there. Once the sub-flooring gets waterlogged it will swell and begin to flake apart, but because it is usually covered with tile or linoleum all the damage goes unseen. Though water around your toilet could mean you need a new flange, more often than not it will be the supply lines and shut off valves and not the flange.

If the toilet does not rock, then you probably don't need to replace the flange. If it does rock, try tightening the bolts (be careful not to tighten too much and crack the bowl). If they don't tighten, then you will need to replace the flange.

Replacing a Toilet Flange in 11 Steps

1. The first step is always: shut off the water supply.
2. Unhook the toilet supply line.
3. Remove all the water in the toilet by flushing it as needed.
4. Remove the nuts securing the toilet to the floor and remove the toilet.
5. Take out the screws securing the closet flange to the floor and remove the wax from the seal.
6. Now you may replace the existing flange by removing it and mounting the new one.
7. Before screwing the new flange into the floor you will want to install the bolts for the toilet base.
8. Place the new wax underneath your toilet.
9. Place the toilet over the drain pipe and flange by aligning the bolts to the holes in the toilet base. Press down all around for a firm and even fit.
10. Secure the fit by fastening nuts to the bolts. Once again, be careful about tightening so much that you damage the bowl.
11. Connect the supply line, and you're back in business.

Thanks for Stopping By

Hopefully, this guide on how to replace a toilet flange will prove helpful with your plumbing project. Please give us feedback. Thanks for visiting PlumbersStock, and please share your project with us on social media. If you are wanting to update your toilet seat, tank, etc., we have plenty of deals.