Can a cracked toilet flange be repaired?

Author: Kavon Skiles  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

The other option is to use a flange repair kit, which has a plastic ring that sits over the top of the broken flange. With a flange repair kit, all you need to do is set it over the top of the old flange, use the included screws to secure it down to the floor, and then seal between the two pieces with silicone.

How much does it cost to repair a broken toilet flange?

If your toilet is creaking or wobbling, you may need to replace the flange. For a plumber, replacing a toilet flange is a quick and easy job. Replacing a toilet flange costs $145 to $165 on average.

Do toilet flange repair kits work?

Customers say the Oatey Fix-it Flange Repair Ring is a reliable and easy-to-install solution for repairing damaged toilet flanges. Many users appreciate its sturdy design, compatibility with various bolt sizes, and the ability to use it over existing flanges, which saves time and costs.

Can you use a toilet with a broken flange?

Usually you would not have to replace the flange, but you should inspect it. If it is bent or has cracks, you replace it. This can happen if someone overtightened the bolts or knocked the toilet hard. Also inspect the subfloor around the flange for any rot.

Do I need a plumber to replace a toilet flange?

PVC flange, the most common type of flange, simply lift it from the outflow pipe. If the flange is metal or glued to the drain pipe and cannot lift out once the bolts are removed, call a licensed plumber to remove it for you.

How to Repair Broken Toilet Flange

How long does it take a plumber to replace a toilet flange?

Plumber labor costs $75 to $150 per hour, and a simple toilet flange replacement takes 1 to 2 hours to remove the toilet, detach and replace the old flange, install a new wax seal, and reseat the toilet properly.

Will a broken toilet flange cause a leak?

If your toilet leaks, there's a good chance that a broken toilet flange is to blame. The flange is the metal coupling on top of the wax ring that secures your toilet to the floor and seals the connection between the toilet and sewer pipe. If either piece becomes worn or broken, you'll likely have a leak on your hands.

How do you repair a cracked toilet flange?

  1. Remove broken flange. Remove the broken or corroded sections of the flange.
  2. Apply silicone. Apply a liberal amount of 100% silicone sealant to the top of the remaining parts of the flange.
  3. Install new Johni-Bolts. ...
  4. Install Repair Ring. ...
  5. Secure Bolts. ...
  6. Allow silicone to cure.

Why would a toilet flange break?

For example, it may break or crack. This is more common if your toilet is loose and rocks back and forth. Eventually, this pressure and stress can cause a full break that will need toilet flange replacement. Also, in some cases your flange may corrode, rust, or deteriorate.

How often should you replace a toilet flange?

Flanges last for about 5-20 years. Worn-out flanges will no longer create a tight seal between the toilet and outflow pipe. As a result, when you flush, the toilet will leak at the base. By replacing the closet flange you will be able to stop the base from leaking.

Can you put a new toilet flange over an old one?

Can you put a new toilet flange over an old one? A standard toilet flange should fit snugly into the outflow pipe and sit level with the subfloor. Installing a new one without first removing the old one will make it impossible to form a seal and keep the toilet bowl bolted securely in place.

Are toilet flanges glued or screwed?

Taking after the name “water closet,” the traditional name for a toilet, closet flanges are typically made of PVC, rubber, copper, brass, stainless steel or metal and can be secured in place with bolts or screws. A rubber gasket and wax ring tightly seal the flange to the bottom of the toilet.

How to tell if a toilet flange needs to be replaced?

In addition to your toilet rocking, there are other warning signs that may indicate your flange is broken including:
  1. Visible leaks beneath the toilet.
  2. Flooring surrounding the toilet feels soft.
  3. Water spots appearing on the ceiling located directly below the toilet.

What is a toilet flange extender?

It's an a Push Tite gasketed closet flange. Simply push this down into the old closet flange and secure it to the wood subfloor with galvanized or stainless steel screws.

What is a common cause for a cracked mounting flange?

A cracked mounting flange is commonly caused by impact loading and loose mounting brackets, which can create undue stress and vibration. Faulty ignition timing and excessive torque on mounting bolts are less likely to directly cause cracking.

Can I replace a toilet flange myself?

Replacing a Broken Toilet Flange

Scrape off the old wax on the drain pipe and toilet with a putty knife. Unscrew the toilet flange and remove it. Put the new flange in the drain pipe and screw it into the subfloor. Reverse the steps to replace the toilet and turn the water on.

Why do toilet levers break?

Sometimes the lever arm becomes corroded and rusted to the point of breaking, especially for those with hard water.

What causes a toilet flange to break?

The ring is a wax seal in the floor flange, and together they make the toilet flange. A faulty or broken flange may be attributed to a loose or worn-out wax seal.

Is there any way to fix a cracked toilet?

Hairline cracks often can be patched with porcelain epoxy. Larger cracks or cracks that penetrate a tank or bowl usually cannot be repaired, requiring toilet replacement.

What to do with a broken flange?

How To Repair Toilet Flange
  1. Insert The Repair Ring. After removing the broken or corroded sections of the flange, apply a generous amount of silicone sealant. ...
  2. Fit The Repaired Or New Flange Into The Drain Pipe. ...
  3. Tighten The Screws. ...
  4. Unplug The Outflow Pipe. ...
  5. Adjust The Wax Ring. ...
  6. Reinstall The Toilet.

Can you repair a cracked toilet flange?

The other option is to use a flange repair kit, which has a plastic ring that sits over the top of the broken flange. With a flange repair kit, all you need to do is set it over the top of the old flange, use the included screws to secure it down to the floor, and then seal between the two pieces with silicone.

Can a toilet leak under the floor from the bottom?

Seeing water leaking from the base of your toilet is usually a sign that some plumbing connections aren't fully tightened. There's no need to panic, as this can be easily fixed with some simple DIY know-how.

How do you stop a flange from leaking?

To fix this issue, it is crucial to follow proper installation procedures. This includes ensuring that the flange faces are parallel and in contact with each other, using the appropriate gasket material, tightening the bolts in the correct sequence and torque, and applying a suitable sealant or lubricant.

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