A broken flange will cause the toilet to move because it is no longer secured to the flange, which is anchored to the subfloor. The constant rocking will likely break the wax seal (located between the toilet and the flange), allowing water to leak onto the substrate and the ceiling below when the toilet is flushed.
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.
Up to 30 years. A flange and its wax seal will often last the life of the toilet, 20 or 30 years, without needing to be changed.
When the toilet flange wears out, you will start to notice leaks at the base of your toilet. The toilet will also become unstable when you use it, rocking back and forth. If you start seeing any of these symptoms, it's time to replace the 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.
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.
A best practice is to install the toilet flange on top of the finished floor. If you install the toilet flange flush with the finished floor, or even below the finished floor, leak paths will form, because the flange won't be at the correct height to accept the horn at the bottom of the toilet.
Among the primary causes of flange damage one such is corrosion, which can be due to exposure of the piping system to harsh chemicals, seawater, or moisture. Under such conditions, the metal material of the flange erodes, weakens, and tends to leak or even fail completely.
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.
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.
One of the most used fixtures in your home, the toilet, on average has a lifespan of 10-15 years. For being used as often as it is, the toilet can withstand a lot. Unfortunately, there will come a time when you need to replace your toilet.
Causes of Toilet Flange Leaks
Cracked or Broken Flange: Years of wear and tear or excessive pressure can lead to cracks or breaks in the flange, causing leaks.
But, the rule of thumb is to replace your toilet every 25 years, due to damage and regular wear and tear. If you have an older toilet, you should consider newer model toilets as they will be more efficient in conserving water and utility costs.
This toilet flange is designed to glue on the inside of the pipe or expand inside the pipe. Leave the old toilet flange in place and glue on the new one at the correct elevation for the floor, if it's plastic. The flange should be sitting with the bottom edge flush with the top of the floor.
Position the new toilet wax ring on top of the toilet flange, ensuring it is centered. Want to know more about choosing the correct wax ring size, crucial installation tips, and other frequently asked questions? Check out our Oatey 101: Wax Rings blog.
Reasons to Caulk Around a Toilet
Moisture Prevention: Without caulk around the toilet base, external water can seep under the toilet, leading to floor and subfloor damage over time. This is especially important in bathrooms with wooden floors, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rot and structural issues.
T bolts, or as Oatey calls them, "Johni-Bolts," are used to connect the toilet (via slots) to the toilet flange.
If your flange is clogged or clogs frequently, it may require professional repair. Cracked or broken flange: If you notice a lot of water pooling at the base of your toilet and find that your flange is cracked or broken, it's time for a toilet flange replacement.
Toilet flanges are usually 3 or 4 inches in diameter, depending on the size of the drainpipe. A flange should fit with the pipe either by fitting comfortably inside of it or sliding over it. The pipe length should be adjusted depending on the floor finishing's thickness.
With average costs for toilet installation ranging from $224 to $533, most people around the country are paying $374 for toilet installation costs.
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.
Using a wax-free seal makes clean up easier and there's less room for error. An argument that one could make for wax-free seals is that they're reusable. If you need to remove the toilet base with a wax ring, you'll need to purchase another ring to reinstall the toilet.
Remove the toilet flange by unscrewing it from the floor. If the screws are in good condition, save them. You may need to pry out pieces of the old flange with a chisel and hammer. If the flange is stubborn, you can cut it into pieces with a Dremel tool.