How long does it take to change a toilet flange?

Author: Dr. Edmond Hills  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

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.

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

In a perfect world, a plumber will remove your toilet, pop out the old flange, pop in the new one, and have everything back to normal in about an hour.

How long does it take for a professional to replace a toilet?

A toilet installation can take between 1 and 4 hours, although this may vary according to your expertise, experience, and the kind of toilet. We always recommend that you hire a reliable plumber for this kind of project because it is quite complex.

How long does it take to replace a toilet pump?

Knowing how to replace a toilet tank fill valve isn't hard to learn. Most do-it-yourself homeowners can handle this project in about 60 minutes. All you need is the most basic understanding of how toilets work, a replacement fill valve kit, and the instructions above.

What are the symptoms of a broken toilet flange?

Some signs indicating your flange needs repair are:
  • There's a foul odour in your washroom.
  • Your toilet pot rocks back and forth when you sit on it.
  • There are leaks at the base of your toilet and in the subflooring.
  • There are loose tiles near the base of the toilet pot.

90% of Toilets Are Installed Wrong (Here’s the Right Way)

Do you 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. Trying to remove a flange that is sealed to the pipe yourself could damage the drain pipe.

What causes a toilet flange to 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.

Do toilet flanges go bad?

Although rather common, a damaged toilet flange must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent leaks that could cause serious damage to your flooring or tile. A broken flange will cause the toilet to move because it is no longer secured to the flange, which is anchored to the subfloor.

Should you caulk around a toilet?

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.

How do you flush a toilet with a broken pump?

Throw a Bucket of Water into the Toilet Bowl

One of the simplest ways to manually flush your toilet is pouring a bucket of water into the toilet bowl. You'll just need a bucket containing a gallon or two of water. Older toilets may need 3-5 gallons of water to start the flushing cycle.

What does a plumber charge to replace a toilet?

Toilet Replacement Labor

The labor cost for installing a toilet can range from $150 to $450 on average, but it can increase based on the complexity of the job and local labor rates. The basic labor usually includes removing the old toilet, installing the new one, and connecting it to existing water and drain lines.

What is the average life of a toilet?

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.

Is it a big job to change a toilet?

It's not too difficult to replace your old toilet, as long as you can connect it to an existing branch of the soil pipe. But if you want to add a new toilet in another part of your home, you should get a professional plumber to connect into the main soil pipe.

How much does a plumber charge to change a toilet flange?

Labor accounts for $75 to $300 for a simple flange replacement, while the toilet flange and wax ring materials cost $10 to $50. Complex flange replacements or projects that involve water damage repairs have higher costs. *Many plumbers have minimum job fees of $100 to $200.

How long does it take a professional to replace a toilet?

Replacing a toilet is a straightforward task for a professional plumber. On average, it takes about two to three hours to remove the old toilet and install the new one.

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.

Is it better to put wax ring on toilet or flange?

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.

Is it against code to caulk around a toilet?

Caulk keeps your toilet secure the floor, and avoids any chance of injury or toilet malfunctioning. It's actually required by the International Plumbing Code to caulk a toilet to the floor, and now knowing the reasoning behind it, why would you not want to?

How often should you Recaulk a toilet?

Signs It's Time to Recaulk Your Bathroom
  1. Mold or mildew beneath the surface of the caulk, indicating water leakage.
  2. Caulk is older than five years.
  3. Dried out or cracked caulk.
  4. Peeling or missing caulk.

What is the life expectancy of a toilet flange?

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.

Do I need a plumber to replace a toilet flange?

If you have the appropriate tools and enough strength to lift the toilet, this could be a good DIY project for you. On the other hand, hiring a plumber to replace the flange will ensure that the job is done right by a licensed, experienced professional.

Should a toilet flange be flush with the floor?

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.

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

Symptoms of a Bad Toilet Flange

Common indicators of flange problems include: Water Leaking at the Base: Water pooling around the toilet base after flushing is a telltale sign that your flange needs replacing, especially if the water is dirty. Unstable Toilet: A rocking or moving toilet may have a damaged flange.

Why is my new toilet rocking back and forth?

An issue with your subfloor may require more than plastic shims or additional washers for a toilet that rocks. Still, if you have a wobbly toilet, we highly recommend removing the base and reinstalling the toilet to see whether the rocking has damaged anything under the toilet or started a leak underneath.

How does a flange fail?

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.

Previous article
What is the healthiest coffee made?
Next article
Where should fresh air intake be?