How to tell if a toilet flange is bad?

Author: Niko Ledner  |  Last update: Saturday, May 31, 2025

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.

How often does a toilet flange need to be replaced?

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.

How do I know if I need a new flange?

Some signs you may need toilet flange repair include:
  • Toilet rocking back and forth.
  • Sewer odors.
  • Leaks from the base of the toilet.
  • Leaks in your subflooring.
  • Loose tiles around the base of the toilet.

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.

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.

This Rubber Wax Toilet Seal Hybrid Changes Everything! NO MORE LEAKS! DIY How To

Do you put the wax ring on the toilet or the 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.

How far should a toilet flange stick above the floor?

The correct height for a toilet flange is about 1/4 inch above the floor, which should be finished. Always install the floor before the toilet flange, making sure it is level to prevent leaks or a rocking base. This height will work with pretty much any type of wax ring, allowing a good seal.

How do I know if my toilet flange is damaged?

5 Toilet Flange Leak Symptoms
  1. Your toilet is wobbly. Even if it's not leaking yet, a wobbly toilet is a sign that the wax ring and flange underneath it are failing. ...
  2. Odors. ...
  3. Water puddling where your toilet meets the floor. ...
  4. The floor around the toilet feels springy or spongy. ...
  5. The flooring around your toilet is coming up.

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 much will a plumber charge to replace a 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 flanges wear out?

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.

How do I know if my flange is correct?

How to tell if you're using the correct flange size
  1. Center nipples move freely. ...
  2. Only a little areola tissue should be pulled into the tunnel. ...
  3. Motion of your breast is gentle and rhythmic. ...
  4. Feels comfortable breast pumping. ...
  5. Yields well-drained breasts.

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.

How do you know if you need a new flange?

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.

Should I replace a 20 year old toilet?

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.

What causes a broken toilet flange?

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.

How do I know what toilet flange I need?

How to choose the right toilet flange. As mentioned earlier, keep in mind that the choice of toilet flange depends on the material of the pipe (the drainage or sanitary system) and connection method. That means if you have a PVC pipe connection, you should install a PVC closet flange.

Does the toilet flange go inside the drain pipe?

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.

Does a new toilet come with flange bolts?

New toilets usually come with a set of toilet bolts (also called closet bolts or Johnny bolts). Use a wrench to secure the bolts on either side of the flange, which is the toilet waste pipe in the floor. Use your hands to place the new wax ring between the toilet bolts, making sure it is centered on top of the flange.

How do I know if my wax ring is leaking?

Water Around the Toilet Base

The first sign of a bad toilet ring is water forming around the base of the toilet. To test that a bad seal is the problem, grab a couple of towels and wipe up the water. Go on with your day, checking periodically to see if the water has returned.

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.

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.

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.

Should tile go under toilet flange?

The answer is, in most cases, that you should tile under the toilet flange and toilet tank. This allows for the toilet flange to be secured with the use of bolts. Only in a minority of use cases does the flange go beneath the tiles.

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