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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.