Should a toilet flange be flush with the floor?

Author: Rickie Kilback Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, April 3, 2025

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.

Should the toilet flange be above or flush with the floor?

the flange should be installed on the top of the finished floor (tile, vinyl, wood). as far as acceptable range, too high by even a little bit will prevent the toilet from setting on the floor (it will rock). the lower the flange, the thicker your wax ring or rings will need to be.

What to do when a toilet flange is flush with the floor?

Place the Wax Ring and Toilet

If the toilet's floor flange height is slightly less than 1/4 inch above the flooring, you can use an extra-thick wax ring to make up the difference.

How flush does a toilet flange need to be?

The goal is for the flange to be flush with the floor, so the toilet will sit securely and the wax ring will form a tight seal.

Does toilet flange need to be flush with floor reddit?

As long as the toilet covers it so you won't see it and the flange has support underneath it you will be fine. Make sure the flange is screwed down so that it is solid.

The Correct Height of a Toilet Flange

What if toilet flange is not level with floor?

Pay attention to flange height

If you're unable to install the flange on top of the finished floor, you can use spacers that mount on top of the existing flange.

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.

What is the proper way to install a toilet flange?

  1. Cut pipe. If installing a new flange, start by measuring and cutting the pipe to the desired height. ...
  2. Dry fit flange onto the pipe. Place the flange onto the pipe to ensure a proper fit and check for interference.
  3. Apply primer. ...
  4. Apply cement. ...
  5. Install flange onto pipe. ...
  6. Secure flange with screws or anchors. ...
  7. Install Johni-Bolts.

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.

Can I use an extra thick wax ring?

A thicker wax ring is used when the flange has already been set on the subfloor and is flush with the tile instead of sitting on top of it. This will help make up the height difference.

Why does my toilet leak at the floor when flushed?

If you see water pooling on the floor, leaking from the tank bolts, or around the base, it's time to replace the gasket and hardware. A worn tank-to-bowl gasket or loose bolts usually cause this leak. Cleaning chemicals, bacteria, hard water, city or well water, can all break down these parts over time.

How do I know if my toilet flange is bad?

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.

Should you flush with the toilet lid up or down?

In a study published Thursday in the American Journal of Infection Control, researchers concluded microscopic viral particles spread to the floor and nearby restroom surfaces when a person flushes the toilet, regardless of whether the lid is up or down.

How to fix a gap between a toilet and a wall?

Toilet tank braces can be adjusted to fit the gap between your tank and wall. Clipped on back edge of tank, under lid, braces are practically invisible when installed. Anchor your tanks with Secure-A-Tank to protect against costly leaks and repairs.

Do you glue a toilet flange to a pipe?

If the pipe has a 4-inch inside diameter:

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.

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.

Can plunging a toilet damage the wax ring?

Plunging down too hard

A hard thrust downward can break the wax seal between the toilet and the floor, causing a leak. And a really hard thrust could even crack the bowl.

Can you just silicone a toilet to the floor?

Today the method most commonly used by plumbers to fix a toilet pan to the floor is with clear sanitary grade silicone.

Do you put a wax ring on a toilet or flange first?

This gives the new wax ring a good clean surface to seal against. I also like to put the wax ring on the flange, then lower the toilet onto it, instead of putting the wax ring on the toilet first. I also always lock the mounting bolts onto the flange with some washers and thin hex nuts, you can use brass or stainless.

Does the toilet flange go on the inside or the outside of the 3 inch pipe?

Cast Iron Toilet Flanges

These flanges install on the outside of either 3" or 4" pipe and can be used without needing access from below. To install an Oatey Cast Iron Closet Flange: Place it over the pipe so the gasket secures to the pipe. Tighten the integrated fasteners to the pipe to secure the closet flange.

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.

What toilet seal do plumbers recommend?

Wax Toilet Seals: Keeping with Tradition

For years, wax rings have been plumbers' go-to options for making these types of toilet repairs.

Is it okay to use two wax rings on a toilet?

Because stacking wax rings requires joining two separate pieces, you create gaps where sewage byproducts can escape. This is due to the rings not fully molding to form one solid new piece.

Why is my toilet leaking from the bottom?

If the toilet continues to leak at the base when flushed, it might not be bolted tightly to the floor. Look at the base of the toilet, and you'll see two tee bolts, which might be covered with caps. If the wax ring under these bolts doesn't form a water-tight seal, the toilet will leak from the base when you flush it.

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