What does the toilet flange sit on?

Author: Stefanie Howell  |  Last update: Thursday, October 2, 2025

The toilet flange, also known as a closet flange, is the part of the toilet that secures the unit to the floor and connects to the drain pipe. Usually made of PVC, rubber or metal, this piece is circular in shape and usually secured in place with a few bolts.

Should a toilet flange sit on a subfloor or tile?

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.

What holds a toilet flange in place?

The flange is also anchored to the subfloor with a rust-proof screw keeping it stable and free from movement. A wax ring mounted on the closet flange creates a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the closet flange, preventing any leaks, odors or sewer gases from escaping the fixture.

How far down does a toilet flange go?

A water closet flange must be 1/4" above finished floor for a water, and gas seal.

Where is the proper position of the toilet flange?

The correct height for a toilet flange is about 1/4 inch above the floor, which should be finished.

The Correct Height of a Toilet Flange

What is the flange that the toilet sits on?

The toilet flange, also known as a closet flange, is the part of the toilet that secures the unit to the floor and connects to the drain pipe. Usually made of PVC, rubber or metal, this piece is circular in shape and usually secured in place with a few bolts.

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

If it is a 3-inch cast iron pipe:

Install a toilet flange on the outside.

What if the toilet flange sits too high?

If the flange is too high, you can carefully trim it to the correct height. This can be done using a hacksaw or an angle grinder.

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.

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.

How to anchor a toilet flange?

Use Tapcon anchors or a similar type of masonry/concrete screw to fasten the toilet flange to the concrete slab. If using a plastic flange ring, be careful not to crack the ring by screwing the anchors in too far. With the toilet flange in place, you are ready to install the toilet with a new wax ring.

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.

What holds toilet flange to floor?

Also called toilet bolts or T-bolts, closet bolts secure the flange to the flooring.

Should flooring go under or around toilet?

For the Best Look, Remove the Toilet First

Here's the truth: you're going to want to remove the toilet first and then install the flooring in order to get the best look. Getting a perfectly rounded cut around the edges of a toilet can be incredibly challenging.

What is a toilet flange extender?

It's an a Push Tite gasketed closet flange. Simply push this down into the old closet flange and secure it to the wood subfloor with galvanized or stainless steel screws.

Is there something better than a wax ring?

Wax-free Toilet Seals: The New Kid on the Block

For plumbers interested in a mess-free option, wax-free toilet seals check this box. These seals affix to the toilet using a strong adhesive. There's no wrangling the ring in into place. It's a straightforward method of keeping your toilet base leak free.

Why is my toilet not sitting flat on the floor?

Toilets usually rock because they are not resting flush against the floor. Underneath the toilet base is a round toilet flange that connects the toilet to the drain pipe. If the flange is a little higher than the surrounding flooring, the toilet becomes raised slightly in the center, allowing it to rock to either side.

Can I stack toilet flange spacers?

A: Yes, you can stack (no more than 3). We recommend you put a bead of 100% silicone between each layer.

Should a toilet flange sit on top of tile?

Toilet manufacturers have weighed in on this discussion to recommend that you place tiles beneath the toilet flange. What they recommend is to put the flange on top of the tile, ensuring that the bottom of the flange touches the surface of the tile.

What is the average cost 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.

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.

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 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.

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