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.
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.
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.
A water closet flange must be 1/4" above finished floor for a water, and gas seal.
The correct height for a toilet flange is about 1/4 inch above the floor, which should be finished.
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.
If it is a 3-inch cast iron pipe:
Install a toilet flange on the outside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Also called toilet bolts or T-bolts, closet bolts secure the flange to the flooring.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A: Yes, you can stack (no more than 3). We recommend you put a bead of 100% silicone between each layer.
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.
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.
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.
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.