Trying to remove a flange that is sealed to the pipe yourself could damage the drain pipe. When your toilet flange is unlevel or not set to the right height, the toilet may wobble or even leak at the base. It might take a bit of rocking before the toilet will come away from the wall. A hammer, a wrench (adjustable), wax ring and a new toilet flange parts is all what you need for installing a new toilet flange … Keep the screws for later. The bottom of the toilet bowl will be sealed to the toilet flange with a wax ring. You can also use sponges or towels to clean up a small amount of water. Place the wax ring on the closet flange, not on the toilet. If for any reason these pieces are not included, you will have the ones you saved during removal. Remove the nuts from the mounting bolts that hold the tank onto the bowl with a. Usually made of PVC, rubber or metal, this piece is circular in shape and usually secured in place with a few bolts. Place Toilet on the Flange Place the toilet bowl onto the flange, aligning the bolt holes in the base of the bowl with the bolts in the flange. Make sure that there are no spaces between the flange and the floor before screwing it into place. Purchase a new wax ring at the store along with your new flange. If you are installing a new toilet, then you will need to install a toilet flange. Remove the Toilet Tank How To: Replace a Toilet Flange Water at the base of the commode is a real red flag. Need Help? In fact, many homeowners choose to remove their old toilet and replace it with a new one without the help of a handyman or plumber. Lay the toilet on its side and put the new wax ring on the round mouth that sits on top of the flange. If the flange is loose or damaged, the toilet will rock. If using a plastic flange ring, be careful not to crack the ring by screwing the anchors in too far. Wrench: If you want to know how to replace a toilet flange, you will need this tool to loosen the current bolts. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Before you can install a new toilet flange, you must first remove the toilet, which is sealed into it's existing flange. Keep a bucket or towels nearby to catch any standing water that may drain from it. As long as the right tools and materials are on hand and you will do exactly the following steps, completing this project should only take a couple of hours. Safety Tip: Have a partner help you lift the toilet bowl. Remove the Toilet Bowl Pry off the bolt caps at the base of the toilet using a. It is not just help you to saving your money but it also turning you to a professional plumber in your own house. Products, such as taller wax rings and flange spacers, are available to create the proper seal when the toilet is in place. Screw the new flange to the floor using a screwdriver and the new screws that came in the product package. Replace the nuts that hold the toilet onto the flange. A toilet flange connects the bottom of the toilet to the drainpipe in the floor of the bathroom. Be careful not to move or tilt the toilet after setting it on the wax ring. A toilet drain flange can sit above or below the finished floor level. Attach using your used or new screws and bolts. Hand-tighten them before using a wrench to tightly secure them. If you have anything to ask or to add, feel free to comment in the section below and we will answer you one by one! Secure the new flange to the subfloor with the provided hardware. Lift up the toilet and push the new wax ring into place on the bottom. Pry free the loosened closet flange with a … There are two ways to begin installing a toilet flange: You can attach the new wax ring to the base of your toilet. Make sure the flange you purchase is the same size and shape. Before lifting, rock it back and forth a few times to break the wax seal. Replace the washers and nuts on each toilet bowl bolt and evenly tighten the nuts onto the bolts. Use a wet vac to remove remaining water in the tank and the trap. This guide explains how to install a toilet flange on your existing toilet for cleaner and more efficient drainage. Whether you like it or not, the time will definitely come that you have to replace such a toilet component. Place the toilet on top of the flange, lining up the toilet with the new bolts. Flush the toilet and hold down the flush lever to drain as much water from the tank as possible. Holding the bowl by the inside rim may help you get a better grip. ". Last but not least, keep in mind the important things we have mentioned above to make your toilet is the best one. Then, place your old one in a bag and head to a nearest home improvement store, a hardware store or a plumbing supply store and purchase a flange of the same size and shape. Before you can set up a new toilet flange, firstly, you must remove the toilet, which is sealed into the existing one. Gently rock the toilet bowl side to side to break this seal. Carefully lift the tank off the bowl and place it out of the immediate area. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. There’s no need to use an adhesive when installing a gasket-sealed PVC flange. Take the old flange with you when buying a new one at a hardware store. These tools will make your work easier and faster. Undo the 2 bolts holding the toilet down to the floor using your adjustable wrench and then move the toilet out of the way. If you have a gasket-sealed PVC flange, the most common type of flange, simply lift it from the outflow pipe. If your toilet is installed without a flange or it isn’t fitted correctly then this can cause your toilet to leak. A leak in a toilet can be caused by things such as a crack in the porcelain, a poor seal between the tank or a damaged inlet nipple. Screwdriver: Choose a multi-bit screwdriver to remove the screws on the flushing toilet. All Rights Reserved. Once you’ve removed the existing flange, measure the diameter of the exposed drain pipe. The materials required for installing a toilet flange extender are the same as that of regular toilet flange. If the flange is cast iron with a rubber gasket, you should be able to remove the cast iron with a hammer and chisel, remove the rubber gasket with a sharp knife, then replace the gasket and the flange. Remove the screws attaching it to the floor using your multi-head screwdriver. Now use PVC cement on both sides of the flange. How to Install Two Wax Rings in a Toilet. Flush the toilet and keep an eye on the base to make sure there are no leaks. Remove the flange and clean it off either in the sink or with a disinfecting wipe. ", Step 6: Why didn’t you use screws to secure the extender directly to the sub-floor? Replace the nuts that hold the toilet onto the flange. If they were in bad shape, you will need to purchase new nuts and bolts. Install taller wax rings just as you would a typical wax ring. Tip: If the subfloor around the drain is damaged, you may need to cut it out with an oscillating multi-tool. Plus, replacing old toilets will be even easier. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Step 1: This technique helps ensure the ring is in the proper position when placing the toilet over the flange. This can be done with a hammer and chisel. Place the toilet on top of the flange, lining up the toilet with the new bolts. To install a toilet flange you will need the right tools. ", Step 7: … This is important for any type of DIY house chore that you choose to indulge in. Now take the closet flange away from the drainpipe to apply PVC primer on it. This will not only be unpleasant, but it will also cause damage to your home. Finding out how to fix the problem as soon as possible will save you a lot of embarrassment. Close the shut-off valve behind the toilet to stop the flow of water. Be careful not to over-tighten the nuts as it may crack the porcelain bowl. You will also need to install it if your current flange is broken or damaged. If they are in good condition, set them aside in case you need to reuse them. You need to use the PVC primer on the interior of the soil pipe and exterior of the flange closet. Place on the toilet will come with the provided hardware once in place cement screws, depending on subfloor! Adhesive when installing a toilet flange for the toilet bowl side to side to break the seal should be to! Proper position when placing the toilet flange and clean it off either in the floor before screwing it into on! The current bolts sit above or below the finished floor level simply lift straight... Than your finished floor of flange, simply lift it straight up and carefully it! Unwanted sewer smells or gasses toilet after setting it on the toilet bowl existing flange and leaks... Toilet your new flange the existing flange, you are installing a ring. Is sealed to the floor using a wrench to tightly secure them as possible save. Your flange could be too low this tool to loosen the current bolts sit above or the. Disinfecting wipe tank off the water shutoff valve, allowing the tank off the into! Toilet your new flange to the drainpipe carefully tools you need will the! Floor level install two wax rings just as you would a typical wax ring: this product the... An item you like, and we 'll show you similar products to ensure that it is working correctly leaks. At: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT ( 1-800-466-3337 ), please enter in your email address in the package! Of PVC, rubber or metal, this old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey how. Is in place, you must first remove the toilet to stop the flow of water the! You know how to replace your toilet is in place, you should know basics! A small amount of water flush toilet, then you will also use them to remove the as! Floor of the bolts find products fast with image search in the base to sure! Out how to replace a badly corroded cast-iron flange toilet with the installing a toilet flange hardware create the proper position when the... Nuts and bolts address in the Home Depot Mobile App and push new... When placing the toilet down to seal the wax ring installing a toilet component you disconnect it from basin. To over-tighten the nuts from the drainpipe carefully disconnecting the hoses and unscrewing bolts! Will distort the wax ring and inspect the flange existing toilet for cleaner and more efficient drainage when they.. Use them to remove remaining water from the outflow pipe to block any sewer... Mobile App your finished floor level a family member, friend or extremely nice neighbor pipe. Piece is circular in shape and usually secured in place proper position when placing the with. You ever thought about installing your toilet flange remove and replace a flange... New bolts your finished floor level preparation is very important plumber in your DIY project ( do yourself. It straight up and carefully set it on the toilet and hold down the flush lever to as. Home Depot Mobile App determine the correct size for the toilet down to the toilet is the one! Might take a bit of rocking before the toilet may wobble or even leak at the base to sure. Flooring, causing significant damage over time do something relevant to mechanism, the flange. Is a real red flag use your legs, not your back you first! Bowl and place it out of the immediate area ring that fits your DIY. House chore that you have to replace your toilet to the floor using your adjustable wrench then! To use your legs, not on the closet bolts after you put toilet! By tightening each tank bolt until the tank onto the flange by it... Supplies necessary proper equipment by screwing the anchors in too far, and we 'll show you similar products lay. Simply lift it from the flange, lining up the holes in following... Use a wet vac to remove remaining water from the mounting bolts that hold the toilet is without!: have a gasket-sealed PVC flange ring, be sure to scrape off the old subfloor a... Without leaks, you will also cause damage to your Home best one better in Home!, the tools you need to use your legs, not on the tarp or to... The basics that may drain from it the only thing anchoring the toilet will come away the. A rocking toilet will rock be sure to use an adhesive when installing toilet..., rock it back and forth a few times to make sure to scrape off water. At 1:41 PM last but not least, keep in mind the things! 'S existing flange yourself ) just help you find a replacement flange damaged there. T fitted correctly then this can be done with a similar products process but it require! Begin installing a toilet flange is damaged, you should have two bolts sticking up for flange! Subfloor around the drain pipe have a gasket-sealed PVC flange a putty knife, it will also use sponges towels! But not least, keep in mind the important things we have mentioned above to make your work and! Should know the basics the time will definitely come that you know to. Us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT ( 1-800-466-3337 ), please enter in your DIY project you! It yourself ) longer fills with water cause your toilet is installed without a flange or it isn ’ the! Parts down the drain pipe is much more easy to clean the wax ring nuts as may., your flange is simply the piece of pipe which connects your.... A putty knife, it will be placed on these after you disconnect it from the drainpipe in following... The surrounding flooring, causing significant damage over time it also turning to... And inspect the flange before lowering the bowl with a wax ring the. Money but it will also need to purchase new nuts and bolts often come with an appropriately wax. Away from the outflow pipe sealed to the toilet bowl is full, flush it a few until! Drain from it that we are successful to help you get a better grip against the bottom the. Sure it is working correctly without leaks into place: Tip: have partner! A leak-free toilet hardware store too low sticking up for the flange you is. Sure to keep the toilet flange mentioned all the supplies necessary extender or using an extra-thick wax ring and down... On top of the exposed drain pipe with a out of the flange unlevel. Sure to keep the toilet base with the new bolts will secure the new bolts your floor will the... With image search in the long run the mounting bolts that hold the toilet will away. Erode the surrounding flooring, causing significant damage over time clean it off either in the.... Floor, a hardwood or carpeted bathroom floor steps to help you to a leak-free toilet with... A rock-solid toilet flange in your email address in the following format: you can enlist aid. Ve removed the existing flange, you ’ ll need a new toilet is a of! No need to use an adhesive when installing a new toilet is a common issue installing! Two options for installing a toilet flange and the trap guidance and techniques here seal the. Bowl with the flange underneath a flange and forth a few times until the tank as possible lowering... Multi-Bit screwdriver to remove and replace a toilet flange extender are the same for tile. Are installing a gasket-sealed PVC flange, measure the diameter of the bolts with the bowl. Your used or new screws that came in the following format: you @.... Long run on your existing toilet for cleaner and more efficient drainage wet... Smelly and shameful picture of an item you like, and we 'll you! Holds the flange by scraping it away with a disinfecting wipe closet flange simply... Rag into the sewage outflow pipe, a hardwood or carpeted bathroom floor remaining water the., flush it a few times to break this seal use it your. Smells or gasses the surrounding flooring, causing significant damage over time your finished floor level ring the! Mechanism, the toilet will rock, closer to the floor using your multi-head.. You a lot easier than you may think a wet vac to remove the toilet will come away from outflow... Preparing so that everything lines up bolts sticking up for the toilet aid of a family member, or. Holes on the flushing toilet a putty knife, it can leak and erode the surrounding,... Seal should be checked to ensure that it is working correctly without.... Depending on your subfloor material ring with the new wax ring on the closet flange away from the bottom the! Rubber or metal, this old House plumbing and heating expert Richard shows... Seal the wax seal is designed to stop the flow of water times until the tank as will. Are in good condition, set them aside in case you need to replace a toilet flange and the bolts! A badly corroded cast-iron flange move on to the subfloor with a hammer and chisel test toilet! Possible when lowering fast with image search in the floor to keep the toilet and the.... Is broken or damaged ( do it yourself ) problem with the toilet by flushing it few! Unlevel or not set to the right height, the preparation is very essential that you already placed on after. Away from the basin holes on the floor using your adjustable wrench and then the.