What size is a standard toilet flange?
1. Standard 4 x 3 flange Most toilet flanges have a standard 4 x 3-inch size. The top of the flange where the toilet sits is wider with a 4-inch diameter while the bottom part which goes into the drainpipe is 3 inch in diameter. This is a uniform toilet flange meaning that the top and bottom diameters are both 3 inch.
What is the difference between PVC and plastic toilet flanges?
Costs more, but can handle bulkier waste or running water. Some types of plastic flanges are 100% plastic while a few have metallic tops used to make the wax ring. All PVC toilet flanges are manufactured to fit three-inch or four-inch drain pipes.
How do I know if my toilet flange needs to be replaced?
If you ever notice water pooling around your toilet, it a sign that the wax ring is not sealing. An alternative to a wax ring is a rubber gasket seal. This gasket works the same way as a wax ring but is less messy/gross. How do know you if your toilet flange needs to be replaced? If you notice your toilet leaking from the bottom.
How long can the pipe on a deep seat toilet flange extend?
The pipe on a deep seat toilet flange can extend as long as 6 inches. You would use this flange as a repair option as opposed to a new installation. The long pipe barrel works with broken flange rings, compressed wax rings, or leveling with the floor. The extra length helps to properly secure the new flange and reinforce the connection.
How do I know what size flange I need for my toilet?
Standard 4 x 3-Inch Toilet Flanges The most common and readily available toilet flange is the 4 x 3-inch size. This pipe is 4 inches wide at the top but only 3 inches wide at the bottom. The 3-inch bottom is the correct size for fitting the schedule 40 pipe most frequently used in home drains.
Can you put a new toilet flange over an old one?
Apply a generous bead of 100% silicone caulk on top of the old closet flange. And to the bottom of the new closet flange extender. Either slide the new closet flange bolts into the old flange before adding the extender or add them after you adhere the extender to the old flange.
Are toilet flanges 3 or 4 inch?
The most common size is the standard 4×3 inch-flange. Its top is four inches wide, while the bottom has only three inches in diameter. The former connects to the toilet, whereas the bottom element fits the outlet drain.
Does toilet flange size matter?
Most drain pipes are 3 inches in diameter, while older homes may have larger pipes that are 4 inches in diameter. To correspond with the drain pipes, flanges are also available in 3- and 4-inch diameters. The hole should be large enough to fit the flange. In most cases, 4 inches in diameter will be adequate.
Should you caulk around toilet flange?
Caulk prevents a fouling area. If mop water, bathtub water, or a less pleasant “bathroom liquid” gets underneath the toilet, there is no way to clean it up. Caulking around the base of the toilet will prevent this from happening.
How much does a plumber charge to change a flange?
Flange repair costs around $60 to $200, including labor and materials. This is one of the most common parts to require repair or replacement.
Do you have to glue toilet flange?
Install the New Toilet Flange If no hardware was provided, use wood screws or cement screws, depending on your subfloor material. Slide the toilet flange bolts into the new flange. Secure them with washers and nuts. There's no need to use an adhesive when installing a gasket-sealed PVC flange.
Does toilet flange go inside or outside pipe?
This toilet flange is designed to glue on the inside of the pipe or expand inside the pipe. Leave the old toilet flange right in place and glue on the new one at the right elevation for the floor, if it's plastic. The flange should be sitting with the bottom edge flush with the top of the floor.
What is the difference between a closet flange and a toilet flange?
A toilet flange lies at the base of the toilet bowl. It attaches the latter to the floor and connects to the drainpipe. The toilet flange is also known as the closet flange. These devices can be made of PVC, rubber, metal, or a combination of these materials.
Are toilet fittings standard?
Do all toilet seats fit the same? The simple answer is no, there are a range of different toilet seat fittings. Some are bottom fixing (fitted from beneath the fixing holes) and some are top fixing (usually required when there isn't access to the bottom of the pan, e.g. with a fully shrouded toilet).
How do you replace a toilet flange?
2:093:40How to Replace a Toilet Flange | Toilet Repair | The Home DepotYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt on the flange with a rubber lip inside the drain next seal position the bowl so that the holes inMoreIt on the flange with a rubber lip inside the drain next seal position the bowl so that the holes in the base align with the flange bolts.
How do I know if I need a new flange?
Cracked or broken flange. If you notice a lot of water pooling at the base of your toilet and inspect to find that your flange is cracked or broken, it's time for a replacement. Make sure to properly measure your drain pipe and drain to ensure that you choose a replacement flange kit that is the right size.
Do you have to remove old toilet flange?
If the pipe has a 4-inch inside diameter: Leave the old toilet flange right in place and glue on the new one at the right elevation for the floor, if it's plastic. The flange should be sitting with the bottom edge flush with the top of the floor. If it isn't, then you will have to cut away the old flange.
How do I install a flange extender?
0:073:14How to Install a Spacer to Fix a Leaking Toilet Bowl - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce the old wax ring is removed from the closet flange you can add a new 1/2 inch closet flangeMoreOnce the old wax ring is removed from the closet flange you can add a new 1/2 inch closet flange spacer this will raise.
What happens if toilet flange is broken?
A broken flange will cause the toilet to move because it is no longer secured to the flange, which is anchored to the subfloor. The constant rocking will likely break the wax seal (located between the toilet and the flange), allowing water to leak onto the substrate and the ceiling below when the toilet is flushed.
How do you replace a broken toilet flange?
0:051:17How to Repair Broken Toilet Flange - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo begin remove the broken or corroded sections of the existing ring. Next apply liberal amount ofMoreTo begin remove the broken or corroded sections of the existing ring. Next apply liberal amount of silicone to the top of the existing. Ring.
What is the best flange for a toilet?
Plastic (PVC) Toilet Flanges. Polyvinyl chloride flanges are the most prevalent choice for closet flanges. It can be used for residential or commercial purposes, plus, they are the most affordable of the six. What makes it an excellent choice is how strong, durable, and rust-resistant it is.
What are toilet flanges made of?
The types are based on the material from which they are made, that is aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, plastic, and cast iron.
Why is a toilet flange important?
Another reason the flange is important is to prevent leaks using its wax ring that seals gaps between the closet bend and the bottom of the toilet.
Why do you need elbow joints on copper flanges?
Hard copper flanges will need elbow joints to allow you to effectively join them to the drain pipe. The elbow joints will aid in matching the space for a perfect fit. Copper is a popular choice as it’s biostatic, meaning anti-bacterial, as well as antifungal; it’s not a good host for bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
How many types of closet flanges are there?
There are six types of closet flanges to choose from;
What is a brass flange?
Brass Toilet Flanges. Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper, therefore very sturdy. It’s rust-resistant, highly corrosion-resistant, and malleable. They come in two ways, simple circular flanges, or those with elbow joints attached to allow for easy connection to the drain pipe. Brass Flange.
How deep are regular drain pipes?
Regular – they are designed to fit around and inside the opening of the pipe. They are a few inches deep into the drain pipe, say five inches.
In This Article
A toilet flange is a mounting base for your toilet that's installed on top of a soil pipe that connects to the closet bend, the angled pipe leading to your drain. The flange has a flat surface with bolt-mounting slots on to which the toilet mounts, and it lies flat and flush with your floor.
Standard 4 x 3-Inch Toilet Flanges
The most common and readily available toilet flange is the 4 x 3-inch size. This pipe is 4 inches wide at the top but only 3 inches wide at the bottom. The 3-inch bottom is the correct size for fitting the schedule 40 pipe most frequently used in home drains.
The 3-Inch Flange
A 3-inch flange measures the same size as the schedule 40 pipe most likely used in your toilet drain. This flange doesn't give you the wiggle room of a 4-inch flange, which results in a bit more pressure on the flange when you flush the toilet. This is a known issue, however, so 3-inch flanges can handle the extra load.
The 4-Inch Flange
The 4-inch flange installs on both 4- and 3-inch drainpipes. This flange is manufactured so it fits over the top of a 3-inch pipe (in other words, the pipe slides into the flange), or the flange fits inside a 4-inch pipe (the flange slides into the 4-inch pipe).
Odd-Size Flanges
Other odd-size flanges exist. Typically, the flanges are similar in size to the 4 x 3-inch flange, however. An ABS plastic flange with a 3 1/2-inch bottom diameter and a 7-inch top diameter is available. This flange is often used to connect an ABS drainpipe to the toilet.
Offset Flanges and Their Uses
Offset flanges help those with older homes or elongated toilets connect their toilet to the drain. Offset flanges are the same diameter as standard flanges, but the barrel of the flange sits at a 45-degree angle. This helps move the toilet away from the wall if the plumbing is too close for modern toilet sizes.
Types of Flange Material
Size is the most important factor when replacing a toilet flange, but flanges are made of several different materials that you should be aware of. PVC is generally the most popular flange material. It's cheap, durable, easy to work with, and readily available.
How Does a Toilet Flange Work?
A toilet flange is placed just under the floor level in the bathroom and connects to the pipe, which carries water away to the property’s drainage system. The flange is screwed in place, and then the toilet itself can then be screwed onto the flange. This provides a secure fit that will prevent the toilet from shifting out of place, and it also means the toilet won’t have to be screwed directly to the flooring, which can damage tiles.
What is the best material for toilet flanges?
Plastic flanges are a popular choice because they are inexpensive, lightweight, strong, and won’t rust or corrode. They are the most popular choice of material for toilet flanges and are suitable for both residential and commercial use. The one drawback of plastic flanges is that they can collapse under extreme pressure from bulky waste or high water levels.
What is the difference between a wall hung toilet and a 1 piece toilet?
A wall hung toilet will be a much smaller size and often uses a hidden tank in the wall.
How tall is a toilet?
Most regular height toilets measure 14-15 inches from the floor to the top of the bowl. Comfort height toilets measure 17-19 inches and are great for people who have a difficult time sitting and standing from a seated position. Some people believe that taller toilets make it more difficult to go the bathroom ( thank goodness for the Squatty Potty) ...
How big is a rough in toilet?
The measurement is simple and it can be done with your existing toilet on (read my article with pictures about measuring the rough in ). Most American toilets will be 12”, however, it’s always wise to double check. A few rough ins will measure 10” and 14”. This is the only size difference you need to know for plumbing.
What is the difference between an elongated bowl and a round bowl?
The terms “elongated” and “round” refer to the size and shape of the bowl. An elongated bowl will be 2-3 inches longer, while a round bowl will be smaller and provide more space.
What to consider when buying a toilet?
Other important things to consider are the type of toilet, 1-piece or 2-piece, and whether the toilet is old or new (size will differ depending on the generation of toilet).
What is the best thing about toilets?
The great thing about toilets is that most parts are compatible with brands of toilets. Furthermore, all brands of toilets are made to fit the pipes in your house.
Is a 1 piece or 2 piece toilet bigger?
The size of a 1-piece or 2-piece won’t differ too much. Check the dimensions of the toilet you prefer and make sure it will fit well in your bathroom ( my best tips on choosing a new toilet ).
What is a toilet flange?
A toilet flange is a piece of pipe fitting that connects the bottom of the toilet to the drainpipe. It also secures the toilet firmly on the floor using bolts. Toilet flanges are also known as closet flanges. This is because in the past flush toilets were commonly called water closets. Old Toilet flanges are made of cast iron ...
How Do You Remove a Glued-in Toilet Flange?
PVC flange pipes are normally glued inside the toilet drainpipe and secured on the floor using screws. So how do you remove a glued-in flange?
Why does my toilet leak at the base?
A toilet leaking at the base indicates that the wax ring is not sealing but could also signify a deep lying problem, like a broken flange. If you have a wobbly toilet, it is either caused by loose toilet bolts, uneven floor, or a broken flange.
How many holes are there in a toilet?
A toilet has two holes on each side of its base where the bolts are driven through. Nuts and washers are used to tighten the toilet in place. A wax ring is normally installed between the toilet flange and the bottom of the toilet. This creates a water tight and airtight seal that prevents flush water and sewer gases from leaking from the bottom ...
What does it mean when water is pooling in toilet?
If you ever notice water pooling around your toilet, it a sign that the wax ring is not sealing. An alternative to a wax ring is a rubber gasket seal. This gasket works the same way as a wax ring but is less messy/gross.
How to smooth drain pipe?
Smooth the inside of the drainpipe with an emery cloth.
How much rough in is a standard toilet?
Standard toilets have a rough-in of 12 inches while non-standard toilets have a rough if of 10 or 14 inches. The rough-in is the distance between the rear finished wall and the center of the drainpipe.
What is the size of a toilet?
Toilets are specified as having a certain "rough-in size"; 10", 12", 14", etc. The "rough" is the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the toilet's waste pipe in the floor.
Can you replace a toilet with a rough?
You'll want to replace the toilet you have with a same-sized "rough". I've seen cases where there has been 3" or so between the toilet tank and the wall. That's a case of the toilet being too small for the space. A 12" toilet set on a 14" rough, for example.
Does Toto toilet skirting have water lines?
Yes, it is the back of the skirting which gets in the way of the water turn-off. Toto does mention the consideration of the water line for some of their toilets. Love that useful old threads are resurrected - it's great to see what has worked along with any updates.
Do toilets have to be rough?
As far as the overall size of toilet itself, getting the proper rough will allow the toilet to fit the space. Toilet sizes vary beyond the rough though. Round bowls don't project out as much as elongated, and then there are variations within the round and elongated categories as well.
How to determine the size of toilet flapper?
To determine what size of toilet flapper you need, turn off water to the toilet, flush it and remove the old toilet flapper. Measure the diameter of the flush valve opening at the bottom of the tank. It will be 2 inches in old toilet models but newer models will have a 3 or 4-inch flush valve.
How big are toilet flappers?
Unlike in the 1900s when toilet flappers were all universal, today they are not. Toilet flappers vary in size between 2 and 4 inches, have different designs and are also made from different materials.
How many ears does a toilet flapper have?
The toilet flapper has 2 ears connected to 2 pegs on the flush valve. Unhook the flapper ears from the pegs and lift it off.
How to remove water from toilet tank?
Flush the toilet and hold the flushing handle down to remove as much water as possible from the tank.
How to know what size flapper to use?
In order to know what size of toilet flapper you need, you will first need to remove it from the tank and measure it, or measure the flush valve opening.
Why are toilets with bigger flush valves important?
The reason toilets with bigger flush valves (and hence bigger toilet flappers were introduced is to allow a large amount of water to flow from the tank to the bowl within a very short period of time.
Can you remove a toilet flapper without turning off the water?
You can’t remove a toilet flapper without first turning off water to the toilet. Water will continuously run from the tank to the bowl via the flush valve.
Where is the toilet flange?
To determine which one is right for you, you’ll need to check the “toilet flange” – a metal or plastic piece that can be found over the pipe in the floor under your toilet. If the flange is level with your floor, a regular-thickness wax ring will be fine.
What happens if you set a toilet and it isn't square?
Another thing to keep in mind…if you set your toilet and it isn’t square, when you readjust it a wax ring may not seal properly, resulting in leaks that can do serious damage to your flooring. It really all comes down to personal preference as to which choice will work better for your situation.
What are the factors that determine the size of a wax ring?
There are only two factors to a correctly sized wax ring: width and thickness .
How much water does a leaky toilet waste?
Did you know the average leaky toilet can waste tens of thousands of gallons of water each year?! That’s not only terrible for the environment but for your wallet too. Keeping your toilet in good repair is one of the smartest moves you can make as a homeowner.
Do you need to get a new wax ring for a toilet?
Whenever replacing a toilet wax ring, it’s essential to make sure you get the appropriate size for your toilet. If you don’t and try to install a new toilet or put back your old one, you’ll have to buy a brand new ring and start all over!
Can you buy a wax ring for a toilet?
While you can buy a standard wax ring for your toilet, we also have another option for you…
Can you replace a wax free toilet ring?
A point that can be made in favor of wax free seals is that they are reusable. If you ever need or want to replace your old toilet with a new one, you will have to replace the wax ring as well. You can avoid this with a wax free seal as long as it is still in good condition.
