What is a toilet flange?
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 but modern ones are made of PVC or ABS. The function of a toilet/closet flange is to firmly secure the toilet on the floor.
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.
Why choose Oatey® toilet flanges?
Oatey® Toilet Flanges come in the widest variety of sizes, materials and configurations. With options in PVC, cast iron, ABS, no matter what your toilet flange need, Oatey has the part you need to do the job right.
How high should a toilet flange be above the floor?
This toilet flange is designed in such way that it fits inside a 4-inch drainpipe or over a 3 inch drainpipe. This means that if you have a 4-inch pipe, the flange will be inserted in the pipe while if you have a 3-inch pipe the pipe will be inserted in the flange. As mentioned, the toilet flange should be at most ¼ inch above the bathroom floor.

When should a toilet flange be replaced?
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.
How much should it cost to replace a toilet flange?
around $145 to $165If 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. Assuming no other complications pop up, you can expect to pay around $145 to $165 for this simple repair.
How long do PVC toilet flanges last?
Your toilet flange is designed to last for years without causing any problems, but several things can lead to a failed seal in your flange. One of the most common problems you'll run into is with the wax ring, which keeps water from leaking out of the base of your toilet and prevents sewer gas from entering your home.
Can a toilet flange break?
Because this piece connects your toilet to the waste pipe, ignoring toilet flange issues can cause major problems. Broken toilet flanges can cause leaks that can create major water damage. Sometimes, these leaks are even invisible, slowly seeping into the subflooring in your home.
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.
What causes a toilet flange to break?
Old cast iron and all-plastic toilet flanges are the most likely to break. The problem is usually caused by rocking toilets or overtightened toilet flange nuts.
What is the best toilet flange to use?
7 Best Toilet FlangesBest Secure Seal Technology, Next by Danco Toilet Flange. ... Best Wax-Free: Cofelx Toilet Flange. ... Best Compatible For Plastic RV Toilets: Dometic Floor Flange. ... Best Durable: Universal Drain Toilet Flange. ... Danco Closet Flange. ... Best Semi-Flexible: Oatey Toilet Flange.More items...
Should you caulk around a toilet?
Caulk Keeps the Toilet Secure Caulk keeps your toilet secure the floor, and avoids any chance of injury or toilet malfunctioning. It's actually required by the International Plumbing Code to caulk a toilet to the floor, and now knowing the reasoning behind it, why would you not want to?
Do toilet flanges need to be glued?
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 right in place and glue on the new one at the right elevation for the floor, if it's plastic.
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.
Does flooring go under toilet flange?
The toilet flange needs to be on top of the finished floor. Meaning the bottom edge of the flange needs to be on the same plane as the toilet. So if your toilet sits on the tile, the flange needs to be on top of the tile too.
How do you reinforce a toilet flange?
0:537:42Toilet Flange Repair Using a Toilet Flange Extender (Step-by-Step)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis third option is a push tight 4-inch gasketed closet flange you can use this for cast-iron PVCMoreThis third option is a push tight 4-inch gasketed closet flange you can use this for cast-iron PVC or ABS pipe this red gasket here goes down into the pipe creates a watertight seal.
How much does a plumber charge to replace a toilet flapper?
If you need a flapper replaced, prices range from $60 to $120.
How much does a plumber charge to replace a wax ring?
Install a wax ring: national average costcost to install a wax ringNational Avg. Materials Cost per ring$4.72National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 1 ring$139.36National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 1 ring$126.06 - $152.67
How much does a plumber charge to replace a toilet fill valve?
Fill, Shut Off & Flush Valves, Flapper A simple toilet valve replacement typically costs $70 to $150. A complete rebuild of the closet tank which includes the flush handle, flush valve, flapper, ballcock, and tank bolts costs around $275.
What is the labor cost to install a toilet?
Toilet installation costs range from $224 to $532, with the national average at $372. Plumbers can charge anywhere from $65 to $350 per hour for labor costs.
How often should you replace your toilet?
There's no exact answer to when you should replace your toilet. It all depends on how often your toilet's used and how you care for it. Generally,...
What is the average life expectancy of a toilet?
The typical life expectancy of a toilet is several decades. Toilets are fully capable of outliving you! That said, life expectancy varies based on...
Does a toilet go bad?
Toilets can't stay pristine forever. Many things can go wrong and experience damage. Simple problems like clogs are easy enough to fix. But, bad li...
How long does a toilet flange last?
As long as it is installed properly, secured to the floor and completely level, it should last up to 25 years or longer. If you notice water leaking from the base of the toilet, the main culprit may not be the toilet flange.
What to do if toilet flange is too high?
If your toilet flange is still too high, the last option is to replace it. To do this, you need to remove the toilet, the old flange, and the pipe fitting. When installing a new toilet and flange, the first and most important thing you must determine is the correct height of the flange. Once you’ve removed the old toilet, ...
Can you use cement backboard to fill a gap in a bathroom?
If the gap between the bathroom’s subfloor and the flange’s outer circle is only minimal, you can fill the gap using a cement back board with a tile on top. The advantage of using a cement backboard is that there is no chance of swelling due to water leaks plus it is a stable solution for the flange.
Can you put a backing board under a toilet?
Depending on how much height you want to add, a backing board is best placed underneath the tile in order to provide adequate support. An additional layer of tile is all that’s needed to raise the floor, or you may build risers, such as plywood before tiling the floor. This lets the toilet sit on the riser properly.
Can a leaking toilet flange cause mold?
Over time, the rocking and leaking can either break or warp the floor. A leaking toilet flange may rot the subfloor and cause mildew or mold. When this problem arises, there are different methods you can use to fix it. Keep reading to learn more.
Why do toilets need replacing?
But, some toilets will need replacing much sooner than others. That’s because many factors affect a toilet’s performance, efficiency, and overall condition. Everyone uses and maintains their toilet differently. At its core, a toilet is a simple fixture. Standard flushing toilets still rely on gravity to flush.
What is a brand new toilet?
A brand-new toilet has a pristine finish that’s resistant to staining. Take some extra care to avoid damage and your new commode will have a beautiful finish for years to come.
What happens if you scratch a toilet?
If scratches compromise the finish, your toilet becomes a haven for grime. The scratches will trap bacteria and limescale.
How to keep a toilet in good shape?
To keep your new toilet in good shape for as long as possible, maintain it with a sanitizing cleaner and some CLR!
How much water does a toilet use?
The Energy Policy Act put some federal regulations into how much water toilets could use. Since 1994, all new toilets have to use no more than 1.6 gallons of water.
Where does limescale build up in toilets?
In the toilet, the minerals tend to build up around the jets on the rim. Limescale can accumulate on the flushing components inside the tank, too.
Does a toilet degrade over time?
That smooth glossy finish of your toilet can degrade over time. Rust stains, limescale, and deep scratches can take hold if you’re not careful.
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.
Why replace a toilet?
Cosmetic reasons are a good a reason as any to replace your toilet. If it has a bunch of scratches on the surface it’s not going to be easy to clean.
How old is too old to use a toilet?
When your toilet starts to show issues, stop and think about how old it is. While there’s no exact age limit on a toilet, if it’s a decade or older , it may start acting up.
Why won't my toilet refill?
It Refuses to Refill. If your toilet refuses to refill when it’s flushed then that means there’s a problem with your fill valve. Any experienced plumber will be able to replace the valve with no problem. If replacing the valve doesn’t fix your refill issue, then getting a new toilet may be the answer.
How to get rid of toilet running?
You might be able to get rid of your problem by taking the lid off the back of the toilet and jostling the flapper valve.
What to do if your toilet won't flush?
If it still won’t flush or has a weak flush, you’ll need to trade it in for a new toilet.
What happens if you walk into a toilet and slip on a puddle?
If you clean it up, and almost slip on the same puddle later, then you may have a crack or a leak.
Can you replace a rusted toilet?
The good news is that you can replace the parts of the toilet that’s rusted instead of getting rid of the entire thing.
What is a toilet flange?
A toilet flange (also called a closet flange) is a pipe fitting that secures a toilet unit to the drain pipe in the bathroom floor. Taking after the name “water closet,” the traditional name for a toilet, closet flanges are typically made of PVC, rubber, copper, brass, stainless steel or metal and can be secured in place with bolts or screws.
Why is it called a Flange?
The term “flange” comes from the Old French word “flanchir” which means “to bend”. Flanges have long been used to connect pipes and cylinder-shaped fixtures. While primarily used in plumbing, flanges can also be found in train wheels and camera lenses. These extremely useful but understated objects are essential in securing an object in place in connecting it to another unit.
Can a toilet be attached to a floor?
Without a closet flange, a toilet will not sit securely in line with the drain pipe. Yes, in theory, the toilet could be attached directly to a floor or subfloor, but this would only last so long before leaks and water-soaked rotting wood would need to be repaired or replaced.
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.
