ABOUT

A wobbly toilet, persistent leaks, or the unsettling feeling that your throne is about to collapse – these are all telltale signs of a failing toilet closet flange. This seemingly insignificant piece of hardware, a simple ring of metal or plastic nestled beneath your toilet, is actually crucial for a secure and leak-free seal. Replacing a damaged flange is a surprisingly manageable DIY project, saving you the considerable expense of hiring a plumber. This guide will walk you through the process, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle this plumbing challenge.

Assessing the Damage and Gathering Supplies

Before you even think about wielding a wrench, you need to thoroughly assess the damage. Carefully inspect the flange itself, looking for cracks, rust, or significant deterioration. Pay close attention to the bolts that secure the toilet to the flange; are they loose, corroded, or broken? A visibly damaged flange is a clear indication it needs replacing. However, even without obvious damage, persistent leaks around the toilet base often point to a compromised flange seal, even if the flange itself appears intact. This seal can degrade over time due to age, mineral buildup, or improper installation.

Once you've confirmed the need for replacement, gather your supplies. You'll need a new closet flange (choose one made of durable plastic or stainless steel), a new wax ring (the essential seal between the toilet and the flange), a bucket, rags, a toilet auger (for cleaning stubborn clogs that may impede the process), a plumber's putty, adjustable wrenches (various sizes), a putty knife or flathead screwdriver, and possibly a reciprocating saw or hacksaw (if the old flange is particularly stubborn). Having all the tools and materials ready beforehand significantly streamlines the process.

Disconnecting the Toilet

The first step is disconnecting the toilet from the water supply and the drain. Turn off the water supply valve located behind the toilet. Flush the toilet to relieve any remaining water in the bowl and tank. Then, using a bucket, carefully sponge out any remaining water in the bowl to keep your workspace clean and dry. Next, locate the nuts securing the toilet to the floor. These are usually located underneath the toilet, so you might need to get down on your hands and knees for this part.

Using your adjustable wrenches, carefully loosen and remove these nuts. Once loosened, gently rock the toilet back and forth to break the seal between the toilet and the wax ring. Be prepared for some water spillage; this is why having absorbent rags and a bucket handy is crucial. Once the toilet is free from the floor, carefully lift and move it out of the way, taking care to avoid any damage to the toilet or surrounding flooring. You might need an assistant for this step, depending on the toilet's weight.

Removing the Old Flange

Now comes the slightly more challenging part – removing the old flange. If the old flange is bolted to the floor, you’ll need to remove these bolts. If the old flange is a surface-mounted flange (no bolts), it will be easier to remove, and you can skip to the next section. If the old flange is secured with bolts, you'll need to remove them, which can be stubborn due to corrosion. Use your wrenches and, if necessary, a penetrating oil to loosen them. Once the bolts are out, you can carefully pry the old flange from the floor using a putty knife or flathead screwdriver.

Sometimes, the old flange may be stubbornly cemented to the floor. If this is the case, a reciprocating saw or hacksaw can help cut through the old flange, making removal easier. Be cautious during this process to avoid damaging the flooring. After removing the old flange, inspect the drain pipe for any damage or debris. Clean thoroughly to prepare the area for the new flange.

Installing the New Flange

Once the old flange is removed and the drain pipe cleaned, you can begin installing the new one. If your new flange is a bolt-down type, carefully align it with the drain pipe and secure it to the floor using the provided bolts. If it’s a surface-mounted flange, then you will secure it by carefully applying plumber's putty around the perimeter of the flange. Then, carefully press the flange onto the floor, ensuring it is completely flat. Using the plumber's putty to secure the flange against the floor is very important to ensure a good seal.

Ensure the flange is level and properly seated over the drain pipe. If necessary, use shims to adjust the height and ensure a proper seal. Tighten the bolts securely but avoid over-tightening, which could damage the flange or the floor. Once the new flange is securely installed, you can apply a thin bead of plumber's putty around the outside of the flange. This extra measure will further help to ensure a watertight seal.

Installing the New Toilet and Final Touches

Now, carefully apply a new wax ring to the bottom of the toilet. Center the toilet over the flange and gently lower it into place. Using your hands, apply even downward pressure to ensure the wax ring makes a complete seal. Once the toilet is properly positioned, replace the nuts that secure the toilet to the floor and tighten them hand-tight. Don't over-tighten to prevent cracking the toilet base.

Reconnect the water supply line, and turn the water supply valve back on. Check for any leaks around the base of the toilet. If there are any leaks, re-tighten the nuts, and check the wax ring seal. If the leak continues, you may need to redo the wax ring application. After ensuring everything is watertight, replace the toilet seat and tank lid. Congratulations! You've successfully replaced your toilet closet flange and prevented future plumbing headaches.