How to Repair a Broken Toilet Flange

The toilet flange is the support system in the floor for your entire toilet bowl and tank. If your toilet should start to wobble or shift, you will need to repair the toilet flange and replace the wax toilet ring. Follow the directions given here to repair the toilet flange.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply and Drain the Toilet Tank and Bowl

Turn off the water supply valve, flush the toilet to empty the tank, and unscrew the water supply pipe from the tank. Lift off the toilet tank lid and move it out of the way

Step 2: Remove the Toilet Tank

Disconnect the tank from the bowl by undoing the toilet tank bolts with a screwdriver and adjustable wrench. Lift the tank straight up and place it on blanket padding away from the bowl.

Step 3: Remove the Toilet Bowl from the Floor

Scrape off any caulking or putty with a putty knife. Uncap the flange bolts, and use the wrench to carefully loosen and remove the old bolts. Do not reuse these old bolts, just discard them. With your helper, raise the toilet bowl straight up off the floor and move it aside near the tank. Invert it and pull off the old wax ring. Use a damp rag to wipe off any old wax residue. Open the new wax ring kit and press the new wax toilet ring onto the outlet horn.

Step 4: Stuff the Drain Hole

Use newspapers or a wad of old towels to stuff the drain hole closed to prevent sewer gas seeping into the bathroom.

Step 5: Examine the Toilet Flange to Find the Break

Check all around the perimeter of the toilet flange to discover the location of the break. Remove the broken section and place one or both of the arc pieces of the flange support kit in its place. Use the bolts provided to fasten the support section in place.

Step 6: Prepare to Reinstall the Toilet

Put the new toilet flange bolts into the holes in the toilet flange where the old bolts were situated. Stand them vertically and ensure they stay in place. Pull out the material blocking the drain hole and discard it. Turn the toilet bowl base right side up and maneuver it carefully over the toilet flange bolts.

Step 7: Set the Toilet Bowl in Place, Level and Reassemble the Toilet

Align the toilet with the flange bolts and set it firmly in place on the floor. Check the bowl is level in both directions with the carpenter's level. Tighten the bolts starting from the front and rotating around the bowl till all are hand-tight. Turn each bolt one full turn with the wrench to snug them adequately. Replace the tank on the bowl, and reconnect the water supply. Once filled, flush a few times and sit on the bowl to test it is level and immobile.