How to Install a Toilet Flange

toilet
  • 2-3 hours
  • Beginner
  • $30-70
What You'll Need
Toilet flange
Wax bowl
Adjustable wrench
Screwdriver
Hacksaw (Possibly)
What You'll Need
Toilet flange
Wax bowl
Adjustable wrench
Screwdriver
Hacksaw (Possibly)

Learning to install toilet flange is a very simple project; however, it will require physical strength and the right tools. The flange is simply the piece of pipe which connects your toilet to the waste pipe. If you are installing a new toilet, then you will need to install a toilet flange. You will also need to install a toilet flange if your current flange is broken or damaged. As long as the right tools and materials are on hand, completing this project should only take a couple of hours.

Step 1 - Preparation

In order to do a good job at anything, preparation is a must. It's essential that you spend time preparing so that everything lines up. If your toilet is installed without a flange or it isn't fitted correctly then this can cause your toilet to leak.

This will not only be unpleasant, but it will also cause damage to your home if left untreated for a long period of time. Leaking toilets can also be very smelly and shameful. Finding out how to fix this problem quickly will save you a lot of embarrassment.

Step 2 - Removing the Toilet

Before you can install a new toilet flange, you must first remove the toilet, which is sealed into it's existing flange. Undo the 2 bolts holding the toilet down to the floor using your adjustable wrench and then move the toilet out of the way. It might take a bit of rocking before the toilet will come away from the wall. The wax seal is designed to stop gasses from escaping the waste pipe.

Step 3 - Cleaning the Floor

The floor needs to be scraped to get rid of anything which could pose a problem. This helps to get rid of any wax which may remain. Although this step isn't essential, it will make it much easier to fit new flooring later.

Step 4 - Installing the New Flange

The new toilet flange needs to be installed. Both PVC flanges and cast iron flanges are installed in pretty much the same way.

The flange needs to be put down the drain pipe and it will then be fixed in place. It's essential that the top of the toilet flange is smooth and level so that a good seal can be made.

The new flange is then bolted into place. A wax seal is fixed on the flange to seal the toilet, which prevents water from leaking.

Step 5 - Fitting the Toilet

Now it's just time to fit the toilet, the screws will be tightened so that the toilet is sturdy and doesn't rock. The seal should be checked to ensure that it is watertight.

Once you're finished fitting the toilet back, use an vacuum cleaner or mop to clean any water that's leaked onto your bathroom floor and spray the floor with disinfectant.