Installing a New Toilet Flange

Definition and Use

The toilet flange is located underneath the toilet. A toilet flange can be made of PVC plastic or metal. Metal flanges last longer but plastic flanges work better. Both types of toilet flanges are easy to replace, but must be done properly to ensure a proper seal. A toilet flange provides added support for the wax seal so that the seal does not adhere to the wood floor. Without the toilet flange, the seal would not seal properly to the toilet bowl and the waste water in the toilet bowl would leak out onto the floor with each flush of the toilet.

Preparation for Installation

Toilets installed without a toilet flange or an improperly installed toilet flange will not seal properly. Waste water leakage will smell up the bathroom and eventually cause damage to the floor.

Before the new toilet flange can be installed, the old toilet is removed in order to get to the wax seal and old toilet flange. The wax seal is then removed and a screwdriver is used to remove the old toilet flange. The floor is scraped to ensure that any remnants of wax or other debris is completely removed from the floor. Once the contractor has cleaned the floor of debris, the new toilet flange can be installed.

Installation

Whether using a plastic toilet flange or a metal toilet flange, the installation is the same. The new toilet flange is put into place over the toilet's drain pipe and is screwed into place. The screws are tightened to ensure that the bolts do not rise above the flange. The top of the flange must be smooth to ensure a tight seal. Once the contractor has installed the new toilet flange, the wax seal is put into place. The toilet is put into place on top of the wax seal and the new toilet flange. The toilet is bolted to the floor and the new flange with two long bolts.