How to Repair a Toilet Flange

A toilet that leaks or rocks needs repair.

A toilet that rocks likely has a problem with the toilet flange. The toilet flange, sometimes called closet flange, is a ringlike fitting with a lip that both covers the gap around the waste pipe and helps fasten the toilet to the floor. Sometimes cast iron flanges may break at the bolt plate or the metal ring in a plastic flange can rust through. New bolt plates can be attached to the old flange to make repair work easier.

Things You'll Need

• Plunger
• Bucket
• Putty knife
• Wax ring
• Closet bolts
• Drill
• Hammer
• Repair kit
• Wrenches
• Screwdriver
• Rag

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Instructions

1. Turn the oval knob behind the toilet to turn off its water supply. Flush the toilet and plunge it to get rid of the majority of water. Remove the supply line and catch all water from tank in a bucket.

2. Remove the caps covering the bolts at the base of the toilet and twist off the bolts holding it in place, using a wrench if necessary.

3. Remove the toilet and set it aside. Stuff a rag inside the top of the waste pipe to prevent sewer gas from entering your home while you are working.

4. Scrape off any old wax on the flange with a putty knife and clean off as much as possible from the underside of toilet

5. Take the new closet bolts and slide them into the slots of the repair plate, with the threaded shafts pointing up. Slide the repair kit under the flange and mark the holes for the screws to secure it to the floor. Remove the plate and drill holes with an electric drill to accommodate the plastic anchors included in the kit. Tap in the anchors with a hammer.

6. Slide the plate back in place under the broken flange, lining up the mounting holes with the anchors. Screw the plate into place with a screwdriver. Remove the rag.

7. Reinstall the toilet by putting the wax ring down first then set the toilet. Tighten each bolt equally making sure not to over tighten, as this can crack the toilet.

8. Install a new supply line and turn water on and test for leaks and that the toilet no longer rocks.

References

• Aubuchon Hardware: Spanner Flange Instructions
• Home and Garden 911: Toilet Flanges