How to Replace a Toilet Floor Flange

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By w8tn4him
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Replace a Toilet Floor Flange

Replacing a toilet floor flange is a small project but nothing you need to call a plumber for.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

new flange
wax ring for flange
wrench or pliers
utility knife
caulk
putty knife
bucket
rag

Step 1

Shut off water valve connect to tank. Keep flushing the toilet until the water is almost gone. Plung the remaining water as best as you can. Check the tank to make sure it is as empty as you can get it.
Step 2

Loosen and remove hose/pipe from water valve. Do not take off hose/pipe from the tank. Use a bucket to catch any remaining water from the hose/pipe.
Step 3

Remove caps, nuts from the bolts on each side of the toilet with your wrench or pliers.
Step 4

If there is a caulk line around the bottom of the toilet where it meets the floor, use your utility knife to cut the caulk bead. Lift the toilet up and off the bolts and set to the side.
Step 5

Remove the old wax ring with the putty knife and take the old flange out. If you are not able to get to the next step quickly, place a rag in the hole. This stops the sewer fumes from coming through.
Step 6

Place the new flange over the bolts. Put your new wax around the flange.
Step 7

Set the toilet over the flange and lined up with the bolts. Put the nuts tightly back on the bolts and cap them. Re-caulk the bottom of toilet.
Step 8

Connect the supply hose/pipe back to the water valve. Turn the water valve back on, wait for tank to fill and flush away!!

Comments

aztigerr said

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on 10/28/2009 One problem. In step 5, where you say, Remove the old wax ring with the putty knife and take the old flange out. Typically, the flange is fastened to the pipe. You don't say how to remove the flange. It is not as simple as just unscrewing it and removing it. Usually you need to cut it below the level of the floor, then glue a piece of pipe to the new flange.

goodselfme said

on 3/3/2009 Good detail and encouragement to help me think I could do this with your article. TX

AdirondackTrina said

on 1/24/2009 Where were you when I needed this?? LOL I didn't tighten the bolts enough when I got done...guess what happened then?? Yes!! All of the water flows out underneath onto the floor!!
Great idea! 5*