How to Install a Toilet Anchor Flange

Toilet flanges stabilize the toilet. Sometimes they're made of PVC but older pipes may be cast iron and have no flange at all. You can tell the toilet anchor flange needs replacing if the toilet rocks when you sit on it and you can't tighten it down anymore. Sometimes a leak alerts you to the problem. It occurs because the wax ring seal broke when the toilet moved. There are a number of ways to replace the flange. The easiest for all types is a replacement flange that fits over the old flange or cast iron and inside the pipe.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adjustable crescent wrench New wax ring Toilet flange replacement

1. Shut down the water supply to the toilet. Most toilets have a shut-off valve behind them. Flush the toilet after you shut off the water supply. It empties the tank halfway so the toilet is lighter when you remove it. If the shut-off valve isn't working correctly, you'll know that, too, since water will slowly fill the tank. If the water continues to fill, shut the water off at the main. Then disconnect the water supply to the toilet.

2. Unscrew the nuts at the base of the toilet and lift it off. Set the toilet in the tub so any water that comes out drains without damaging the floor. Put the nuts aside, as you will need them later. Remove the wax ring from the bottom of the toilet and dispose of it.

3. Clean the wax left by the wax seal, and remove the bolts that hold the toilet. Measure the width of the pipe where you'll insert the replacement flange. When you look for the item, you'll find them by several names. Most plumbers refer to the toilet flange as a closet flange. There are several replacement toilet flanges on the market. Push and Repair Closet Flange is one of them and Oaty Twist 'N' Set Closet Flange replacement.

4. Clean the inside of the pipe. Wipe it out with a cloth.

5. Follow the instructions with the toilet flange replacement you purchased. The replacement flange fits over your old flange and creates a new surface. You can use any style as long as it fits your pipe. Some of the flange replacements require you put special cement on the interior of the pipe. Others slide in and as you tighten the screws on the interior of the flange, the rubber boot expands to form a seal. The third type simply twists into place.

6. Line up the bolt holes. These should be parallel to the back wall. Draw a line across the replacement toilet flange if you find that easier. Insert the bolts to hold the toilet.

7. Put a new wax ring on the underside of the toilet and slowly lower the toilet onto the bolts. Put the nuts on top and tighten the bolts firmly. Reattach the water supply. Slowly turn on the water supply and see if the connections are tight. Check the toilet for leaks after it's in place for a few minutes. You've successfully installed the toilet anchor flange if the toilet fits tightly, doesn't rock or leak.

Tips & Warnings

• When you lift the toilet, be very careful, as the remaining water in the tank makes it extremely heavy and difficult to move. You may need to bail out more of the water in the tank to make it lighter.