How to Replace a Toilet Flange?

Hi Buddy,

Flanges are pipe connectors connecting toilets to bathroom floor drain pipes. I helped a plumber in changing the flanges of my toilet. I have two toilets, one with a PVC toilet flange and the other with an iron toilet flange. Hence, I would like to share my insights on how to replace a toilet flange-PVC and iron.

PVC, copper, and brass are the most popular types of toilet flanges, according to Upgraded Home. Even though they are sturdy, plumbers no longer use aluminium or cast iron flanges because they corrode and rust over time. Stainless steel toilet flanges, on the other hand, are still utilised but contain other materials. The process of replacing cast iron toilet flange or a PVC toilet flange is the same. Closet flanges are also available in a variety of diameters to accommodate various drainpipe connections.

• Locate the knob on the wall behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply

This will prevent the tank from replenishing after each flush, but it will not prevent water from leaving the system. After the water has been turned off, flush the toilet, wait for the bowl to refill, then flush again, repeating until the toilet has emptied all of the water from both the bowl and the reservoir

• Spread newspaper across the bathroom floor while the toilet is draining

Because here is where you'll place the toilet once it's been removed from the mount, make sure there are multiple sheets of paper in layers

• The toilet's water supply should be disconnected

This is a metal hose or braided pipe that travels from the wall to the toilet, right near to the valve. You should be able to twist it off by hand, but use an adjustable wrench if it's too tight. Remove it from the wall only if you plan to replace it as well, or if it's so long that it might get in the way when you're trying to replace the toilet at the conclusion of this project with your hands full

• Remove the two nuts from the bolts that connect the toilet to the flange and the floor. 

If you aren’t able to remove nuts readily by hand, use the adjustable wrench. When the flange repair is finished, set the nuts aside to reattach the toilet

• Prepare to take the toilet out

Carefully place it on top of the newspapers

• The outflow or sewage pipe with the flange will now be visible

With a putty knife, remove the old wax that had sealed the toilet to the flange and pipe. Scrape it off with a scraper and smear it on newspaper until you can get to the top of the flange

• Locate the screws on the outside of the flange that must be removed

Remove the flange and clean it with disinfectant wipes or under a faucet. Place it on the newspaper and set it away. To prevent unwanted odours and gases from escaping, tuck the disposable rag into the opening of the sewage outflow pipe

• Measure the mouth width of the outflow pipe

Make a note of your measurements after double-checking them. Place the old flange in a plastic bag and go to your nearest hardware store, plumbing supplier, or home centre to purchase a flange that is the same size, kind, and form

• Remove the rag from the outflow pipe and discard it in a plastic bag once you've returned to the bathroom

Install the new flange over the outflow pipe. Double-check that the new flange is flat with the floor and that there are no gaps beneath it. Using the new nuts and screws, screw the flange into position on the mount. When you're finished, you'll have two bolts protruding from the flange and floor, which will be used to remount the toilet

• Locate the round mouth where the toilet rests atop the flange by turning the toilet sideways on the floor

Apply the new wax seal by pressing it firmly into place without overworking it or misshaping it

• Lift the toilet with care, and make sure the bolts are aligned with the holes in the toilet foundation

Lower the toilet slowly so that it slides over the bolts and back to its proper position. Examine the base from all angles to check if it appears level. If not, wiggle it around until it's evenly distributed. Put your weight on the toilet and forcefully press it down to contact the wax seal with the flange

• Reinstall the nuts on the bolts

To ensure that the toilet does not rock or wobble in the months to come, tighten it with your hand first, then with the adjustable wrench

• The water supply hose should be reconnected to the toilet's inflow valve

Make sure it's securely fastened to avoid dribbles or leaks in the future

• Wait for the toilet reservoir tank to fill before turning on the water valve

Flush it after it's full. Flush once more when the bowl has filled. To guarantee proper function, repeat two to three times

I would like to conclude my answer here about how to replace a toilet flange. I hope this helps:)

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