The size of the hole you need to cut for a toilet flange will depend on the type of flange you are using. Generally, for a standard 3-bolt flange, you will need to cut a 10-inch diameter hole. However, flanges come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so your hole size may vary.
For example, a 5-bolt flange likely requires a 12-inch diameter hole. In addition, some toilet flanges require an oversized hole compared to the size of the flange itself in order to allow room to adjust the mounting bolts.
Therefore, it is important to consult the instructions for the particular flange that you are using before cutting the hole. When cutting the hole, it is recommended to use a jigsaw with a fine-toothed metal-cutting blade for the best results.
What is the rough opening for a toilet flange?
The rough opening for a toilet flange is the space on the floor required for the flange to fit properly and safely around the drainpipe. The general rule for a rough opening is the same as the flange diameter, typically a 4″ or 3″ hole in the floor.
However, this can vary depending on the type and size of your toilet flange. It is important to measure the diameter of your flange and make sure you allow enough room in the rough opening for the flange to fit securely.
You may also need to cut away some of the adjacent floor covering to provide enough space for the flange to fit properly. If the toilet is going on an unlevel floor, make sure that the work area around the drainpipe is flat for the installation of the flange.
You’ll also want to make sure that the floor is clean and free from debris before installing the flange. Taking these steps will ensure a secure and proper installation.
How do you measure a toilet flange and cut hole?
Measuring and cutting a hole for a toilet flange involves measuring the existing flange, if there is one, and then tracing the outline on the area where the flange will be installed. Once the tracing has been complete, cut the traced out area with a jigsaw or oscillating tool.
Depending on the type of toilet flange, there may be a lip on the bottom, so it’s important to make sure the lip is not taken off in the process.
When measuring the existing flange, it’s important to take precise measurements of the length, width and depth. The measurements should include any extensions, if there are any, such as bolts, screws and clamps.
Measure the diameter of the flange and make sure it’s consistent throughout the circumference. Also, measure and mark the centerline of the flange to ensure an even cutting.
To cut the hole for the toilet flange, use a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade, or an oscillating tool. Be sure to wear safety goggles, gloves and other protective gear. Carefully and slowly cut out the traced area, paying attention to the depth, width and length.
If the lip is too wide, you may need to trim it back using a power grinder.
Once the hole has been cut, install the flange. Check to make sure the flange is level against the floor and screwed in securely. Make sure that the mounting bolts are in place and the sealing material such as wax is secure.
Test the flange seal with a paper towel or small cloth and add more wax if necessary. Finally, attach the toilet and check the connection to make sure everything is securely fastened.
Does the toilet flange go on the inside or the outside of the 3 inch pipe?
The toilet flange should be placed on the outside of the 3 inch pipe. Toilet flanges should connect to the outside of the waste line, allowing the edge of the flange to be flush with the finished surface of the floor.
To install a toilet, the flange should be secured to the floor before the toilet is placed, and then connected via bolts to the toilet’s base. It is important to ensure that the flange is level, as an uneven flange can lead to severe leaking.
To ensure that the flange is level, shims may need to be used under the edges of the flange. Additionally, to create a watertight seal, there should be a wax ring applied between the bottom of the toilet and the top of the flange.
How many inches should a toilet flange be from the wall?
The distance between a toilet flange and the wall should typically be between 3/8 and 1/2 of an inch. This distance is important as it allows for the wax ring to seal properly and for a secure connection between the flange and the floor.
If the flange is mounted too far from the wall, it can cause leaking due to the wax ring not being able to effectively seal the connection. If the flange is mounted too close to the wall, it can cause the toilet to be wobbly and unstable.
Should toilet flange be flush with finished floor?
Yes, it is important for a toilet flange to be flush with the finished floor. The flange, also known as a closet flange, is the fitting between the toilet and the main drain pipe. If the flange is not flush with the finished floor, or if it is installed too high or too low, it can cause serious issues with the installation and operation of the toilet.
Additionally, the flange should be securely fastened to the subfloor. If the flange is not properly sealed, water may leak out around the base of the toilet and cause water damage. If the flange becomes severely out of level with the finished floor, it can become difficult to install a toilet with a wax ring seal.
Properly installed and sealed flanges will help ensure that the toilet remains securely in place, and all water will flow properly down the drain.
Do you have to screw the toilet flange to concrete floor?
Yes, it is important to screw the toilet flange to the concrete floor. This will ensure a secure and stable connection between the flange and the base of the toilet. If you do not fasten the flange to the floor, the toilet could become unstable and potentially cause damage to the floor and/or the toilet itself.
The best way to secure the flange to the concrete is to measure the diameter of the bolts that the flange comes with and purchase corresponding concrete anchors. Next, drill correctly sized holes for the anchors and insert them into the concrete.
Finally, secure the flange to the floor using the bolts and anchors that were provided. Make sure to use a wrench or pliers to tighten them into place.
Should I put the wax ring on the toilet or the flange?
When installing a toilet, it is important to correctly install the wax ring between the toilet and the flange at the base of the toilet in order to create a water tight seal. The wax ring should always be placed on the toilet, not the flange.
This is because the wax ring is designed to deform and fill in the space between the flange and the floor, and dripping down the sides of the toilet, creating a water tight seal. Installing the wax ring onto the flange could result in a loose fit on the toilet, which would allow water to leak away from the seal and cause unnecessary damage to your floor and subfloor.
When installing the wax ring, make sure to push it down firmly and into place, and follow the instructions provided with your wax ring as certain models may require a specific installation approach.
Does floating floor go under toilet flange?
The simple answer is no—a floating floor should never go under the toilet flange. Toilet flanges are used to attach the toilet to the drain at the base of the toilet, and the flooring would need to be cut or notched to accommodate this.
A floating floor is installed without the use of fasteners, so notching the flooring to accommodate the flange would disrupt the system and render it ineffective. If the toilet flange needs to be replaced or requires any other type of repair, the flooring would have to be disturbed to access it.
Additionally, a floating floor generally has an expansion gap around its perimeter in order to account for thermal expansion. This gap can range anywhere from 1/4″ to 1/2″, depending on the type of flooring and size of the room.
This means that there would be a noticeable gap between the flooring and the toilet flange—not an ideal situation.
The best course of action is to install the flooring before the toilet flange and seal or caulk around it to ensure a tight fit and minimize the risk of moisture or leaks getting under the flooring. Make sure the toilet flange is secured properly and is completely level, as an improperly installed flange could cause damage to the flooring and create health and safety issues.
How do I know if my toilet is a 10 or 12 rough?
The best way to determine if your toilet is a 10 or 12 inch rough-in is to measure the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the hold-down bolts at the base of the toilet. The measurement should be taken from the finished wall behind the toilet, as opposed to unfinished drywall or studs.
The 10-inch rough-in is measured at 10 inches from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the hold-down bolts, while the 12-inch rough-in is measured at 12 inches from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the hold-down bolts.
If you discover that you have a 10-inch rough-in, then you will need to find a 10-inch toilet, and vice versa for 12-inch rough-ins.
Does toilet flange have to be glued in the pipe?
Yes, a toilet flange must be correctly glued to the pipe for a proper install. Toilet flanges need to be secured tightly to ensure a proper seal and to prevent further leaking and other costly repair issues in the future.
Properly attaching a toilet flange to a pipe requires a solvent-based adhesive. Apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let it set up before attaching the flange to the pipe.
Ensure to properly seal the flange to the pipe around their combined circumference, as any leaking from the gap can cause water damage and promote future problems. To successfully glue the flange in the pipe, hold the flange up to the pipe for proper alignment and then press it into the pipe.
Holding the flange firmly for a few minutes gives the adhesive time to set, ensuring that your toilet flange is securely attached.
Does toilet flange sit on concrete or tile?
The toilet flange typically sits on top of the finished flooring material, either on tile, linoleum, wood, or concrete. An additional layer of protection from moisture and possible damage is often applied; such as wax rings, gaskets, or other waterproof sealers.
Additionally, the toilet flange must be level, to ensure a proper seal and fit between the flange and wax ring on the bottom of the toilet. Specialized screws may be available from hardware stores when installing a toilet flange on tile, linoleum, or wood, while masonry screws are used in concrete.
It is important to verify that the toilet flange is secure and level, so that the toilet has a proper fit and can be anchored safely.
How high is too high for toilet flange?
In most cases, toilet flanges should be no higher than 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch above the finished bathroom floor. That distance is sufficient for a tight seal when the toilet is bolted down and for water to be able to flow beneath the flange into the drain pipe.
If it is higher than this, the toilet may have difficulty draining properly, which can lead to issues such as water damage or flooring damage due to seepage.
Additionally, toilet flanges should not be any lower than the bathroom floor. If they are lower, they might create a situation where sewage water can accumulate, which can eventually cause problems such as a sewer gas leak.
Is it OK for toilet flange to be lower than floor?
It is acceptable for a toilet flange to be lower than the floor in some circumstances. The toilet flange is the fitting that attaches the toilet to the drainage pipe of the house, enabling the waste to be flushed away.
It commonly sits at the floor level, but if the floors are uneven or the flange is installed incorrectly, it can drop lower than the floor.
If the flange is lower than the floor, a wax ring should be used to form a seal between the toilet and the flange. The wax ring should be the same size as the pipe the flange connects to and should be 1/4-inch thick.
If the flange is more than 1 1/2 inch lower, use two wax rings. The wax ring is responsible for holding the weight of the toilet and needs to be replaced if it starts to leak.
It is not recommended to raise the toilet flange too much above the floor, as it can make it more difficult to mount the toilet. Additionally, the higher the flange, the more pressure is placed on the wax ring.
Additionally, the flange should be flush with the finished flooring. If it protrudes too much, it could cause trip and fall hazards.
If the toilet flange is installed too low, a professional should be consulted and the flange readjusted.
What happens when flange is higher than floor?
When a flange is higher than the floor, it can create issues with the overall installation of the flange. This is because the flange needs to be level and properly seated on the floor in order to be securely attached, and the height of the flange must match up with the floor.
If the flange is too high, it may present a gap between the floor and the flange, which can make it difficult to secure the flange using screws or other fasteners. Additionally, the excess height can lead to a decreased strength of the connection between the flange and the floor.
To properly install a flange, it is usually necessary to either trim the flange or shim it so that the height of the flange is flush with the floor.