Installing a toilet when the flange is too low can be a bit tricky, but it is definitely doable. The first step is to determine the actual height of the flange above the floor, as you will need this measurement to ensure the toilet sits flatly and properly on the floor.
If the flange is lower then the minimum recommended height of 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch, then you may need to raise it before you can move forward with the installation.
To raise the flange, you can insert a plastic flange spacer and a foam gasket over the existing flange. This will let you lift it up enough to reach the recommended height. Additionally, you may need to seal the area once you’re done to keep the flange from slipping.
Conversely, if the flange is too high, you may need to use a wax-free sealant or a rubber coupling to lower it.
Once the flange is at the correct height, you can move on to the next steps in the installation process. You’ll want to position the toilet bowl over the flange and press down firmly in order to ensure a good seal.
From there, place the wax ring around the outlet of the bowl, check for levelness and secure the bolts around the base. Lastly, hook up the connections for water supply and the seat and you’re all set!.
How do you raise a toilet flange?
Raising a toilet flange requires careful attention to detail and a few simple tools. Before beginning, shut off the water supply and remove the old flange. If the flange is lower than the surrounding floor, then the floor will need to be raised to support the flange.
To do this, use wooden shims to level out the floor and create a stable foundation for the flange. When the floor is secure, you can secure the new flange in place. Use silicone caulk to seal the bottom of the flange to the floor and then use bolts to secure the flange to the floor.
After tightening the bolts, you may need to replace the existing wax seal. Finally, reconnect the water supply and test the system for any leaks. Make sure to check for any loose bolts or areas that may need to be resealed.
With proper care and attention, you can easily raise a toilet flange and have your plumbing system back in order.
How high should toilet flange sit above floor?
The ideal height for a toilet flange is ½ inch to 1 inch above the floor. This is because a higher toilet flange increases the likelihood of leaking due to water or waste accumulation, while a lower toilet flange may not provide enough support for the toilet.
It’s also important to consider clearance when setting the toilet flange height. An ADA-compliant toilet needs at least 17 inches of clearance. Other sizes are still a range, so at least two inches of clearance between the seat and the wall is ideal.
Lastly, make certain that the bolts at the base of the toilet are seated so the toilet does not move when you’re sitting on it. Tightening the flange bolts can help prevent shifting and prepare your toilet for a proper installation.
Does the toilet flange need to be above the floor?
Yes, the toilet flange needs to be installed above the finished floor to ensure proper sealing. The flange needs a level surface for the toilet to be installed correctly and securely. The flange is a circular pipe fitting that connects the toilet to the drainage pipe connected to the main drainage line in the house.
The flange is secured to the floor with screws and then a wax seal is applied to ensure a watertight fit when the toilet is installed. The bottom of the flange should be between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch above the finished floor to ensure the toilet is properly sealed when the floor is covered with the toilet’s finished flooring materials.
Is there a toilet flange extender?
Yes, toilet flange extenders (also known as “extended toilet flange rings”) are available for purchase. These are usually made of PVC or ABS plastic and are used to extend the height of a toilet flange.
Toilet flanges typically come in two sizes: standard, which is 3 inches high, and extended, which is 4 inches high. A toilet flange extender can be used to raise a flange to the desired height, which makes the installation of the toilet and wax ring easier, and also helps ensure the proper seal of the toilet to the floor.
Toilet flange extenders are available from most home improvement stores and online retailers.
Can you put a new toilet flange over an old one?
Yes, it is possible to put a new toilet flange over an old one in certain cases. This can be done if the old flange is rigidly mounted to the floor and undamaged. Before making any changes, it is important to determine the size and type of the old flange, as the new flange must be compatible.
To properly install the new flange, first, disconnect the water supply. Then, remove the old flange and clean the area around the pipe, so it is free from any debris or moisture. Once the area is dry and clear, the new flange can be secured to the floor using the appropriate screws or bolts.
Connect the water supply back to the toilet, and use a new wax ring with the new flange to ensure a tight seal. Finally, the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor must be tightened properly, and the area around the new flange should be inspected for any potential leaks.
Ultimately, it is possible to install a new toilet flange over an old one if the existing flange is still in good condition, but in most cases, it is safest to replace the old flange entirely.
How do I fill the gap between my toilet and floor?
Filling the gap between your toilet and the floor is easy to do. First, you need to measure the gap so that you can purchase the right size of filler. Next, you will need to choose your filler material, such as caulk, foam sealant, or putty.
Once you have the right material, you can apply it to the gap with a caulking gun or putty knife. Make sure the sealant or putty fills the entire gap and that it is even on both sides. After that, you should let it dry and cure to ensure a tight seal.
If you used caulk, you can use a wet rag to remove excess caulk and ensure there are no air bubbles. Finally, to ensure a long-lasting result, you can use a sealant paint or bathroom caulk to finish the job.
What happens if a flange is not level with the floor?
If a flange is not level with the floor it could lead to a variety of consequences depending on the function of the flange. If the flange is connected to a water pipe, for example, the pipe may not fit properly into the flange, leading to water leakage and possible water damage due to the leak.
Furthermore, the flange may not be able to provide the necessary seal and retention because of the extra pressure needed to fit the pipe due to the unevenness of the floor. Additionally, if the flange is part of a machine, the additional pressure may cause it to overheat or malfunction, as the machine may not be able to operate properly due to the imbalance.
Finally, the flange may not be able to provide the structural support needed due to the unevenness, leading to the weakening of the overall structure. As you can see, a flange not being level with the floor can cause potential problems and it is important to fix the surface and make sure everything is level in order to ensure that everything operates properly.
Should toilet flange sit on top of tile?
No, the toilet flange should not sit directly on top of the tile. Instead, it should be installed on the subfloor or on a wax ring in order to provide a seal around the base of the toilet and allow it to sit securely in place without any leakage.
Any rubber gaskets or shims should be placed between the tile and the toilet flange to keep it level and prevent movement. When installing the toilet flange, make sure that it is level and secure and that it is not too close to the wall.
If the flange is not level and secure, it may cause the toilet to rock or wobble and could cause potential leaking issues.
What to do if toilet flange is lower than floor?
If the toilet flange is lower than the floor, there are several things you can do to fix the issue.
The first step is to remove the existing toilet to expose the toilet flange. Then, assess why it is lower than the floor. Common causes of a low toilet flange include pipes that were cut too low or a subfloor that’s uneven or sagging.
If the pipes were cut too low, the most cost-efficient solution is to use a wax ring extender or a specialty flange extension kit. Both of these products fit directly in between the toilet flange and the wax ring, elevating the toilet to the correct height.
If, however, the subfloor is sagging, the most appropriate fix is to use a spacer or subfloor shim to raise the flange level with the rest of the floor. First, any excess subflooring should be removed in order to make space for the shim, then a shim should be inserted between the subfloor and the flange.
Finally, a new wax ring should be placed between the flange and the toilet base, and the toilet should be secured in place with lag bolts. Once you are done with these steps, the issue should be adequately resolved.
Should toilet flange be flush with finished floor?
Yes, toilet flanges should be flush with finished floor. Proper installation of a toilet flange is critical in the long-term performance of your bathroom and the prevention of water damage and potential health risks.
When installing a toilet flange, it must be placed with the top surface flush with the finished floor. This will ensure that your toilet is securely and properly sealed to the floor. If the flange is installed above the finished floor, a wax ring won’t be able to form a watertight seal and toilet movement can cause water damage to the subfloor.
A flange not flush with the finished floor also has the potential to cause clogged toilets since the toilet base may not be able to sit level on the floor. It is important to always check your toilet flange to ensure that it is securely mounted and flush to the finished floor for the optimal performance of your toilet.
How much does a plumber charge to change a flange?
The cost of hiring a plumber to change a flange can vary significantly depending on many factors. It normally starts around $150 and can go up to $1,000 or more. The cost depends on the type of flange being changed, the plumbers’s experience, the complexity of the job, the location, materials and other factors.
If the flange needs to be installed in a difficult-to-reach area, or if it needs to be replaced with a much higher quality one, then you can expect to pay much more. The best way to get an accurate cost estimate for this job is to contact a local plumber and discuss the specifics of the job.
Be sure to ask for an estimate in writing so that you know exactly what the total cost will be prior to hiring the plumber.
Will toilet leak if flange is broken?
Yes, a broken flange can cause a toilet to leak. The flange is an essential part of a toilet because it secures the toilet bowl to the floor and connects the toilet to the waste pipe. Generally, the flange is made of PVC and is attached to the house’s waste pipe.
If the flange is broken in any way, it will cause the toilet bowl to become loose and can result in water leaking out of the base. To determine if your flange is broken, you will need to remove the toilet and inspect the area where the bowl is attached to the floor.
If you notice any cracks or chips in the flange, it will need to be replaced. If the flange is severely damaged, it is recommended to replace the entire toilet assembly.
Does toilet flange have to be glued in the pipe?
No, a toilet flange typically does not need to be glued in the pipe. Instead, a toilet flange uses bolts that screw into the pipe and secure the flange in place. The bolts can be secured to the pipe with a special nuts and washers that are designed to seal the connection.
Additionally, a wax ring is usually placed between the flange and the toilet to create a water-tight seal. If the flange has been damaged or is corroded or leaking, you may need to glue or caulking it in place.
In those cases, using a plumbing adhesive such as PVC cement can help create a strong and secure seal and ensure that the flange is securely mounted to the pipe.
How many spacers can you put on a toilet flange?
The number of spacers you can put on a toilet flange will depend on the type of toilet flange you have. For example, an adjustable flange may have up to three spacers and a standard flange may have up to four spacers.
The spacers are used to adjust the height of the toilet and can be used to easily adjust the toilet height to meet the finished floor level. The number of spacers that you need will depend on your finished floor level and the height of the flange.
Be sure to measure the height of the flange and the finished floor level before positioning any spacers. Depending on the type of toilet flange and the level of the finished floor, you may need more spacers than the maximum allowed.
As a general guide, a full set of spacers should be used if the gap between the flange and the finished floor is over 3/8”. If the gap is less than 3/8”, you may be able to get away with using less than the maximum number of spacers.