If you’re having issues with water leaking from the base of your toilet, a constantly running toilet, or a wobbly seat, the flange may be to blame. The flange is what secures the base of your toilet to the floor and connects it to the main drain pipe. A broken toilet flange needs a quick fix to get your porcelain throne back in working order.
Need a how-to guide on what you can do to fix your toilet flange? This is the place to be! We’ll go over the signs you may need to repair your flange, how to install the new flange, and how to carefully reinstall your toilet. If do-it-yourself (DIY) fixes aren’t in your wheelhouse, scheduling a repair service with Day & Night is easier than ever—schedule online here.
Signs You Need Toilet Flange Repairs
A broken toilet flange may not always be as obvious as water pouring from the base of your toilet into your bathroom. Sometimes, no water leaks out but the seal is compromised, leading to other unpleasant problems. Knowing the signs of a broken or cracked toilet flange can help you diagnose the problem and contact the right people.
Common signs you need to repair or replace your toilet flange include the following:
- A foul smell in your bathroom that doesn’t seem to go away no matter how much you clean.
- Your toilet rocks side to side when you sit on it.
- There is water leaking from the base of your toilet and into the subflooring.
- The tiles around the base of your toilet are loose or cracked.
Prepping for Toilet Flange Repairs
Before you start repairing or replacing your toilet flange, there are a few things you need to do in order to prepare. These steps are important in preventing further issues such as water damage. Here are some steps you can take to get ready for flange repairs:
- Turn off the water supply to your toilet. Find the valve behind your toilet and turn it clockwise to close the water line.
- Take the lid off the tank and flush your toilet. Hold the handle down and drain as much water from the tank and bowl as you can.
- Disconnect the water line from your toilet.
- Remove any caulk around the base of the toilet. You can use a knife to gently cut the caulk and break the seal.
- Use a wrench to remove the nuts and washers from the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. This may take some elbow grease.
- Firmly grasp the toilet under each side of the bowl and gently rock it back and forth to break the wax seal.
- Once you have the toilet removed, place it on a protective covering to shield your floor, and scrape off any leftover wax from your floor and the bottom of the toilet.
How To Replace a Toilet Flange
- Remove the old flange and check the measurement of the pipe.
- Find the right-sized replacement flange.
- Screw the new flange securely to the floor with screws.
- Secure each bolt on the new flange with a washer and nut.
An important thing to note: if the flange is made of metal or secured using glue or welding, you’ll need a professional plumber to replace it. They have specific tools and training to safely remove and replace the flange without further damaging your flooring or plumbing.
Another option is to use a flange repair kit. These kits come with a plastic ring that you simply place on top of the current flange and screw together. Once you seal it with silicone, you’re all done! These kits are great for minor repairs or problems with your current flange.
How to Reinstall Your Toilet
- Place a new wax seal on top of the new flange. Be sure it’s centered.
- Place the toilet on top of the seal as level as possible. Use the bolts as a guide, and do not rock the toilet to get it in place. Push straight down and give small twists until the toilet is flush with the floor again.
- Install and tighten the washers and nuts so the toilet is properly secured.
- Reconnect the water line.
Need Professional Plumbing Services? Call Now
Do you need help repairing or replacing your toilet flange? Day & Night has 24/7 plumbing services whenever you need them in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Our plumbing services include toilet repairs, toilet clogs, plumbing backups, water line services, sewer line services, and more!
Contact Day & Night today to schedule an appointment to fix your toilet flange. Our plumbers will be there in no time to get your toilet back up and running.
