Toilet Flange Repair - How to Repair Toilet Flange

A toilet flange is a metal plate that is fixed below the toilet. It serves two main purposes, namely, connecting the toilet with the sewer outlet pipe and securing the toilet with the floor. While constructing the toilet, it is bolted and fixed to the flange, which is then secured to the floor by using screws. In order to prevent any leakage, beeswax seal is applied at the junction. In most cases, the toilet flange and the floor lie in the same level.

No doubt, every toilet should be maintained properly in order to ensure smooth functioning and also to avoid obnoxious smell and/or leakage. If there is water leakage from the base of the toilet, then you can fix the problem by carrying out a simple toilet flange repair. Let's take a look on how to repair toilet flange.

Toilet Flange Repairing Tips

As already mentioned, a leakage of water and sewage signifies an old toilet flange that requires immediate attention. Otherwise, you know the circumstances; frequent wetting of the toilet floor (every time you flush) and growth of black mold in the toilet floor, particularly at the base. Another sign of worn out flange is the movement of toilet while sitting over it. The only practical method for troubleshooting all these problems is toilet flange repair. Following are the steps that should be followed to repair toilet flange:

Required Tools and Materials: For toilet flange repair, the required tools and materials include screws, cordless screw driver, torque wrenches, flange bolts, wax rings, flange repair kit and caulk. The actual necessary materials may differ based on the flange defects. For example, if you have an imbalanced toilet flange that is located below or above the toilet floor, then it can be fixed by using a flange extender.

Removing the Toilet: The first and the foremost step for repairing toilet flange is the removal of the toilet. Prior to removing it, cut off the water supply to the toilet and also, flush the existing toilet water. Unscrew the bolts and nuts that are located on the sides of the toilet. Hold the toilet and lift it gently. Ensure that you place the nuts and toilet properly, as you are going to remount the toilet.

Toilet Flange Repair: By now, you may have diagnosed the problem of the toilet flange. You can clean and wipe off the old wax as much as possible from the old flange. Also scrape wax coatings from the bottom surface of the toilet. Following this, you can fix the flange bolts in the holes of the repair kit. Then, place the repair kit in the floor on a similar position to the previous one. This will ensure a correct fixation of the flange and at the same time, it will prevent any leakage.

Fixing the Flange and Toilet: While fixing the toilet flange, you can follow the manual instructions as provided by the manufacturer. Screw down the flange properly to the floor. Place the new wax rings and remount the toilet; secure it with the bolts and/or nuts. Make sure, you do not apply excess pressure while fixing it, as too tight screwing may result in cracking of the toilet finish.

This is in brief on how to repair toilet flange. You can turn on the water supply, flush water and check for any water leakage. In order to repair toilet flange on lead pipe, you can apply caulk at the junction of the lead pipe and the oakum joint. There are also flange repair rings available in the market in order to repair broken toilet flange.