Toilet Flange Repair and Replacement

Many homeowners have a basic understanding of the way their toilet works and how to fix minor issues. However, many people don’t understand the part of a toilet that is most often responsible for leaks and other issues. This part is known as the closet flange or, more commonly, the toilet flange.

Broken, loose, or improperly installed toilet flanges can cause a toilet to leak from the bottom. Left unaddressed, this can lead to water damage or the release of unwanted sewage and gases into your bathroom. Checking your toilet’s flange should be a staple in your home maintenance checklists. If it’s not, you risk minor issues or potentially major structural damage down the line.

Read on to learn more about our toilet flange repair service.

What Is a Toilet Flange?

The closet flange is the mechanical connection between the toilet drain and your home’s drainage system. If this connection is broken or improperly fitted, it can lead to sewer gas and water leaks.

A toilet flange also acts as a stabilizing floor mount for your toilet. The flange is typically made from a PVC, copper, steel, or brass pipe, and is paired with a metal or plastic ring that bolts it to the bathroom floor. The flange is then sealed to the drain of your toilet with a wax ring to prevent leaks.

Toilet flanges should either be three or four inches in diameter, depending on the size of the drainpipe.

The flange should fit the pipe either by sliding over it or fitting snugly inside of it. The length of the pipe should be adjusted according to the thickness of your floor finishing. Using a flange of the wrong diameter or an improper height can create installation issues and leaks.

Warning Signs of a Failing Toilet Flange

We recommend regularly checking the area around the base of your toilet for indications that there might be something wrong with the flange. Many of these signs can also be caused by other major plumbing issues. If you notice any of the indicators below and need help diagnosing the cause, our team of professionals is ready to help!

Signs of potential flange damage:

Any leak from the bottom of your toilet
Unpleasant odors
A loose toilet that shifts or rocks

Common Issues That Lead to Toilet Flange Repair

If you notice any of the signs of toilet flange damage, one of the following issues could be to blame. We recommend toilet flange repair services to stop the damage from worsening:

A flange that isn’t flush with finished flooring: If you’re planning to redo your bathroom flooring, don’t forget about the flange! Toilet flanges perform best when they are secured tight and flush with finished flooring. Securing the flange is an important step in refurbishing a bathroom floor; if skipped, it can lead to leaks. You may have to adjust the toilet flange height, either by cutting the pipe or using a flange extender, to ensure that it is at the proper level.
A blocked or clogged flange: Toilet backups can be caused by clogged flanges. If your flange is clogged or clogs frequently, it may require professional repair.
Cracked or broken flange: If you notice a lot of water pooling at the base of your toilet and find that your flange is cracked or broken, it’s time for a toilet flange replacement. Make sure to properly measure your drainpipe and drain to ensure that you choose a replacement flange kit that is the right size.
Loose or broken wax rings: Another common reason for pooling water is a loose or damaged wax ring, which breaks the waterproof seal. Wax ring replacements should always be carried out by professionals.

Toilet Flange Repair FAQs

How much does it cost to replace a toilet flange?

If you want to replace the flange yourself, the parts will only cost about $25 at any hardware store. If you have the appropriate tools and enough strength to lift the toilet, this could be a good DIY project for you. On the other hand, hiring a plumber to replace the flange will ensure that the job is done right by a licensed, experienced professional.

How do professionals replace a toilet flange?

The best way to replace a toilet flange is to have a licensed professional handle it for you. We can make sure that the job is done correctly to avoid problems down the line. Our team will follow the steps outlined below:

Turn off the water supply and disconnect the hose from the toilet.
Empty the toilet bowl — keep flushing until all water has drained.
Detach the toilet from the floor and carefully remove it.
Remove the wax ring from the flange.
Unbolt the flange from the floor, then remove and clean it.
If necessary, we will use a toilet flange extender or cut the pipe to ensure the flange is at the proper height.
Secure a new flange to the drainpipe, making sure that it is flush with the finished flooring.
Place a new wax ring around the drain on the bottom of the toilet.
Replace the toilet on the flange, pushing tightly to seal the wax ring to the flange.
Secure the toilet back in place, connect the water hose, and turn the water back on. We then flush to check that it is working and watch for any leaks.

Get the Job Done Right — Call Mr. Rooter

Our team of licensed professionals has the experience and expertise to inspect, diagnose, and repair any issue with your toilet’s flange, so you don’t have to worry about whether the job is done right. We’ll handle it for you.

Request your estimate online with your local Mr. Rooter plumber today!