Introduction
A toilet flange is a crucial component in your bathroom plumbing that connects the toilet to the sewer pipe and ensures a watertight seal. If you’re renovating or replacing a toilet, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install a toilet flange.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- New toilet flange
- Wax ring
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Hacksaw or PVC cutter (if needed)
- Plumber’s putty (optional)
- Safety glasses and gloves
Step 1: Safety First
Before you start, ensure your safety by wearing safety glasses and gloves. Working with plumbing can sometimes involve sharp edges and debris.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the shut-off valve on the water supply line to the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water. Flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl.
Step 3: Remove the Old Toilet
Use a wrench to disconnect the water supply line from the toilet tank. Then, remove the nuts securing the toilet bowl to the floor bolts. Lift the toilet straight up to detach it from the flange. Place the toilet on an old towel or cardboard to prevent any water or wax from spilling.
Step 4: Remove the Old Flange
Inspect the old flange and remove it if it’s damaged or corroded. To do this, you may need to unscrew it from the floor or cut it off using a hacksaw or PVC cutter. Be careful not to damage the sewer pipe during this process.
Step 5: Prepare the Subfloor
Make sure the area around the sewer pipe is clean and free of debris. You should also inspect the subfloor for any damage or rot. Replace or repair any damaged subfloor as needed.
Step 6: Install the New Toilet Flange
Place the new toilet flange over the sewer pipe, ensuring that it lines up with the bolt holes on the flange and aligns with the subfloor. If your flange has slots for closet bolts, make sure they are facing toward the wall.
Step 7: Secure the Flange
Secure the flange to the floor by driving stainless steel screws or bolts through the holes in the flange and into the subfloor. Make sure it’s securely anchored and level with the floor surface.
Step 8: Install a New Wax Ring
Place a new wax ring over the flange, ensuring that the tapered side is facing up. The wax ring creates a watertight seal between the toilet and the flange.
Step 9: Reinstall the Toilet Flenge
Carefully lower the toilet bowl onto the wax ring, aligning the mounting bolts on the base of the toilet with the holes on the flange. Gently press down to compress the wax ring and create a secure seal.
Step 10: Secure the Toilet
Place washers and nuts onto the mounting bolts and tighten them evenly using a wrench. Be careful not to overtighten, which could crack the toilet bowl.
Step 11: Reconnect Water Supply
Reconnect the water supply line to the fill valve on the bottom of the toilet tank and tighten it with a wrench. Open the shut-off valve to allow water to flow into the tank.
Step 12: Test for Leaks
Turn on the water supply and allow the toilet tank to fill. Flush the toilet and check for any leaks around the base of the toilet. If you see any leaks, tighten the nuts on the mounting bolts slightly.
Step 13: Caulk (Optional)
Some people choose to apply a bead of plumber’s putty or caulk around the base of the toilet for aesthetic purposes. However, this is optional, and you should avoid sealing the toilet to the floor to make it easier to detect leaks in the future.
Step 14: Reattach the Toilet Seat
If you removed the toilet seat during the installation process, reattach it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed a toilet flange and reattached your toilet. Your bathroom plumbing is now ready for use.
