How to Remove a Toilet Flange?

Possibly, you were unaware that the toilet flange was faulty, but how would you correct the wrong impression created in the minds of the visitors about your personality?

The above is one of the embarrassing situations caused by a defective or damaged toilet flange.

Before going into the real deal, we'd like you to know what a toilet flange is all about and the warning signs you could expect.

The toilet flange or closet flange can be made of metal, PVC or similar plastic and it is bolted into the floor of the bathroom to connect the bowl of the toilet to the inlet part of the sewer system. It is also sealed with a wax ring to prevent leakage

This component of the toilet is unnoticed because it's hidden, but most times, it is the culprit of embarrassing leaks.

Nevertheless, removing or changing the toilet flange when it is weak or leaky wouldn't be a hustle to a technically savvy person or a newbie plumber. Follow these procedure suggested by experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Youngstown.

Signs of a damaged toilet flange

Though these are typical signs that your toilet flange has become defective, they could also be symptoms of major plumbing problems.

• Water seepage underneath your toilet
• Irritating or foul odor from the toilet
• Unbalanced or loose toilet

Materials and tools needed for this DIY operation

• New flanges, bolts, and screws
• Disposable old rag
• Screwdriver
• Old newspaper
• Plastic bags
• Measuring tape
• First step
• Turn off the water main

Shut off the water supply to the toilet by locating the knob and turning it clockwise. Then flush the toilet numerous times to drain all the water in the drain and reservoir.

Step two

Unfasten the nuts

Use the adjustable wrench to remove the bolts and nuts that are holding the toilet to the floor.

Make sure that you spread newspaper over the bathroom floor. It will help not to place the toilet on the bare floor.

Step three

Detach the toilet

If you can't lift the toilet on your own, we suggest getting help from a neighbor or other members of your household.

By now the bolts have been unscrewed, then rock it back and forth to disengage every grip by the flange before placing it on the newspapers.

Step four

Remove the old wax

Use the putty knife to remove the old wax that was used to seal the toilet with the flange. Then remove the screws with your multi-head screwdriver.

Step five

Remove the flange and fit in the new one

Ensure that you have a flange of the same size, and shape with the old one. You can do a little comparison, but if they dont match, get another one from the nearby hardware store.

Fit the new flange with no gaps below and bolt with your screwdriver to the floor

Step six