In a typical toilet installation, the floor flange that sits inside the drain opening below the toilet should be flush with the finished floor, or no more than 1/4 inch above or below the floor. Can a toilet flange be too high? When your toilet flange is too high, your toilet may leak water and rock back and forth when used.
Full Answer
What is a closet flange?
Plumbers, builders and trade professionals know that a key component to toilet installation is the fitting that connects the toilet to the drain pipe known as the closet flange or toilet flange. No matter what you call it, this small and often inexpensive plumbing part can cause significant damage if not installed correctly.
How do you make a toilet flange flush with the floor?
It’s easier to get your flange flush with the floor if you first lay your flooring before you install the flange. If you’ve already laid your flooring, and the toilet flange is too high or unlevel, there are a few things you can do. First, you can pack grout into the gap between the floor and the flange.
What is a toilet flange?
What to Know About Closet Flanges A toilet flange is a piece of pipe fitting that connects the bottom of the toilet to the drainpipe. It also secures the toilet firmly on the floor using bolts. Toilet flanges are also known as closet flanges. This is because in the past flush toilets were commonly called water closets.
How to replace a broken flange on a bathroom floor?
Remove your broken flange if you’re replacing it and insert the new one into the waste pipe. Your flange should be now positioned a few centimeters below your finished floor. Take the gasket from the flange extender system and position it on top of your flange. Next, you’ll want to choose the right spacer from the extender system.
Should closet flange be flushed with floor?
0:214:10The Correct Height of a Toilet Flange - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThing you want to do is remember that all toilet flanges should always be installed on top of theMoreThing you want to do is remember that all toilet flanges should always be installed on top of the finished floor.
Can toilet flange be flush with tile?
Toilet bowls are designed to be secured to the toilet flange with a wax ring. The wax ring seals and connects the flange to the lower level piping. Placing the flange below the tiles or flush with the floor can cause drainage complications.
How do you flush a toilet flange on the floor?
Drill mounting holes through the floors with your ¼-inch drill bit. Bore four holes directly through the mounting holes around the flange's ring. You can then secure the flange to the floor with Tapcon screws or similar fasteners.
What happens if the toilet flange is lower than the floor?
3:505:00Toilet Flange Too Low - Great Solution! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut the wax ring will take care of that no problem concrete bolts gaskets in between double gasketsMoreBut the wax ring will take care of that no problem concrete bolts gaskets in between double gaskets down the flange.
Can toilet flange below floor level?
In a typical toilet installation, the floor flange that sits inside the drain opening below the toilet should be positioned so that its bottom surface rests flush against the finished floor or no more than 1/4 inch above or below the floor.
How close should tile be to toilet flange?
1/2″In most cases, as long as you've cut within 1/2″ around the flange, your toilet once installed will cover your cuts. However, if you feel you've made too big of a cut and your toilet won't cover, start over until you get it right.
How high can a toilet flange be above finished floor?
For those that don't already know, the proper toilet flange height is when it's flush with the top of the finished floor. The optimum height is about ¼ inch.
How do you fill the gap between toilet base and floor?
Apply a thin, even bead of caulk around the base of the toilet to cover the gap along the floor and hide the shims. If necessary, smooth the caulk with your finger, wiping your finger clean frequently with a paper towel or a rag.
What happens if the toilet flange is not level?
0:171:52Level Up An Out of Level Toilet Flange - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is level with the floor. You take it and you flip it back over. So it sits level on theMoreThis is level with the floor. You take it and you flip it back over. So it sits level on the existing out of level flange. Now you install a standard wax ring in the middle.
Can a toilet flange be too high?
When your toilet flange is too high, your toilet may leak water and rock back and forth when used. Both the leaking and the rocking can warp or break the floor. A leaking flange can also rot the subfloor and lead to the accumulation of mildew and mold.
Do toilet flange extenders work?
12:0713:43Toilet Flange Extender Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe extender on top the extender will now be sitting perfectly level with the tile floor. That.MoreThe extender on top the extender will now be sitting perfectly level with the tile floor. That. Allows you to have a non leak installation. Okay you set your Johnny bolts. And set your toil.
How do I install a flange extender?
0:525:16Set-Rite Toilet Flange Extender Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you're using if you have a plastic or metal flange like I do it calls for just using the gasketMoreIf you're using if you have a plastic or metal flange like I do it calls for just using the gasket if you've got an old cast-iron flange. Then ask that you put a wax ring on it instead of the gasket.
Should Toilet Flange Be Flush With Floor?
The toilet flange should not be flush with the floor, but it must be level to allow for a correct installation. A difference in height between one side of the flange and the other could compromise your toilet’s balance. For this reason, you should make sure the floor around the toilet is level or use a filler to ensure a level fit of the flange.
How To Install A Toilet Flange On A Tile Floor
We already mentioned that you should always install the toilet flange after the tile. In the rare cases when a contractor installed it before tiling, you can adjust its height with flange spacers. With this in mind, here’s how to install the toilet flange yourself.
Final Thoughts
A toilet flange should raise ¼ inches above the finished floor. Installing it on the subfloor or flush with the floor can lead to leaks and balance problems. We hope this guide can help you during your bathroom construction or renovation.
What is a toilet flange?
A toilet flange is a piece of pipe fitting that connects the bottom of the toilet to the drainpipe. It also secures the toilet firmly on the floor using bolts. Toilet flanges are also known as closet flanges. This is because in the past flush toilets were commonly called water closets. Old Toilet flanges are made of cast iron ...
Why does my toilet leak at the base?
A toilet leaking at the base indicates that the wax ring is not sealing but could also signify a deep lying problem, like a broken flange. If you have a wobbly toilet, it is either caused by loose toilet bolts, uneven floor, or a broken flange.
How many holes are there in a toilet?
A toilet has two holes on each side of its base where the bolts are driven through. Nuts and washers are used to tighten the toilet in place. A wax ring is normally installed between the toilet flange and the bottom of the toilet. This creates a water tight and airtight seal that prevents flush water and sewer gases from leaking from the bottom ...
How much rough in is a standard toilet?
Standard toilets have a rough-in of 12 inches while non-standard toilets have a rough if of 10 or 14 inches. The rough-in is the distance between the rear finished wall and the center of the drainpipe.
Can you replace a rough in toilet with a modern one?
If you have an old 10 or 14-inch rough-in toilet that you need to replace with a modern one, it is always hard to get another of the same dimensions and if you do it is grossly overpriced. To solve that problem, you should install an offset toilet and buy your favorite standard toilet.
Do you need to replace a toilet flange after remodeling?
When you are remodeling a bathroom or a installing a new toilet, most people prefer to replace the old closet flange with a new. This way, you don’t need to replace it after a few years/months.
What happens if you put a toilet flange too high?
If the flange is placed too high, the toilet may become unstable and shaky. Fortunately, there are other parts you can install to prevent that, like toilet shims and closet bolts of different lengths.
What is the fitting that connects the toilet to the drain pipe known as?
Plumbers, builders and trade professionals know that a key component to toilet installation is the fitting that connects the toilet to the drain pipe known as the closet flange or toilet flange. No matter what you call it, this small and often inexpensive plumbing part can cause significant damage if not installed correctly.
Can a toilet flange be set without a closet flange?
Toilets that are set without a securely installed closet flange can wobble, crack and even leak. As important as this part is, there are two primary methods for setting a toilet flange: above the floor and flush with the floor. Depending on the job, one method may be beneficial over the other.
Should Toilet Flange Be Flush with floor?
- The toilet flange should not be flush with the floor, but it must be level to allow for a correct installation. A difference in heightbetween one side of the flange and the other could compromise your toilet’s balance. For this reason, you should make sure the floor around the toilet is levelor use a filler to ensure a level fit of the flange.
How to Install A Toilet Flange on A Tile Floor
- We already mentioned that you should always install the toilet flange after the tile. In the rare cases when a contractor installed it before tiling, you can adjust its height with flange spacers. With this in mind, here’s how to install the toilet flange yourself.
FAQ
- Can A Toilet Flange Sit Below The Tile?
In a typical toilet installation, the flange should sit on top of the finished floorand not below the tile. However, when renovating a bathroom, you may want to add new flooring without removing the old floors first. If the new floor goes above the edge of the flange – or if your flange was acci… - Toilet Flange Sits 1/2 Inches Above Floor – What To Do?
Another issue you may be faced with when installing a new toilet is a toilet flange that sits too high above the floor. As a general rule, a flange that sits ½ inches above the floor can create similar problems to a flange installed under the floor level: your toilet may leak and rock back an…
Final Thoughts
- A toilet flange should raise ¼ inches above the finished floor. Installing it on the subfloor or flush with the floor can lead to leaks and balance problems. We hope this guide can help you during your bathroom construction or renovation.