The toilet flange is the washer fixed to the floor to install the toilet. It is placed on the bathroom floor and firmly screwed into it. It serves as a fixing anchor to firmly install the toilet, connecting the bottom of the toilet to the drainpipe on the bathroom floor.
Let’s discuss this further to understand what a toilet flange is and what is its function!
What is a Toilet Flange?
The toilet consists of a bowl connected to a drain. On the top of this bowl, there is a fold on which the toilet seat rests. The flange is precisely the channel that exists under this fold. It goes all the way around the bowl to carry the water from the flush.
The toilet flange can be open or closed and equipped with small holes to let water through.
If water is leaking into the toilet base, you may need to replace the flange. Once you separate the toilet from the flange, you’ll find that replacing this part is usually a manageable DIY project. However, it is better to call a professional for plumbing repairs and installations.
Models of Toilet Flange
There are different models of flanges, depending on the place and the age of the installation. The one used in combination with a toilet sinker is simply a ring, or washer, with holes to attach it securely to the floor. When the floor is cement, we usually have a lead installed.
Floors will usually have an ABS (a common thermoplastic polymer) or brass flange that attaches directly to the ABS piping without lead. It features a nozzle that attaches directly to the toilet plumbing.
On both types of flanges, they have round holes to fix it to the floor and slots used to insert the fixing screws of the toilet. Once the flange is fixed on the ground, the head of the fixing screw is inserted into it, which is slid into place in the slot to position it.
Except for certain old models of toilets installed at 10″, the distance from the center of the flange to the wall is 12 inches once the wall covering is installed. The position is determined by the slots’ ends which receive the toilet mounting screws, so both are 12″ from the finished wall.
Advantages
- Excellent adhesion to the floor
- Total hermeticity with the toilet
- It does not interfere with the flow of water
- It can be used for both PVC, cast iron, or clay pipes
- Offers the same life
Installation of a Toilet Flange
Before installing a toilet flange, make sure that the drainpipe is at ground level. If it stands out, you should cut off the excess with a hacksaw.
- Measure the distance between the toilet tank and the wall.
- Take the sanitary flange and pull the sleeve of the sanitary flange inwards while holding it.
- Insert the flange into the drainpipe. At the same time, release the sleeve and extend it inside the pipe.
- Insert the screws into the slots of the sanitary flange and turn it to place the toilet in the proper position.
- Mark the points to drill on the flexible flange post.
- Drill holes with a 1/4 inch concrete drill bit. (Remember to insert the anchors.)
- Tighten the bolts with a screwdriver to secure the flange.
- Attach the anchor bolts and attach the toilet.
- With the support of the wrench, adjust the nuts.
- Finally, apply sealant around the base of your toilet.
Position of Flange Slots Relative to the Wall
It is attached to the floor covering and will exceed its thickness by approximately 1/4 inch. If the flooring is not already installed, shims are used to adjust the flange height so that its base is at the flooring height once installed.
When breaking a flange with a toilet sinker, the difficulty is to unbend the sinker to remove it to replace it with a new one. Replacing an ABS flange forces us to cut the piping to make the replacement. We will then have to make a hole in the ceiling of the room under the toilet or remove the covering from the bathroom floor to access the pipes.
When you have to replace a broken toilet flange, you must first check what type is used to get one of the same models.
Although positioning and installing a flange seems a manageable DIY project, it is prudent to seek professional help if there’s water leakage in the toilet base.
Installation of a Toilet Flange, Brooklyn, NY
If you’re a resident of Brooklyn, NY, and are looking for a professional plumbing service to install a toilet flange or fix any other plumbing issue, contact Vigilante Plumbing.
Equipped with 90 years of experience, our team has served homeowners throughout Brooklyn with their plumbing, heating, and AC repair services. Contact Vigilante Plumbing with your queries or call (718) 530-0404 for Plumbing Services from Park Slope and Gowanus to Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill.
