Replacing an old toilet is a common plumbing project, but it can be a bit tricky if you’re not sure how to do it properly. One of the most important steps is removing the old toilet flange. The flange is the part of the toilet that bolts to the floor and creates a watertight seal. If the flange is not removed correctly, it can cause leaks and other problems.
There are a few different ways to remove an old toilet flange. The most common method is to use a hammer and chisel. Start by chipping away at the grout around the flange. Once the grout is removed, you can use a chisel to pry up the flange. Take your time and be careful not to damage the floor. Once the flange is removed, be sure to clean the area thoroughly before installing the new flange.
If you’re not comfortable using a hammer and chisel, there are a few other methods you can try. One option is to use a reciprocating saw to cut the flange into pieces. Another option is to use a flange cutter, which is a tool specifically designed for removing toilet flanges. Whichever method you choose, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. Removing an old toilet flange can be a messy job, so it’s also a good idea to put down a drop cloth to protect your floor.
Safety Precautions
Before you begin working on removing the old toilet flange, it’s crucial to take the necessary safety precautions to minimize the risk of injury and ensure the safety of your surroundings:
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
Importance: Water leakage can not only damage your bathroom but also waste a valuable resource and increase your water bill. Shutting off the water supply is the most important safety measure you can take.
Procedure: Locate the water supply valve, which is typically a small knob or lever behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to close it completely and prevent any water from flowing into the toilet.
Table: Water Supply Valve Locations
| Toilet Type | Valve Location |
|---|---|
| Floor-Mounted Toilet | Behind the toilet, near the floor |
| Wall-Hung Toilet | Inside the wall behind the toilet |
| Corner Toilet | In the corner behind the toilet |
2. Disconnect the Toilet Bowl
Importance: Removing the toilet bowl before working on the flange prevents damage to the porcelain and allows you to access the flange bolts more easily.
Procedure: Grip the toilet bowl firmly on both sides and lift it straight up off the flange. If the bowl is particularly heavy, consider enlisting the help of an assistant or using a toilet bowl removal tool.
3. Protect Your Eyes and Hands
Importance: Toilet flanges can often be sharp and rusty, posing a risk of cuts or punctures. Additionally, old sealants and adhesives may release harmful fumes when disturbed.
Procedure: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris and chemical fumes. Additionally, put on gloves to protect your hands from cuts, abrasions, or contact with harmful substances.
Shutting Off Water Supply
1. Locate the water supply valves behind the toilet. These valves are usually located near the base of the toilet, where the water supply lines connect to the toilet.
2. Turn off the water supply to the toilet by turning the valves clockwise. If the valves are old or difficult to turn, you may need to use a wrench.
3. Flush the toilet to remove any remaining water from the tank and bowl.
4. Disconnect the water supply lines from the toilet. To do this, use a wrench to loosen the nuts that connect the lines to the toilet.
5. Once the water supply lines are disconnected, you can remove the old toilet flange.
Safety Precautions
When working on plumbing, it is important to take safety precautions. Here are some tips:
| Wear gloves and eye protection. |
| Turn off the water supply to the toilet before you start working. |
| Use a flashlight if you are working in a dark area. |
| Do not use excessive force when tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. |
| If you are not comfortable working on plumbing, it is best to call a professional plumber. |
Cutting Around the Old Flange
To successfully cut around the old flange, follow these detailed steps:
1. Mark the Cutting Line
Using a utility knife, carefully score a line around the outer edge of the flange, approximately 1/4 inch from the edge. This line will serve as a guide for cutting.
2. Select the Cutting Tool
Choose a reciprocating saw or oscillating tool equipped with a metal-cutting blade. The blade must be sharp and able to cut through the flange material.
3. Secure the Toilet and Flange
Place a piece of plywood or a block of wood against the toilet base and secure it with a clamp to prevent the toilet from moving during cutting. Alternatively, insert wooden shims around the base to stabilize it.
4. Cut Carefully
Wear safety glasses and position the cutting blade vertically against the flange. Start cutting along the scored line, applying steady pressure to ensure a clean cut. Be cautious not to damage the subfloor or the drain pipe.
5. Remove the Flange
After making the cut, use a flathead screwdriver or a pry bar to carefully pry the old flange away from the subfloor. Be gentle, as the flange may be secured with screws or adhesive. If necessary, apply penetrating oil to loosen any stubborn bolts or screws.
| Tip: | Additional Details: |
|---|---|
| Safety First: | Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from sharp metal edges and flying debris. |
| Precision Cutting: | Use a sharp blade and guide the tool slowly to avoid damaging the subfloor or adjacent materials. |
| Stubborn Flanges: | If the flange is particularly difficult to remove, try cutting it into smaller sections or using a cold chisel to break it apart. |
Prying Up the Old Flange
To pry up the old flange, follow these steps:
1. Gather Your Tools
You will need a pry bar, a flathead screwdriver, a hammer, and a chisel.
2. Disconnect the Toilet
Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to empty the tank. Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet tank. Remove the nuts that secure the toilet to the floor and lift the toilet straight up and off the flange.
3. Remove the Wax Ring
Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the wax ring from the flange. Be careful not to damage the flange.
4. Pry Up the Old Flange
Use a pry bar to pry up the old flange. Start by prying up one corner of the flange. Once you have a small gap, insert a chisel into the gap and pry up the rest of the flange.
5. Clean the Floor
Once the old flange is removed, clean the floor around the flange to remove any debris or old wax.
6. Inspect the Flange Bolts
Inspect the flange bolts to make sure they are in good condition. If the bolts are rusted or damaged, you will need to replace them. To replace the bolts, simply unscrew the old bolts and screw in the new bolts. Be sure to tighten the bolts securely.
| What to Look For | What to Do |
|---|---|
|
The bolts are rusted or damaged. |
Replace the bolts. |
|
The bolts are not long enough. |
Replace the bolts with longer bolts. |
|
The bolts are not tight. |
Tighten the bolts. |
Cleaning the Toilet Flange Surface
The flange bolts should be visible and accessible after cutting the caulking around the flange. To do this, use a utility knife, a sharp knife, or a razor blade. Be careful not to scratch the floor or the toilet bowl while removing the caulk. To remove the flange bolts, use a wrench or pliers to loosen and remove them. If the bolts are rusted, you may need to use a penetrating oil or lubricant to loosen them.
Once the bolts are removed, the old flange should slide right off of the toilet drainpipe. Check the toilet flange surface for any debris. If there is any debris, clean it off using a wire brush or a putty knife. You may also need to use a chemical cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
Cleaning the Toilet Flange Surface
To clean the toilet flange surface, you will need:
- Wire brush
- Putty knife
- Chemical cleaner
- Rags
- Gloves
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Put on gloves to protect your hands.
2. Use a wire brush to remove any loose debris from the toilet flange surface.
3. Use a putty knife to scrape away any remaining debris or caulk from the toilet flange surface.
4. Apply a chemical cleaner to the toilet flange surface and let it sit for a few minutes.
5. Wipe away the chemical cleaner with a rag.
6. Rinse the toilet flange surface with water.
7. Dry the toilet flange surface with a clean rag.
After the toilet flange surface is clean, you can install the new toilet flange.
Installing the New Flange
1. If you are working with a plastic flange, spread a bead of silicone caulk around the base of the flange before installing it.
2. Center the flange in the drainpipe hole and press it down into place.
3. Use four 3-inch screws to secure the flange to the floor joists.
4. Install a wax ring on the bottom of the toilet bowl.
5. Carefully set the toilet bowl in place over the flange, making sure that the two holes in the bowl line up with the screws in the flange.
6. Once the bowl is in place, tighten the screws until they are snug but not overtightened.
7. Connect the water supply line to the toilet bowl and turn on the water supply.
8. **Check for leaks and make any necessary adjustments.**
– Wiggle the toilet bowl back and forth to make sure that it is not loose.
– If you see any water leaking from around the base of the toilet bowl, you may need to tighten the screws or remove the wax ring and reapply it.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet bowl is rocking | Flange is not properly secured to the floor joists | Tighten the screws holding the flange in place |
| Water is leaking from the base of the toilet | Wax ring is not properly sealed | Remove the toilet bowl and reapply the wax ring |
| Toilet bowl is too high or too low | Flange is not properly positioned | Remove the toilet bowl and reposition the flange |
Reattaching the Toilet
Once the old flange
is removed, it is time to install the new flange.
To do this, first, place a bead of silicone
caulk around the base of the flange.
Next, insert the flange into the drainpipe
and tighten the bolts until the flange is
snug against the floor.
Finally, apply a second bead of silicone
caulk around the base of the flange where it meets
the floor.
Allow the caulk to dry completely before
reinstalling the toilet.
To reinstall the toilet, first, place the wax ring on the flange.
Next, lift the toilet into place and align it
with the flange.
Finally, press down on the toilet until it is
firmly seated on the wax ring and flange.Sealing
After the flange is installed, you need to seal it to the floor to prevent leaks. Here’s how:
Step 1: Clean the flange and the area around it with denatured alcohol. This will remove any dirt or debris that could prevent the seal from adhering properly.
Step 2: Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the base of the flange. Use your finger to smooth the caulk and create a watertight seal.
Step 3: Place a wax ring on the flange. The wax ring will create a watertight seal between the toilet and the flange.
Finishing Touches
Once the flange is installed and sealed, you can install the toilet. Here’s how:
Step 1: Place the toilet on the flange and align the bolts. Tighten the bolts until the toilet is secure.
Step 2: Connect the water supply line to the toilet. Use a wrench to tighten the connection.
Step 3: Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the bolts or replace the wax ring.
Step 4: <strong>Caulk around the base of the toilet to create a watertight seal.
| Type of Caulk | Uses |
|---|---|
| Silicone | For sealing around toilets, sinks, and showers. |
| Acrylic | For sealing around windows and doors. |
| Butyl | For sealing around flashing and skylights. |
How to Remove an Old Toilet Flange
Replacing a toilet flange is a relatively simple plumbing task that can be completed in a few hours. However, before you can install a new flange, you must first remove the old one. Here are the steps on how to remove an old toilet flange:
- Shut off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet.
- Remove the nuts that secure the toilet to the floor. There are usually two or four nuts, located around the base of the toilet.
- Carefully lift the toilet off the flange. Be careful not to damage the floor or the toilet.
- Use a utility knife to score around the base of the old flange. Be careful not to damage the floor.
- Use a chisel and hammer to break the old flange away from the floor. Be careful not to damage the floor or the drain pipe.
- Clean the area where the old flange was installed. Remove any old sealant or debris.
People Also Ask About How to Remove an Old Toilet Flange
How do you remove a toilet flange that is rusted?
If the toilet flange is rusted, you may need to use a hacksaw or reciprocating saw to cut it away. Be careful not to damage the floor or the drain pipe.
How do you remove a toilet flange that is broken?
If the toilet flange is broken, you may need to use a chisel and hammer to break it into smaller pieces. Be careful not to damage the floor or the drain pipe.
How do you remove a toilet flange that is stuck?
If the toilet flange is stuck, you may need to use a pry bar or a hammer and chisel to loosen it. Be careful not to damage the floor or the drain pipe.
