Fix in 2 Simple ways- Cast Iron Toilet Flange Too High!

Do you want to replace a new toilet with an old one and notice that your cast iron toilet flange is too high for the new one? 

Well, that is quite an important thing to look after, and how can you easily fix a cast iron toilet flange that is too high.

So, read continue to how to fix your problem so easily without any plumber and what are some problems arise if the flange is too high…

What is Toilet Flange?

A flange is a ring attached to the end of a pipe and secured in a drain opening. It is also used to provide an opening into which the wax ring is placed on toilets. 

A flange provides a bearing surface for the toilet bolts, and the toilet is mounted to the flange. The flange will be the top of a short vertical section of drainpipe shaped to fit neatly around the underside of the toilet.

The only toilet parts that touch inside the drain pipes are the bolts (or screws) that hold down the toilet’s mounting assembly. The wax ring seals around the toilet base on top of the flange.

Don’t ever grab a flange! They are extremely sharp and can seriously injure you. This is not to say that flanges are touchy-feely pieces of equipment, don’t get me wrong, they certainly can be, but they can also slice and dice you easily as well.

Why flange is Important?

Flanges are important because they provide a means of connecting pipes and other components of fluid systems. 

Flanges have a series of bolt holes around their periphery which can be used to fasten them to other components. 

They also have a face that is generally machined flat so that it can be sealed against another surface. By using flanges, it is possible to create leak-proof connections between components.

There are two types of flanges: slip-on and welding neck. 

The distinction between the two is determined by the way employed to secure them to the system’s components.

Slip-on flanges are secured by tightening bolts around their circumference and can be released and re-positioned within the system. 

Welding neck flanges need to be welded in place. They can, therefore, pose problems when making modifications or repairs to the system.

can a toilet flange bee to high

Can a toilet flange be too high?

Yes, a toilet flange can be too high. If the flange is too high, installing the toilet will be difficult, and it may not be level.

Water usage is a big deal these days. So it’s important to find the correct flange height. It has been determined by EPA regulations that it should be 16 inches +/- 3/4″.

Read More- Off Set toilet flange, its advantages and disadvantages also how to solve problems related offset toilet flange

What Happens if Cast Iron Toilet Flange Too high

A cast iron flange too high will cause problems for the toilet installation. 

One of the first problems is that getting a new wax seal to seat correctly can be very difficult. 

· This means the next time you have to fix a running toilet, you will have to do a lot of extra work. 

A too high flange will also make it difficult for the bowl to be properly sealed. So over time, you will see that the bowl is leaking from the base more and more water.

· This is just another reason for a leaky toilet!

Another worst point is that if the cast iron flange is too high, the wastewater will flow back up the pipe and out of the main sewer line. This could cause the wastewater to overflow and pollute the bathroom and house environment.

Using a shorter wax ring can cause the toilet to be slightly lower. This is ok with most toilets but always check with the manufacturer first.

Please note that ballcocks are usually adjustable to help you get the correct water level for flushing. This will allow you to compensate for the incorrect height.

Some people are thinking about adding a pedestal to raise up the toilet. But you will still need to figure out how to raise the height of the flange.

First, I’d take a measurement from the bottom of the flooring to the top of the subfloor. If this is within 3/4″ of 16″, then chances are you have a good height for the flange.

If it is higher than 16″, then you might want to look into lowering the flange. This can be done by using a toilet tank dolly. They are available in the store and online.

You would be surprised how much adjustment you can get out of a toilet tank dolly.

How to fix a toilet flange that’s too high

If your toilet flange is set too high, it can cause problems with your plumbing. You can fix this by lowering the flange.

1. You will need to remove the toilet from its flange, so you’ll need to shut off your water valve and disconnect the water supply hose.

2. Take out the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor and remove it.

3. You can then either cut off the excess height of your flange, or you can just lower the flange. If you’re simply lowering it, there will probably be a plastic ring that you can just pull out of the top of your flange. 

· If it’s not coming out, you’ll need to slice off the top of the flange using a metal cutting blade on a reciprocating saw.

4. Once your flange is at the right height, set your toilet back onto it. You should be able to do this by hand, but if not, use a little bit of lubricant on the bottom of the bowl.

5. Put all of your bolts back in and make sure everything is firmly in place. Make any necessary adjustments, then tighten your bolts.

6. Finally, turn your water valve on and test the toilet for leaks. You may require to adjust it a little bit more.

Another way to fix a cast iron toilet flange too high is 

Fix it by adding a piece of wood under the flange. First, remove the toilet and measure the height of the flange from the floor. 

Then, cut a piece of wood that is the same height as the flange and put it under the flange. 

Finally, put the toilet back in place and reattach the bolts.

Flush the toilet a couple of times to check if it’s flushed with the floor. If not, cut off another piece of wood until it lines up with the floor.

Check More- How to Deal with a offset flange that is too low

How to remove a cast iron toilet flange 

To remove a cast iron toilet flange, you will need the following supplies: a screwdriver, wrench, and pliers.

1) Remove the screws that hold the toilet to the floor.

2) Loosen the nuts on the flange with a wrench.

3) Use pliers to remove the flange from the drainage pipe.

4) Clean the area around the flange and inside the pipe before installing a new one.

5) Use the pliers to re-install the flange at a higher level.

6) Re-tighten the nuts on the flange using a wrench.

7) Reinstall the screws that hold the toilet in place.

Q1. What is too high for a toilet flange?

A toilet flange should be set so that the top of it is even with the finished floor. If it’s too high or too low, it can cause problems with your plumbing. 

You can fix a high flange by adding a piece of wood under it, or you can fix a low flange by raising it. 

Toilet flange repair is a plumbing job you can do yourself if it’s not too difficult.

Q2. How high can a toilet flange be above the floor?

A toilet flange can be up to 1-1/4 inches above the floor. If it’s higher than that, you’ll need to lower it.

You don’t require to replace the entire toilet flange; just replace the plastic leveler insert. This simple repair can stop a slow leak from a loose toilet flange.

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