If you’ve been dealing with a slow toilet or one that’s been clogging up lately, it might be time to take a look at the closet flange. If the toilet flange is too low from its normal height, you get those issues.
This is the part of the pipe that connects your toilet to the sewer line, and if the toilet flanges too low, it can cause all sorts of problems.
This post will reveal how to check your flange height and fix it if necessary. Stay tuned!
What is a Toilet Flange?
A toilet flange is a pipe fitting installed on the outlet of a plumbing fixture, such as a toilet or sink. It connects the fixture to the drainage system and seals the opening to prevent sewer gases from escaping.
The flange is typically made of PVC or brass and is attached to the fixture with screws or a clamp. It has a hole in the center, into which the drainpipe is inserted, and two screw holes on the top, for attaching the flange to the fixture.
The flange is also typically vented to allow air to escape from the drainage system. This controls the formation of a vacuum, which might draw water out of the fixture and cause it to back up.
What happens if my toilet flange is too low?
A closet flange is the piece of hardware that sits on top of the drain pipe and attaches the toilet to the floor.
If the toilet flange too low, it can cause several problems, such as
- · Water seeping under the toilet and into the floor,
- · gurgling noises coming from the drain, and
- · a slow-draining toilet.
- · It can cause water to flow back into the toilet bowl from the drainpipe. This can cause the toilet to overflow and can also damage the flooring around the toilet.
If you’ve any of these issues, you may need to lift your toilet flange.
Read More- How to Install a Offset toilet Flange
Can you raise a toilet flange?
Yes, you can raise a toilet flange in different ways. This can be done by either adding or replacing the flange. If you’re adding a flange, you’ll need to purchase a flange extender. Or you can quickly raise it using a method called the “tile-over” method.
If you’re replacing the flange, make sure to get one that’s the right size for your drain pipe. You can tell your flange’s size by measuring the distance between the holes. The measurement will be in inches (the U.S.).
How do I make my toilet flange higher?
The tile-over method for raising the closet flange involves placing a tile over the existing flange, which will create a new level surface to support the toilet’s bigger and heavier wax ring.
When you are using this method for raising your toilet flange, it is essential that you carefully use spacers between the old flange and the new floor tile to ensure that there isn’t any damage done to the existing flange.
1. By Installing New Tiles
This method requires installing a new tile for your floor, but this is necessary to create a sturdy mounting surface for the newly raised flange.
You can use either ceramic or porcelain tiles for this purpose. Still, you should avoid using vinyl floor tiles since they are flexible and may not provide you with the support needed to properly raise your toilet flange.
Process:
1. To begin, use a utility knife to cut through any caulk that is present around the existing flange.
2. Once this is done, remove the old flange using either a pry bar or an adjustable wrench.
3. You can then install spacers between the tile and the old flange to create a new mounting surface for the toilet.
4. Once this is done, you can then attach a plumber’s level to the floor beside your toilet and use it to ascertain whether or not your new flange height is correct.
5. It should be high enough that the water flows into the pipe below, but not so high that it causes water to be spilled onto the toilet floor.
6. Once you are satisfied with your new flange height, you can reattach all of the pipe fittings and replace your old wax ring.
7. It is advisable to use a new wax ring for this purpose since the existing one may be worn out or damaged.
8. After reattaching the toilet to the floor, use a rubber mallet to tap it back into position to ensure no wobbling or tilting. It should sit straight and solidly on the flange.
9. Tighten all of the connection screws using an adjustable wrench.
10. When you are done with this, you can then apply a bead of new caulk around the top edge of your toilet using a caulking gun.
This method for raising the height of your closet flange is quick and simple. It will allow you to avoid having to replace your entire bathroom flooring if it needs replacing, which would cost more than the tile-over method.
If you decide to use this method, you will need to replace the existing floor tile with a new one to create a sturdy foundation for your toilet’s newly raised flange.
If you are not too handy around the house, you may want to hire a plumber to complete the task for you.
It is important to note that the toilet flange will cause water to be drained into the drainpipe below it, so you need to have a properly working wax ring to avoid any leaking around the connection between your floor and your drainpipe.
If this wax ring fails, then your new tile-over flange, as well as your new floor tile, will be ruined.
2. By Replacing Flange:
If you have a very old toilet with a worn flange, you may need to replace this flange with a new one to get the job done effectively.
A regular 1/2″ floor flange will do the trick here, provided that it is properly attached to a sturdy drainpipe that has been appropriately attached to your main sewer line.
A toilet flange is the part of your toilet which sits directly on top of the floor and connects it to the pipe below. This flange keeps all of the weight off of the bottom part of your bathroom floor to prevent water from leaking through.
As your toilet ages, this flange can stretch out to cause low-flow leakage around its connection with the drainpipe below.
To prevent this from happening, you may like to raise it to a newly installed tile surface height. When doing so, be sure to use 2 or 3 1/2″ screws, as well as an adhesive caulk, to secure it to avoid any loose parts.
If your toilet is old and wobbly, many toilets are after years have gone by. You may need to use a new wax ring to create a solid connection between the floor and the drainpipe.
Suppose you need to raise your toilet flange but cannot afford to purchase a new wax ring. In that case, it may be possible for you to use a spacer that fits around the bottom of your existing one to get the job done effectively.
However, this is only a short-term solution and does not work for everyone. If it works for you, you will need to ensure that your spacer is secured in place by using a strong adhesive caulk.
Process:
1. Before beginning the process of raising your toilet flange, make sure to turn off the water supply and the sewage line at the wall behind your toilet and any other plumbing connections in the vicinity.
2. You will then need to use a utility knife to cut away old adhesive caulk around your existing toilet flange.
3. An excellent way to do this is by cutting through it vertically and horizontally all around its base.
4. You can then pry up the flange using a flathead screwdriver. Be sure to use a bucket to catch any drainage.
5. Next, clean the floor with a degreasing cleaner and let it dry before you proceed. You can then use sponges or rags to wipe away the wax from your old toilet flange.
6. Once this is done, use sealant tape to attach your new flange to the floor.
If you are using an adhesive, apply it around your existing wax ring with a putty knife before pressing down on your new flange.
You can then use screws to secure it onto the floor itself before covering it with tile. Let everything dry overnight until everything is ready for use.
This process will provide you with a new toilet flange that is sturdy and secure. If you are not keen on doing this kind of work yourself, it may be best to call a local plumber instead.
Contractors have the tools necessary to complete the job for you. They also have years of experience which can come in handy if you do not know exactly what you are doing.
However, this is a reasonably simple activity that may be accomplished by someone with less experience or those who are brand new to the plumbing industry.
Note that: There are different types of floor flanges available for use. The type that you need will depend on the type of piping you have in place for your toilet.
Read More- What to do if Toilet Flange is too high.
Wrap Up on Toilet Flange is Below the Floor
The next time you have to replace your toilet flange, be sure to choose the right type to avoid future problems. If you’re not sure which type of flange you need or have any other questions about replacing a toilet flange, please contact us, and we would be happy to help.
Read More- Offset Toilet Flange problems and solutions with quick guide
FAQs Related to A Low Toilet Flange
Q1. Should a toilet flange be level with the floor?
No, a toilet flange should not be level with the floor. It should be mounted on top of the floor with the hub fused around the drainpipe so that water can flow freely.
If the flange is too high, it can cause water to back up and flood the floor. If the flange is too low, it can cause the toilet to move and leak.
It’s important to get the flange level so that the toilet sits properly and does not leak. The toilet always bolts to the flange, not the floor.
