How do you tell if you have a broken toilet flange?

If you notice a lot of water pooling at the base of your toilet and inspect to find that your flange is cracked or broken, it’s time for a replacement.



Signs of potential flange damage:

  1. Any leak from the bottom of your toilet.
  2. Unpleasant odors.
  3. A loose toilet that shifts or rocks.





What causes a broken toilet flange?

Many times an uneven floor and uneven setting of the toilet leads to rocking which then leads to a broken flange.

How often should a toilet flange be replaced?

Your toilet flange is designed to last for years without causing any problems, but several things can lead to a failed seal in your flange. One of the most common problems you’ll run into is with the wax ring, which keeps water from leaking out of the base of your toilet and prevents sewer gas from entering your home.

Can you repair a cracked toilet flange?

Broken or Cracked Toilet Flange



The fix is to replace the entire toilet flange or to use a repair kit to reinforce the broken bolt rail. Sometimes, a small amount of rocking can occur simply because the wax ring is becoming compressed from long use. Try tightening the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.

How much does it cost to have a toilet flange replace?





around $145 to $165

If your toilet is creaking or wobbling, you may need to replace the flange. For a plumber, replacing a toilet flange is a quick and easy job. Assuming no other complications pop up, you can expect to pay around $145 to $165 for this simple repair.

How long does a toilet flange last?

We recommend replacing after 6 or 7 years. If you are not confident in replacing the flange on your own, you should contact a professional plumber.

Should you caulk around toilet flange?

Caulk prevents a fouling area. If mop water, bathtub water, or a less pleasant “bathroom liquid” gets underneath the toilet, there is no way to clean it up. Caulking around the base of the toilet will prevent this from happening.

What is under toilet flange?



The toilet flange, also known as a closet flange, is the part of the toilet that secures the unit to the floor and connects to the drain pipe. Usually made of PVC, rubber or metal, this piece is circular in shape and usually secured in place with a few bolts.

How do I know if my wax ring is bad?

3 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Toilet Wax Ring

  1. Water around the Toilet Base. The first sign of a bad toilet ring is water forming around the base of the toilet. …
  2. Bad Odors Coming from the Toilet. …
  3. Ceiling or Floor Damage. …
  4. Non-Wax Related Toilet Leaks. …
  5. Call for Toilet Repairs Right Away.


Can you put a new toilet flange over an old one?



Apply a generous bead of 100% silicone caulk on top of the old closet flange. And to the bottom of the new closet flange extender. Either slide the new closet flange bolts into the old flange before adding the extender or add them after you adhere the extender to the old flange.

Does a toilet flange need to be screwed to the floor?

Closet (toilet) flanges must be 1/4″ above a finished floor. This is so the wax ring seals properly to the flange and the hub on the toilet. If a proper seal is not achieved it will result in leaking. If the flange is lower than or flush with the floor they make foam rings that cover the distance for a proper seal.

Does toilet flange go inside pipe?

This toilet flange is designed to glue on the inside of the pipe or expand inside the pipe. Leave the old toilet flange right in place and glue on the new one at the right elevation for the floor, if it’s plastic. The flange should be sitting with the bottom edge flush with the top of the floor.

How do I fix my toilet flange?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You can buy a replacement ring. And your hardware store or plumbing supply warehouse. This is stainless steel it's made by Sioux chief. You can also get a toilet flange for pair ring this split.

Should a toilet be caulked to the floor?



Toilets should be caulked to the floor to prevent side-to-side movement that can break the wax seal (and to prevent splashes or overflows from puddling under the toilet and rotting the floor). DIYers often set the toilet and then apply a tiny bead of caulk along the outside edge.

Should I put the wax ring on the toilet or the flange?

Place the wax ring on the closet flange, not on the toilet. Pick up the toilet and set it evenly over the closet flange, making sure the bolts come through the bolt holes in the toilet base. Fine-tune the toilet position, so it’s right where you want it, then push it straight down so it smashes the wax evenly.

Can plunging a toilet damage the wax ring?

In an effort to dislodge whatever is clogging the toilet, many homeowners get overzealous and thrust too hard downward into the toilet with their plunger. A hard thrust downward can break the wax seal between the toilet and the floor, causing a leak.

Is there something better than a wax ring?

For plumbers interested in a mess-free option, wax-free toilet seals check this box. These seals affix to the toilet using a strong adhesive. There’s no wrangling the ring in into place.