How To Replace The Toilet Flange In Four Easy Steps
Though you most likely never see it, the toilet flange is an important part of your toilet's plumbing. It keeps a tight seal between the toilet and the sewer line, ensuring that no water or waste seeps out onto your floor. Usually, these types of jobs are done within a few hours for a plumber, but it's also an easy DIY project for the average homeowner to perform.
If you're unsure about how to replace the toilet flange, here are four easy steps to follow.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Before you do anything with the toilet, make sure the water supply is turned off. You can either turn off the main line to the house or simply turn off the water to the toilet by a small knob usually located behind the toilet. Disconnect the hose to ensure more water doesn't accidentally get in the tank.
Flush and Remove the Toilet
Once you've ensured the toilet is not connected to the water source, flush the toilet to get all the water out of the tank, and use a cup (if necessary) to get the last bit of water out of the bottom of the tank. After the toilet has been emptied, unscrew the nuts from the mounting bolts at the base of the toilet, and lift the tank off the current flange.
Replace the Flange
Get the old toilet out of the way and lift the old flange out of the sewer line. The smells coming from the sewer will most likely be disgusting, so many people decide to stuff a rag into the hole to temporarily block the drain. Clean the area where the old flange used to be, then replace it with the new one.
Install the Toilet
Replace the toilet back over the new flange, using the connector nuts to safely strap it to the ground. Be careful not to lower it too quickly over the base, or else the new flange could snap and force you to repeat the whole process. Once it's installed, replace the water line into the back of the toilet and turn the water supply back on. Allow the tank to fill with water and then flush the tank a few times to see if any water escapes around the seal. Put down newspapers to detect even minor water problems; if no water comes out, pick up the newspaper, and clean up the workspace. You're done!
To learn more information, reach out to a plumbing contractor near you.