Every toilet flange, no matter how high-quality, will eventually need replacement. Although a decent toilet flange might endure more than ten years before breaking, this is practically certain to happen. You may be confused about hearing “Toilet flange” for the first time when yours breaks. But in this post, we will define a toilet flange, review the numerous options, and discuss how you should decide which would be best for your toilet.

What is a Toilet Flange?

You are aware of how firmly your toilet is fixed to the floor. That’s thanks to a handy bit of hardware known as a toilet flange—or closet flange. It’s often made of brass, cast iron, or PVC. It’s a flat, cylindrical fitting that ties the toilet drain to the drainpipe and grounds it to the bathroom floor.

The flange works its magic with some key features. Its top is flat and features holes for bolts or screws, as well as a spot for a wax ring to provide a close seal. Attaching the flange to the toilet drain is easier with this wax ring, which is a unique glue. T-bolts then slide through the slots of the toilet and screw into the flange to form a strong connection, keeping everything in place.

Types of Toilet Flanges

Plastic Toilet Flanges

In today’s contemporary homes, PVC is the material for toilet flanges. And rightfully so. They’re cheap, very light, and corrosion-proof even when exposed to water. Not to mention how easy they are to set up. Although ABS plastic is more long-lasting, PVC is the superior material due to its flexibility. A word of advice: screw it down firmly to the floor and make sure it’s lined up with the drainpipe before you install it.

Simple maintenance and repairs are made easy when plastic flanges are combined with a dependable shut-off valve from Plumberstar to control the water flow to the toilet readily.

Stainless Steel Toilet Flanges

These are great for commercial purposes or in environments with high humidity as they are highly resistant to rust and oxidation. Though they cost more, stainless steel flanges usually have better sealing and stay longer than plastic flanges. Though the installation technique is like that of PVC flanges, make sure you avoid rust by using stainless steel screws.

Cast Iron Toilet Flanges

Cast iron toilet flanges are one of the oldest types and are more common in older homes. They are very strong and can support heavy toilets without getting broken. They can last for years without cracking or falling apart. Sometimes, they could be fixed instead of replaced, depending on how badly they are damaged.

The flanges should only be used with cast iron pipes, which work best for pipes lower than the subfloor.  The susceptibility of cast iron to rust is one of its bigger drawbacks, and the flange will corrode rapidly if maintenance is neglected. Also, they are heavier and more difficult to install than other flanges.

We recommend pairing cast iron flanges with premium angle valves from Plumberstar to help reduce rust issues. Angle valves, especially those made of brass or stainless steel,  provide great resistance to corrosion and can control water flow to the toilet. This integration offers a strong solution that uses cast iron’s strength while resolving its rust susceptibility.

Copper Toilet Flanges

Though less common in homes today, copper flanges offer great corrosion resistance and longevity. They are often employed in specialized applications or areas with high water quality needs. One advantage of these flanges is copper’s malleability, which makes them easy to install. The copper flanges are soldered to copper pipes, thus producing a flawless, leak-free connection. This improves their reliability, making them suitable for long-term installation.

Brass Toilet Flange

Brass toilet flanges are strong, won’t rust or corrode, and are easy to shape. Brass toilet rings come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. They are available as deep seal, offset, and standard toilet flanges. Brass toilet flanges are highly durable and heat resistant. You should note that installing this flange requires some special skills; hence, you should contact a professional plumber.

Plumberstar’s 4-inch brass closet flanges have three countersunk holes and three slots for closet bolts to secure it to the floor. They are highly compatible with brass pipes, and the best part is they have a 12-month warranty!

Specialized Toilet Flanges

• Offset Flanges: These are designed to handle space restrictions where the normal alignment of the toilet and drainpipe is not feasible. They give you the option to move your toilet a few inches away or out of the way of the drainpipe. These flanges are necessary in remodels where changing the drainpipe is not possible. If you have strangely located drainpipe openings, these offset flanges are best. When fixing an offset flange, ensure it is tightly attached to stop any movement.
• Deep Seal Flanges: All that separates deep seal flanges from standard ones is their length. They penetrate the drainpipe more deeply, improving the seal and keeping the unpleasant odors out of the toilet. Since most of these flanges are 12 inches or longer, they can travel a considerable distance down the drain. They are frequently utilized in homes with higher floors or in installations where the usual flange height is inadequate.
• Repair Flanges: When flanges are broken or damaged, repair flanges come rather handy. They give a fresh surface for toilet security and fit over the current flange. These are especially helpful in older homes when the original flange might have cracked or corroded. The Oatey® Fix-it Repair Ring makes it easy to fix toilet mounting flanges that are broken, cracked, or worn out without replacing them.

Choosing the Right Toilet Flanges

• Consider the material: Consider the plumbing in your home and how long you need the toilet flange to last before making a final decision. To illustrate, a brass toilet flange is the proper choice for a plumbing system with brass pipes. Also, note that most modern residential homes often call for PVC and ABS, but you should consider cast iron and stainless steel for heavy-duty applications.
• Assess the installation area: Examine where the flange will be placed. Look for any constraints or challenges that might influence the installation process, including floor height or pipe position.
• Determine the size and type:Toilet flanges come in different sizes (3 or 4 inches); therefore, you must verify the size of your drainpipe before going to the store. Also, select the suitable type according to your particular requirements. For example, a repair flange for damaged installations or an offset flange for confined areas.

How to Install Your Toilet Flange

To install a new toilet flange, you have to check to ensure you have the following essential tools:

• Toilet flange
• Wax ring or rubber gasket
• Screws or bolts
• Screwdriver or drill
• PVC or ABS primer and cement (if applicable)
• Level
• Measuring tape

Step-by-Step Toilet Flange Removal and Installation

First, stop the water flow to the toilet to remove a damaged toilet flange. You accomplish this by twisting the toilet clockwise’s rear knob counterwise. Make sure the toilet bowl is dry as well; hence, flush often until the toilet is empty and remove any last traces of water with a towel.

Lifting the closet bolts at the toilet’s base will be accomplished with an adjustable wrench. A wax seal holds the wardrobe as well; you might have to gently shake it to break this seal. After effectively breaking the seal, raise the toilet and carefully position it in a bathroom corner.

By now, you ought to be able to see the broken toilet flange. Before unscrewing the flange, you could wish to scrape the old wax off it with a putty knife. Flanges can get rigid over time and may require removal using special instruments like hammers and chisels or power tools.

Check then that the replacement flange you buy matches the size type of the old flange. Install the wax ring on the new flange when you are positive they are the same. Make sure the screws and T-bolts are snug since the new flange has to be flush with the ground, or else leaking will result.

Now, lay the toilet on top of the new flange so that the bolt holes on its baseline are up with those in the flange. Apply some little pressure to the wax ring to fasten the bolt. Try not to tighten the bolts since porcelain is delicate and breaks readily.

Turning the knob back on completes the last stage and floods the closet bowl with water. Flushing the toilet as much as possible can help you ensure there is no leaking.

Don’t panic if you spot indications of a leak. Remember to position the flange precisely once the water flow has been turned off. Proceed as previously. You could have to buy a new flange if it does not match your drain pipe. If the leak continues, see a professional to prevent ruining your bathroom floor.

Conclusion

Replacing your toilet flange becomes easier once you understand the several varieties. Knowing the components and applications of every kind will help you to decide which one fits your home’s plumbing system.

To get a customized, advanced, and affordable closet flange that will be easy to maintain and last over a decade, visit Plumberstar today for a quote.