How to Raise a Toilet Flange in 5 Easy Steps

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How to Raise a Toilet Flange

Your toilet is one of the most important fixtures in your home, but it can also be one of the most frustrating. If your toilet is leaking or not flushing properly, you may need to raise the toilet flange. This is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps. However, it’s important to follow the proper steps to avoid damaging your toilet or your plumbing system.

In this article, we will discuss how to raise a toilet flange step-by-step. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent future leaks and problems. So if you’re ready to learn how to raise a toilet flange, read on!

Step Tools Instructions
1 Plumber’s putty, new wax ring, adjustable wrench, hacksaw, bucket Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to drain the water. Remove the toilet seat.
2 Adjustable wrench, hacksaw Locate the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts. Cut the bolts with the hacksaw if necessary.
3 Plumber’s putty, new wax ring Slide the toilet up until it is level. Apply plumber’s putty around the base of the toilet. Place the new wax ring on the toilet flange.
4 Adjustable wrench Reattach the toilet to the floor using the adjustable wrench. Tighten the bolts until they are snug.
5 Bucket Turn on the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to test the seal.

A toilet flange is a metal or plastic ring that connects the toilet to the drainpipe. It is important for the toilet flange to be installed correctly so that the toilet sits level and does not leak. If the toilet flange is too low, it can cause the toilet to leak and may also make it difficult to remove the toilet for cleaning or repairs.

If you suspect that your toilet flange is too low, you can raise it by following the steps in this guide.

1. Identifying the Problem

What is a toilet flange?

A toilet flange is a metal or plastic ring that connects the toilet to the drainpipe. It is typically made of cast iron, brass, or PVC. The flange is installed around the drainpipe and secured to the floor with bolts or screws.

What are the signs of a raised toilet flange?

There are a few signs that can indicate that your toilet flange is too low:

  • The toilet is leaking around the base.
  • The toilet is difficult to remove for cleaning or repairs.
  • The toilet sits at an angle.
  • The toilet wobbles when you sit on it.

How to measure the height of your toilet flange

To measure the height of your toilet flange, you will need a tape measure and a level.

1. Place the level on the floor next to the toilet.
2. Measure the distance from the bottom of the toilet to the level.
3. This measurement is the height of your toilet flange.

2. Gathering the Materials and Tools You Need

To raise a toilet flange, you will need the following materials and tools:

Materials:

  • New toilet flange
  • Wax ring
  • Silicone sealant
  • Pliers
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Pencil

Tools:

  • Hacksaw
  • Sawzall
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver

3. Raising the Toilet Flange

Raising a toilet flange is a relatively simple process, but it does require some basic DIY skills.

1. Remove the toilet from the toilet bowl.
2. Remove the old toilet flange.
3. Cut a piece of PVC pipe to the same height as the new toilet flange.
4. Insert the PVC pipe into the drainpipe.
5. Place the new toilet flange on top of the PVC pipe.
6. Secure the toilet flange to the floor with bolts or screws.
7. Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the edge of the toilet flange.
8. Reinstall the toilet.

Raising a toilet flange is a relatively simple process, but it does require some basic DIY skills. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily raise your toilet flange and prevent leaks and other problems.

Additional Tips

  • If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you can hire a professional plumber to raise your toilet flange.
  • Make sure that the new toilet flange is the same size as the old one.
  • Use a high-quality silicone sealant to prevent leaks.
  • Reinstall the toilet carefully so that it sits level and does not wobble.

Raising the Toilet Flange

If your toilet is leaking, it may be because the toilet flange is too low. This can cause water to seep out from under the toilet and damage your floor. To fix this problem, you will need to raise the toilet flange.

Step 1: Remove the old toilet flange.

To remove the old toilet flange, you will need to first remove the toilet. To do this, you will need to disconnect the water supply line to the toilet and then remove the nuts that hold the toilet to the floor. Once the toilet is removed, you can access the toilet flange.

The toilet flange is a metal ring that is installed around the drainpipe. It is typically made of brass or PVC. To remove the old toilet flange, you will need to use a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw to cut the flange off of the drainpipe.

Step 2: Cut the new toilet flange to the correct height.

Once you have removed the old toilet flange, you will need to cut the new toilet flange to the correct height. The new toilet flange should be about 1 inch higher than the finished floor. To cut the flange, you can use a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw.

Step 3: Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the base of the new toilet flange.

Once you have cut the new toilet flange to the correct height, you will need to apply a bead of silicone sealant around the base of the flange. This will help to create a watertight seal between the flange and the drainpipe.

Step 4: Place the new toilet flange over the old one and secure it with screws.

Once you have applied the silicone sealant, you can place the new toilet flange over the old one. Make sure that the flange is centered over the drainpipe. Then, use screws to secure the flange to the floor.

Step 5: Reinstall the toilet.

Once the new toilet flange is installed, you can reinstall the toilet. To do this, you will need to connect the water supply line to the toilet and then replace the nuts that hold the toilet to the floor.

Testing the New Toilet Flange

Once you have reinstalled the toilet, you will need to test the new toilet flange. To do this, you will need to flush the toilet and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, then the new toilet flange has been installed correctly.

If you have any problems installing the new toilet flange, you should consult a plumber.

Testing the New Toilet Flange

Once you have installed the new toilet flange, you will need to test it to make sure that it is working properly. To do this, you will need to:

1. Flush the toilet.
2. Check for leaks around the toilet flange.
3. Make sure the toilet sits level.

If you have any problems with the new toilet flange, you should consult a plumber.

Flush the Toilet

The first step in testing the new toilet flange is to flush the toilet. This will help to ensure that the toilet is properly draining and that there are no leaks.

Check for Leaks

The next step is to check for leaks around the toilet flange. To do this, you will need to look for any signs of water, such as dampness or puddles. If you see any leaks, you will need to fix them before using the toilet.

Make Sure the Toilet Sits Level

The final step is to make sure the toilet sits level. To do this, you will need to use a level to check the toilet. If the toilet is not level, you will need to adjust the leveling bolts until it is.

If you have any problems with the new toilet flange, you should consult a plumber.

Raising a toilet flange is a relatively simple task that can be completed by most DIYers. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily raise your toilet flange and prevent future leaks.

How do I raise a toilet flange?

There are a few different ways to raise a toilet flange. The best method for you will depend on the specific situation.

  • If the flange is not installed correctly: If the flange is not installed correctly, you can usually just remove it and reinstall it at the correct height. To do this, you will need to:
  • Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
  • Remove the toilet from the flange.
  • Remove the old flange.
  • Install the new flange at the correct height.
  • Reattach the toilet to the flange.
  • Turn the water supply back on.
  • If the flange is rusted or damaged: If the flange is rusted or damaged, you will need to replace it. To do this, you will need to:
  • Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
  • Remove the toilet from the flange.
  • Remove the old flange.
  • Install the new flange at the correct height.
  • Reattach the toilet to the flange.
  • Turn the water supply back on.
  • If the toilet is too low: If the toilet is too low, you can raise it by adding shims under the toilet. To do this, you will need:
  • Shims (wooden blocks or metal washers)
  • A hammer
  • A screwdriver

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the toilet from the flange.
3. Place shims under the toilet, evenly spaced around the perimeter.
4. Reattach the toilet to the flange.
5. Turn the water supply back on.

  • If the toilet is too high: If the toilet is too high, you can lower it by removing shims from under the toilet. To do this, you will need:
  • A hammer
  • A screwdriver

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the toilet from the flange.
3. Remove the shims from under the toilet.
4. Reattach the toilet to the flange.
5. Turn the water supply back on.

What tools do I need to raise a toilet flange?

The tools you will need to raise a toilet flange will vary depending on the specific method you are using. However, you will typically need the following:

  • A screwdriver
  • A hammer
  • A wrench
  • A saw
  • A level
  • A measuring tape

How long does it take to raise a toilet flange?

The amount of time it takes to raise a toilet flange will vary depending on the specific method you are using and the condition of the existing flange. However, it typically takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

What is the best way to raise a toilet flange?

The best way to raise a toilet flange will depend on the specific situation. However, the following methods are generally considered to be the most effective:

  • If the flange is not installed correctly: If the flange is not installed correctly, you can usually just remove it and reinstall it at the correct height.
  • If the flange is rusted or damaged: If the flange is rusted or damaged, you will need to replace it.
  • If the toilet is too low: If the toilet is too low, you can raise it by adding shims under the toilet.
  • If the toilet is too high: If the toilet is too high, you can lower it by removing shims from under the toilet.

What are the risks of raising a toilet flange?

There are a few risks associated with raising a toilet flange. These include:

  • Damaging the toilet: If you are not careful, you could damage the toilet bowl or the toilet flange itself.
  • Leaking water: If you do not seal the toilet flange properly, you could have a leak.
  • Increasing the risk of a clog: If you raise the toilet too high, you could increase the risk of a clog.

It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of raising a toilet flange before you decide to proceed.

Can I raise a toilet flange without a plumber?

Yes, you can raise a toilet flange without a plumber. However, it is important to be careful and to follow the instructions carefully. If you are not comfortable doing this type of work, it is best to hire a professional plumber.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to raise a toilet flange. We have covered the steps involved in the process, as well as the tools and materials you will need. We have also provided some tips and tricks to help you get the job done correctly.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.