How to Fix a Broken Toilet Flange: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Fix a Broken Toilet Flange

A broken toilet flange is a common plumbing problem that can be both frustrating and expensive to fix. However, with a little know-how and some basic tools, you can usually take care of the job yourself in a few hours.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to fix a broken toilet flange, from identifying the problem to replacing the flange. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future flange problems.

So if you’re dealing with a broken toilet flange, read on for all the information you need to get the job done right.

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Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2 Remove the toilet seat.
3 Locate the toilet flange.
4 Remove the old flange.
5 Apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the new flange.
6 Install the new flange.
7 Reattach the toilet seat.
8 Turn the water supply back on to the toilet.

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Identifying a Broken Toilet Flange

A toilet flange is a metal or plastic ring that connects the toilet to the drainpipe. It is located at the base of the toilet, just below the toilet bowl. If the toilet flange is broken, it can cause a number of problems, including:

  • Leaking water
  • A slow drain
  • A toilet that won’t flush properly

To identify a broken toilet flange, you will need to look for the following signs:

  • Water leaking from under the toilet
  • A puddle of water around the base of the toilet
  • A slow drain
  • A toilet that won’t flush properly

If you see any of these signs, it is likely that the toilet flange is broken and needs to be replaced.

Removing the Broken Toilet Flange

Removing a broken toilet flange can be a difficult and messy job, but it is important to do it correctly in order to prevent further damage. Here are the steps on how to remove a broken toilet flange:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to empty the bowl.
3. Remove the toilet seat.
4. Locate the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
5. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts.
6. Carefully lift the toilet off of the flange.
7. Remove the old flange.
8. Clean the area around the flange.
9. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s putty to the new flange.
10. Position the new flange over the drainpipe.
11. Secure the flange to the floor with the bolts.
12. Replace the toilet seat.

Once the new flange is installed, turn on the water supply to the toilet and flush it to test the seal. If the toilet flushes properly and there is no leaks, you have successfully replaced the toilet flange.

Here are some additional tips for removing a broken toilet flange:

  • If the bolts are rusted, you may need to use a penetrating oil to loosen them.
  • If the flange is stuck to the floor, you may need to use a pry bar to remove it.
  • Be careful not to damage the drainpipe when removing the flange.
  • If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire a plumber to help you.

3. Installing a New Toilet Flange

Once you have removed the old toilet flange, you can install a new one. This is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the new flange is installed correctly.

1. Gather your materials. You will need the following materials to install a new toilet flange:

  • A new toilet flange
  • A new wax ring
  • A putty knife
  • A hacksaw
  • A screwdriver
  • A hammer
  • A bucket of water

2. Prepare the toilet bowl. Before you can install the new flange, you need to prepare the toilet bowl. First, remove the old wax ring from the toilet bowl. You can do this by using a putty knife to carefully pry up the old ring. Be careful not to damage the toilet bowl.

3. Install the new flange. Once the old wax ring has been removed, you can install the new flange. First, apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the edge of the new flange. Then, place the flange over the drain opening in the toilet bowl. Make sure that the flange is centered over the drain opening.

4. Secure the flange. Once the flange is in place, you need to secure it in place. You can do this by using a screwdriver to tighten the bolts that are attached to the flange. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, as this could damage the flange.

5. Install the new wax ring. Once the flange is secured in place, you can install the new wax ring. First, apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the edge of the new wax ring. Then, place the wax ring over the drain opening in the toilet bowl. Make sure that the wax ring is centered over the drain opening.

6. Test the new flange. Once the new flange has been installed, you need to test it to make sure that it is working properly. To do this, fill the toilet bowl with water and flush the toilet. If the water does not leak around the flange, then the new flange has been installed correctly.

4. Testing the New Toilet Flange

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

1. Fill the toilet bowl with water.
2. Flush the toilet.
3. Look around the toilet flange for any leaks.

If there are no leaks, then the new toilet flange has been installed correctly. If there are leaks, then you will need to remove the new flange and reinstall it.

Installing a new toilet flange is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the new flange is installed correctly. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily install a new toilet flange and fix a broken toilet.

Q: What is a toilet flange?

A toilet flange is a metal ring that connects the toilet to the drainpipe. It is typically made of cast iron or PVC and is installed between the toilet and the floor.

Q: What are the symptoms of a broken toilet flange?

There are a few signs that you may have a broken toilet flange. These include:

  • A slow leak around the base of the toilet
  • A gurgling sound coming from the toilet when it is flushed
  • The toilet rocking back and forth when it is flushed
  • Water backing up into the toilet bowl

Q: How do I fix a broken toilet flange?

To fix a broken toilet flange, you will need the following materials:

  • A new toilet flange
  • A putty knife
  • A hacksaw
  • A screwdriver
  • A bucket
  • A wet/dry vacuum

Step 1: Remove the old toilet flange.

1. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Then, flush the toilet to empty the bowl.
3. Next, use a putty knife to loosen the old flange from the floor.
4. Once the flange is loose, use a hacksaw to cut it off.
5. Finally, use a screwdriver to remove any remaining screws or bolts.

Step 2: Install the new toilet flange.

1. Place the new flange over the drainpipe.
2. Then, use a screwdriver to secure the flange to the floor.
3. Finally, apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the edge of the flange.

Step 3: Reattach the toilet.

1. Place the toilet bowl over the flange.
2. Then, use a screwdriver to secure the toilet to the flange.
3. Finally, turn on the water supply to the toilet.

Step 4: Test the toilet.

Flush the toilet to make sure that it is working properly. If there are no leaks, you have successfully fixed your broken toilet flange.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when fixing a toilet flange?

There are a few common mistakes people make when fixing a toilet flange. These include:

  • Not turning off the water supply to the toilet. This can lead to flooding and damage to your property.
  • Not emptying the toilet bowl before removing the old flange. This can make the job more difficult and messy.
  • Not using the right tools. A hacksaw and a screwdriver are essential for removing the old flange and installing the new one.
  • Not applying plumber’s putty around the edge of the flange. This can lead to leaks and other problems.

Q: How can I prevent a broken toilet flange in the future?

There are a few things you can do to prevent a broken toilet flange in the future. These include:

  • Using a high-quality toilet flange.
  • Installing the flange correctly.
  • Inspecting the flange regularly for signs of damage.
  • Replacing the flange if it is damaged.

By following these tips, you can help keep your toilet in good working order and avoid the hassle of a broken toilet flange.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to fix a broken toilet flange. We have covered the different types of flanges, the tools and materials you will need, and the steps involved in the repair process. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to fix your own broken toilet flange.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • There are two main types of toilet flanges: slip-on and flanged.
  • The tools and materials you will need to fix a broken toilet flange include a hacksaw, a screwdriver, a putty knife, a new flange, and plumber’s putty.
  • The steps involved in fixing a broken toilet flange include removing the old flange, cleaning the toilet bowl, installing the new flange, and sealing it with plumber’s putty.

If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, you can always hire a professional plumber to do the job for you.

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.