How to Remove an Old Toilet Flange: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Remove an Old Toilet Flange

Your toilet flange is a critical part of your plumbing system. It’s the metal ring that connects your toilet to the drainpipe, and it helps to keep water from leaking out of your toilet. But over time, your toilet flange can become damaged or worn out, and it will need to be replaced.

Replacing a toilet flange is a relatively simple DIY project, but it’s important to do it correctly so that you don’t end up with leaks or other problems. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to remove an old toilet flange and install a new one.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future problems with your toilet flange. So if you’re ready to learn how to remove an old toilet flange, read on!

Step Tools Instructions
1 Plumber’s wrench Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2 Adjustable wrench Loosen the nuts that hold the toilet to the floor.
3 Toilet flange nut wrench Remove the toilet flange nut.
4 Pry bar Pry the toilet up and off of the flange.
5 New toilet flange Install a new toilet flange.
6 New toilet Install a new toilet.

How To Remove Old Toilet Flange?

Gather your tools and materials.

To remove an old toilet flange, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Penetrating oil
  • Hacksaw
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves
  • Work gloves

Turn off the water supply to the toilet.

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the toilet. This can be done by locating the water supply valve under the sink or behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water.

Disconnect the water supply line.

Once the water supply to the toilet is turned off, you can disconnect the water supply line. The water supply line is usually located on the back of the toilet, near the floor. To disconnect the water supply line, you will need to use a wrench to loosen the nut that connects the water supply line to the toilet.

Remove the toilet bolts.

The next step is to remove the toilet bolts. The toilet bolts are located on the bottom of the toilet, near the floor. To remove the toilet bolts, you will need to use a wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the bolts in place.

Support the toilet.

Once the toilet bolts are removed, you will need to support the toilet so that it does not fall. You can do this by placing a piece of wood or a bucket under the toilet bowl.

Remove the toilet flange.

The toilet flange is the metal ring that connects the toilet to the floor. To remove the toilet flange, you will need to use a hacksaw to cut through the flange. Be careful not to cut through the pipes underneath the flange.

Clean up the mess.

Once the toilet flange is removed, you will need to clean up the mess. This may include removing any old sealant that is around the flange. You can use a putty knife or a scraper to remove the sealant.

Install a new toilet flange.

Once the mess is cleaned up, you can install a new toilet flange. The new toilet flange should come with instructions on how to install it.

Reconnect the water supply line.

Once the new toilet flange is installed, you can reconnect the water supply line. To reconnect the water supply line, you will need to use a wrench to tighten the nut that connects the water supply line to the toilet.

Turn on the water supply to the toilet.

The final step is to turn on the water supply to the toilet. Once the water supply is turned on, you should check for any leaks around the toilet flange. If you find any leaks, you will need to tighten the nuts that hold the flange in place.

Removing an old toilet flange is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily remove an old toilet flange and install a new one.

How To Remove Old Toilet Flange?

Removing an old toilet flange is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the toilet or the surrounding plumbing.

1. Prepare the Work Area

Before you begin, you will need to prepare the work area by gathering the necessary tools and materials. You will need:

  • A hacksaw or reciprocating saw
  • A screwdriver
  • A wrench
  • A bucket
  • A pair of gloves
  • A shop vac

You will also need to make sure that the water supply to the toilet is turned off. To do this, locate the shutoff valve under the sink or near the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise until it is completely closed.

2. Remove the Toilet Tank Lid

There is usually a nut or bolt on the back of the toilet tank. Use a wrench to loosen the nut or bolt and remove the lid.

3. Locate the Toilet Flange Bolts

The toilet flange bolts are located underneath the toilet. They are usually located in the four corners of the toilet.

4. Remove the Toilet Flange Bolts

Use a wrench to loosen the toilet flange bolts. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, as this could damage the flange.

5. Remove the Toilet Flange

Once the toilet flange bolts are loosened, you can begin to remove the flange. Use a hacksaw or reciprocating saw to cut through the flange. Be careful not to damage the toilet bowl.

6. Clean Up the Mess

Once the flange is removed, you will need to clean up the mess. Use a bucket and a shop vac to remove any debris.

7. Reinstall the Toilet Flange

If you are replacing the toilet flange, you will need to install a new one. Follow the instructions that came with the new flange to install it correctly.

8. Turn the Water Supply Back On

Once the new flange is installed, you can turn the water supply back on. Be sure to check for leaks.

Removing an old toilet flange is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about 30 minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can safely and easily remove the old flange and install a new one.

How do I remove an old toilet flange?

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or in the basement.
2. Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
3. Remove the toilet seat. There are usually two screws located on the underside of the seat. Unscrew these and lift the seat off.
4. Locate the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. There are usually two bolts, one on each side of the toilet.
5. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts. Be careful not to drop the bolts into the toilet bowl.
6. Place a bucket under the toilet to catch any water that may leak out.
7. Gently rock the toilet back and forth until it is loose. You may need to use a pry bar to help loosen it.
8. Pull the toilet straight up and off of the flange.
9. Clean the flange and apply a new sealant.
10. Install the new toilet flange.
11. Reattach the toilet to the flange.
12. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
13. Flush the toilet to test the new flange.

What tools do I need to remove an old toilet flange?

You will need the following tools to remove an old toilet flange:

  • A wrench
  • A pry bar
  • A bucket
  • A new toilet flange
  • A sealant

What is the most difficult part of removing an old toilet flange?

The most difficult part of removing an old toilet flange is getting the toilet to come loose from the floor. You may need to use a pry bar to help loosen it.

Can I remove an old toilet flange without a wrench?

It is possible to remove an old toilet flange without a wrench, but it is more difficult. You can use a pry bar to loosen the bolts, but you will need to be careful not to drop the bolts into the toilet bowl.

What should I do if I drop the bolts into the toilet bowl?

If you drop the bolts into the toilet bowl, you can try to fish them out with a magnet or a coat hanger. If you are unable to fish them out, you will need to remove the toilet and replace the bolts.

How do I clean the flange after removing the old toilet?

To clean the flange after removing the old toilet, you can use a putty knife to scrape off any old sealant. You can then use a damp cloth to wipe down the flange.

How do I apply sealant to the new flange?

To apply sealant to the new flange, you can use a caulking gun. Apply a thin layer of sealant around the edge of the flange.

How do I attach the new toilet to the flange?

To attach the new toilet to the flange, you can use the bolts that came with the new toilet. Insert the bolts through the holes in the toilet and tighten them with a wrench.

What is the best way to test the new flange?

The best way to test the new flange is to flush the toilet. If there is no water leaking from the flange, then the flange is installed correctly.

Removing an old toilet flange is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the proper steps to avoid damaging the toilet or the surrounding plumbing. In this article, we have outlined the steps involved in removing an old toilet flange, as well as provided some tips and tricks to make the process easier. By following these steps, you can safely and successfully remove your old toilet flange and get your toilet back in working order.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

  • Before you begin, make sure you have the proper tools and materials on hand.
  • Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to drain the water.
  • Use a putty knife or utility knife to loosen the wax ring around the toilet.
  • Apply a penetrating oil to the bolts holding the flange in place.
  • Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and remove the flange.
  • Clean the area around the toilet flange and replace the wax ring.
  • Turn on the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to check for leaks.

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.