To lower a toilet flange, the first step is to turn off the water supply and flush out any remaining water in the tank. Next, disconnect both the water line and waste line from the back of the toilet. Then remove all bolts that secure it to the floor as well as any wax sealant around it.
Afterward, use a hammer and chisel or saw to cut away any caulking or grout that is adhering it to the floor surface. Once this is done, adjust your toilet flange so that its lowest point sits at least 1/4″ below your finished floor level. Finally, re-secure with new caulk or grout if necessary before reconnecting everything and turning on your water supply again for proper testing purposes.
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet by turning off the shutoff valve located behind or beside it
- Flush the toilet and hold down on the handle until all of the water has gone out of the tank and bowl, then use a sponge to get any remaining water in both parts of your toilet
- Remove any caulk from around where your old flange was with a putty knife or other scraping tool before you begin disassembling it
- Unscrew any nuts that are holding down your current flange and remove it from its position in front of your toilet’s drain pipe, taking care not to damage anything else while doing so if possible
- 5 Install a new wax ring or gasket over top of where you will be placing your new flange, making sure that it is pushed firmly into place for an even seal when you set up your new flange later on in this process
- 6 Place your new lower-profile flange onto its location near where you have placedthe wax ring/gasket, using bolts to secure everything together tightly as needed after ensuring that there isn’t excessive pressure being exerted anywhere on either part during this step (you should be able to tell if something feels wrong)
- 7 Seal up any gaps between where certain pieces meet with additional caulking material before reinstalling whatever hardware components were removed earlier in order to properly reassemble everything once again exactly how it was before this procedure began
Credit: www.h2ouse.org
What to Do If the Toilet Flange is Too High?
If the toilet flange is too high, there are a few options to fix it:
* Install a wax ring extender.
* Replace the existing flange with one that is adjustable or lower profile.
* Place spacers between the floor and the flange so that it sits at the correct height.Any of these solutions can be used to solve this problem in an efficient manner. However, if you are unsure how to do any of them properly, then it’s best to call a professional plumber for assistance.
Is It Ok for the Toilet Flange to Be Higher Than the Floor?
Yes, it is OK for the toilet flange to be higher than the floor. This can occur if a new tile or laminate floor has been installed over an existing concrete subfloor of lower height.In order to deal with a toilet flange that is higher than the surrounding floor, follow these steps:
• Place shims in between the toilet and its mounting bolts at each corner.
• Tighten each bolt until there is no longer a gap between them and the shim.
• Install wax rings on either side of the horn of your toilet’s base before putting it in place on top of your flange.
This will ensure that your toilet functions properly without any water leakage issues due to improper installation caused by an uneven surface beneath it.
How Much Does It Cost to Lower a Toilet Flange?
On average, it costs anywhere between $50 and $100 to lower a toilet flange. Factors that may contribute to the cost include:* Materials needed for the job such as PVC pipe, wax ring, etc.
* Labor fees charged by plumbers or handymen.
* Cost of renting tools if necessary.
In any case, it is recommended to get multiple quotes from different professionals before deciding on one provider in order to get the best deal possible.
How Far below Finished Floor Can Toilet Flange Be?
The toilet flange needs to be no more than 1/4 inch below the finished floor. This is important in order to ensure proper sealing of the wax ring and a secure connection between the drain pipe and the toilet.Here are some other things to keep in mind when installing a toilet flange:
• Make sure that it is level with the finished floor on all sides.
• Check for any obstructions such as pipes, wires or studs that might prevent its installation in the desired location.
• Ensure that there is adequate space around it for easy cleaning and maintenance access.
How to lower a toilet flange | Fix wobbling toilet | Adjust toilet flange level | Install new flange
Toilet Flange 1/2 above Floor
When installing a toilet, it is important to make sure that the flange sits at least 1/2 inch above the finished floor. This will ensure that there is adequate space between the bottom of your toilet and the flange for proper seals to be created and maintained. If a flange is installed below or flush with the floor, it can create multiple problems including leaking water due to improper seals, as well as cause damage to both your floors and your plumbing system in general.
Cast Iron Toilet Flange Too High
If your toilet flange is too high, it can be difficult to properly install a new toilet. A cast iron toilet flange needs to be level with the bathroom floor in order for the toilet to fit and seal properly. If your existing flange is higher than the floor, you may need to purchase an extender kit or cut down the height of the existing flange with a saw before installing a new toilet.
Toilet Flange Not Level
A toilet flange that is not level can cause the seal between the toilet and floor to be compromised, resulting in water leakage. This issue can also make it difficult to install a new toilet correctly. If you find your toilet flange is not level, it should be adjusted so that the bolts are equal distance from the wall.
You may need to use a combination of shims and screws or adhesive caulk to achieve this before attempting any further installation steps.
Toilet Flange Hole Too Big
If the hole in the toilet flange is too large, it can cause problems with a correctly-installed toilet. Since there needs to be a tight seal between the flange and toilet base, an overly large hole will make it difficult to get that secure fit. To remedy this situation, you may need to install a new flange or use shims around the existing one to reduce its size and create a better seal.
Toilet Flange High on One Side
Having a toilet flange that is higher on one side can cause major problems. If the flange isn’t level, it won’t form an effective seal with the wax ring, leading to leaks and water damage. Fortunately, this problem can be easily fixed by simply shimming or adjusting the bolts which hold down the flange.
Doing so will help ensure your toilets are securely sealed and ready for use!
Toilet Flange Too High This Old House
When it comes to toilet flange installation, one of the most common issues is when the flange is installed too high. This can cause your toilet to rock, which can damage the wax seal and lead to leaks. Fortunately, this issue can easily be corrected by using a spacer kit from This Old House.
These kits come with everything you need for adjusting the height of your flange and ensuring a proper fit that will keep your bathroom secure and leak-free.
Toilet Flange Extender
A toilet flange extender is an essential plumbing accessory for any bathroom renovation project. It provides a secure and reliable connection between the drain pipe and the toilet itself, ensuring that your new installation is properly sealed and watertight. This simple device can be used to raise a low-sitting flange or increase its width, making it easier to install your new commode without having to replace the existing piping system.
With a toilet flange extender, you can be sure that your bathroom will stay dry and leak-free!
Best Toilet for High Flange
If you have a high flange toilet, the best option for you is an elongated bowl. An elongated bowl provides more comfort and space than a round-front bowl, so it’s perfect for those with high flanges. The extra space will make your bathroom feel bigger and give you more room to maneuver when sitting on the toilet.
Additionally, an elongated bowl offers superior flushing power compared to a round-front model, making it ideal for those who need additional cleaning power or are looking to save water.
Conclusion
Lowering a toilet flange can be a challenging job, but with the right tools and know-how it can be done. With this guide in hand, you should now feel confident about tackling this task yourself. Whether you need to lower the toilet flange to accommodate a thicker floor or for another reason entirely, having the proper materials and knowledge will make the project easier and safer.
So take your time, do your research, and don’t forget to double check that everything is secure before using the bathroom again!
