Changing a rest room flange is a comparatively easy plumbing restore that may be accomplished in just a few hours. Nonetheless, it is very important observe the steps rigorously to make sure that the brand new flange is correctly put in and watertight. On this article, we’ll present step-by-step directions on the right way to change a rest room flange, from eradicating the previous flange to putting in the brand new one.
To start, you’ll need to assemble the required instruments and supplies. These embody a brand new rest room flange, a hacksaw, a putty knife, a rest room wax ring, and a wrench. After getting gathered your supplies, you possibly can start by turning off the water provide to the bathroom. To do that, find the water provide valve behind the bathroom and switch it clockwise till the water stops flowing. You’ll want to flush the bathroom a number of occasions to take away the remaining water from the bowl.
Subsequent, you’ll need to take away the previous rest room flange. To do that, use a hacksaw to chop the flange bolts which might be holding the bathroom in place. As soon as the bolts are reduce, you should utilize a putty knife to pry the previous flange free from the ground. Watch out to not harm the ground when eradicating the flange.
Figuring out the Flange Sort
Accessing the Flange
To establish the bathroom flange sort, you first must take away the bathroom. Shut off the primary water provide valve to the bathroom, flush the bathroom, and maintain the deal with right down to launch any remaining water within the tank. Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the water provide line from the bathroom fill valve. Subsequent, loosen the nuts holding the bathroom to the ground utilizing a socket wrench or field wrench, then rigorously elevate and take away the bathroom from the flange.
Observe: If the bathroom is closely bolted down or caught to the ground, you might want to softly rock it backwards and forwards to loosen it. Be cautious in order to not harm the flange or flooring in the course of the course of.
Flange Identification
As soon as the bathroom is eliminated, you possibly can examine the flange to find out its sort. There are three widespread varieties of bathroom flanges:
1. Solid-iron flange: Usually present in older houses, cast-iron flanges are sturdy however may be susceptible to rust and corrosion over time. They’re sometimes bolted to the subfloor and have a horn-shaped extension that matches inside the bathroom drainpipe.
2. Plastic flange: Plastic flanges are light-weight, corrosion-resistant, and generally utilized in newer houses. They’re secured to the subfloor with screws or nails and have a built-in wax ring that seals the bathroom to the flange.
3. Wax ring flange: Because the identify suggests, wax ring flanges require a separate wax ring to create a seal between the bathroom and the flange. They aren’t as widespread as the opposite varieties and are sometimes present in conditions the place the ground joists aren’t degree.
Gathering Mandatory Instruments and Supplies
Important Instruments
- Adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers: For loosening and tightening nuts and bolts.
- Putty knife or flathead screwdriver: For scraping away previous caulk and gaskets.
- Crescent wrench: For holding the bathroom bowl in place.
- Hacksaw or utility knife: For reducing the flange bolts.
- Hammer or mallet: For tapping the brand new flange into place.
Supplies
The kind and amount of supplies required could differ relying on the precise rest room and flange being changed. Usually, you’ll need:
| Materials | Amount |
|---|---|
| New rest room flange | 1 |
| Bathroom flange bolts | 4-6 |
| Bathroom flange gasket | 1 |
| Plumbers caulk | 1 tube |
| Bathroom wax ring (if not included with the flange) | 1 |
Shutting Off Water Provide
To exchange the flange on a rest room, you first must shut off the water provide. It is a comparatively easy course of that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes.
Step one is to find the water provide valves. These are sometimes situated behind the bathroom on the wall or flooring. After getting discovered the valves, flip them clockwise to close off the water provide.
If the valves are troublesome to show, you might want to make use of a wrench. Watch out to not overtighten the valves, as this might harm them.
As soon as the water provide is shut off, you possibly can proceed to take away the previous flange and set up the brand new one.
Listed below are some further ideas for shutting off the water provide to a rest room:
- If you’re not sure about the right way to shut off the water provide, seek the advice of a professional plumber.
- You’ll want to flip off the water provide earlier than you begin any work on the bathroom.
- You probably have a water softener, you might must bypass it earlier than you possibly can shut off the water provide to the bathroom.
- After getting shut off the water provide, open the flush valve on the bathroom to launch any remaining water within the tank.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find the water provide valves. |
| 2 | Flip the valves clockwise to close off the water provide. |
| 3 | If the valves are troublesome to show, use a wrench. |
| 4 | Watch out to not overtighten the valves. |
| 5 | As soon as the water provide is shut off, open the flush valve on the bathroom to launch any remaining water within the tank. |
Disconnecting the Bathroom
1. Shut Off the Water Provide
Find the water provide valve behind the bathroom and switch it clockwise to shut it. Decide if there’s extra water left in the bathroom by flushing it.
2. Disconnect the Water Provide Line
On the water provide valve, use an adjustable wrench to loosen and take away the water provide line related to the bathroom fill valve.
3. Disconnect the Bathroom from the Flooring
Utilizing a wrench, loosen the nuts that safe the bathroom to the ground. These nuts are sometimes situated on the base of the bathroom, close to the ground. To keep away from harm to the ground, place a chunk of wooden or cardboard between the wrench and the tiles or flooring.
4. Break the Wax Ring Seal
The wax ring seal is a gasket that creates a watertight seal between the bathroom base and the ground flange. To interrupt the seal, use a putty knife or a flathead screwdriver. Rigorously insert the device across the fringe of the seal, whereas rocking it backwards and forwards to loosen the seal. Keep away from damaging the bathroom or the ground.
As soon as the seal is free, gently elevate the bathroom straight up and off the ground flange. Place a thick towel or cardboard on the ground to cushion the bathroom as you set it down.
| Instruments You will Want |
|---|
| Adjustable wrench |
| Putty knife or flathead screwdriver |
| Bucket or bowl |
| Gloves |
| Rags |
Eradicating the Outdated Flange
Changing the bathroom flange is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished in just a few easy steps. Step one is to take away the previous flange. This may be performed by following these steps:
- Flip off the water provide to the bathroom. That is performed by turning the shut-off valve situated behind the bathroom. If there isn’t a shut-off valve, you’ll need to show off the primary water provide to your property.
- Flush the bathroom to empty the tank and bowl.
- Disconnect the water provide line from the bathroom. To do that, loosen the nuts that maintain the road in place.
- Take away the bolts that maintain the bathroom to the ground. There are sometimes two bolts situated on the base of the bathroom.
- Rigorously elevate the bathroom off the flange. When lifting the bathroom, remember to grip it firmly and elevate it straight up. Don’t rock the bathroom backwards and forwards, as this might harm the flange.
Put together the flanges:
If the brand new flange is bigger than the previous one, you’ll need to trim it to dimension. To do that, use a utility knife to attain the flange across the perimeter of the previous flange. Then, use a hacksaw to chop the flange to dimension.
Safe the brand new flange
- Slide the brand new flange over the drainpipe.
- Align the flange with the bolt holes within the flooring.
- Insert the bolts into the holes and tighten them till the flange is safe.
- Apply a bead of silicone caulk across the base of the flange.
- Enable the caulk to dry fully earlier than reinstalling the bathroom.
| Flooring Sort | Flange Sort | Further Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Plastic or Brass | Use growth bolts to safe the flange |
| Wooden | Plastic | Use wooden screws to safe the flange |
| Tile | Plastic or Brass | Use a flange with a wider base for added help |
Putting in the New Flange
Putting in the brand new flange requires cautious preparation and adherence to particular pointers to make sure a safe and leak-free connection between the bathroom and the drainpipe:
1. Measure and Align:
Align the brand new flange with the drainpipe opening, guaranteeing it’s centered and degree. Use a pencil or marker to hint its define onto the ground.
2. Take away Outdated Flange:
Disconnect the water provide and unbolt the previous flange from the ground. If it is cemented in place, rigorously chisel it out with out damaging the drainpipe.
3. Clear and Prep:
Clear the ground space the place the flange might be put in, eradicating particles and previous sealant. Roughen the floor barely to enhance adhesion.
4. Apply Flange Adhesive:
Apply a beneficiant bead of flange adhesive to the underside of the brand new flange. Place it over the drainpipe and press firmly into place.
5. Safe with Bolts:
Safe the flange to the ground utilizing 4 bolts. Tighten them steadily, alternating between bolts to stop warping or cracking.
6. Set up Wax Ring:
Apply a thick bead of wax ring compound across the backside of the bathroom flange. This may create a watertight seal between the bathroom and the flange. Rigorously place the wax ring within the heart of the flange, guaranteeing it’s flat and evenly distributed.
The wax ring is usually cone-shaped, with the smaller finish dealing with down. This helps create an ideal seal when the bathroom is put in.
| Wax Ring Sorts | Utility |
|---|---|
| Common wax ring | For normal rest room installations |
| Flange extender ring | For uneven or broken flanges |
| Offset wax ring | For bathrooms put in at an angle |
7. Set up Bathroom:
Align the bathroom over the flange and slowly decrease it into place. Apply even stress to make sure the wax ring seals correctly.
Reconnecting the Bathroom
After the brand new flange is put in, you possibly can reconnect the bathroom. To do that, observe these steps:
- Place a brand new wax ring on the flange.
- Rigorously elevate the bathroom and place it on the flange, ensuring that the bolts line up with the holes within the flange.
- Decrease the bathroom slowly and evenly, ensuring that the wax ring seals correctly.
- Tighten the bolts till the bathroom is safe, however don’t overtighten them.
- Join the water provide to the bathroom.
- Activate the water provide and verify for leaks.
- If there are not any leaks, you have got efficiently changed the bathroom flange.
Suggestions for Reconnecting the Bathroom
Listed below are just a few ideas for reconnecting the bathroom:
- Use a brand new wax ring each time you change the bathroom.
- Guarantee that the wax ring is correctly seated on the flange.
- Decrease the bathroom slowly and evenly to stop the wax ring from breaking.
- Tighten the bolts till the bathroom is safe, however don’t overtighten them.
- Examine for leaks after you have got reconnected the bathroom.
Reattaching Water Provide
8. Reattach the Water Provide:
As soon as the flange is safe, reconnect the water provide line. Begin by cleansing the floor of the flange the place the provision line attaches, utilizing a moist material to take away any dust or particles.
Subsequent, apply a skinny bead of plumber’s putty across the base of the water provide line the place it would hook up with the flange. This may assist create a watertight seal. Then, rigorously screw the water provide line into the flange till it’s cosy. Don’t overtighten, as this might harm the road or the flange.
To make sure a safe connection, you should utilize a pair of pliers or a wrench to softly tighten the connection. Nonetheless, be cautious to not apply extreme drive, as this might harm the elements.
Testing for Leaks
After the brand new flange is put in, it is important to check for leaks to make sure a watertight seal. Listed below are the steps to observe:
Step 9: Pour Water into the Bathroom Bowl
|
Step |
Description |
|---|---|
| a) | Fill the bathroom bowl to the specified water degree. |
| b) | Watch for about 30-60 minutes, permitting the water to settle. |
| c) | Examine for any seen leaks across the base of the bathroom or the flange bolts. |
| d) | If no leaks are noticed, the flange is correctly sealed. |
| e) | If leaks are detected, tighten the flange bolts barely utilizing a wrench. |
| f) | Re-test for leaks by repeating the above steps till no leaks are seen. |
Caulking and Ending Touches
As soon as the brand new flange is put in, it is time to caulk and add ending touches to make sure a leak-proof and aesthetically pleasing set up.
Caulking
Apply a bead of high-quality silicone caulk across the base of the bathroom, the place it meets the brand new flange. Be certain that to get a good and steady seal to stop leaks. Clean out the caulk utilizing a moist rag or your finger.
Let the caulk dry fully in accordance with the producer’s directions. This sometimes takes a number of hours or in a single day.
Attaching the Bathroom
As soon as the caulk has dried, rigorously change the bathroom over the brand new flange. Be certain that to align the bolt holes and gently decrease it into place.
Safe the bathroom with the provided bolts and washers by hand-tightening them. Don’t overtighten as this could crack the bathroom bowl.
Ending Touches
Reconnect the water provide line and flush the bathroom to make sure it is functioning correctly.
Substitute the bathroom seat and lid, and apply a skinny bead of clear silicone caulk across the edges of the seat for a completed look.
Clear the encircling space to take away any leftover particles or caulk residue.
This is a desk summarizing the steps for caulking and ending touches:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply caulk round base of bathroom. | Use silicone caulk to create a watertight seal. |
| 2. Clean out caulk. | Use a moist rag or finger to create a clean, even floor. |
| 3. Connect rest room. | Align bolt holes and gently decrease rest room into place. |
| 4. Safe bolts. | Hand-tighten bolts and washers to safe rest room. |
| 5. Reconnect water provide. | Connect water provide line and flush rest room to check performance. |
| 6. Substitute rest room seat. | Reinstall rest room seat and lid, securing them with bolts. |
| 7. Caulk round rest room seat. | Apply clear silicone caulk round edges of bathroom seat for a completed look. |
| 8. Clear surrounding space. | Take away any leftover particles or caulk residue from surrounding space. |
How To Substitute Flange On Bathroom
A bathroom flange is a hoop that connects the bathroom to the drainpipe. It’s made from metallic or plastic and is normally secured with bolts. Over time, the flange can turn out to be broken or corroded, which might result in leaks. In the event you discover any leaks across the base of your rest room, it is very important change the flange as quickly as attainable.
Changing a rest room flange is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished in just a few hours. Nonetheless, it is very important observe the steps rigorously to make sure that the flange is put in correctly. Listed below are the steps on the right way to change a rest room flange:
- Shut off the water provide to the bathroom.
- Flush the bathroom to empty the tank and bowl.
- Disconnect the water provide line from the bathroom.
- Unbolt the bathroom from the ground.
- Raise the bathroom off of the flange.
- Take away the previous flange.
- Clear the realm across the drainpipe.
- Apply a bead of silicone caulk across the base of the brand new flange.
- Place the brand new flange over the drainpipe.
- Safe the flange to the ground with bolts.
- Reconnect the water provide line to the bathroom.
- Set the bathroom on the flange.
- Bolt the bathroom to the ground.
- Activate the water provide and verify for leaks.
Folks Additionally Ask
What are the indicators of a broken rest room flange?
There are a number of indicators which will point out a broken rest room flange. These embody:
- Leaks across the base of the bathroom.
- A free or wobbly rest room.
- A foul odor coming from the lavatory.
- Water harm to the ground round the bathroom.
What are the several types of rest room flanges?
There are two foremost varieties of bathroom flanges: metallic and plastic. Metallic flanges are extra sturdy than plastic flanges, however they’re additionally costlier. Plastic flanges are much less sturdy, however they’re additionally cheaper.
How usually ought to I change my rest room flange?
The lifespan of a rest room flange varies relying on the kind of flange and the situations during which it’s put in. Metallic flanges can final for 20 years or extra, whereas plastic flanges could solely final for 10 years or much less. In the event you discover any indicators of injury to your rest room flange, it is very important change it as quickly as attainable.
