Swapping out the toilet flange does not require removing the tank.
A house holds many appliances that use flanges, such as sinks, showers and toilets. The sink and shower flanges are simple to replace. Sink flanges are held in place with a nut beneath the sink. Most tub and shower flanges unscrew from above the tub. Replacing the toilet flange is the most difficult of all the flanges. Changing out the toilet flange requires removing the toilet and installing a new wax ring. Never reuse existing sealants, such as plumber's putty on the sink or shower drains, or the wax ring on toilets. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Turn the water supply line off and drain the toilet by flushing it. Disconnect the supply line from the base of the tank.
2. Loosen and remove the retaining nuts located on the lower sides of the toilet, using an adjustable wrench. Set the nuts, washers and any decorative caps to the side. Lift the toilet free of the retaining bolts and lay the toilet carefully on its side.
3. Scrape off the existing wax ring from the base of the toilet with a hand scraper or similar tool. Press a new wax ring onto the drain connection with the rubber gasket pointing down and away from the toilet.
4. Unscrew the three retaining screws located on the toilet flange. Set the screws to the side. Lift the flange up and away from the main drain. Remove the toilet retaining bolts from the long channels in the flange and set the bolts to the side.
5. Place a new flange into the drain and align the screw holes with the existing holes in the floor. Thread the retaining screws back into place. Wiggle the flange to ensure that it is solidly engaged and stable. Any movement indicates that the retaining screws need to be tightened. Slide the toilet retaining bolts back into the long channels until the bolts sit at the ends of each channel.
6. Lower the toilet onto the retaining bolts and flange. Place the washers on the bolts and attach the retaining nuts. Tighten the nuts down by hand. Wiggle the toilet slightly to fully seat the wax ring. Tighten the nuts down with an adjustable wrench until the toilet does not move at all. Replace any decorative caps. Connect and turn on the water supply line.
Tags: retaining bolts, toilet flange, retaining screws, supply line, adjustable wrench
