How to Extend a Toilet Flange

If your toilet is leaking at the bottom after now that you have installed a new bathroom floor, check the level of the toilet flange. The toilet flange protects the system from leaks, but a new floor installation could cause the flange to be lower than it has been in the past. The flange must be at floor level to work properly. You don't need professional plumbing skills to extend a toilet flange. Here are some tips to extend a toilet flange.

Prepare to Work

For this project, you need:

  • work gloves
  • towels or sheets
  • rags
  • sponges
  • degreaser or mineral spirits
  • ruler
  • putty knife
  • open-end wrench
  • toilet bolts
  • caulk and caulk gun
  • wax ring
  • flange extender

Check building codes to find out if extenders are allowed. Shut off the toilet water supply by rotating the valve to the right. The shutoff valve should be beside the toilet. If you can't find the toilet water supply shut-off, turn off the lever for the main water supply to the house, which is usually a lever close to the water meter.

Flush the toilet and dab any remaining water in the tank with the towels or sponges. Remove the toilet water supply by disconnecting the nut with the wrench.

Measure the distance between the new floor height and the flange. Use this measurement to buy a flange extender thick enough to cover this space. The extender should be around half an inch higher off the floor after the installation.

Remove the Existing Flange

Clean the existing flange with degreaser or mineral spirits and a rag, then let it dry. Use the screwdriver or wrench to remove the bolts on the toilet, and lift the toilet from the base.

Set the bowl aside on old towels or old sheets. Don't save the bolts, since they will likely be too short for the extender. Carefully pull the existing flange off with the putty knife.

Install the Extender

Apply a bead of caulk around the interior edge of the existing flange, if the extender isn't self-sealing. Avoid getting caulk in the bolt holes. Line up the holes on the flange and the extender. Press the extender on top of the flange and rotate it to align the bolt holes. Let the caulk dry.

Set the extender in place, lay the new wax ring on top of the extender with the flat side down, and then insert the bolts and tighten them with a wrench. Reinstall the toilet on the bolts. Push down on the toilet to secure the wax ring.

Insert the nuts and tighten them with the wrench. Reconnect the toilet water supply line.

Turn on the water supply and watch for leaks. If you don't trust your skill or the toilet still leaks, contact a plumbing repair service.

About Me

Perfecting My Home HVAC System

After dealing with almost constant air conditioner and furnace failures, I realized I might not be doing my part to keep my systems clean and operational. To sort out the issues, I turned to a professional repairman for help. He explained that since I wasn't changing the filters regularly, there was no telling what would happen. I learned how to clean evaporator coils, replace filters, and even sort out power failures on my own. I want other people to experience the confidence and comfort that comes along with protecting your own HVAC system, so I put up this blog.

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