We all do the bathroom daily, and most of us probably don’t think twice about it. But many people don’t realize that there are some important aspects to consider when it comes to this vital fixture.
One of the most overlooked considerations is ensuring that your toilet flange is properly fitted with the floor surface below.
This small detail can make all the difference in providing a successful installation – and avoiding any costly problems down the road.
In today’s blog post, we’ll explore why it matters so much to have your toilet flange flush with your flooring, share some tips for checking its level-ness and let you know which improvements might be necessary if yours isn’t perfectly aligned.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy discovering everything you need to know about using a toilet flange!
What Is A Toilet Flange?
Most people only think about their toilet flange once there’s a problem. But this essential part of the plumbing system is important in keeping your toilets running smoothly.
The flange connects the pipe in your home or office to the wastewater main, delivering water and hot air to your toilets.
Did you know that without a properly functioning flange, you could experience leaks, odors, and other issues. There are a few different toilet flanges, but the most common is the PVC flange.
This type of flange is made of durable PVC material and is designed to withstand the pressure of the wastewater main.
It’s important to ensure your PVC flange is the right size for your pipe. If it’s too small, it could leak. If it’s too large, it could cause the wastewater main to back up.
Toilet flanges are available at most hardware stores and home improvement stores. If you need help determining which flange type is right for your home or office, ask a sales associate for help.
Installation Techniques For Flanges
Installing a flange can be difficult and dangerous if not done properly. Many different techniques can be used to install a flange, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
The most important thing to remember when installing a flange is always to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.
Welding
One of the most common methods of installing a flange is to weld it to the pipe. This is a very strong connection, but it cannot be easy to do properly. If the weld is not done correctly, it can cause the flange to leak.
Use Bolt
Another common method is to bolt the flange to the pipe. This method is much easier than welding, but it is less strong. If the bolts are not tightened properly, the flange can leak.
Use Gasket
Yet another method is to use a gasket to seal the flange to the pipe. This is the easiest method, but it is also the least reliable. If the gasket is not installed correctly, the flange can leak.
No matter which method you use to install your flange, always make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you do, you could avoid ending up with a leaky flange.
Also Read:
How Long After Installation Can A Toilet Be Used
What Should Be The Proper Distance Between The Floor And The Toilet Flange?
You may wonder about the proper distance between the floor and the flange. Well, let me tell you that there are a few things to consider when determining the appropriate distance between the floor and the toilet flange.
The first is the type of flooring you have. The flange should be level with the finished surface if you have a tile or stone floor. The flange should be 14 inches above the finished surface if you have a wood floor.
The second thing to consider is the height of the toilet. The flange should be level with the floor if you have a standard-height toilet. If you have a taller toilet, the flange should be the same 14 inches above the finished surface.
The last thing to consider is the width of the toilet. The flange should be 14 inches from the finished surface if you have a standard-width toilet. The flange should be 18 inches from the finished surface if you have a wider toilet.
Does The Toilet Flange Need To Be Flush With The Floor?
When it comes to your toilet, one of the most important parts is the flange. As I have mentioned above, The flange connects your toilet to the sewer line and keeps everything sealed tight.
If your flange isn’t installed correctly or isn’t flush with the floor, you could have some serious problems with your hands.
Here’s what you need to know about toilet flanges and whether or not they need to be flush with the floor.
The first thing to understand is that there are two different types of toilet flanges: raised and flush. Raised flanges are installed above the finished floor level, while flush flanges are installed at the same level as the finished floor.
You’ll likely want to install a flush flange for the best results. There are a few reasons why a flush flange is a better choice than a raised flange. First, keeping a flush flange clean is easier since there’s no gap between the flange and the floor.
This also means a flush flange is less likely to collect dirt, hair, and other debris. Another reason to choose a flush flange is that it provides a better seal. When you install a raised flange, the flange could be installed too high or too low.
This could create a gap between the flange and the floor, allowing sewer gasses and odors to escape. A flush flange eliminates this problem by creating a tight seal between the flange and the floor.
So, does the toilet flange need to be flush with the floor? In most cases, yes. A flush flange is easier to keep clean, provides a better seal, and prevents sewer gasses and odors from escaping.
However, there may be situations where a raised flange is a better choice. If you need help determining which flange type is best for your situation, consult a professional plumber for guidance.
What Happens If The Toilet Flange Is Not Level With The Floor?
If your toilet flange is not level with the floor, it can cause several problems.
- First, it can make it difficult to install your toilet properly.
- Second, it can cause your bathroom to rock back and forth, making it difficult to use.
- Third, it can cause your toilet to leak, leading to water damage in your home.
The best way to fix a toilet flange, not level with the floor, is to use a toilet flange repair kit. This kit will allow you to level the flange and secure it.
This is a relatively easy repair that anyone can do, and it will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Why Do Toilet Flanges Sometimes Rise Or Fall Above The Floor?
When you have a bathroom with a toilet, you may notice that the toilet flange is sometimes higher or lower than the floor.
This is because the flange is designed to be adjustable so that it can be level with the floor, regardless of the height of the floor.
There are a few reasons why the flange might be higher or lower than the floor, and it’s important to know how to adjust the flange to level with the floor.
- The first reason is that the floor is not level. If the floor is leveled, the flange will be level with the floor. This is why it’s important to ensure the floor is level before installing the flange.
- The second reason is that the flange needs to be installed correctly. If the flange is not installed correctly, it will not be level with the floor. This is why it’s important to ensure the flange is installed correctly before installing the toilet.
- The third reason is that the flange needs to be the right size. If the flange is not the right size, it will not be level with the floor. This is why it’s important to ensure the flange is the right size before you install the toilet.
- The fourth reason is that the flange needs to be made of the right material. The flange must be made of the right material to be level with the floor. This is why it’s important to ensure that the flange is made of the right material before installing the toilet.
- The fifth reason is that the flange needs to be installed properly. If the flange is not installed properly, it will not be level with the floor. This is why it’s important to ensure the flange is installed properly before installing the toilet.
How Can A Too-Low Flange Be Fixed?
You don’t need to panic if you have a flange that is too low. There are a few things that you can do to fix it.
- First, increase the height of the flange by adding a spacer. This is a simple fix that can be done quickly.
- If the flange is still too low after adding a spacer, you can try to shim the flange. This is more involved, but it is still a relatively simple fix.
- Finally, if neither solution works, you can replace the flange altogether. This is the most involved solution, but it is also the most likely to fix the problem permanently.
How Can A Too-High Flange Be Fixed?
But what if your flange is too high? Relax. Also, you can do a few things to fix this problem.
- First, you can adjust the height of the flange itself. This can be done by loosening the screws that hold the flange in place and then moving the flange up or down to the desired height.
- If this does not work, or if you cannot adjust the flange height, you can try adding shims to the bottom of the flange. Shims are thin pieces of metal or plastic that can be used to raise the size of the flange. To add shims, place them under the flange and then screw the flange back into place.
- If neither method works, you may need to replace the flange entirely. This is a more difficult fix and should only be done by a qualified professional.
Also Read:
What Can Be Flushed Down The Toilet
How Long Does It Take To Remove A Toilet
Are Western Pottery Toilets Any Good
Bottom Line
Ultimately, deciding if a toilet flange should be flush with the floor comes from personal opinion and preference. However, there are pros and cons on either side of the argument that must be considered.
While many contractors prefer one flush with the floor, some newer models might not even require it. In any case, there is no hard and fast rule of what must be done, and as long as you know why you’re doing something and can explain your rationale to someone else – that’s all that matters.
No matter which method you choose for installing a toilet flange – make sure you research to make an informed decision about what’s best for your situation.
Working out the specifics can be time-consuming, but in the end, it will save you time and money by avoiding potential missteps in installation down the line. Good luck!