Removing toilet flange bolts requires a few simple tools and some careful precision. To begin the process, you’ll need a screwdriver and a wrench or an adjustable wrench. If the bolts are stuck, you may need a hammer or mallet to help you loosen them.
It’s also best to use a pair of pliers or a wrench to grip the head of the bolt so you don’t slip.
Once you’ve gathered your tools, you’ll need to start by tapping the top of the bolt with a hammer or mallet. This will help shake the bolt loose, if it’s stuck. Before you do this, be sure to tape the toilet flange and the surrounding area with painter’s tape.
After you’ve given it a tap or two, you can grab the bolt with your pliers or wrench and start turning it counterclockwise. If it’s especially stuck, you may have to start by tapping the head of the bolt in alternating directions a few times before you start to loosen it.
Once you’ve loosened the bolt, you’ll simply need to remove it by unscrewing it with either a screwdriver or a wrench. After the bolt is removed you can repeat the same process for the rest of the bolts.
Make sure that you take the toilet flange off slowly and carefully, as there may be tape or other debris stuck to it that could cause damage to your toilet.
Once all the bolts have been removed, you can simply lift the flange off the floor and away from the toilet. If the toilet flange or the bolts are damaged, you’ll need to get replacements before you can put the toilet flange back onto the floor.
What size wrench for toilet bolts?
The size of the wrench that you need to use for toilet bolts depends on the type and size of toilet you have. Generally, the nuts that hold the toilet onto the floor are 3/8 inch or 5/16 inch in size, and for this type of nut, you need to use an open-end or a box wrench.
If the nuts are a different size then you will need to look at the size of the nut and find a wrench that is the correct size. You should also make sure that you use a wrench that isn’t too big, as this will make it harder to get into some of the smaller crevices in the area around the toilet.
Does a toilet flange unscrew?
The short answer is yes, a toilet flange can be unscrewed. Toilet flanges are typically either plastic or metal fittings that attach the bottom of the toilet bowl to the drainpipe of the floor drain.
Many toilet flanges are screwed into the drainpipe and secured with a nut or bolt. Depending on the type, a toilet flange may also be held in place with glue, or with a flange with a self-tapping screw setup.
Most plastic toilet flanges are held in place with a simple nut or bolt and can be unscrewed by hand. Metal flanges may require the help of an adjustable wrench to loosen. Once unscrewed, the flange can be removed and the old wax ring and toilet closet bolts underneath can also be removed.
How do you loosen a bolt that won’t budge?
If you come across a bolt that won’t budge, the best way to loosen it is to try a few different methods. First, you should make sure the bolt isn’t corroded before applying any tools, as this may make the bolt more firmly stubborn.
If the bolt isn’t corroded, you should apply penetrating oil such as WD-40 or another commercial product to the stuck bolt. This will help loosen and break down any substances causing friction between the metal surfaces.
Once you’ve applied the oil, allow the product a few minutes to take effect before attempting to turn the bolt. If still unsuccessful, you can try heating the bolt up with a blow torch, as this will expand the metal and help it break free.
Be careful, as heating metal too much can cause it to break. Additionally, you could use a plumbing torch or propane torch to heat the bolt up from a safe distance. Finally, using a wrench or a pliers may provide the extra torque or pressure needed to help dislodge the bolt.
With a combination of the suggested methods, you should successfully loosen the stuck bolt.
Does WD-40 help remove bolts?
Yes, WD-40 can be used to help remove stubborn and corroded bolts. WD-40 contains lubricating oils, solvents, and speciality additives that work together to penetrate and loosen the bolt, making it easier to remove.
Simply spray some WD-40 on the bolt and allow a few minutes for it to penetrate and start working, then use an appropriate sized wrench to loosen the bolt. If the bolt is still stuck and won’t budge, try reapplying WD-40 and gently tapping it around the bolt with a hammer, or applying some heat to the bolt with a propane torch.
What tool helps you loosen very tight bolts?
The most common tool used to loosen very tight bolts is a socket wrench. This wrench has a ratchet mechanism and a socket that fits over the head of the bolt you are trying to loosen. With the ratchet mechanism, you can apply more force to the bolt and loosen it more easily.
You may also need to use an extension to reach bolts that are difficult to access. Additionally, penetrating oil can be used on the bolt to help loosen it. Once the bolt is loose, you can continue to use the socket wrench to remove the bolt completely.
Will WD-40 loosen bolts?
Yes, WD-40 can be used to loosen bolts, though it is not always advisable to do so. By using WD-40 to lubricate the metal surfaces of a bolt, it can help to reduce the friction between them and you may be able to loosen the bolt more easily.
However, if the bolt is severely rusted, using too much WD-40 to loosen it can cause it to become worse than before, as WD-40 can emit acidic compounds when heated (as can happen during the loosening process).
In this case, manual labour may be required to loosen the bolt. It is also worth noting that WD-40 is a water-displacing lubricant, so it will not provide adequate lubrication in high-friction applications.
What type of lubricant can be used to loosen stuck bolt?
If a bolt has become stuck or difficult to remove due to rust or corrosion, WD-40 is a great solution. It is a penetrating oil-based lubricant, which helps break down the rust or corrosion that can lock the bolt in place.
It also helps to lubricate the bolt and the area around it, allowing for the bolt to be removed easily. If WD-40 is not easily accessible, any acid-based lubricant1, like white vinegar, kerosene, or lemon juice can be used as well.
Start by spraying the bolt and surrounding area with the lubricant, allowing it to sit and work its magic for a few minutes before attempting to loosen the bolt. This should help loosen the bolt up, making it easier to remove.
Additionally, making sure to use the right tool for the job, like the right socket wrench or other compatible device can also help ensure that you don’t strip the bolt or increase the risk of damaging it further.
What is the spray for stuck bolts?
Using a spray for stuck bolts is a helpful way to get them unstuck without causing damage to the threads. These sprays typically contain a lubricant that can help dissolve rust or buildup that is causing the bolt to be stuck, making it easier to loosen.
In addition, the lubricant can also help create a better grip for the wrench or other tool being used to loosen the bolt. Before using a spray for stuck bolts, it is important to follow safety guidelines.
Make sure the area is well-ventilated and wear safety gear when working with chemicals. If possible, wear protective safety gear such as safety glasses and gloves when spraying. Once the spray has been applied, it is important to allow it to sit and penetrate the nozzle for several minutes.
Once it has been applied, use a wrench or socket and ratchet to slowly loosen the stuck bolt. If the bolt does not become loose, try loosening it back and forth for a few minutes before trying again.
If the bolt still does not come loose, it may be necessary to use a penetrating oil spray and a penetrating oil soak to help dissolve the rust or buildup that is causing the bolt to be stuck.
Does heating up bolts help loosen them?
Yes, in some cases heating up bolts can help loosen them. This is because when metal is heated it becomes softer and more malleable and thus easier to turn and manipulate. Additionally, heat can also help to break any corrosion that may be present on the bolts causing them to seize up.
Heat can be applied either with a blow torch or with a heat gun. When using either method it is important to exercise caution and to only heat the bolt until it is just warm to the touch – excessive heat can cause damage to the bolt or to the surrounding area.
Additionally, it is important to allow the bolt to cool down before attempting to loosen it, as very hot bolts are still more likely to be seized.
Are toilets bolted to the floor?
Toilets are typically bolted to the floor in order to provide extra stability and to prevent them from shifting if pressure is applied to them. In most residential settings, toilets are bolted to the floor using specialized floor bolts that are placed into pre-drilled holes usually found around the base of the toilet.
In some commercial applications, toilets may be secured in place using anchors and epoxy. In addition to being secured to the floor, toilets also have a wax seal between the toilet and the waste pipe that helps prevent water from leaking.
Do you screw a toilet to the floor?
Yes, it is necessary to screw a toilet to the floor in order to securely keep it in place. Generally the process involves drilling holes into the toilet base, then screwing in special bolts that are designed to hold the toilet in place.
It is best to use a masonry bit for this, as it will be drilling into either concrete or tile. You may need bracket screws or flange bolts, and these can be purchased from a hardware store. You will also need a wrench in order to tighten all the bolts securely.
Finally, you may need a sealer and wax ring to provide a secure seal between the toilet and the floor. Follow the instructions on the product packaging for instructions on how to complete this process properly.
Are toilets supposed to be bolted down?
The short answer to whether toilets are supposed to be bolted to the ground is yes. Toilets should be securely mounted to the floor, as in bolted or clamped so they can’t move or tip over. This is specified in plumbing codes and is considered best practice to ensure the toilet is safe and secure.
It also helps it to remain watertight, as properly installed toilets will create a tight seal between the floor and the bowl.
Generally, the two parts of the toilet – the tank and the bowl – should be installed separately. When mounting the bowl, make sure the flange (rim) seals tightly against the floor and use wax to seal the joint between the flange and the bowl.
To attach the bowl securely to the floor, use a minimum of three wax state nuts and washers, evenly spaced around the flange. Use a washer with each nut and install on from underneath the floor. Make sure the nuts are secure and plunger into the flange.
To mount the tank, first use caulk or silicone seal to seal the connection between the tank and the bowl, then use either two bolts with washers, nuts and a metal plate or two plastic brackets. If your toilet includes a tank and bowl, you’ll need two sets of bolts.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly mount the toilet, as mounting requirements can vary depending on the model. Do not use nails, screws, or glue to fasten the toilet – these will not provide the secure installation needed.
Should toilet flange be attached to floor?
Yes, the toilet flange should be securely attached to the floor. This creates a secure seal so that the toilet pan base can be firmly affixed to it when fitted. This prevents gapping and leaks under the toilet, while also providing structural integrity to the toilet pan.
It is important to ensure that the flange is level and that it is fitted tightly against the floor without any gaps. If the flange is not level, the toilet pan may not fit properly and may cause subsequent leaks.
If the flange is not attached firmly to the floor, it may move and create additional issues with the toilet installation. Additionally, it is important to use appropriate screws when attaching the flange to the floor; screws that are too long or too short for the material may not provide adequate anchoring for the flange.
Therefore, it is essential that the toilet flange is attached to the floor properly and with the correct hardware for optimal results.
Do Toilets need to be sealed at the bottom?
Yes, toilets need to be sealed at the bottom. This is important for several reasons. First, it prevents leaks. Any kind of water leakage can cause damage to the surrounding area and can even lead to costly repairs.
Additionally, it prevents sewer gases from entering your home. If not properly sealed, sewer gases can be drawn back into the home and can cause health issues as they are toxic. Lastly, a proper seal also helps conserve water as it creates a tight connection that won’t allow water to escape.
As such, it’s important to ensure that your toilet is properly sealed at the bottom in order to prevent any unwanted damages or health hazards.