No, it is not OK to have a toilet flange above the floor. The toilet flange, or closet flange, is the part of the toilet that connects the toilet to the drain pipe underneath the floor. It is designed to be flush with the floor, to provide a watertight seal where the two meet.
When the flush is activated, the water rushes out of the tank and into the bowl and then is flushed out into the drainpipe. If the flange is too high, it can cause water to spill out onto the floor and cause potential damage.
Additionally, if the flange is too high the toilet will not seal properly which makes the toilet unstable and can lead to leakage or other potential problems. Installing a toilet flange at the proper height is key to making sure your toilet operates safely and properly.
How high off the floor can a toilet flange be?
The height of a toilet flange can vary depending on the toilet you have and the toilet is mounted. Generally, the maximum height of a toilet flange off the floor should not exceed 12 inches, though in some cases a toilet flange may be as high as 18 inches off the floor.
When determining the height of the flange off the floor, the total distance from the floor to the toilet bowl rim should also be taken into consideration. The maximum amount of clearance from the floor to the toilet bowl should be approximately 1 inch.
To ensure the toilet is properly set, all measurements should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
What happens if toilet flange is too high?
If the toilet flange is too high, it can cause numerous issues when installing a new toilet. If the flange is too high, the toilet will not properly seat, resulting in leaks between the toilet and floor or, worse yet, the toilet rocking or wobbling on the floor.
This can damage the seal of the wax ring and cause water to escape and lead to a mess. To test if a toilet flange is installed at the correct height, insert a straight edge between the flange and the floor.
If the distance between them is more than ½ inch, then it is too high and needs to be adjusted. Lowering the flange may require a new flange, trimming it down, or replacing any plywood or other materials that may have been added before.
Detailed instructions for each of those scenarios can be found online, but it is important to remember the health and safety risks associated with working on plumbing, and a licensed and experienced professional should be consulted if there is any hesitation.
Should toilet flange be above or below tile?
When it comes to the decision of whether a toilet flange should be above or below tile, both options are acceptable. Generally, it is considered easier to install the toilet flange above the tile since it can more easily be leveled and maintained.
Additionally, it is easier to access the flange in order to replace or repair it if necessary. However, many people opt to install the toilet flange below the tile, as it can look more aesthetically pleasing, and fits in better with the surrounding tiles and décor in the home.
Ultimately, the choice is a matter of personal preference, as both options are viable.
Do you put flooring under toilet flange?
Yes, it is generally recommended to put flooring underneath a toilet flange. Most homes are equipped with a subfloor, which serves as the foundation for the finished flooring material, but the toilet flange should also be slightly elevated above the subfloor.
This is because, when the toilet tank is filled, it can press down against the flange and cause the seal to break, leading to water leaks. Placing a shim or other material underneath the toilet flange will create a strong and level foundation, allowing the flange to stay in place longer.
Additionally, the shim will provide insulation, which will protect the flooring from cold and moisture. Depending on the type of flooring being installed, it may also be beneficial to lay down a layer of moisture barrier before installation.
If your flooring is susceptible to moisture, this will help protect it from water damage.
Can toilet flange be flush with tile?
Yes, a toilet flange can be flush with tile. It may require some additional work in order to do so, however. First, in order to install the flange you will need to cut a hole in the tile. A hole saw with a diamond-tipped bit is the best tool to use for this step.
Next, you will need to attach a mounting flange to the back of the tile in order to secure the flange, as well as healthy sealant to ensure a watertight seal. Finally, you can attach the flange to the tile and make sure that it is flush with the tile.
After that, the toilet can be installed on top of the flange.
How far above tile should toilet flange be?
The toilet flange, also referred to as a closet flange, should be installed so that it is level with the finished floor, or no more than 1/4 inch above the finished floor. If the toilet flange is installed above the finished floor, it will create an uneven surface for the toilet to sit on and could cause leaks and other problems.
Toilet flanges also typically have a wax ring to help provide a watertight seal. It is important that the wax ring stays undisturbed, so if the flange is installed too high, the wax seal could be damaged when the toilet is set on top of it.
How close should tile be to toilet flange?
The recommended distance between toilet flange and tile should be anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. This small gap allows for proper drainage, as the flange’s slightly raised lip or ring helps guide water away from the base of the toilet and into the drainpipe.
If the gap between the toilet flange and the tile is too small or nonexistent, water may not properly flow away, resulting in a leak. Ensuring there is a small gap allows for a proper seal for the flange and toilet.
When installing the tile, use a tile spacer to help ensure this distance is maintained.
How do you change toilet flange height?
Changing the toilet flange height is a fairly simple task and can be done in a few steps.
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Drain the tank and the bowl of water by flushing the toilet several times.
3. Use the screwdriver to remove the bolts and unhinge the toilet from the floor.
4. Detach the wax ring that seals the toilet to the floor.
5. Install the new toilet flange with the appropriate height, making sure to level it with a rubber mallet when needed.
6. Place a new wax ring around the toilet’s base.
7. Reattach the toilet to the new flange and make sure the bolts are firmly in place.
8. Turn on the water and let the tank fill up.
9. Test the connection between the toilet and the flange for any potential leaks.
10. Once everything is installed properly, add caulking to the base of the toilet to ensure a water-tight seal.
If done properly, changing the toilet flange height can make it easier to properly seal the toilet and prevent leaks.
Can you reposition a toilet flange?
Yes, it is possible to reposition a toilet flange. However, this is something that should only be done by a professional plumber as it is a delicate job that requires extreme caution. A properly repositioned toilet flange will help ensure a watertight seal which will prevent any leaks from occurring.
The first step of the process is to remove the wax ring seal and the toilet itself. This allows the flange to be accessed and examined. If the flange is still firmly attached but needs to be moved, it can be carefully loosened and repositioned in the same alignment as the original.
If it needs to be replaced, the old flange should be completely removed and a new one installed in its place. Once the flange is set in the right position, a new wax ring should be placed around it and the toilet can then be put back into place and bolted down securely.
Making sure the toilet flange is properly repositioned is an essential step in the installation or repair of a toilet.
How far can a toilet flange stick up above the floor?
According to the International Plumbing Code, a toilet flange should not stick up more than ⅜ inch (1 cm) above the finished floor. The flange should be level with the floor and properly secured to the floor to make sure it properly supports the toilet and prevents any movement or shifting.
Additionally, the flange should be checked to ensure that it is not cracked, corroded, or damaged in any way. If any of these issues are present, the flange should be replaced to ensure a secure fit for your toilet.
How do I fill the gap between my toilet and floor?
The best way to fill the gap between your toilet and floor is to use a standard caulk, such as silicone caulk. Before beginning, make sure you clean the area around the gap with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust.
The next step is to cut the nozzle off of the caulk tube at a 45 degree angle and add the caulk tip onto the tube. Then, use a caulk gun to press the tube and slowly squeeze the caulk into the gap. Make sure the caulk is evenly distributed throughout the gap.
When you are done, smooth out the caulk using your finger and allow it to fully dry. You may need to apply a second layer of caulk if the gap is wide or deep.
Should the base of a toilet be caulked?
Yes, you should caulk the base of a toilet. Caulking around the base of the toilet will help seal any gaps between the toilet and the floor, preventing water or other debris from leaking out. If any water leakage occurs, it could cause significant damage to the flooring and any items stored in the area.
Additionally, caulking the base of the toilet will help create a better seal and prevent odors from escaping. It also helps create an aesthetically pleasing finish. Make sure to use a high-quality caulk specifically designed for bathrooms and that it is applied properly for the best possible results.
Should I caulk around toilet flange?
Yes, you should caulk around the toilet flange, as it helps to prevent certain unwanted problems like water leaks and floor damage. The caulk seals the gap between the toilet flange and the floor, preventing moisture and other contaminants from getting into the floor below, which can cause damage over time.
It also serves to keep the flange in place and to limit movement and shifting, which can happen if the flange gets loose, leading to a broken drain and potential flooding. Caulking around the toilet flange is easy to do and should be part of the regular maintenance of a bathroom, so be sure to do it and replace the caulk every few years for best results.
Can you overtighten toilet to floor?
Yes, it is possible to overtighten a toilet to the floor. However, it is not recommended because it can cause the toilet to crack making it no longer usable and requiring replacement. Furthermore, if you overtighten the bolts, you risk damaging the bolts and the sealant around the base of the toilet, leading to leakage.
For proper tightening of the toilet, it is recommended to use a torque wrench and tighten the bolts just until hand tight and then use the torque wrench to tighten it just a bit more. This helps ensure that the toilet is properly secured without overtightening.
When installing a new toilet, it is also recommended to use a sealing compound between the toilet and the floor to help ensure a better seal, reducing the risk of leakage.