Yes, a toilet flange should be screwed to a concrete floor to ensure a secure fit. The flange, also known as the closet flange, is the fitting that is affixed to the bottom of the toilet and connected to the waste line.
It is important for the flange to be securely screwed to the floor to create a tight seal, which prevents leakage around the toilet. Your best bet is to use the provided screws (often included with the flange) that are designed to be used with a concrete floor.
If you cannot find the provided screws, you could use concrete anchors and screws that are specifically designed for use in concrete. When attaching the flange to the concrete floor, ensure that it is level with the surface and that the screws are tight.
Lastly, use a wax ring and caulk to ensure a moisture-tight seal between the flange and the toilet.
Do you need to screw toilet flange to concrete?
Yes, it is necessary to screw the toilet flange to concrete in order to ensure a secure and watertight seal. The flange should be attached to the concrete before the toilet is installed. The best way to attach the flange is to use concrete or masonry screws with plastic anchors.
Make sure the screws are driven into the concrete at least 1/2 inch and spaced no more than 12 inches apart. It is also important to make sure the flange is level and seated properly on the floor before it is secured.
Once the flange is in place, the wax ring can be put on and the toilet can be installed.
Can I just screw into concrete?
In general, screwing into concrete is possible, but not always the best option. Concrete is a very strong material, so you’ll need to make sure that the screws you use are strong enough to hold whatever material you’re attaching.
You also need to make sure you pre-drill holes into the concrete before trying to screw into it, as this will give the screws a more secure hold. If you don’t pre-drill, then the screws may simply spin within the concrete, which won’t give you the connection you need.
You should also use an anchor, such as a sleeve anchor or a drive anchor, when screwing into concrete since they are designed to provide a more secure connection. Lastly, you may want to consider using an adhesive along with the screw in order to provide an extra level of security and prevention of rotation.
Does toilet flange sit on concrete or tile?
It depends on the subfloor—which is the layer beneath the finished floor of your bathroom—as to whether a toilet flange will sit on concrete or tile. If you have a concrete subfloor, then your toilet flange will most likely sit on the concrete.
However, if your subfloor is tiled, then the flange should sit on the tile. It is important to make sure the flange is secure and free of any debris before you replace the toilet, as any instability can lead to future problems.
It is also important to make sure that the wax ring is properly sealed and secured in its place before replacing the toilet. The wax ring provides an airtight seal between the flange and the bottom of the toilet in order to ensure water does not leak from the bowl or tank.
What screws to use to secure toilet flange to floor?
The screws you should use to secure the toilet flange to the floor depend on the type of flooring you have. For vinyl or laminate flooring, you should use long, metal screws designed for these types of materials, such as ½-inch #14 metal screws.
If you have a tile floor, you should use long screws designed for tile such as ½-inch #14 polypropylene screws or ceramic-coated screws. If you have a solid or hardwood floor, you can use 1-inch #14 metal screws.
Regardless of the type of flooring, it is important to make sure the screws are long enough to grip the subflooring, which can be several inches below the finished floor. It is also recommended to use a drill with a drill bit that corresponds with the size of the screw being used to pre-drill the holes and make it easier to drive the screws in.
What does the toilet flange screw into?
The toilet flange is a metal or plastic ring that connects the toilet to the drain pipe. It connects the toilet securely to the floor, and also seals around the drain opening. It is designed to hold the toilet in place and keep sewer gases from escaping.
A toilet flange works by screwing into the drain at the floor. It is bolted down with screws that go through the flange and into the drain or the subfloor. In many cases the screws will go through the flange and into a piece of wood that has been placed beneath the flange to provide extra support and stability.
In other cases, especially in concrete floors, a special tapcon or concrete screw is used to attach the toilet flange directly to the concrete. Depending on the material and construction of the floor and the toilet flange, different types of fasteners may be required for a secure installation.
Do I need to screw my toilet down?
Yes, it is important to properly screw your toilet down to the floor. This helps to keep it securely in place and prevent it from shifting or leaking. The screws can be found in the lid of the tank and will vary in size depending on the make and model of your toilet.
In most cases, you will need a box or socket wrench to tighten the screws. When installing a new toilet, make sure to use the correct type of screws and to not over-tighten them. Additionally, ensure that the screws are tightened evenly in all four corners of the toilet to install properly and securely.
Does the tile go under the toilet flange?
Yes, the tile will typically go under the toilet flange when installing in a restroom. This helps create a sealed barrier beneath the toilet and protect against potential water damage and leaks. Additionally, when tile is installed, a vapor barrier should be laid down first and a bed of thinset should be used to adhere the tile to the floor.
Before the flange is set, the tile should be positioned around the flange so that it is snug against the wall. Once the flange is securely fastened to the floor, it will provide support for the tile and will create a uniform look that blends seamlessly with the tile.
How high can a toilet flange sit above tile?
A toilet flange should not be set higher than 1/4 inch above the tile. If the flange is sitting higher than that, it is likely to cause problems in the future. Leaks and other issues may arise if the flange is installed too high.
The flange should also not be set too low, as the toilet won’t be able to get a good seal, and water may leak out. To ensure the flange is installed at the correct level, check local building codes for the exact requirements.
Additionally, take extra care when installing a flange on concrete, as it is more difficult to adjust if it’s too high or too low.
What do you do if the toilet flange is above the floor?
If the toilet flange is above the floor, the first thing to do is to determine what is causing it to be above the floor. This could be caused by improper installation, a subfloor that is too high, or soil settling over time.
If it is because of improper installation, the subfloor will have to be shimmed so that the flange is level with the floor, before the toilet is installed. If the subfloor is too high, it will need to be cut away so that the flange can sit flush with the floor.
If it is because of soil settling, you will need to adjust the height of the flange using either a wax ring extender or a flange spacer. Once the flange height is adjusted, the toilet can then be installed.
Is it better to tile under or around a toilet?
The best option for tiling around or under a toilet will depend on your individual needs and preferences. For example, tiling under the toilet can provide a more seamless look and is great for small bathrooms since it eliminates the need for trim.
It can also provide additional stability for the toilet. On the other hand, tiling around the toilet allows you to add a more striking border design and can draw the eye to a particular feature of the bathroom.
It can also make the area around the toilet easier to clean since the grout lines can be easily wiped down. Ultimately, the decision typically comes down to personal preference and the style you would like to achieve.
Can you install a toilet in a basement without breaking concrete?
Yes, it is possible to install a toilet in a basement without breaking the concrete. To start, you need to find a spot in the basement where the toilet will fit, and make sure it is close to the pipes that drain into the sewers.
When you’ve located it, you’ll want to get a wax ring and a flange that goes inside the closet flange. Place the toilet down into the flange and press down firmly so that it is secure. Then, you’ll want to put a few screws down into the flange and tighten them up.
You’ll then need to locate the closet flange, which will be below the concrete and connect it to the new flange. You’ll have to cut through the concrete with a diamond-tipped saw, and then fit a PVC adapter into the hole to join the two together.
You’ll then need to pour in some sealant and tighten the screws again. Lastly, you’ll want to attach the toilet to the flange with a few nuts and bolts. If everything fits in properly and around the closet flange, you won’t have to break any of the concrete.
Can I install toilet without flange?
No, you cannot install a toilet without a flange. The flange is what attaches the toilet to the ground and the piping in the wall, so it is an important part of the installation process. Without the flange, the toilet would not be properly secured and could cause costly leaks or other damage.
Additionally, some local codes require the flange to be installed before the toilet. It’s best to consult a local plumbing code or a professional plumber to determine the exact requirements in your area.
How much does a plumber charge to change a flange?
The cost of a plumber to change a flange will depend on the scope of the project. Generally, a plumber may charge an hourly rate for their work, usually ranging from $45 to $150 per hour. However, for a very small job, such as changing a flange, the plumber may quote a flat rate.
Factors that will affect the cost of the project include the type of flange being installed, the complexity of the installation, the time it takes to complete, and any necessary materials. On average, the cost for a plumber to change a flange can range anywhere from $100 to $400, depending on the complexity and location of the job.
Can a toilet be put anywhere in a house?
No, a toilet cannot be put anywhere in a house. Toilets need to have access to a sewer line or septic tank, and also be in close proximity to water lines, so this will limit where a toilet can be placed.
Depending on the layout of a home, it may not be able to be placed in certain areas due to structural or plumbing obstacles such as concrete slabs or structural supports. Additionally, the toilet should be at least 15 inches away from the nearest wall or obstruction, and in some cases, up to 30 inches away.
Additionally, toilets should not be placed too far away from the other plumbing fixtures in the home. An experienced plumber can help you determine the best place to put a toilet in your home and can advise you on the necessary modifications or adjustments that need to be made to ensure a successful and safe installation.