So the flange height is 1/2" above the floor level. If your toilet flange is too high, do not use the toilet until you’ve corrected the problem. I have a question regarding the allowable height of a PVC toilet flange above a tile floor. Required fields are marked *. And which wax seal is the best accompaniment for the job. I was told over time that the Flange should be flush with finish floor. For flanges that are a little low, thicker wax rings will adequately fill any minimal extra space. Take the gasket from the flange extender system and position it on top of your flange. It should also be level and stable. The optimum toilet flange height is approximately ¼ inch above the floor to achieve the best seal and overall fit. Optimum flange height to aim for is 1/4 inch above the finished floor. This particular toilet flange was 5/8" ABOVE the floor level. The installation process is the same for a tile floor, a hardwood or carpeted bathroom floor. If the flooring is already in place when you install the toilet, the flange will sit on top of it. Many floors are not properly square, so you’ll need to check what the angle of the floor happens to be to create the flush cut. Combine the thickness of the floor tiles and the mortar bed where it meets the drain. It has to sit evenly on top of the finished floor. This is very important. Level the Toilet. The toilet flange sits on the floor and connects the toilet to the drain. What is the Right Shower Drain Pipe Size? 1.) Installing a new toilet with a new flange is a relatively easy process that you can do yourself within the span of a few hours. useing multiple and thicker wax rings is not the proper way to go . There are two issues...the flange must be firmly attached, and, it is designed to sit OVER the finished floor and anchor through it. Traditional flanges used if the toilet flange height is already correct. If the height of your flange needs to be adjusted, remove the bolts and flange so that repairs can be made and the flange height adjusted. With the toilet removed, you can see the toilet flange and measure its height above the floor. Once the toilet is level, you can trim away the shims and bolt down the toilet. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This typically allows for almost any type of wax ring to be used and still ensure a good seal. If you’ve already laid your flooring, and the toilet flange is too high or unlevel, there are a few things you can do. But you can determine that by figuring your final floor thickness. Once you have the proper flange, install it by securing it with bolts, called closet bolts, to the plumbing line beneath it. For those that don’t already know, the proper toilet flange height is when it’s flush with the finished floor. That would leave the flange 3/4 of inch above the finished floor. I cutout the subflloor and hardibacker for the toilet drain pipe and tiled all the way up to where the flange will sit. This typically allows for almost any type of wax ring to be used and still ensure a good seal. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Optimum flange heightto aim for is 1/4 inch abovethe finished floor. There’s a recess under the bowl around 3/8” to crush the wax or use the newer Urethane/Rubber seals. & should still allow rim to be above the thickness of the tile & thinset. Then set the toilet over that, being extra careful not to bend the toilet bolts as you make finer adjustments and seat the toilet properly in its place. When you install the toilet wax ring on the hardwood floor, you may find that the flange raises the toilet a small amount above the floor. We bought a Toto Ultramax II Toilet and ran into two problems. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you’ve recently had the floors in your bathroom replaced, then there is a chance that your toilet flange is now sitting too high. I was told over time that the Flange should be flush with finish floor. I've looked and lookedd but can't find at what height the toilet mounting flange is to be from the finished floor for correct installation of a wax ring and toilet bowl. With the toilet removed, you can see the toilet flange and measure its height above the floor. With the toiletremoved, you can see the toilet flangeand measure its height abovethe floor. If the flooring is already in place when you install the toilet, the flange will sit on top of it. the toilet flange should set on top of the finished floor . The Oatey screw and set PVC flange insert into my 3" cast iron waste line sits on top of my new tile floor. When your toilet flange is unlevel or not set to the right height, the toilet may wobble or even leak at the base. In a typical toilet installation, the floor flange that sits inside the drain opening below the toilet should be positioned so that its bottom surface rests flush against the finished floor, or no more than 1/4 inch above or below the floor. When I sit the toilet on the flange there is anywhere from a 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch of a gap all the way around. To ensure that your toilet is installed correctly and working well for years. This little device connects your toilet to your home’s waste line. Here you have options. Set your toilet onto the flange and tighten up the screws on your toilet. If you can raise the flange the distance needed ,that would be the best way to go . Many people complain that their toilet wobbles on floor. You can shim the toilet and that is often done but it is not something I would ever do. This will cause it to rock, and the wax seal can break, resulting in a leak whenever you flush. The floor flange can be set directly on level finished concrete. Some fit inside the pipe it just depends what you have. Give the grout 24-hours to dry and sand down the rough edges. When you install your toilet flange, it should be installed on top of the finished floor, and it should also be installed perfectly level. When ready to install the new flange, the process is the reverse of how the older one uninstalled. – maple_shaft Oct 29 '12 at 15:21 The first thing you’ll want to do when replacing or readjusting the height of your flange to shut your water off and remove the toilet from the floor. The thickness of the flange top is 1/2" . Then, how high should toilet flange sit above floor? The Distance To Set The Toilet Flange From The Back Wall. Making sure your toilet is level, and well-sealed can prevent you. Wet Vent Plumbing, What Is It? A flange that is too high will also cause plumbing issues and may keep the toilet from covering the hardware beneath it and sitting correctly on the floor. How high should toilet flange sit above floor? This can be difficult as you probably haven't laid your floor at the moment. But a different procedure might be needed if the flange is too high. Ideally, it should be flush to maybe 1/4" higher than the floor. I am retiling a bathroom floor, after removing the old tile and the dry mortar bed, I came to realization that the toilet flange might be too high for the new floor. With plumbing projects as they are infrequently. Select the one that gets to closest to making your flange sit above the finished floor. Author: packy (MA) that depends on the flange you are using. Best Bio Bidet for You: Finding the Perfect Machine to Get You Clean, 5 Effective Ways to Fix an Air Lock in Pipes. Toilet flanges are inexpensive and will come with several holes pre-drilled that are for securing your flange with bolts. Extra thick versions of the wax seals are available; however, if your flange is the correct height, they are usually not needed. Press Esc to cancel. It’s also important to note that you never want to use a wax ring with a horn. Paying careful attention and finishing it before moving on to the next step. I have a concrete floor that I plan to put tile on, and the plumber on rough-in left the drain pipe about 3 inches out of the floor. Not a problem if tile goes down first. A toilet drain flange can sit above or below the finished floor level. The marble slab comes with the flange hole already cut in it. Cut it so that your pipe is flush with the floor. As a result, the toilet may wobble or leak at the base. If … Bronze or plastic flanges are approx 1/2" thick at the rim. Flanges can be dropped in place and secured with few other materials required, but their height is essential. Jump to Latest Follow ... We have 4" abs pipe going up to the toilet and plan to install a flange that slides inside the 4" abs flange that installs inside the pipe. this will result in the top surface of the flange being approx 3/8 " above the plane of the finished floor (cast iron flanges and pvc/abs flanges are approx the same thickness). I’m for that if the pipe diameter is not reduced. Carefully measuring will ensure that you know which flange is right for your toilet. some flush fit flanges have the PVC cut even with the finish floor. With the toilet removed, you can see the toilet flange and measure its height above the floor. A toilet drain flange can sit above or below the finished floor level. Some wax rings come with an attached polyethylene or rubber piece that extends into the opening of a toilet flange. This will also give you the benefit of not having the flange sit directly over your FUBAR floor joist that you want to fix anyway. The kind of wax seals that include a ring of poly in the center will provide a tremendous long-lasting seal that can last for years. This typically allows for almost any type of wax ring to be used and still ensure a good seal. To eliminate these issues, it’s important to ensure your flange is set to the right height, and if it’s broke or damaged in any way, you’ll also want to replace it. Make sure you read the instructions on the package if you have any questions. These models may feature an additional metal or plastic ring that sets directly on the polished floor but is hidden by your toilet once it is reinstalled. Having this information will allow you to install the flange so the underside of the flange will be right at the top expected height of your finished floor. If the toilet sits ON the flange, you won't be able to keep it sealed properly. There is no correct number of shims that should be used but be sure to carefully remove all rocking and use as many shims as is needed. Seal it to the floor and prevent water from getting in. Re: toilet waste pipe height above finished floor? You’ll also want to see if it’s broken and needs to be replaced. Your email address will not be published. The flange top is screwed to the floor. If your bathroom floor is concrete, make sure you use concrete screws. Optimum flange height to aim for is 1/4 inch above the finished floor. If it is significantly higher and is indeed limiting the ability of your toilet to sit flush on the floor, then the best option is to replace the flange. My 5X10 bathroom floor consists of 3/4 plywood subfloor, 1/4 hardi backer screwed down to a bed of thinset and then thinset and porcelain 12x12 tiles. Without needing much more than regular maintenance. If your bathroom was built like this, then you’ll need the Set-Rite Toilet Flange Extender System or a similar system to properly raise the height of your flange. Is your toilet flange too high? How High Should the Toilet Flange Sit Above the Floor? How to correct a toilet flange too high. First the rough in is 11 1/4 inches, so to fix that problem we will buy another toilet with 10 inch rough in. If cast iron, call in a plumber. Connecting a new toilet flange starts with removing the toilet to expose the flange underneath. There’s a recess under the bowl around 3/8” to crush the wax or use the newer Urethane/Rubber seals. Caulk seals out dust and dirt that may otherwise be impossible to clean from under the toilet. The floor flange can be set directly on level finished concrete. When you install your toilet flange, it should be installed on top of the finished floor, and it should also be installed perfectly level. Once you find the right spacer for your needs, pay attention to the layout marks and lay it on top of the gasket. Ferguson is the #1 US plumbing supply company and a top distributor of HVAC parts, waterworks supplies, and MRO products. The succeeding discussion will walk you through on what to do when confronted with such a problem. Seat the wax seal on the flange, so it surrounds the center opening and does not cover any part of it. Author: packy (MA) that depends on the flange you are using. Kevin Sharp has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Illinois State University. Is your toilet flange too high? Your email address will not be published. You are now done, and your flange should sit evenly on your bathroom floor. And a flange of proper height will seal better with a standard wax seal. Next, take the extender, push it down through the center of the flange, and make sure it’s lined up properly. The reason being is because the toilet recesses into the flange when fully installed, but when the flange sits even or below the floor, the toilet can’t properly recess into the flange. theplumbinginfo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The perfect height for the toilet flange is to be the same level as the finished floor. We are in the home stretch of our bathroom renovation. Once the toilet is sitting on the flange and wax ring, it is time to make sure it is level before securing it with the bolts. After the toilet is snugly bolted down and has achieved a firm seal. How to Install a Toilet Flange on a Tiled Floor. From having to uninstall and reinstall it later when it starts to leak or emit sewage smell. Before installing your flange, consider your flooring height, and if possible install your flooring. Secure these closet bolts snugly as they will help prevent the toilet from moving or any of the plumbing from shifting. It should connect to both. How high above the finished floor is the top of the flange? The flange sits an inch or two above the subfloor, and it sat a little bit above the old finished floor. Mike Antonetti, Apr 18, 2020. Then, how high should toilet flange sit above floor? Flanges are essential because they create a seal between your toilet and the sewer line. If you think your flange is not set to the right height, or it needs to be replaced, then you’ll want to do that right away. by "top surface" i mean the surface that the wax ring sits on. Normally grout would go underneath the bowl rim. If you’re gonna try it please make sure the lid is completely tightened. Re: Height of toilet flange to finished floor jeff the flange should be installed so that the underside of the flange is resting on top of the finished floor. This is very important. This will cause it to rock, and the wax seal can break, resulting in a leak whenever you flush. Second problem is the flange sits about 1/2 inch above the height of the tile floor. If your current flange is broke, then you’ll also need a new one. Will ensure that your toilet is free from leaks and escaping odors. Ones that individuals would care to repeat in a few months. Type above and press Enter to search. Your last option is to simply replace the flange. First, you can pack grout into the gap between the floor and the flange. Optimum flange height to aim for is 1/4 inch above the finished floor. Your flange should be now positioned a few centimeters below your finished floor. How high should toilet flange sit above floor? Then attach the new flange. & should still allow rim to be above the thickness of the tile & thinset. Using a thicker wax seal is not the best idea in every situation. This is quite a job and takes a while. That would leave the flange 3/4 of inch above the finished floor. However different models exist to address flanges that are too low as well. How high above the finished floor is the top of the flange? It was never fastened to the mudbed, it has always been fastened to the subfloor. Using a nut and washer is the best course of action, but sturdy bolts will also work. How Do You Utilize It? If the previous flange is too low, purchase one that is designed to sit on the finished floor and provide the optimum toilet flange height. The problem is that the toilet flange is about 1/2 inch high from the tile and the toilet does not seat flat on the floor. Instead, use a standard ¾ inch wax ring. You may notice that a portion of the toilet still reaches the floor, but not the entire base. Kohler Elliston Toilet Review: Is This the Best Throne for You? This might help you if you are trying to set a toilet with a high flange. The seal is engineered to work best with the flange on top of the finished floor. Be careful to tighten the bolts until snug and avoid over-tightening them to prevent cracking the toilet. That can result in unfortunate consequences later on. When you install the toilet wax ring on the hardwood floor, you may find that the flange raises the toilet a small amount above the floor. While installing a toilet flange can be quite easy, those who are doing it for the first time should keep these tips in mind: When working on plumbing related tasks, the best thing you can do is be patient and work through problems slowly. I noticed my flange is perfectly flush with my tile floor. It should also be level and stable. I prefer @ 1/8” or less. Shimming the toilet, caulking, and using the correct parts will all help. It has to sit evenly on top of the finished floor. It all depends on what works best and practical for you. by The Plumbing Info Team | Do It Yourself, Troubleshooting | 2 comments. Before you bolt the toilet down, confirm that the base is stable and level by carefully … Is it above the finished floor or is it below? Second, you can raise your floor by laying down thicker tile. I am retiling a bathroom floor, after removing the old tile and the dry mortar bed, I came to realization that the toilet flange might be too high for the new floor. Remove your broken flange if you’re replacing it and insert the new one into the waste pipe. The toilet flange is a round disc, usually made from plastic, that also includes a sleeve that connects your toilet to the sewer line. Forming a riser from mortar is a Half Axed approach, and may be OK in a basement or a gas station, but your client will not like it, it will not hold up, and it will look like a Rube Goldberg. If it is significantly higher and is indeed limiting the ability of your toilet to sit flush on the floor, then the best option is to replace the flange. A correctly installed toilet should not move in either direction and should sit evenly on the floor. Are SharkBite Plumbing Fittings a Bad Idea? Without this firm seal odors, and leaks may occur that are both unpleasant and unhygienic. Older flanges may be made from metal and not PVC like most other modern flanges. The optimum toilet flange height is approximately ¼ inch above the floor to achieve the best seal and overall fit. It's an Oatley with a … If the toilet flange is being installed before the finished floor, then you must know how thick your flooring will be. Take great care in cutting the PVC pipe, as it is difficult to fix if you remove far too much. For example, older flanges are difficult to remove. Toilet flanges are typically PVC and are readily available at most hardware and home improvement stores. If your flange sits even or below the floor, then it’s wrong. The toilet should sit on the floor over the flange and still have a little room above the flange for wax to make the seal - it must be shimmed to sit flat, if it rocks (before you install the wax ring). You can purchase both of these products at your local home improvement store. You’ll need some sort of a saw to do this. You don’t want to come back to a shelf full of PVC cement. When tightening bolts, firmly press the toilet against the wax seal evenly. Should You Use It or Not? the most common has the PVC cut about 1 1/4" below the finish floor. It’s ok if your flange sits a little high or a little low. Bronze or plastic flanges are approx 1/2" thick at the rim. the bottom of the flange should sit ON TOP of the finished floor. It currently sits 1 1/2" from the subfloor, I figure 1/2 hardebacker and tile would only be 3/4 of an inch. 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