Learning how to remove a glued toilet flange should not be unnerving. As a homeowner, you only need the necessary tools and a few instructions, and you’re good to go. The closet flange is held down by four nuts, which you need to screw out using a flathead screwdriver. Next, take out the toilet seat and toilet bowl, and remove the flange carefully.
Technically, the toilet flange, commonly known as the closet flange, is a crucial pipe fitting piece that glues the bottom of a toilet to waste pipe. Old toilet flanges are mostly made of cast iron, while the modern ones are made of ABS or PVC.
There’s a wax ring that’s usually installed between the bottom of the toilet and toilet flange. This creates an airtight and watertight seal to prevent sewer gas and flush water from leaking. If water is pooling around the toilet, it indicates that the ring is broken or not sealing.
A rubber gasket is an alternative to the wax ring. The gasket functions as the wax ring, but it’s less messy. Unlike the old flanges, the modern flanges usually are glued inside the drainpipes and secured safely on the floor using screws.
If you want to remove a glued-in flange, follow these steps.
Step #1: Turn Off Water Supply
Turning off the water supply is the first task to do when removing a glued-in toilet flange. Then flush the toilet to empty the toilet tank. You can shut it off via the master valve or the valve with pipes leading to the toilet. Shutting off the water valve ensures water does not continue filling the toilet.
Step# 2: Undo and Remove the Toilet
Usually, a toilet is fixed to the ground by two nuts tightly screwed on each side of the toilet. First, unscrew these nuts and keep them safe since you will need them later. Then, start rocking the toilet back and forth after removing the bolts.
This process may take some time because the toilet is sealed using a wax seal. Remove the toilet and place it safely in the house. Remove the screws that fix the toilet to the floor.
Step #3: Remove the Glued Toilet Flange
The method used to remove the existing flange depends on the flange’s material. But in this case, you need to break the glue bond between the pipe or cut it using a Dremel tool.
However, take caution not to damage the plastic pipe when cutting. Ideally, cut it off at the toilet base. When using the solvent, ensure you apply it cautiously to prevent it from eating away the waste pipes.
The market has plenty of solvents. So, it’s up to you to use a solution that will work on the glue and leave the pipes intact. An all-purpose adhesive remover is ideal for breaking the glue bond without damaging the pipes.
Step #4: Installation of New Flange
After removing the old or broken toilet flange, you need to install a new PVC flange. Insert closet bolts inside the new toilet flange and set aside washers and nuts for each bolt. Next, insert the bolts into the corresponding holes.
In most cases, the kit you purchase comes with new bolts. If they’re not included, you can reuse the old ones from the previous flange. Next, attach the flange to the outflow pipe and ensure it fits comfortably into the pipe. Look for the rubber gasket to build a seal against the inner side of the overflow pipe.
These simple yet practical steps help you learn how to remove a glued toilet flange seamlessly. Get the right tools, and you’ll enjoy this easy DIY project. More so, the process is short and requires minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you remove an old toilet flange?
There are many reasons you may want to remove and replace an old toilet flange. If the toilet moves or rocks too much, it can damage the flange, resulting in a replacement. A damaged flange leads to leaks.
To remove an old flange, use a flathead screwdriver to chip the flange out of the sewer pipe. Once you remove the bolts, lift the seat unit and bowl, and remove the old toilet flange.
Is a toilet flange glued in?
Normally, the toilet flange is glued onto the plastic drain pipe. However, some of the flanges can also get glued inside of the drain pipe.
How do you remove a broken plastic toilet flange?
If the toilet is rocking or wobbling excessively, you probably need to replace the broken closet flange. Gently rip off the plastic caps and disconnect the water supply line. Loosen the toilet nuts in a counterclockwise direction using a ratcheting wrench and a socket.
Cautiously lift the toilet off the ground and set it aside. Then you can carefully remove the flange from the PCV pipe and replace it with a new one.
How can I remove a toilet flange from concrete?
As a homeowner, you’re capable of removing a toilet flange. The only challenging part is moving the toilet since some may have awkward shapes and weigh hundreds of pounds. It would help if you had a helping hand to move the toilet, along with a shop vac, screwdrivers, and a wrench.
Turn off your water supply line and flush the toilet to empty the tank. Remove the nuts, rock the toilet and lift it off to get access to the flange. Cut the flange and pry out the pieces using a chisel or hammer.
How do you fix a broken toilet flange?
If the toilet starts to shift or wobble, you need to fix the broken toilet flange and replace the wax ring seal. As with other procedures, you need to remove the mounting bolts and access the flange. Check the perimeter of your toilet to locate the broken flange.
Once you find the broken part, remove and replace it. Then, use the toilet bolt provided to fasten the section in place.
Then set the bowl in place, level it, and reassemble your toilet. Tighten the bolts with a wrench to snug them enough. Once you’re sure that the flange and toilet bowl are in place, reconnect the water supply. Flush your toilet a few times to test it is immobile and level.
