Cost To Replace Toilet Flange

If your toilet is loose, wobbly, or won't stop running, there's a good chance the flange holding it down has worn out or corroded away over time. Keep reading to learn more about toilet flanges, why they need replacing, and step-by-step instructions for replacing yours.

What is a Toilet Flange?

A toilet flange is the circular piece of metal or plastic that is bolted or otherwise secured to the toilet drain pipe underneath the toilet.

It provides a stable mounting surface for bolting down the base of the toilet. Without a solid, flush flange, the toilet won't sit level and steady.

Most toilet flanges are made of either steel, brass, or plastic. Steel flanges are the most durable but also the heaviest. Brass flanges offer decent longevity at a lighter weight. Plastic flanges are the lightest but not as long-lasting as metal options.

The flange has to be perfectly flush and level with the finished floor for the toilet to sit right. It acts as an interface between the toilet and drain pipe below.

Why Does a Toilet Flange Need Replacing?

Toilet flanges eventually wear out over many years of use and need to be replaced. Here are some common signs that it's time:

• The toilet rocks or wobbles from side to side instead of sitting sturdily
• The bolts holding the toilet no longer stay tight
• The flange is no longer flush with the floor and the toilet doesn't sit level
• The flange is corroded, cracked, or completely disintegrated
• The toilet leaks at the base due to a warped or broken flange seal

Water exposure from toilet use, corrosion from waste and drain gases, and the natural wear of time will deteriorate even the highest quality flange given enough years.

Proactively replacing an aging flange helps prevent expensive toilet repairs or replacement down the road.

Estimating the Cost to Replace a Toilet Flange

How much does it cost to replace a toilet flange? The total expenses can range widely depending on your specific project factors:

Materials

A basic steel toilet flange costs $5-15, while brass or heavy-duty models run $15-25. You'll also need new bolts ($2-5) and wax ring or gasket ($2-5). For difficult access, estimate $10-30 for specialty repair parts.

Labor

A handy DIY-er can replace a flange themselves in an hour or two for just the cost of materials. A basic plumber service call is $75-150 per hour including travel. Figure 2 hours minimum for a pro installation.

Location and Access

Easy flanges under open-access bathrooms add no location charge. But if the flange is under finished floors/walls, demolition and repair work drives costs up from $50-500+ depending on extent.

Total Cost to Replace a Toilet Flange

Ballparking things, expect to spend:

• $15-50 for a basic DIY project with easy access
• $150-400 for a standard pro installation
• $300-1000+ if demolition/repair work is involved

Keep in mind additional costs if the old flange is severely corroded in place. Consider calling 2-3 plumbers for estimates to ensure you get the best possible price.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Replace a Toilet Flange

Now that you know what a flange is, why it needs replacing, and the estimated costs, here are the step-by-step instructions to swap your old one for a new flange:

Step 1: Shut Off Water Supply

Locate the main water shut-off valve for your home and completely turn it off to avoid leaks and flooding as you work. Flush the toilet once to drain any remaining water from the tank and bowl.

Step 2: Remove Toilet

Remove the mounting nuts or bolts securing the toilet to the flange. Slowly lift the toilet up and off the flange taking care not to bang it against anything. Set it aside safely out of the work area.

Step 3: Remove Old Flange and Bolts

Use an adjustable wrench to unbolt the old flange from the drain pipe below. Expect rust and corrosion—patience and penetrating oil may help. Completely remove the flange and any remaining bolts from the pipe.

Step 4: Clean the Drain Pipe

Use a wire brush or stiff putty knife to scrape away any old putty or debris from the drain pipe inside diameter. This ensures a clean, smooth mounting surface for the new flange.

Step 5: Install New Flange

Position the new flange over the clean drain pipe opening. Use the included bolts/screws or new ones to securely fasten it in place, being careful not to overtighten. The flange should sit perfectly flush with the floor.

Step 6: Apply New Wax Ring or Gasket

Remove the pre-installed ring from your new toilet if applicable. Place a new, clean wax ring or foam gasket onto the flange rim following package instructions.

Step 7: Reset Toilet

Position the toilet over the flange so the holes line up. Hand-tighten the mounting nuts or bolts to hold it in place for now.

Step 8: Level and Align Toilet

Check that the toilet sits level by placing a level across the toilet seat. Adjust the mounting hardware as needed. Make sure the toilet is aligned squarely to the wall on all sides.

Step 9: Tighten Bolts Fully

Once level and aligned, use the wrench to fully tighten all mounting bolts until snug. Do not overtighten.

Step 10: Refill Toilet Tank

Turn the water supply back on and allow the tank to fill. Check carefully for any leaks at the base and adjust the bolts as needed to seal tightly. Flush a test flush to ensure proper operation.

Step 11: Clean Up and Admire Your Work!

Wipe away any debris or water spills from the project. Dispose of all waste materials properly. Give yourself a pat on the back - your toilet flange is now renewed and your toilet should be secure and leak-free for years to come.

When to Call a Professional

While many toilet flange replacements can be handled successfully with DIY skills, there are some situations better suited to hiring a plumber:

• The flange is severely corroded in place or damaged beyond repair
• Access is difficult such as under finished floors/walls
• You aren't confident in your ability to adequately complete the job
• The flange repair requires significant drain work or rerouting
• You want a licensed professional to ensure code-compliance and warranty

Don't be afraid to call in expert help if your project seems overly complex or daunting. A plumber can get the job done right the first time, potentially avoiding costly mistakes or redo work.

Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Flange Replacements

With proper routine maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your new flange installation:

• Only use quality, name brand flanges made from durable materials
• Inspect the flange bolts occasionally and retighten if loose
• Check for leaks annually and address promptly to prevent corrosion damage
• Apply plumber's putty around the base periodically to reinforce the seal
• Clean any mineral deposits or hard-water buildup from the flange areas
• Consider using a readily-available flange protector ring or shield if problems persist

Over time, certain toilet flange designs have proven more durable than others. Speaking with an experienced plumber can help decide whether a proactive upgrade makes sense before failure occurs.

FAQs About Replacing Toilet Flanges

Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have when tackling a toilet flange replacement project:

Can I Just Replace the Wax Ring Instead?

In some cases where the flange itself is still in good condition, simply swapping out a failed wax ring may resolve toilet issues. However, an aging flange is still prone to eventual failure no matter how many wax rings you replace. It's best to address any flange problems proactively to prevent expensive repairs down the road.

What if the Pipe is Cast Iron?

Older homes sometimes have cast iron drain pipes instead of PVC. This makes flange replacement a bit more complicated as the bolts must be attached directly to the cast iron rather than slipping over the pipe. An experienced plumber knows the proper hardware and techniques for securing directly to cast iron.

What if the Floor is Finished?

If the flange is buried under finished flooring like tile or wood, considerable demolition may be required for access. A pro can best assess repair options that minimize floor damage. An access panel may need installing to allow future flange maintenance.

Can I Use a Plastic Flange on a Cast Iron Pipe?

Most experts recommend sticking with a brass, heavy-duty coated steel, or stainless steel flange for cast iron drains as they are sturdier and less prone to deterioration over the long run. Plastic flanges could potentially crack or warp where cast iron may corrode the connecting bolts.

Should I Replace Other Drain Parts Too?

It's a good idea to inspect any other drain components like the toilet tailpiece, trap, connections, etc. while you have access. Minor issues are easier to address now rather than after burying back underground. Consider investing in a toilet repair kit containing common replacement washers and rings as well.

Prevent Future Struggles

With conscientious maintenance and preventative replacements of wear-prone components like toilet flanges, you can keep your home's plumbing system functioning at its best for many years to come with minimal repairs down the road.

Don't hesitate to contact a professional if larger drain issues do arise - it's always smarter and more cost-effective to fix plumbing problems promptly before they escalate.