Toilet Flange Repair Using a Toilet Flange Extender (Step-by-Step)

[@samuelkelley5627]

Nice video! I’m a master plumber, one thing that I’d recommend for anybody doing this is to buy flange extension kit that has a manufactured rubber or foam seal. The silicone will not seal well on old material

[@DRAEK05]

But shouldn't that entire thing be replaced? Its already sunk, rusted, and corroded This seems like trying to put a bandage on a broken pipe.

[@thecasualfly]

​@@DRAEK05yeah that part confused me the most .. just floating there

[@vasantsande8644]

I have precisely same problem in my house, last 3 days I been thinking what to do, but this video gave me strength. Water just leaking from the concrete cracks sometime. Plumbers are great, but my tight budget prevents me use their services. I just want to thank a million this videographer and great comments below. God bless you all.

[@littlepigboy]

How did it go?

[@faniaandaya5571]

I’m going to embarked on my fist toiler leak repair. I’ve watch several of your videos and now I feel pretty confident that I can get this done. Thank you. Also, great camera work and gifted instructor

[@lapdawg60]

I have a severely bad flange issue (totally improperly done years before we bought this place), and this video (plus several others) have really helped me a LOT! I "can" be fairly handy when I finally dig in, but not naturally good at it (like my dad was -- inherited none of his ability to just make things work). If thing get too tricky, I'm smart enough to stop and call someone, but I think when I finish finally getting this new toilet in, I will feel glad I took my time (we have a second bath, thank God), and research the hell out of it until I get it fixed, and done right. Thanks for posting this video.

[@dogwink]

I recall seeing somewhere that one should never use silicone caulk on a plumbing project except for external caulking because it will eventually leak in short order.

[@mR-dc4oq]

Me too.

[@dp9324]

The DANCO all-in-one toilet installation kit can solve the problem of a flange that is substantially below the top of the tile or flooring you're using in the bathroom. That kit has options to install a toilet on a flange that is below, level, or above the top of the flooring so all of your situations are covered without the need for extension rings.

[@sallypage646]

Omg that was amazing. Thats my exact issue I've been dealing with. How did you know? Wow. Bless you for sharing your video. This really helps me a lot.. Thank you again.

[@Baxter5623]

Finally a video with excellent audio and a steady camera.

[@rogerrabbit8756]

The spacer plate has screw holes for a reason, pull closet flange screws, silicone and re screw through both spacer and closet flange.

[@RazorsEdge1810]

I was wondering about that.

[@keithwalker5078]

that's why you buy the longer bolts to go thru both

[@chicafromthechi]

very helpful! i needed to do this and your video made it easier and less stressful.

[@joldzski5636]

Truly gifted instructor....great cadence...nice pace and great camera....very helpful....can't wait to check out other content you have !

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thank you buddy 👍🏼👍🏼🔥🔥

[@djaelius5618]

Thank you very much...heading out to home depo now...,.lol....this has saved me im sure a lot of time...Thanks again.

[@rumrunner1756]

Great video without skipping any steps. I wanted to watch before taking my toilet out (1 bathroom), to plan for any unforeseen problems. Good camera work, good instructions. I am making a run to HD before starting my project so that I can have the pieces on hand that I may need. I am now a subscriber. Thank you. ☮️

[@martindr2]

Wow ! You're not a plumber ....... but you explain things better then a plumber. Thank you !

[@trueforum378]

You and your buddy are not just a pro, but THE BEST!~ Thank you

[@gitanshgambhir3428]

Had a leak problem, your video helped big time, Thank you

[@cherijim2911]

Thanks for the tips. We've had a new water efficient toilet installed on top of oak hardwood flooring. The contractor used 3 wax seals and my wife and I have noticed a stink (sewer gas most likely) since the install was done. Your method seems to be the best starting with the flange spacer and going from there. Thanks very much!

[@blazeaglory]

If you haven't already, and if you can, check under house for leaks while flushing. Sounds like a wax ring got dislodged during installation. Using 3 is crazy, using two is ok in most situations but I try and stay away from wax rings with "plastic horns"

[@apex403]

Thank you sir! I'm having my subfloor & tile floor repaired today and i told the flooring guy I would do the plumbing detach/reset myself (since I love working on plumbing) - I had no idea about the silicone step between the flange & the spacer (which makes sense because I was wondering wtf that adhesion was when I removed the spacer and I was cleaning off the current spacer) You probably saved me a future leak ;) You earned yourself a sub! One last thing , you made me laugh about getting the silicone on your hand/glove, that's legit my luck too with every single project ;)

[@rolandberard8958]

Thank you - very well done and informative. Think I'm set! Raining here too!

[@hoomalimali6334]

Thank you for taking the time to do this for us!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you

[@mikem462]

Hi, appreciate the details. The bolt slots looked different in the spacer and original flange. Does this mean you would have to remove the spacer to take the bolts out if you needed to eventually? Thanks.

[@antoniobaskerville6823]

Thanks for the Tips ! This saves a ton in Repair Costs.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

🙌🏼🔥🙌🏼🔥

[@lockedin60]

Excellent video. Your music is great. It did not overpower you speaking voice yet it provide some ambience. I wish others would watch your video just because of your presentation skills and great choice of microphone,

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you, hope it helped

[@cylturner3116]

Excellent editing, music and video. Most helpful. Thank you.

[@curtvantress529]

Great video. Does the nut you tightened onto the flange extender interfere with the placement of the toilet base?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

It shouldn’t

[@curtvantress529]

Thanks for the replay.

[@Farbeh786]

Thanks for the great programs you share. The smart toilets don't have the screw holes to secure then. What tips do you have for securing them to the floor? Thanks

[@patrickpreisinger5923]

I'm doing this tomorrow. This video gives a lot more confidence. Thanks!

[@marcbrazzers]

You need to drill that into the floor (drill a pilot hole through the existing metal flange and into the wood below it or just into the existing flange with a metal screw if not broken and is solid). The way it's installed in the video, the toilet/spacer is hanging on to the floor with the silicone only and could potentially slide or pull off eventually, causing a leak.

[@kgill5]

I’m not so sure @Marc. I think PE is using the PVC flange as a spacer. The flange bolts are firmly attached to the metal flange underneath as well as the spacer. You would be correct if the metal flange was unstable or broken.

[@vjmacintyre]

@@kgill5 another video i saw, dude just drilled #8 deck screws through the extender into the existing (ABS) flange to sandwich it together. The nuts used here seem wrong to me, where they need to be used after the toilet is in place, but there probably is room for them under the toilet anyway, so it should be ok... im obviously not a plumber

[@blazeaglory]

The bolts are, or SHOULD BE, secured under the cast iron flange whereas the plastic spacer, is just a spacer. The pressure applied, the stickiness of the silicone as well as the wax ring creating additional pressure, should be good for a long while.

[@scottatdellomo2517]

Great job on the video bro. Easy to follow instructions and several options to repair the flange. Excellent

[@diannaflood226]

Just amazing and so clear. Best thing of all I can order all the items online. Thanks Heavens.

[@williamness3271]

if you have a cracked pvc flange do you put the split ring repair and then the spacer on top?

[@allandutch9792]

Wondering about leveling the toilet with a shim. You mentioned it but said no more about it. Anyway, great, informative video. Nicely done!

[@thomasmcauley3613]

Great video. Video very well done. Commentary simple, easy to understand. Thank You

[@petermichelson5002]

Here is our situation! I am rehabbing the bathrooms! We have original terrazzo tile on the concrete deck floor. We will remove the tiles, and thin set. So we set the new toilets on the concrete deck or wait till our flooring contractor lays the new flooring?

[@jimbaaab]

Hi, thanks for the video. Once you’ve put the new plastic flange on, shouldn’t it be mechanically anchored to the floor somehow? Or are you relying on the two bolts to do that in the long term? I assume this would only work if the old iron flange wasn’t rusted out to the extent that the bolts no longer naturally anchor in there. I ask because I’m seeing other screw holes on the rim of the new plastic flange that looks like they could be used. Could you drill these out to make it secure. Also, with only two bolts as the anchor points, how can you ensure the new plastic flange is level? Once the silicon has cured and the nuts/washers have been removed (before you place the toilet), it seems that it’s just the silicone providing a bit of a rubbery connection between the old flange and the new. Thanks again.

[@gguezille]

I would do just that, screw the spacer to the floor

[@dogscratchedoor]

Very helpful video, but why would only two bolts be enough to stabilize the closet flange push. Wouldnt using 4 bolts (2 long and 2 short) then stabilize the base better?

[@am44_67]

Great video thank you! Just curious why you didn’t replace the rusted out flange since you already had a new one with you? Thanks in advance

[@WarrenShafor]

He dint know how

[@justindenton6538]

Did you set the toilet on those nuts and washers you compressed that extender down with and then install an additional set of nuts and washers to anchor down the toilet?

[@markcuellar9832]

The flange is rusted, replace it. The flange bots are secured to that rusted flange. When that flange completes rusting through, nothing but gravity will be holding the toilet in place. Better to do the job right the first time and install a new flange.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

in this scenario the flange is part of the iron, so the entire hub would need to be replaced. If there was money in the budget we'd definitely opt to replace the entire thing.

[@markcuellar9832]

@@HomeRepairTutor Roger that.

[@blondeguy08]

@@HomeRepairTutor lmfao

[@NSDaishi]

I agree and will continue looking up more videos.

[@ShawnMtz_78]

Good job...being a tile installer, I'd ask to repair the tile with the quarter sized chip...:)

[@antv38]

And. You forgot to tell people. You need to remove the paper tag on top otherwise the wax wont stick to the plastic and you will have a leak.

[@shanehoffman7048]

Should you use water proof silicone or water proof construction adhesive? The silicone will not leak correct? Thank you!!

[@Javimoz]

Great video. Is there a difference between a flange spacer and a flange extension?

[@markcuellar9832]

Nice job securing the flange spacer with washers and nuts. Too many times I've tried to replace toilets only to find the bolt spinning when attempting to undo the nut. It's frustrating, especially since securing the flange with washers and nuts prevents this.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you, using the nuts also helps hold the bolts in place when setting the bowl. We like that method to also pre-set the rough-in distance so that the bowl is equidistant from the wall.

[@leejackson9759]

would plumbers putty be a better option than silicone to seal the spacer flange?

[@Longoria1966]

Home Repair Tutor what if the toilet flange is broken off..

[@pcdubya]

I just did the exact same thing to raise my floor 3/8" after installing LVP, except I took out the screws holding the original flange in, ( Mine was in a wood sub floor ) and THEN ran them back in, this time through the newly applied spacer which I put down in a thick bed of silicone over the original. Spacer ended up being 1/8" higher than the finished floor which is exactly what the toilet maker and wax ring instructions recommended. Put in thick wax ring with a horn, and good to go.

[@RazorsEdge1810]

I've been wondering if you should take out the screws holding the original flange in to add the spacer(s) on top. Thanks for noting this!

[@martinadamski945]

Irony? Sitting on the toilet watching a video about fixing my toilet.

[@ted6176]

Beats the s..t out of most regular tv shows.

[@Whole9treeservice]

Hey me too buddy

[@latouselatrec]

Me three

[@blakearth]

Holy shit, me 5. Pun intended

[@josenavyveterangallegos3490]

Ain't these shitty comments. ✌️well, learned something new, gotta wipe.

[@pemfiri]

what was the purpose of white silicon ? was it to create a water sealed connection to prevent leakage from in between the main flange and the flange extender ? what happens if we do not apply the silicon ?

[@markkolecke6025]

Hey there! Loving your videos. Plumbing is a pain in the backside isn’t it? Silicone was very smart. The only changes I would make is finding some toilet hardware that will not rust out eventually. Basically anything magnetic will rust out. We use Johnni bolt brand 5/16 hardware with an extra set of nuts to hold those bolts in place when hour awkwardly attempting to place the bowl back. Wax is good. Those solid rubber gaskets are better and don’t leak if they get plunged a lot. Also if warm air from below happens to flow through the floors like radiant heat. Lookin good home repair tutor.

[@joshneal5355]

Additional wax ring between the flange and spacer is a much better option than silicone. After adding a spacer, you set a toilet , flush it, and it breaks the seal of the silicone because you didn't wait for the silicone to dry. Also a good idea to screw the spacer to the subfloor.

[@kr9st9nk]

i've seen the spacer come with a foam-type sealing ring that adhesives to the spacer to create the seal instead of silicone...

[@kenholt8297]

He said the silicone dries in 30 minutes. Also, "if you were listening", early in the video he said he was shown what to do by a certified plumber! Are you a plumber?

[@joshneal5355]

@@kenholt8297 over 20yrs

[@blazeaglory]

So then wait for the silicone to dry no?

[@canaya256]

We are having this exact issue right now. Last "professional" plumber used two wax to seal the gap instead of using a flange extender like in this video. Years later we are having the same issue. great video. glad i found it before calling another plumber to fix the issue.

[@billwoodward7013]

Do not do what this man did call a plumber or even text me lol. Im willing to tell you how to do it right where it won't need future corrections . We all can use a helping hand these days! Please dont do this in your house!

[@CarlosDiaz-ve2st]

Do you need to put the silicone sealer no matter what type of flange you have?

[@edreynolds3745]

Info very good / helpful. Music is diastracting and pedestrian.

[@sandrasilveira8598]

After flage riser then do you put the wax ring then set toilet

[@lindsaywood1129]

Do you put a spacer on the push tite flange? Or does the push tite flange work as a spacer as well?

[@bernardinelane1718]

The new sub floor and tile will be lower than the present flange. How do I lower a PVC flange? Love your videos.

[@ivonlopez9999]

The toilet flange is supposed to stick out higher about 1/4 of an inch.

[@peterkalanzis3080]

I'd use an internal pvc pipe cutter or chisel out the old flange. Then use an external pvc flange so that the next guy could use an internal one. There are videos here on removing an old PVC flange and it is not that bad. I just did this job on my first floor but was a rubber coupling between the pvc and an older cast iron pipe in the unfinished basement so I replaced the flange and the straight section to the coupler. I hope your job (and any reader's) is as easy as that was.

[@tillmansr2002]

There are open slot on both sides (across each other) and some holes (six) in most flanges. Should the slots be parallel to the to each other (perpendicular the front of the toilet)? Or slightly skewed (as you have it (I think I can't see the finished toilet set) so that the bolts are parallel to each other?

[@guero916]

Can I use 2 of the 1/4 inch spacers? If so do I use caulking between those?

[@Dametime213]

Yes you can, but I would strongly recommend using silicone between each flange spacer

[@guero916]

@@Dametime213 Thank you

[@southparklion]

Is plumbers putty an option under the flange instead of the silicon?

[@gayelynrobertson7093]

Thank you so much! Have had a problem with my toilet since I bought my house in 2009. Explains why I have leaks. Previous owner tiled floor and flange below floor uggg. The flange on floor is plastic not metal and not screwed down in concrete. Not sure if this is a problem or not? Going to buy extensions hope that will fix the problem?

[@rhedd420]

It wont

[@tyronegriffin1451]

I really appreciate this video so helpful

[@futbol1972]

Ok today i installed 2 of thoese homedepot ruber things that have a wax ring attach to them. My flange is aboit 1/4 to 1/2 below my floor since they added lvp over tile. Id i wanna add 1/2 flundge spacers do i need to rwinstall a new wax ring under thoese rubber thingys?

[@spankymcbacon6613]

So my thought would be to pre drill the cast iron and screw down the flange? Is it not necessary

[@tb2324]

So was your metal flange broken, and you put the spacer over top? My plastic flange is broken at the slot hole for the bolt. Can I place the spacer over top, since the spacer has the slot holes as well, or do I need to somehow replace the plastic flange that is broken at the bolt hole before using the spacer to get it to the proper height?

[@lyndadraper8684]

What do you do if the plywood is separated from the water leaking.... To screw the replacement flange to? It's a tile floor, but I do have access to the underneath, one side of the pipe is against a joist.. can I buddy up some plywood from below with PL to screw into???? At least for two of the screws?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Good question Lynda, you can add plywood from below and use galvanized screws.

[@lyndadraper8684]

Home Repair Tutor that's what I'm thinking, stainless screws or deck screws!!!! I'll counter sink and screw through the flange. Thanks for your prompt response...i

[@HomeRepairTutor]

keep me posted Lynda, hope all goes smoothly

[@FlakFlinger]

Same leak problem. Removed the toilet. No flange underneath. Nothing. Nada. Just a blue pipe. Sheesh. Heading out today to get all the bits. Thanks to you I know what I need.

[@andreagribbin7214]

so, great video, really helped me to understand... My issue is the plumber removed old toilet and cut the metal pipe below grade but he didn't cut straight, I heard him say "WOOPS!

[@samsandsness1132]

Nice video. Is it me or did he mark the bolt location at 11" instead of 12"? I thought the bolts were supposed to be centered around the hole at equal distances from the wall.

[@travislyonsgary]

Thanks for the adaptations as they are more likely than not to occur. Outstanding vid.

[@hasmathasmat2497]

Your video came handy just on time . Thank you

[@wahinenuiloa]

Solid video. Thanks

[@stephaniecavallucci1465]

So the last one you did there will work with an old flange that bolts won't screw into then??

[@TheSuperman135]

QUESTION: So after this repair. You can use a wax ring and they plastic insert with the red on it??

[@HomeRepairTutor]

After this you just need the wax ring of the spacer is even or 1/4” above the finished floor

[@6996katmom]

How long does the silicone have to dry? We don't have a flange, the other toilet just sat there. Any suggestions?

[@thomasesterly5423]

thanks for the video. The one side of my flange is rusted out and is below the subflooring. Therefore, the bolt foot would just slip out. But I can't replace the flange because it is underneath the PVC piping. Do you think I can just use the spacer and have that hold the bolt foot? Thanks again.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

+Thomas Esterly it might work, the most important part is having the spacer or new flange level

[@isaacmartinez7498]

Any ideas on repair when the previous guy concreted the studs and floated everything.... stud are rusted and wont take a new bolt

[@joegillie8920]

I'm having the EXACT same problem!

[@JohnPaul-xr5kc]

how do you change a 10 inch setback to a 12 inch setback when the ABS pipe is enclosed in a concrete floor ? I can buy the flange for this but it fits around the ABS pipe inn the floor.

[@billzziv6859]

So my older toilet has a spacing of 13.5" from the wall. I realize that I need a 14" rough in toilet. Anything else you would suggest?

[@kgill5]

Don’t they make an offset flange?

[@kenfett7070]

Thank you for sharing. Have the same problem. This was a big help.

[@cmetube]

If that's a lead pipe, aren't the johnnie bolts going to move around and get loose over time with the toilet? Shouldn't those bolts be locked down to below the subfloor and to the subfloor instead?

[@emt2q]

My toilet flange is on a slab however the slab doesn’t go all the way up to the flange so the screws will fall if I just place them in without the bolts. I am afraid to pour concrete mix in there as I’m afraid it will crack the PVC piping underneath. Any advice for a fix on this ?

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

was the nut in the way of the toilet? I have the same flange it is cast iron and don't see any holes to screw into

[@junitolopez3762]

Thank you for the sharing. Any suggestions for soil pipes, that may require an adapter? mine looks like is made of brass and thorn. Thank you for your input.

[@TimothyDahl]

Super helpful video!

[@shaunastanley4657]

Hey! Redoing my bathroom and trying to decide whether or not I need to replace the flange or not. I know I’m going to need a spacer to raise it but how do you decide whether to use a push tite or not. Mine doesn’t have large channels in the original flange like yours does. Just a small slot for the bolt to go into. It would line up with the slots you used on the spacer. I hope this makes sense.

[@shaunastanley4657]

Also do I have to remove the whole old flange or can I add a push tite right on top?

[@bertettinger3740]

What can you do if the toilet flange sticks up higher 3/4 of an inch!! Whoever installed this did not do this properly and had to put a 3/4 inch piece of plywood between thetoilet and the floor? What can you do to instal thus properly?

[@blainechaney8617]

Very helpful

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you

[@martamihoff4868]

can you stack more than one flange extender to get the proper height. Let's say 3/4 + 1/2? I want to raise my bathroom floor to make a barrier free shower.

[@trippleslots]

The problem with using that oaty spacer is the gap is not a tight seal.If the plumbing stops up water is going to run between the sewer line and that spacer I really do not trust the silicone to make the seal

[@Nick-tl4rh]

He could have screwed it down into the sub floor to make a tight seal (with galvinized screws.

[@bradellis6223]

That spacer will leak every if there's a backup

[@HAMBURGER-s1l]

I agree

[@philipwood8776]

great video....thank you

[@MerlininTaos]

Nice video! Thanks

[@joaquinmartinezdeandino4497]

Do you need to screw flange to floor?

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Great video from beginning to end! Very thorough. I feel ya living in Minneapolis we get snow. This last week has been blue and hot and sunny so today it’s cold and dreary too. Nice cold spring day to do repairs. Rock on 🤘🏼

[@bryanfouse4228]

Did you find that the silicone alone was enough to properly secure the replacement ring to the flange? Worried about the ring coming up

[@HomeRepairTutor]

It works very well but if you can screw the flange to the subfloor that’s preferable

[@dandunne-d5b]

I’m from PGH and doing the same!

[@elmstreetish]

If I use a flange spacer like the one in your video and it doesn't quite get me to the same level of the floor surface, then what? Can I simply apply extra silicone to get the desired level? I'm kinda thinking yes.

[@ArtOfTheWeld]

what did you end up doing? adding a second spacer?

[@dabaflub]

How do you secure the extender? Will the closet bolts be sufficient since they are under original flange, or must the extender be screwed down through the flange below and into the floor? Thanks for your help.

[@peterkalanzis3080]

He is not using extenders he is using spacers where they should not be used. and I would not want to live in a house where a stack of spacers is not properly secured to the sub floor with stainless screws.

[@dabaflub]

Peter Kalanzis Thanks Peter. I used a 1/4" white extender(?) Siliconed it and anchored to old flange with closet bolts. Progress has stopped, since I'm leery about putting in toilet this way.(extender can be moved slightly when pushing down on it!) Any helpful suggestions will certainly be appreciated!

[@peterkalanzis3080]

build to last means securing the flange extender stack to the subfloor with stainless screws, these might need to be four inches long or longer. then the flange/extender stack is secured to the floor. you should use spacers blow the flange (if needed) extenders above the flange (if needed and the stack should be solidly supported by the sub floor (or the tile) and bolted down. Weight should be solidly transferred to the sub floor through whatever stack you use, stainless bolts should be used to hold the stack in place, then toilet bolts hold the toilet in place.

[@TrxmpBrownNosersBgone]

Ok so i got a problem someone apparently socked this toilet i'm looking at down from the top into the wood floor with bolts. The base is leaking and the bolts are no longer doing anything as the water has soaked into the wood. What am I going to have to do?

[@yolandaalexander6712]

Hi, so did you put the toilet on top of spacer

[@DavidTorres-tw8kv]

Great video

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thanks buddy 👍🏼

[@jerrymiyahara6232]

Question folks... I replaced my tile flooring in bathroom to vinyl flooring. I removed toilet but now my toilet won't sit right. Do I need to raise up my flange or just use toilet shims. Thanks in advance