How to Remove Toilet Flange

A toilet flange is an essential component in toilet installation that you might not pay much attention to until something goes wrong. It is like a sturdy collar that connects your toilet to the drain pipe on the bathroom floor. It acts as a seal to keep everything secure and prevent any unpleasant leaks or odors from escaping. 

Although, it may seem like a small piece, it plays a crucial role in maintaining a properly functioning and hygienic toilet.

In this article, I’ll be walking you through a step by step process on how to remove toilet flange. First off, let’s see reasons why you may have to remove your toilet flange. 

Why Remove Toilet Flange?

If you’re renovating your bathroom or replacing your toilet, you’ll likely need to remove the old flange to make way for the new one. 

Also, Over time, flanges can also become damaged, corroded, or cracked, which can lead to leaks or an unstable toilet. In such cases, removing and replacing the flange becomes necessary to ensure a proper seal and prevent any further issues.

So, whether you’re upgrading your bathroom or fixing a problematic flange, knowing how to remove a toilet flange is a handy skill that can save you time, money, and potential headaches. So let’s get to the process!.

How to Remove Toilet Flange

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Here’s a handy checklist of tools you’ll need to remove toilet flange;

• Adjustable wrench or pipe wrench
• Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on the screws used)
• Putty knife or scraper
• Hacksaw or reciprocating saw (if necessary for cutting bolts or pipes)
• Pry bar or crowbar
• Safety goggles and gloves (to protect your eyes and hands)
• Lubricant (such as WD-40 or penetrating oil)
• Rags or towels (for cleaning up any spills or messes)

An adjustable wrench or pipe wrench is important for loosening and tightening bolts and nuts. It allows you to apply the right amount of force without damaging the components. A screwdriver, whether it’s a Phillips or flathead, is handy for removing any screws that secure the flange to the floor.

A putty knife or scraper will come in handy when it’s time to clean off any wax or debris from the old flange. Trust me, it can get pretty messy, so these tools will make your life a lot easier.

In some cases, you may need to cut through bolts or pipes, and that’s where a hacksaw or reciprocating saw becomes necessary. 

A pry bar or crowbar is useful for leverage and removing the flange from the floor. Lastly, having lubricant like WD-40 or penetrating oil can make stubborn bolts easier to loosen.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply to the Toilet.

Turn off the water supply to the toilet. You’ll usually find a shut-off valve located near the base of the toilet or along the water supply line. This will prevent any water from flowing into the toilet while you work.

Also, empty the toilet bowl and tank. We want to make sure there’s no water lingering around that could cause a messy situation. Start by flushing the toilet; this will help drain most of the water from the bowl. 

However, there may still be some residual water left. So, grab a trusty sponge or towel and soak up the remaining water from the bowl and tank. Wring it out into a bucket or a nearby sink to avoid any spills. It’s a bit of a hands-on task, but it’ll save you from unnecessary water splashes later on.

Step 3: Remove the Toilet from the Flange

Start by locating the bolts or nuts securing the toilet to the flange. These are usually found at the base of the toilet, near the floor. You might need to remove any plastic caps covering the bolts to access them.

Use an adjustable wrench or a pair of pliers to loosen and remove the nuts or bolts. Turn them counterclockwise to unscrew them. Keep in mind that some toilets have two bolts while others may have four, depending on the model.

Once the nuts or bolts are removed, gently carefully lift the toilet straight up. Now, here is an important point: toilet is quite heavy to handle on your own, so it’s highly recommended to have extra hand to assist you with this task. It not only makes lifting the toilet safer but also reduces the chances of accidentally dropping or damaging it.

Step 4: Disconnect the Flange from the Drain Pipe

Take a close look at the flange and drain pipe connection. You might notice screws or bolts securing the flange to the pipe. These fasteners need to be removed to disconnect the two.

Grab a screwdriver or wrench, depending on the type of fasteners used. Turn them counterclockwise to loosen and remove the screws or bolts. Be sure to keep track of them, as you’ll need them later for the reinstallation process.

Once the screws or bolts are removed, the flange should be free from the drain pipe. However, keep in mind that sometimes the flange can become stuck due to old wax or debris. 

In such cases, you might need to gently twist and wiggle the flange to loosen it. Avoid using excessive force, as you don’t want to damage the pipe or the surrounding flooring.

Quick Tip: Sometimes, flanges can become stuck due to factors like old wax or debris. Here are a couple of methods you can try:

Heat Gun: If the flange seems stubborn, you can use a heat gun to apply gentle heat around the base of the flange. The heat will help soften the wax seal and make it easier to loosen the flange. Remember to keep the heat gun at a safe distance and avoid direct contact with any flammable materials.

Lubricant: Another method is to use a lubricant such as WD-40 or a penetrating oil. Apply the lubricant around the connection point between the flange and the drain pipe. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate and loosen any stuck parts. This can make it easier to twist and remove the flange.

Step 5: Remove the Flange

Take a close look at the flange and its attachment to the floor. Typically, a flange is secured to the floor with screws or bolts. Identify the fasteners that need to be removed to detach the flange.

Using an appropriate screwdriver or wrench, turn the screws or bolts counterclockwise to loosen and remove them. Keep in mind that there might be multiple screws or bolts securing the flange, so ensure that you remove them all.

Once the screws or bolts are removed, you can gently lift the flange from the floor. The flange might be sealed to the floor with wax or adhesive, so you may need to give it a slight twist or wiggle to break the seal. Take care not to apply excessive force, as you don’t want to damage the floor or the flange itself.

Step 6: Clean and Prepare for Installation

Now that you’ve successfully removed the flange, clean the area and prepare it for the installation of a new flange.

Start by using a putty knife or scraper to remove any old wax or debris that may be stuck on the floor. Take your time and be thorough in scraping off any remnants from the previous flange. You can collect the debris in a bag or dustpan for easy disposal.

Check if there’s any remaining wax seal on the drain pipe. Use a rag or paper towel to wipe away any excess wax and ensure a clean surface. It’s important to remove all traces of the old wax to ensure a proper seal with the new flange.

Take a moment to inspect the floor around the flange area. Look for any signs of damage or deterioration, such as rotting wood or cracks. If you notice any issues, it’s essential to address them before installing the new flange. 

Repairing or reinforcing the floor will provide a stable base for the flange and prevent future problems.

Conclusion

Patience and careful maneuvering are key in this whole process. If you encounter any significant difficulties or are unsure about how to proceed, simply seek professional assistance from a plumber. They have the expertise to handle challenging situations and ensure a smooth removal process.

That’s the much I can take on the topic: How to remove toilet flange. Drop your thoughts in the comments box.