Toilet Flange Too High – Step-by-Step Guide for Easy Repairs

If a toilet flange is too high, it can cause a number of problems.

First, if the toilet is rocking, it can lead to leaks that could potentially deform the floor beneath it. This would then lead to the need for extensive repairs. The best way to avoid this is to fix the toilet flange when it’s too high.

Ways to Repair a Too High Flange for Toilet

If your toilet flange is too high and your toilet base plate doesn’t fully reach the floor, there are a few different ways that you can repair it.

One way is to fill the gap. You can do this by using a shim or a piece of wood that is the same thickness as the gap.

Another way is to raise the floor. This can be done by adding a layer of plywood or leveling compound to the floor.

If the floor flange for the toilet is badly damaged, you may need to replace it.

This article will tell you how to fix a flange that is too high.

What Is a Toilet Flange?

A floor flange for the toilet is a fitting that connects the toilet bowl to the drain pipe. It is also the point at which the bowl is attached to the floor. The flange is made of different materials depending on the application but is typically made of PVC, ABS, or metal.

The most common type of flange is the raised flange, which sits above the floor and is held in place with bolts that go through the floor and into the flange.

How to Remove Toilet Flange?

If you need to replace your toilet flange, the first step is to remove the old one. This can be tricky, as the flange is usually sealed onto the outflow pipe with bolts or screws.

However, with a little patience and the right tools, you should be able to remove the flange without too much difficulty.

Start by removing the mounting bolts or screws that hold the flange in place. If they are well preserved, you can reuse them. If you have a gasket PVC flange, the most common type of flange, just remove it from the discharge pipe. If your flange is not gasket-sealed, you may need to use a putty knife or other tool to pry it loose.

Once the old flange is removed, clean the area around the outflow pipe so that the new flange will have a clean surface to seal against. Then, simply install the new flange in the same manner as the old one, making sure to use new bolts or screws if the old ones are not reusable.

Three Ways Repairing Toilet Flange

As we said before, a flange that is too high can cause serious problems. For example, you may notice that your toilet doesn’t sit flat on the ground.

Here are three simple ways to fix a toilet flange that is too high.

Raising the floor in the bathroom

If your bathroom floor is too low and your toilet flange is too high, you may want to consider raising the floor. This is a time-consuming project, but it can be done by adding extra thickness to the floor.

You’ll need to purchase thicker flooring, remove the old flooring, and then lay down the new flooring. This will make your toilet flush properly and eliminate any leaks.

Fill the gap

If you have a toilet flange that is too high, you can fill the gap with a few different materials for leveling a toilet. Caulking is one option, but you will need to regularly check and replace it as it can break down over time. You can also use a small piece of wood or PVC to fill the gap.

Be sure to use a non-toxic option if you are worried about children or pets coming into contact with the material.

Using plywood

If you have a toilet flange that is too high, you can try using plywood to build up the area around the flange.

First, measure the circumference and height of the plywood pieces you will be using.

Next, trace the dimensions onto the plywood and cut it to size. Repeat this process until you have enough plywood pieces to build up the area around the flange.

The next step, fit each piece of plywood around the flange to make sure it fits tightly. Once everything is level, secure the plywood pieces in place with glue or screws.

Finally, place the toilet bowl on top of the plywood platform. Make sure everything is level again and then test the toilet to see if it is still leaking.

If there are no leaks, the plywood should be able to hold the toilet in place until you can make permanent repairs.

Using plywood for toilet flange

Using grout

If the floor flange for the toilet is too high, you can use grout to secure the toilet. This is a fairly simple process:

  1. Mix the grout as directed by the manufacturer of the product.
  2. Apply a liberal amount of grout around the base of the toilet.
  3. Press the toilet down into the grout.
  4. Wipe away any excess grout.
  5. Allow the grout to dry for as long as specified by the manufacturer.

This is a quick and easy way to secure a toilet that is leaking due to a flange that is too high. It’s important to make sure that the grout is dry before using the toilet, as wet grout can cause the toilet to move and leak.

Using cement

If your toilet flange is too high, you can use cement to fill in the gap:

  1. First, take measurements of the height of the gap and the circumference of the base you’ll need.
  2. Then, put together four pieces of cement board and cut out the measured circumference plus one inch in the middle.
  3. Use a flooring trowel to spread the cement, and then place the boards on top of the wet cement.
  4. Secure the boards using screws, and then adhere the tiles to the boards using high-quality tile glue.
  5. Finally, secure the back of the toilet by tightening the nuts.

Replacing the flange

If the toilet flange is too high, it can be replaced with a new one. This process is more time-consuming and tedious than the others mentioned in this article, so it should be considered the last possible option.

Here are steps to replace the flange:

  1. Clean the area around the flange, removing any trash that may be in the way.
  2. Stuff the flange with cloth or paper to cover it and prevent pieces from entering the pipe.
  3. Break off the outside of the flange with a hammer and chisel or drill at variable speed, being extremely careful not to damage the pipe. Remove small pieces at a time.
  4. Remove the inside of the flange, being careful not to crack the pipe.
  5. Shorten the pipe by sanding it until it is completely aligned with the floor.
  6. Insert the new flange, measuring the height carefully beforehand to avoid discrepancies. Look for a model with a watertight seal and a decent depth.
  7. Drill holes in the floor. You need to make sure that the replacement is installed and stays in place.
  8. Place the toilet back onto the flange and secure it in place.

Can I Install a New Toilet Flange on Top of the Old One?

If your old floor flange for the toilet is still in decent shape, you may be able to install a new flange right over the old one. It’s not a complicated process, but there are a few things you need to know.

First, make sure that the new flange is the same size as the old flange. If it is not, you will need to do some additional work to make it fit.

Second, you will need to clean off the old flange with a wire brush or sandpaper so that the new one will adhere properly.

Third, apply a generous bead of 100% silicone caulk on top of the old flange and to the bottom of the new flange. Before adding the extender, slide the new closet flange bolts into the old flange. Or you can add them after you adhere the extender to the old flange.

Fourth, once the new flange is in place, you will need to attach the toilet to it. This is usually a simple process, but you may need to consult your toilet’s installation instructions.

Finally, once the toilet is installed, you will need to test it to make sure that it is flushing properly.

FAQ

Flange for the toilet

Should the flange for the toilet be flush with the floor?

The flange of the toilet should be on top of the finished floor. The bottom edge of the flange must be on the same plane as the toilet bowl to provide the most stable and secure connection between the toilet and the sewer pipe.

For example, if the toilet is on the tile, the flange must be on the tile.

How can I shorten the toilet flange?

If you need to shorten the toilet flange, one option is to use a PVC pipe cable saw to cut off the top of the flange.

Another option is to flatten the pieces by cutting off a few segments with a mini hacksaw. Then you can remove the flange rings.

Finally, cut the pipe until it is flush with the floor.

Do I have to caulk around the toilet flange?

It is not required that you caulk around the toilet flange, but it is recommended. A small layer of caulking will help to create a water-tight seal, preventing any water or other liquids from getting underneath the flange and causing problems.

Bottom Line

If your toilet flange is too high, it can create an unstable toilet and dangerous water leaks. The best way to fix this problem is to make the toilet base entirely level with the floor. You can do this by filling in the gap with plywood, grout, or concrete. Other, more complicated options include raising the floor and replacing the flange.

Have you had problems with your toilet flange being too high? Share your experiences in the comments.

Gerald Carpenter

My name is Gerald Carpenter and I am a professional plumber in the third generation. My father was a plumber, my grandfather was a plumber. I wish I had records on my other ancestors.

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