When it comes to installing a new toilet flange in your bathroom, a common question arises: where should it be placed? While some people recommend installing it on top of the tile or backer board, neither option is ideal. In this article, we will explain why mounting the toilet flange on top of the floor is the best choice for a secure and leak-free installation.
Proper positioning of the toilet flange is crucial for a successful toilet installation. By mounting it on top of the floor, you can avoid leaks and ensure that the wax ring and toilet bowl are held securely in place. In the following sections, we will explore other installation possibilities for the toilet flange.
Should Toilet Flange Sit On Top Of Tile?
When installing a toilet, one of the most important considerations is the placement of the toilet flange. The toilet flange is the connection point between the toilet bowl and the waste pipe, and it must be installed correctly to ensure a secure and leak-free connection.
According to experts, the toilet flange should always be installed on top of the finished tile floor. This is because the wax ring that seals the connection between the toilet and the flange is designed to be compressed between the toilet and the flange. If the flange is installed below the tile, the wax ring will not be compressed properly, which can lead to leaks and other problems.
In addition to the potential for leaks, installing the toilet flange below the tile can also make it difficult to replace the flange in the future. If the flange becomes damaged or needs to be replaced for any reason, the tile will need to be removed to access the flange. This can be a time-consuming and costly process.
So, to avoid these problems, it is best to install the toilet flange on top of the finished tile floor. This will ensure a secure and leak-free connection between the toilet and the waste pipe, and it will also make it easier to replace the flange if necessary.
When installing the toilet flange on top of the tile, it is important to use the proper hardware to secure it in place. This may include bolts, screws, nuts, and washers, depending on the type of flange and the type of subfloor or backer board that is being used.
In some cases, an extender may be needed to raise the height of the flange to the proper level. Extenders are available in a variety of materials, including PVC, ABS, and metal, and they can be used to raise the height of the flange by up to 1 ½ inches.
Once the flange is installed, it should be anchored securely to the subfloor or backer board using shims and caulk. This will help to prevent any movement or shifting of the flange over time, which could lead to leaks or other problems.
In conclusion, when installing a toilet, it is important to install the toilet flange on top of the finished tile floor to ensure a secure and leak-free connection. By following these guidelines and using the proper hardware and installation techniques, you can ensure that your toilet will function properly for years to come.
How High Should Toilet Flange Be Above Floor
To ensure that your toilet works efficiently, the toilet flange should be at the right height. Finding the right height for the toilet flange is crucial to guarantee stability, prevent leaking, and ensure a watertight seal.
Placement Suggestions for the Wax Ring
The wax ring is an essential component of the toilet flange that seals the toilet bowl and prevents water leaks and filthy elements. Here are some placement suggestions for the wax ring:
- Measure the distance between the toilet flange and the bathroom floor tile before mounting the wax ring. If it is less than ¼-inch, you might install a thicker wax ring than the standard one to improve the clearance and ensure better sealing.
- Choose a polyethylene plastic sleeve wax ring since it provides better sealing and ensures a sturdy lifespan. The polyethylene-made sleeve is convenient to use and will easily fit with the standard drains in the bathroom.
- Do not stack two wax rings on the flange for improved clearance instead of a thicker ring. It will cause serious drainage inconvenience with leaks. Applying a flange extender or thicker wax ring is a long-lasting solution and cheaper too.
The ideal height for the toilet flange is at least ¼-inch above the tile and finished floor of your bathroom. This height allows you to install a thicker wax ring to hold the toilet bowl securely, ensuring a better sealing of the toilet and preventing leaks.
If you have recently tiled the finished floor, the optimal height of the flange might reduce slightly. In this case, you can fix it with a toilet flange extender. You will find the toilet flange extenders in two various sizes, including ½-inch and ¼-inch. Choose from these two variations to accurately fit into your bathroom. The extender equips with long bolts for securing the flange with it. Moreover, the installation process of the toilet flange extender is pretty convenient.
If you are unsure about the toilet flange height, unscrew and remove the toilet bowl to measure the exact clearance of the flange from the tiles. It should be an easy process.
When installing the wax ring, place it with the closet toilet flange, ensuring that you don’t mount the wax ring on the toilet mistakenly. Once you have mounted the wax ring accurately on the toilet flange, carefully pick up the toilet. Now, place it appropriately over the closet flange on which you have placed the wax ring.
When you place the toilet on the wax ring, you should align it so that the bolts can come through the holes for securing the toilet against the flange. After setting up the toilet, look for the proper alignment. Finally, secure it by tightening the screws and bolts.
In summary, the ideal height for the toilet flange is at least ¼-inch above the tile and finished floor of your bathroom. This height allows you to install a thicker wax ring to hold the toilet bowl securely, ensuring a better sealing of the toilet and preventing leaks. Follow the placement suggestions for the wax ring to ensure a stable and watertight seal.
Final Words
When it comes to installing a new toilet, proper positioning of the toilet flange is crucial for effective sealing and drainage. As a professional plumber with over 16 years of experience, I recommend that the toilet flange sit at least ¼-inch above the finished tiled floor. This ensures that the wax ring creates a tight seal and prevents any leakage.
If the flange sits below the tile, it can lead to mold, mildew, and corrosion due to the accumulation of water. To avoid this, you can use a thicker wax ring or a toilet flange extender to increase the ground clearance.
While installing a toilet can be a time-consuming and expensive DIY project, it’s important to prioritize comfort and safety in your home. If you’re unsure about your DIY skills, it’s always best to consult with a professional plumber or visit a hardware store for assistance.
