Replacing a toilet flange can be a fairly straightforward job, provided a few tips are followed. One tip is to avoid installing a flange that has a painted metal ring. Another tip when replacing a toilet flange is to use only brass bolts to secure the toilet to the flange. Other tips to consider when replacing a toilet flange include making sure the wax ring is securely sealed to the bottom of the toilet and using plumber's putty or silicone around the base of the toilet when setting it on the flange.
The toilet flange is exposed to a very harsh environment of moisture and warmth, therefore, it is prone to rusting and corroding if a metal flange ring is used. A tip is to install only an entirely polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flange when replacing a toilet flange. The PVC flange is available with a molded ring that will never rust or corrode. This type of flange, when installed properly, will typically outlast the structure that it is installed in. Another tip is to use galvanized or stainless steel screws to secure the flange to the flooring to avoid it rusting through.
When replacing a toilet flange, a good tip to make certain the toilet remains securely attached to the flange is to use brass T-bolts. These bolts are inserted into an opening on either side of the flange ring and protrude up through the mounting bosses of the toilet. A common steel T-bolt will often rust or corrode beyond use after only a short while. The brass bolts will not rust or corrode and will provide a secure mounting point for the duration of the toilet and flange. If a brass nut cannot be located, a nylon nut will work on the brass bolts without corroding or rusting while providing a proper torque setting to maintain the toilet's firm mounting position.
One of the final components in replacing a toilet flange is the placement of the toilet onto the flange. A petroleum wax ring is used to seal the toilet to the flange and prevent leakage. The tip to installing the wax ring properly is to place the ring onto the bottom of the toilet and then set the toilet onto the floor over the flange. A firm push down on the toilet will aid in creating a leak-proof seal between the toilet and the flange. Another tip when replacing a toilet flange is to place a bead of plumber's putty or silicone around the base of the toilet before setting it over the flange to create a virtually leak-proof toilet.