Flange repair kit?

[mcf57]

Went to change toilet and the flange has cracked near where the closet bolts install (pics). What is the best way to repair it? I see some steel kits that simply fit on top of my current flange I have. Seems the easiest. Are these ok to use?

 

[havasu]

Yes, the steel toilet flange repair kit will work, but you would be adding depth to the flange, which lessens the amount of wax when you seat the toilet. Also, the replacement flange will need to be screwed to the floor, so you will need to drill through the substrate to mount the bolts. I'm sure the professionals here will probably recommend just replacing the entire flange, which is the correct way to fix it.

 

[MicEd69]

It appears the original flange was not screwed to the floor, so it is not surprising that the flange broke. A flange repair kit will fix the flange, but there is a crack in the "face" of the flange. A wax seal will not positively seal that crack, so you have a real possibility of floor damage and leakage, if it has not already occurred. The flange does need to be replaced.

 

[havasu]

Good eye, MicEd. I didn't see the crack on the flange itself.

 

[mcf57]

It appears the original flange was not screwed to the floor, so it is not surprising that the flange broke. A flange repair kit will fix the flange, but there is a crack in the "face" of the flange. A wax seal will not positively seal that crack, so you have a real possibility of floor damage and leakage, if it has not already occurred. The flange does need to be replaced.

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I actually removed the 4 flange bolts before I took those pics so I do have these screws. its in a basement on a slab and no floor damage has occurred so I seem to be good there as well. After removing the bolts, I thought maybe the flange just removes, but it doesn't appear to be that easy. After looking at some stuff online, I would have to cut that whole flange out, right?

If so, I think a repair ring would be an easier option. Sounds like this should do the trick:


Oatley Galvanized Steel Flange

 

[havasu]

Looking at your picture, you have a crack well inside what the metal flange would protect. You have no choice but to replace the entire toilet flange.

 

[mcf57]

Looking at your picture, you have a crack well inside what the metal flange would protect. You have no choice but to replace the entire toilet flange.

what is involved in replacing the whole flange myself? Isn't that glued in there? Or is it easier than I am thinking?

 

[Twowaxhack]

It’s glued in. It needs to be replaced. There are videos online that show how to remove the old flange from the pipe. It’s easier for you to watch those videos than for me to write several paragraphs and you follow it.

 

[MicEd69]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I actually removed the 4 flange bolts before I took those pics so I do have these screws. its in a basement on a slab and no floor damage has occurred so I seem to be good there as well. After removing the bolts, I thought maybe the flange just removes, but it doesn't appear to be that easy. After looking at some stuff online, I would have to cut that whole flange out, right?

If so, I think a repair ring would be an easier option. Sounds like this should do the trick:


Oatley Galvanized Steel Flange

There are six screws that are supposed to hold the flange down. Better flanges have eight. The PVC flanges need ALL the screws to be installed.

 

[mcf57]

Fully replaced flange. Wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Toilet is mounted, but wobbles a little so will get some shims and stabilize it. Thanks for help

 

[Twowaxhack]

Fully replaced flange. Wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Toilet is mounted, but wobbles a little so will get some shims and stabilize it. Thanks for help

Use some caulk then let it dry for a day.

 

[Ludington]

Use some caulk then let it dry for a day.

With no shims ?

 

[havasu]

If the toilet has just a slight wobble, but level, just caulk the front and sides, and let it dry. I have never used shims myself, but then again, my floors are pretty flat.

 

[Ludington]

I shimmed mine in an effort to get it level / flat, then caulked it. That seemed to be the answer to my uneven / non level floor.

 

[mcf57]

Yea, it needed the shims and was more than just a slight wobble. I also learned that the reason I originally cracked the flange was cause I tightened the toilet too much against the flange. I figure The shims help keep that from happening again. Learn something new about bathroom plumbing. .