A toilet flange is a pipe fitting that connects the bottom of the toilet to the drainpipe and secures it to the floor. It has a cylindrical shape and a flat surface with holes for inserting bolts that hold the toilet in place. A toilet flange should be level with or slightly lower than the finished floor. To measure a toilet flange, you must know its size, shape, and height. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Measure the Size of the Toilet Flange
The size of the flange refers to the diameter of the pipe that it fits into or over. The most common sizes are 3 inches and 4 inches, but other sizes are also available. To measure the size of the flange, you need to:
- Remove the toilet from the floor by turning off the water supply, draining the tank and bowl, disconnecting the water supply line, removing the nuts and bolts, and lifting the toilet off the flange. You may need a helper to assist you with this step.
- Plug the drainpipe with a rag or a T-shirt to prevent sewer gases from escaping and objects from falling into it.
- Clean the old wax ring from the flange and the bottom of the toilet with a putty knife or a scraper. Discard the wax ring and any debris in a trash bag.
- Use a tape measure or a ruler to measure the inside diameter of the pipe that the flange fits into or over. If a flange fits inside the pipe, measure from one inner edge to another. If a flange fits over the pipe, measure from one outer edge to another. Round up your measurement to the nearest inch.
Step 2: Measure the Shape of the Toilet Flange
The shape of the flange refers to how it connects to the pipe. There are two main types of flanges: inside fit and outside fit. An inside fit flange fits inside the pipe and is usually glued or soldered.
An outside fit flange fits over the pipe and is usually screwed or bolted. To measure the shape of the flange, you need to:
- Look at the flange and determine if it fits inside or over the pipe. If you have a flange that fits inside the pipe, you should see a smooth edge around the pipe’s opening. If a flange fits over the pipe, you should see a lip or ridge around the pipe’s opening.
- Use a tape measure or a ruler to measure the thickness of the flange. If a flange fits inside the pipe, measure from the top to the bottom. If you have a flange that fits over the pipe, measure from the top of the flange to the top of the pipe.
Step 3: Measure the Height of the Toilet Flange
The height of the flange refers to how far it sticks up from the floor. The height of the flange should be level with or slightly lower than the finished floor. If the flange is too high, it can cause the toilet to rock, leak, or wobble.
If the flange is too low, it can cause gaps between the toilet and the floor. To measure the height of the flange, you need to:
- Use tape or a ruler to measure from the top of the flange to the floor. If you have a tile or a hardwood floor, measure from the top of the tile or wood to the top of the flange. If you have a carpet or a vinyl floor, measure from the top of the subfloor to the top of the flange.
- Compare your measurement with your finished floor level. Your flange height is good if your measurement is equal to or less than 1/4 inch above your finished floor level. Your flange height must be adjusted if your measurement is more than 1/4 inch above your finished floor level. If your measurement is more than 1/2 inch below your finished floor level, your flange height is too low and needs to be raised.
FAQs:
A toilet flange is a plumbing fitting that connects the toilet to the floor and the drain pipe. It secures the toilet in place and prevents leaks and odors.
The rough-in is the distance from the finished wall to the center of the flange’s mounting bolts. To measure it, use a tape measure or a carpenter’s square and mark the center of the flange.
The diameter of the toilet flange is the width of the top and bottom openings. You can use a ruler or a calliper to measure them. The most common sizes are 4×3, 4, and 3 inches
The size and type of toilet flange you need depend on your toilet model and your drain pipe size. You can check the manufacturer’s specifications or consult a plumber for advice
To replace or install a new toilet flange, remove the old one, clean the area, apply sealant, insert the new flange, secure it with screws, and attach the wax ring and toilet.
Conclusion
Measuring a toilet flange is important for correctly installing or replacing a toilet and preventing leaks, odors, and damage to your floor and subfloor.
You need to measure three aspects of your toilet flange: its size, shape, and height. The steps to measure a toilet flange are as follows:
- Measure the size of the flange by measuring the inside or outside diameter of the pipe that it fits into or over.
- Measure the shape of the flange by determining if it fits inside or over the pipe and measuring its thickness.
- Measure the height of the flange by measuring from the top of the flange to the floor and comparing it with your finished floor level.
I hope you found it helpful and informative.
