When it comes to installing or replacing a toilet, one small yet important part plays a big role—the toilet flange. But what is a toilet flange exactly?
A toilet flange is a pipe fitting that connects the toilet to the drainpipe, ensuring a secure seal and proper waste disposal. Without a properly installed flange, you may experience leaks, instability, and even that classic leak or odor from a bad toilet wax ring.
Types of Toilet Flanges
There are many types of flanges in the market, each made from different materials and designed for specific plumbing needs. It's important to know what you have if you’re going to find a toilet seal ring with a leak-proof connection.
1. PVC Toilet Flange
PVC flanges are widely used because of their affordability, durability, and resistance to corrosion. These flanges are ideal for modern plumbing systems and are available in both push-in and glue-on designs.
2. Cast Iron Toilet Flange
Commonly found in older homes, cast iron flanges are extremely durable. They are best suited for cast iron drain pipes.
3. Stainless Steel Toilet Flange
Stainless steel flanges are highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making them a great long-term option. They are often used as reinforcement for PVC or ABS flanges.
4. Brass Toilet Flange
Brass flanges are typically used in older homes with lead pipes. They are still available today but are not frequently used.
5. ABS Toilet Flange
Similar to PVC flanges, ABS flanges are lightweight and durable. They were mostly used in the 1970s in residential plumbing, where budget-friendly materials were preferred.
6. Offset Toilet Flange
Offset flanges are designed for toilets that need slight adjustments in alignment. They help shift the toilet position by an inch or two if needed. Some wax toilet seals and wax-free toilet seals will not work with offset toilet flanges due to the rubber or plastic portion that extends from the bottom of the toilet ring seal.
How to Choose the Right Toilet Gasket for Your Flange
After you have identified the toilet flange, there are a lot of specifications to consider to find the right one. Choosing the right toilet ring seal depends on various factors, including the type of pipe, toilet placement, and material preference.
1. Toilet Flange Height
The toilet flange height can be a limiting factor because if the toilet flange is above the floor by over ⅜”, a thin wax ring is your only option. In this scenario, a thin toilet wax seal without the black plastic funnel will be the best toilet gasket. Alternatively, after bathroom renovations, it's common to find the toilet flange below the bathroom floor. If the flange is lower than ⅜” below your floor, you may need a toilet flange repair kit to get to the correct toilet flange height. In this scenario, even an extra thick toilet wax ring replacement kit is not deep enough to create a leak-free toilet seal.
Many homeowners think they can stack a wax ring for the toilet; however, stacked toilet seals will result in a leaking toilet wax seal. A toilet flange repair kit can fix a low toilet flange height, and it can also repair a broken toilet flange. This does not require a toilet flange replacement, as the repair flange simply attaches over your existing flange. The toilet repair flange kit does not require a wax toilet seal and includes extra-long toilet bolts, toilet screws and a reusable toilet gasket. A toilet flange repair kit offers the best toilet seal by extending the toilet flange height and automatically adjusting to any toilet flange depth.
2. Durability & Corrosion Resistance
Wax can be a good choice if you have a high toilet flange since there is very little space between the bottom of the toilet and the top of the flange. The problem with a toilet wax ring is that it can not adjust, and any toilet or floor movement will result in the toilet seal leaking. For long-term durability, self-adjusting toilet seals are the better choice. However, a wax toilet ring can be a cost-effective solution if you have the correct toilet flange height.
3. Toilet Flange Inspection
Before installation, it’s helpful to inspect the toilet flange where the bolts are located, as people often over-tighten the toilet flange bolts, causing the toilet flange to stress, crack, or bend during a toilet wax ring replacement or new toilet installation. Proper inspection ensures that the toilet sits flush on the floor and creates a secure seal.
What To Do If Your Toilet Flange Needs Repair?
It can be a big job for some people to replace or repair a toilet flange, however, doing this yourself can save you the expense of hiring professionals. Our One N Done Toilet Flange Repair Kit offers an easy, cost-effective solution.
The T10-OND-400-MB kit includes a self-adjusting, wax-free seal and zinc bolts, ensuring a secure, leak-proof fit. For the easiest toilet installation and best toilet flange replacement, the T10-OND-400-DS kit adds a diamond saw for quick bolt trimming and low-profile locking caps for a clean finish.
Both toilet kits are designed for straightforward installation with videos on how to replace toilet flange for simple DIY repairs.
Get A Reliable Toilet Seal to Match All Toilet Flanges For Your Bathroom
Understanding the different types of toilet flanges can help you choose the best toilet gasket option for your bathroom. Whether you're installing a new toilet, replacing an old toilet seal ring, or have a broken or low toilet flange, picking the right one ensures a leak-free and stable setup.
If you're looking for a reliable universal toilet repair kit, Top 10 New Products has just what you need. Our One N Done flange repair kit helps you get rid of possible issues like leaks and costly repairs, all from the comfort of your own home. Plus, enjoy free shipping on your order!
Shop now and experience hassle-free bathroom repairs, or Contact us to learn more.