If you have a toilet that rocks back and forth or is a bit wobbly, then the first thing to check is if the bolts fastening it to the floor (or toilet flange) are tight. But the closet bolts are likely loose for a reason. If your toilet isn’t sitting on a level or even floor, then even though the bolts were initially tight, the toilet can move and work things loose. The problem is that its not the bolts that will loosen, but the flange is bent or even broken where the bolt was fastened to it as seen in the picture below.
So now you need it fixed, but are wondering how and what the next steps are. There are a couple different options depending on your particular situation:
- The best option is to replace the flange with a new one. To do this you need to cut the pipe below and put in new pipe and fittings accordingly. However, this can be difficult if you have a finished ceiling below that you would rather leave untouched, or if it’s on concrete. In this case option 2 would be better.
- A repair ring can be purchased (shown in the picture below) which gets siliconed and screwed over top of the old flange. This method is quick and easier, but special care should be taken to make sure water doesn’t leak between the new ring and the old flange.
- If you do not feel comfortable with any of these repairs, contact a professional as having a water leak can be very damaging. (519-780-0088 for a Guelph Plumber). We are trusted local plumbers in Guelph. We can help fix a broken toilet.
how do you make sure the water doesn’t leak between the new ring and the old flange.
Just the silicone? I am a 57 year old petite female. The whole bolt just pulled out of the toilet flange. I shut off the water, (which was broken and valve didn’t work.) to the master bath. I removed the toilet. Dried the floor. I covered the pipe and I am going to let the whole mess dry up for a couple of days before I attempt the fix. Yes I did this alone. Now I will try the repair kit. No I don’t want a leak especially out of that drain ! Is the silicone the only way to seal and what kind should I get?
Thank you very much. I’m an RN and don’t make a lot of money to pay for all of these repairs. I just replaced the seal on a tank in my other bathroom only to find a cracked tank which was probably the result of my ex-boyfriend. I sealed it with pool epoxy that I used when I repaired the pool. So far it’s all good.
Please advise and thank you for being here.
geraldine macen
The rubber (or wax) seal should fit on the inside of the ring, so you don’t have to worry about it sealing. In other news, RN’s make more than plumbers but attitude is everything; love what you do and love others.
I’m not a plumber myself, so I can’t say I have personal experience or anything, but I have a few friends who are plumbers, and all of them swear by the Flange-Out tool. It’s a drill attachment that makes removing a toilet flange a piece of cake. I put the link to their website in my name, in case you want to check it out. Like I said, I haven’t used it myself, but from what my plumber friends have told me, it works really, really well!
I haven’t actually used this tool myself, but it does seem interesting. I might have to take a look.
Perfect post for those looking how to fix their toilet, leaks and what not, though most of the time I call a plumber to fix my house issues. Great post. Keep up!