Removing a toilet flange that‘s been adhered to the floor or pipe is a tricky DIY project, but with the right tools and techniques, it can absolutely be done. As an expert in home renovation with over 10 years of experience, I‘ve put together this detailed guide to walk you through the process step-by-step.
What Exactly is a Toilet Flange?
Before we dig into how to remove a glued flange, it helps to understand exactly what a toilet flange is and how it works.
A toilet flange is a small plastic or metal fitting that connects the base of the toilet to the drainpipe in the floor. It creates a tight seal between the toilet and the floor to prevent leaks. The flange also serves as the anchor point for securing the toilet to the floor using bolts and washers.
Here are a few key facts about toilet flanges:
- Usually made of PVC, ABS plastic, or cast iron
- Contains slots for toilet mounting bolts
- Secured to floor with adhesive or screws
- Uses wax ring or rubber gasket to seal toilet
- Diameter is roughly 5-7 inches
- Often called a closet flange
Knowing the basic construction and purpose of the flange will help give you some context for why gluing it causes issues and how to remove it.
Why Would a Toilet Flange Be Glued Down?
While gluing a toilet flange to the floor makes it much harder to remove later, there are some reasons plumbers may opt to use adhesive:
Faster installation – Gluing the flange takes less time compared to screwing it into the floor. This allows plumbers to complete more jobs in a day.
No access underneath – Sometimes the drain pipe feeds through a concrete floor or an area without subfloor access underneath. In these cases, screwing in the flange isn‘t possible.
Prevent leaks – Some plumbers will use a very liberal amount of adhesive to try and create the most leak-proof seal possible between the flange and floor.
Permanent installation – Construction adhesive creates an incredibly strong, permanent bond. This is desirable for commercial installations where the flange shouldn‘t need replacing.
Lazy installation – Unfortunately, some plumbers may glue the flange simply because it‘s faster and easier than proper installation techniques.
While gluing the flange can be quicker, it causes major headaches down the road if repairs or replacement are needed.
Dangers of a Glued-Down Toilet Flange
Replacing a glued toilet flange requires cutting through the adhesive underneath. This is much more difficult than unscrewing a flange that was properly secured with bolts.
Here are some of the dangers you face with a permanently glued flange:
- Inaccessible – The flange can‘t be easily accessed for repairs, replacement, or height adjustments.
- Messy adhesive – Cutting through old adhesive often leaves a mess of caulk, tar, or putty that must be cleaned.
- Flange damage – Excess force when prying can crack the flange or snap the bolt slots.
- Pipe disconnection – The flange can break away from the drain pipe if the adhesive seal fails.
- Floor damage – Digging out old adhesive risks gouging or scratching the floor around the flange.
- Limited flexibility – A glued flange makes it very hard to raise or lower the flange height if needed.
As you can see, it‘s best to avoid gluing down the flange altogether. But if you‘re stuck with one, it can be removed with some determination.
Signs It‘s Time to Replace a Glued-Down Flange
A glued toilet flange that was improperly installed may function for years before issues arise. But here are some clear signs that indicate it‘s time to replace that pesky glued flange:
- Visible cracks or damage – Cracks in the flange plastic are a red flag. Corrosion or broken bolt slots also indicate replacement is needed.
- Leaking water – One of the first signs of trouble is water leaking from the base of the toilet. This means the wax seal is compromised.
- New flooring installation – If you‘re installing new flooring like tile or wood, the flange height will need adjusting.
- Broken flange bolts – It‘s common for the old bolts to snap off when removing the toilet. New bolts won‘t grip properly.
- New toilet installation – A new toilet may not align properly or seal well with an old flange, so replacing it is wise.
- Toilet rocking – Any rocking or wobbling indicates the flange is no longer properly supporting the toilet.
Don‘t ignore these warning signs – replace that problem flange sooner rather than later to avoid bigger headaches down the road!
Supplies Needed to Remove a Glued-Down Toilet Flange
Alright, time for the fun part – actually removing that pesky glued flange! To get the job done safely, you‘ll need to gather the following supplies:
- Safety glasses – Protect your eyes from debris when cutting and prying.
- Flat pry bar – A long pry bar provides extra leverage when loosening the flange.
- Reciprocating saw – For cutting through metal flanges, a reciprocating saw works best.
- Jigsaw – Better for controlled cuts on plastic flanges. The blade won‘t bind like a circular saw.
- Concrete drill bits – For drilling out old screw holes or adhesive spots.
- Shop vacuum – Sucks up all the little pieces of dirt, adhesive, and debris.
- Gloves – Protect your hands from sharp edges and chemicals. Nitrile gloves resist solvents.
- Rags – For wiping up messes, cleaning the area, and applying mineral spirits.
- Mineral spirits – Helps dissolve and clean old adhesive residue.
- Replacement flange – Don‘t forget your new flange to install once the old one is out!
- Caulk/adhesive – For securing the new flange properly to the floor.
Gather all these items beforehand so your project goes smoothly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove a Glued-Down Toilet Flange
Now comes the fun part! Here is my proven step-by-step process for safely removing a glued toilet flange:
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Your first move is to turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This eliminates water spraying if any is left in the tank or lines. Go ahead and flush to drain any remaining water from the tank as well.
2. Unbolt and Remove the Toilet
Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the nuts and unscrew the bolts securing the base of the toilet to the flange. Carefully lift the toilet straight up and off the flange. Set it aside on cardboard or towels to prevent scratches.
3. Inspect the Flange
Take a close look at the flange itself. Note what material it‘s made from and check for any existing damage or cracks. This will determine the best method for cutting it.
4. Outline Your Cut Lines
Grab a permanent marker. Trace cut lines around the complete outer edge of the flange. You want to cut as close to the floor as possible to slice through the adhesive underneath.
5. Cut Through the Flange
Safety first – put on eye protection. For metal flanges, use a reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade. On plastic flanges, use a jigsaw with a blade made for PVC. Carefully cut along the lines you marked.
6. Insert Pry Bar and Loosen Flange
With cuts made, wedge a flat pry bar under the edge of the flange. Gently pry up one side, then work your way around to loosen the entire flange. Be careful not to gouge the floor.
7. Remove Old Adhesive
Examine the floor area and use a putty knife, chisel, or scraper to remove any leftover adhesive. Go slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the floor surface. Wipe it all down with some mineral spirits.
8. Thoroughly Clean and Dry
It‘s critical to get the area completely clean before installing the new flange. Remove any loose debris with a shop vacuum. Wipe it down well with a dry rag until no residue remains.
9. Install the New Toilet Flange
Apply a bead of silicone caulk or adhesive on the underside of your new flange. Press it into place and hold for 30 seconds while the adhesive secures it. Be sure to follow the manufacturer‘s instructions.
10. Reinstall the Toilet
Put a fresh wax ring on the new flange. Set your toilet back over the flange bolts, press down firmly, and tighten the washers and nuts to secure it. Last, reconnect the water supply and test for leaks!
And just like that, your stubborn glued flange is history. While it takes some work, the process is very doable.
Helpful Tips for Preventing a Stuck Flange
To avoid needing to replace a glued flange down the road, here are my pro tips for proper installation:
- Only use a small bead of adhesive – don‘t overdo it!
- Opt for a flexible adhesive like silicone caulk rather than construction adhesive.
- Secure the flange with screws first for stability before using any adhesive.
- Consider using a jigsaw over a circular saw – it‘s easier to control on the delicate flange.
- Wear eye protection – flange pieces can go flying when you pry it up.
- Have putty knives ready – they‘re great for scraping off old adhesive.
- Avoid solvent glues which can degrade and warp plastic flanges over time.
Following these best practices will prevent that nightmare glued flange scenario in the first place!
Calling a Plumber for Help
I‘ll be honest – removing a glued-down flange is one of the more tricky DIY projects you can take on. If you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself or encounter any issues during the process, it may be best to call a professional plumber to take over.
Professional plumbers have years of experience successfully removing old flanges and installing new ones properly. They also have specialized tools that make the process faster and minimize damage to your floors.
While it does add cost to your project, sometimes it‘s worth paying the pros to avoid potential headaches and problems down the road. Consider your skill level and whether it‘s a DIY project you want to tackle.
Conclusion
Removing a glued toilet flange is definitely tedious – but with some perseverance and the right techniques, it can absolutely be accomplished. The key things to remember are working slowly, using the proper cutting tools, and thoroughly cleaning the area afterward.
While a glued flange is meant to be permanent, with some patience and the steps I‘ve outlined here, you can successfully remove and replace that pesky flange. Just be safe – wear eye protection and gloves throughout the process.
I hope you found my step-by-step guide helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions about toilet flange removal or home improvement projects in general. I‘m always happy to help out!
