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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Plumbing in the Home > toilet flange/leaking around flange on subflooring
Plumbing in the Home - toilet flange/leaking around flange on subflooring
Expert: Dana Bostick - 11/6/2009
Question
i am having what appears to be a small leak around the toilet flange with wet moist subflooring (noticed only in the basement, not in bathroom itself). pulled the toilet and noticed the wax seal not on flange except small amount at one spot and that flange is perfectly even/smooth with tile floor in bathroom. my question is, is it ok that the flange is even with the floor and not slightly elevated?(the tiling ends at the flange edge and is not under the flange) and if this is ok would a double thick no seep wax ring be suggested? i believe this to be the cause of the leak and need a remedy. thanks so much.
Answer
Hi Matt,
Yep, you're on the right track with the double ring. When I have experienced this problem, I use one wax ring with the plastic horn (funnel thing)built in and another stacked under it, over the horn that is just a plain wax ring. Make sure the rings are up to room temperature before setting the toilet or you will have a hard time getting it down all the way. Place the rings on the flange and carefully pick up the toilet by straddling it and holding it at the balance point so it's level. Duck walk forward into position and lower the toilet onto the rings. Carefully work the toilet down with your weight pushing down on your arms, and gently twisting it back and forth with your knees slightly until it hits the floor and the closet bolts are sticking up through the holes in the base.
Another trick here is to "double nut the bolts" to the ring before hand to keep them steady while you set the toilet so they don't flop over. Place the bolts as normal, add a second washer and nut right against the flange, and snug them down. There is plenty of space under the toilet base to allow for the extra nuts. ALWAYS USE BRASS CLOSET BOLTS.
Good Luck,
Dana
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