Solving the toilet problem is time-consuming and laborious. In any case, this is what this article aims to simplify.

The toilet flange connects the sewage pipe to the toilet above it. You can get it in materials such as PVC or aluminum. Cast iron can be seen in some old houses.

The toilet flange can crack or rupture over time. This may cause a leak or cause the toilet to shake. Therefore, you must remove and replace the flange to solve the problem.

This article provides you with a guide on how to disassemble cast iron toilet flanges. You will also learn how to replace it.

Follow the steps below to remove the cast iron toilet flange without causing any further damage to the equipment.

Before removing the flange, you must first remove the toilet. To do this, close the valve to disconnect the water supply to the equipment. You will find the knob behind it.

Next, remove the lid from the water tank. Then, press the lever several times to flush the toilet. Make sure the water tank is empty or drain as much as possible.

After that, unscrew the ball floating in the water tank. Then, remove the hose that supplies water to the toilet. If it is too tight, you can disconnect it with adjustable pliers.

An open container or towel will come in handy to collect any leaks that may occur. Then, use a large sponge to absorb the remaining water in the water tank and bowl.

Loosen the nuts on the sides and center of the water tank. They stick it on the bowl. You can do this with a wrench. Now, lift the water tank from the bowl and keep it away from the work area.

Next, put some old newspapers or towels on the bathroom floor. Then, loosen the nuts under the bedpan on both sides of the toilet base. If there is a plastic cover on it, pull it down​​​ If the nut is rusty and stuck, you can cut the bolt with a close hacksaw.

Now, break the wax seal connecting the toilet and flange. You can do this by hitting the side or shaking the bowl back and forth.

After that, raise the toilet. You may need to find someone to help you because it is usually heavy. If you can carry it alone, use your legs to support the weight, not your back. Lift it straight up so that the bolt can fall off quickly.

Then, put the toilet on the old newspaper or towel on the bathroom floor. Use a towel to clean up any leaks.

After removing the toilet, block the sewage pipe. It will prevent the unpleasant smell of sewer gas.

Please do not wait until the flange is removed before performing this operation. That's because it's better to stop the smell early. It also prevents things like bolts or screws from entering the pipe.

You can block the pipes with old towels or T-shirts. Make sure not to push it down too tightly or too far. Therefore, you can easily delete it later.

You must clean and inspect the flange to understand the best way to disassemble the flange. You will notice a wax ring on the top of the flange. It seals the toilet base and flange connection. Therefore, it should look discolored. But use a putty knife to scrape it off.

When wax sticks to the putty knife, an old towel or newspaper will come in handy.

Before removing the toilet flange, you must remove the bolts. You can use a socket wrench to do this. Make sure to loosen each slightly each time. This will ensure that the flange does not break at the pipe connection.

Most modern versions have screws, so you need a screwdriver to unscrew them.

If the flange is severely corroded, you may need to use a chisel and hammer to remove the flange. When you use a chisel on it, the cast iron is easily broken. So be careful when you do this, because the pipes may also be cast iron. If it gets damaged in the process, you will face a bigger problem.

The next thing to do is to test the flange. Use a spudger to complete. The purpose is to check whether it has been loosened. This will enable you to determine what to do next. Check if it breaks to the stem. If so, you can easily pull it down. If not, you will have to break it.

If there are no cracks in the flange, you need to do it yourself. Use cold chisel and hammer.

First, place the cold chisel on the flat part of the flange located on the floor. Make sure it points to the outer edge. This is because any impact on the inner edge will rupture the connecting pipe. Now hit the chisel with a hammer until the flange breaks.

After that, you must remove the flange. To do this, insert a pry bar under the edge to push it up. That should delete it.

However, if it appears a bit, use a piece of wood as a spacer to support the part. Then use a pry bar to push up the other part of the flange. Keep doing this until it is free. Then pull it out.

Finally, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust or debris around the pipes and bathroom floor.

Follow the steps below to repair the new cast iron toilet flange.

To replace an old or damaged flange, you must purchase the correct flange. It is best to get a firm fit that can sit well on the waste pipe and the floor.

One way is to take the old flange to a hardware store and buy a matching one. The new one should have the same shape and size, and be the same as possible.

Another method is to measure the inner diameter of the drain pipe. Please pay attention to the size and use it as a reference for purchasing a new size. This is a good method, especially if the old flange is broken.

Buy a wax ring to match the new flange.

Now you must start to install the flange. First, fix the bolts in it. Make sure they are on both sides of the flange. Put each washer and nut aside.

If there are no bolts in the new kit, you can reuse the bolts from the old flange. Make sure they can still be reused.

Next, install a flange on the waste pipe. Make sure the neck fits firmly. And make sure the edge is on the floor. You can chisel off the edges of the floor to make sure it is well installed.

If it is still not on the same level as the floor, then you need to repair the bathroom floor.

After that, fix the flange in place. Use a screwdriver to pass the screws through the edge of the flange and into the floor. There should be holes in the floor that can pass through the screws. If not, use a drill to create a new drill.

If the existing hole is too large, use a mallet to insert the plastic wall anchor into it. Then pass the screw through the flange and screw it into it.

Check for any loose screws or washers around the flange or drain pipe, and then remove them. Then, remove the old towel from the waste pipe. You must remove the material first to ensure that they do not fall into the tube when the wipes are removed. Make sure you dispose of it.

Now tilt the toilet and set the wax ring in place.

The round edge of the ring should be located above the pipe string below the toilet. Do not change its shape while doing this, but make sure it is firm. Inserting the wax ring in this way will help form a good seal around the toilet.

But you can also put the wax ring on top of the flange and then put the toilet on it. If you like this method, place it with the circle facing up.

The next step is to install the toilet in place. Make sure that the holes in the toilet base fit tightly with the bolts pointed from the flange.

After correct positioning, press down the bowl on the back to change the shape of the wax ring and proceed firmly. This seals the connection.

This can be done whether you place the ring under the toilet or on the flange.

Next, place the plastic washers on the exposed bolts. Then put a metal one and tighten the nut by hand. Use a socket wrench to secure them properly.

You can cover the bolts with plastic caps. However, if they are too long, trim them with a hacksaw so that the cap can fit.

It is time to reconnect the water supply. First, connect the hose under the toilet tank. For this, you can use a wrench or adjustable pliers. However, if the couplings are plastic, you can tighten them manually.

Next, open the valve. When you do this, water will start to flow into the water tank. Check for leaks immediately after the water tank is full. Then check the connection between the toilet tank and the water supply line.

After that, flush the toilet several times. Make sure there are no leaks around the base or floor area. If so, you must repeat the process or call the plumber.

It is easy to disassemble the cast iron flange. All you have to do is to safely disconnect the water supply and other related connections from the toilet. Then carefully remove the toilet tank and toilet. You will see the flange loosen and safely removed.

You can also replace the flange to repair the damage. However, you must proceed with caution. You can also contact professionals for operation.

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