Do you know what a toilet flange is for? Understanding your plumbing system is important for maintenance. Find out how your toilet works in our guide!
A toilet flange is a pipe fitting that helps secure the toilet to the floor while also connecting it to the sewer pipes.
In short, a toilet flange serves two important functions. First, it secures the toilet bowl to the bathroom floor, preventing it from wobbling and leaking with each use. Secondly, it connects to the drain pipe so that waste can be removed from the bathroom.
However, toilet flanges are made from different materials. PVC flanges, for example, are among the cheapest options on the market. They are also rust resistant so they last longer.
Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with materials. We have put together this guide so that you know all the important aspects.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOILET FLANGES
As mentioned above, a toilet or closet flange is made of different materials, each of which has its strengths and weaknesses. And in this section we have listed some of the most used ones:
1. STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel toilet flanges are known for their resistance to rust and corrosion, making them suitable for sealing your sewer pipes. However, only the part that fits the wax ring is made of stainless steel. The rest of the body is made of plastic, copper, cast iron pipes, or cast iron toilet flanges.
2. ALUMINUM
Aluminum toilet flanges are extremely lightweight, corrosion resistant and durable. Its design is similar to that of a stainless steel toilet flange because the ring is made of aluminum.
3. COPPER
Copper flanges come in two varieties: soft and rigid. One of the main benefits of copper is that it lasts a long time without rusting. In addition, the material is fully biostatic; So you don’t have to worry about the formation of bacteria.
4. PVC
If your budget is tight, PVC toilet flanges are the best option on the market. They are highly durable, lightweight and rust resistant, making them a practical choice for economical plumbing fixtures.
5. BRASS
Like copper, brass is resistant to corrosion and is not a breeding ground for microorganisms such as bacteria. In addition, brass flanges are heat resistant, making them ideal for Australian summers.
However, the brass flange can oxidize when exposed to air. Therefore, you need to be careful when installing a brass toilet flange.
COMMON PROBLEMS RELATED TO TOILET FLANGE
In addition to understanding the different toilet flange materials, it is important to know how to install them as the most common issues arise during installation. Some of the most common problems you may face in this regard include:
- The toilets have an unpleasant smell
- The toilet bowl wobbles slightly out of position when in use
- Unexplained leak at the bottom of the toilet.
If you notice the toilet is clogged, you’ll need to use an auger to free the flange. In addition, you should regularly inspect it for signs of corrosion or rust. If you discover rust on the flange, we recommend replacing it. This will prevent the drain pipe from being damaged and water leaking out.
Sometimes you may notice water pooling around your toilet caused by a loose ring of wax around the flange. You can fix this problem by installing a new wax ring or tightening the old one.
UNDERSTANDING THE WORKINGS OF YOUR TOILET
As mentioned, installing toilet flanges is difficult but can be solved if you take extra precautions. With this in mind, you can prevent these problems from occurring if you follow our steps.
First, make sure the toilet flanges are made of durable materials such as PVC or brass toilet flanges. This means the new toilet will stay in place longer. Other than that, you need to be careful when installing the flange on your drainage system.
If the drain pipes are short, you will need to attach a flange extension to the drain pipe. On the other hand, you will have to cut the pipe if it is too long. And we strongly recommend that you contact a plumber if the flange still has a problem. If you would like a professional and friendly plumbing service in Melbourne, speak to us today. The team at Wirenut Drain Cleaning Pros Colorado Springs can remove your old toilet flange and have a new flange installed, repaired or replaced in no time!