Step 3 · Clean and Inspect the Old Flange
Once the toilet is gone, you will see the old wax ring and the toilet flange. The first priority is to plug the drain pipe with a large rag or old towel. This will block sewer gases and prevent anything from falling in. Next, put on disposable gloves and use a putty knife to scrape all the old wax off the flange and the surrounding floor. Clean the area thoroughly so you can clearly see the flange, the fasteners holding it to the floor, and its connection to the drain pipe. Identify whether the flange is PVC (usually white or black), ABS (black), or cast iron (dull, dark gray metal).