Skip to main content
Stesso
Project

Insert Closet Bolts and Wax Ring — Clean and Prepare the Toilet Flange

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

Replace Your Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide · Step 3 of 5

Helpful?

In this video

Insert the closet bolts in the flange and set the new wax ring on the flange.

Goal: Prepare Flange for new Toilet

Used in this video

  • Closet Bolts · optional — Securing the toilet to the floor
  • Wax Ring · optional — Creating a seal between toilet and flange
1.0M views6.6K
Dare to Repair

8K subscribers

View Channel

FAQs

Is replacing a toilet truly a beginner-friendly project, and how long should I expect it to take?

Yes, this project is rated as beginner-friendly, but requires careful attention to detail. Most DIYers can complete it in approximately 3 hours, assuming no major complications like flange damage. Allocate extra time if you're working alone or if your old toilet is particularly stubborn.

Besides the listed adjustable wrench, sponge, and putty knife, what other essential tools or materials might I need?

You'll also want work gloves for hygiene, a utility knife for scoring caulk, and possibly shims if your floor isn't perfectly level. Don't forget rags or old towels to protect your floor and a bucket for any residual water. A new wax ring with bolts is crucial, as listed in materials.

What are the most critical safety precautions to take when removing the old toilet, especially regarding water and waste?

Always turn off the water supply completely and flush multiple times to empty the tank and bowl as much as possible. Wear sturdy gloves and eye protection when handling the old toilet, as it can be heavy and contain residual waste. Be careful lifting, as toilets are heavy; bend with your knees.

What are the most common mistakes people make when installing a new wax ring, and how can I prevent leaks?

A common mistake is misaligning the toilet over the wax ring, which can crush it improperly and lead to leaks. Ensure the new wax ring is seated correctly on the flange or base of the toilet and lower the toilet straight down onto the bolts. Do not lift and reposition the toilet once the wax ring has made contact, as this can break the seal.

Transcript
Hide

okay there you go all right so this is our closet flange and it's really important that this flange is is whole like it is right here and also that it's attached down into the building itself so you see the stainless screws here here here and here down into the meat of the subfloor below the tile okay so that'll hold the flange to the building and then the other part of the connection is to make sure the toilet is held to the flange so it's flange of building toilet to flange right so they make a special bolt right here called a closet bolt you'll see that it keys right in right here and you bring it to the center point right here and these these little plastic holders will hold it at the right position put that one in okay key it in okay so those bolts are in place right there so now we've got the flange attached to the building the bolts ready to go let's get this out of the way and now we need to make a water and airtight seal to the bottom of the toilet so this is now replacing the wax that's right this has been the time-honored wax seal that sits right down here this is one that i i tend to favor which is a little thicker but also has a horn to direct the water down away from where that top connection is all right so now

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.