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Reinstall the Toilet — Reinstall and Secure the Toilet

Beginner4 hours

Part of project

How to Repair a Broken Toilet Flange with a Repair Ring · Step 5 of 6

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In this video

Insert the new closet bolts into the slots on the newly installed flange. Place a new, wax-free flexible seal over the flange. Carefully lift the toilet and guide it down onto the flange, making sure the closet bolts come up through the holes in the toilet's base. Press down on the toilet to compress the seal. Place the plastic washers, then the metal washers, and finally the nuts onto the bolts. Tighten the nuts evenly on both sides until the toilet is snug and doesn't rock. Do not overtighten. Use a mini hacksaw to cut the excess bolt length. Snap on the decorative caps. Reconnect the water supply line, turn the water on, and perform a test flush to check for leaks.

Goal: Plumbing Fixture Installation (Toilet)

  • Overtightening the closet bolt nuts can easily crack the porcelain base of the toilet.

Used in this video

  • Wrench (Wrench_Type: Open-end) — Tightening the nuts on the new closet bolts.
  • Mini Hacksaw — Cutting the excess length off the new closet bolts so the decorative caps will fit.
  • Toilet — Final installation.
3.7M views20.1K1 minute 35 seconds
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FAQs

How difficult is this toilet flange repair project for a beginner, and what's the estimated time commitment?

This project is considered beginner-friendly, primarily requiring patience and careful attention to detail rather than advanced skills. Most DIYers can complete it within 3-5 hours, assuming all necessary tools and materials are readily available. The most time-consuming parts are usually the careful removal and reinstallation of the toilet.

Do I need specialized and expensive tools like a Hilti Hammer Drill for this project, or are there more budget-friendly alternatives?

While a heavy-duty hammer drill is listed, it's typically only needed if you have a concrete subfloor and need to drill new holes for the repair ring or toilet bolts. For most common subfloors like wood, a standard drill with appropriate bits is sufficient. You also don't necessarily need multiple tactical flashlights; one good work light will suffice for visibility.

What are the key safety precautions I should take when repairing a toilet flange?

Always shut off the water supply to the toilet and flush it to empty the tank and bowl before starting. Wear protective gloves, especially when handling the old toilet and wax seal due to hygiene concerns. Be careful when lifting and moving the toilet, as it can be heavy and awkward; consider getting help to prevent back injury.

What is the most common mistake beginners make when installing a flange repair ring, and how can I ensure a leak-free connection?

The most common mistake is not thoroughly cleaning and leveling the existing flange area before installing the repair ring, or improperly seating the new wax seal. Ensure the old wax is completely removed and the surface is dry and smooth. When reinstalling the toilet, press it down firmly and evenly onto the new wax ring and avoid rocking it to create a proper seal.

Transcript
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All right, we have solid in place and now it's time to make the connections. These are called closet bolts and they go right into the keyway right there, one on each side, okay, and now we're going to make a nice tight seal. Now I've always used these, these are wax seals and the issue with these is you take them out of your truck in the summer and they're just about melted and the winter they're rock hard. Today what I'm going to use is this, this is a flexible gasket and this has a lot of advantage, it makes a nice positive seal to the underside of the toilet, it can also be reused, repositioned. So we put that right down over there, all right, and now we get the toilet, we are ready to put this back together again. Great. Just guide that from that side. All set? Go ahead. All right, so now we just put plastic washer first, then stainless washer and brass nut. We'll just tighten them up, I'll get this side. All right, so you can see the new closet bolt is pretty long so the cap would not fit, so we're going to use that mini hacksaw and just cut that brass bolt. All right, Kelly, water is back on, the tank is filled but most important we have a brand new flange back to that old cast iron pipe, we've got a great connection to bottom of this bolt, you will not have another leak. Thank you. All right, as is our custom on the Asus House, you should do the honors. All right. What do you think?

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