Remove Old Flanges — Clean Pipe and Floor for New Installation
Part of project
How to Remove an Old Toilet Flange · Step 7 of 7
In this video
After cleaning the area, the plumber removes the old flanges. He uses a specialized pipe reaming tool attached to a drill to cut out the inner PVC flange from inside the waste pipe. Next, he uses a pry bar and hammer to break and chisel away the old, rusted metal flange rings. This process fully exposes the rotted subfloor underneath.
Goal: Toilet Removal (Standard)
- Stuff a rag into the drain pipe opening to block sewer gases and prevent tools or debris from falling in while you work. Remember to remove it before installing the new toilet.
Used in this video
- Drill (brand: Milwaukee, Drill Type: Cordless drill) — Powering the pipe reamer to cut out the old PVC flange.
- Pipe Reamer/Cutter (brand: Lenox) — Cutting the old PVC flange from inside the drain pipe.
- Pry Bar (brand: Unknown) — Prying up and breaking apart the old metal flange rings.
- Hammer (brand: Unknown, Hammer Type: Claw hammer) · optional — Assisting the pry bar in breaking the old flange.
29K subscribers
FAQs
How difficult is it to remove an old toilet flange, and how long should I expect it to take?
Removing an old toilet flange is generally considered an intermediate-difficulty DIY project. Expect it to take 2-4 hours, though this can vary significantly based on your experience, the flange material (cast iron is more challenging), and how easily the old fasteners come out. Patience and the right tools are key.
What are the essential safety precautions I need to take when removing a toilet flange?
Safety is paramount for this project. Always wear safety glasses and work gloves to protect against debris and sharp edges. Ensure the water supply is shut off and the toilet is completely drained before beginning. If working with cast iron, be cautious of flying fragments and use appropriate hearing protection when chiseling.
Do I absolutely need specialized tools like an inside pipe cutter or a cold chisel and sledgehammer for this project?
Yes, for PVC/ABS flanges, an inside pipe cutter (like The Plumber's Choice 1242R) is highly recommended to make a clean, safe cut without damaging the main drain pipe. For cast iron flanges, a cold chisel (e.g., Dasco Pro G419) and sledgehammer (like Estwing MRF3LB) are often necessary to break the brittle material without damaging the subfloor or surrounding pipe.
What's the most common mistake DIYers make when removing a toilet flange, and how can I avoid damaging the drain pipe?
The most common and costly mistake is damaging the drain pipe itself while removing the flange. To avoid this, always exercise caution and precision. When cutting PVC/ABS, ensure the inside pipe cutter is properly adjusted to cut only the flange. When breaking cast iron, direct your force carefully with the chisel to fracture the flange, not the underlying pipe or subfloor.
Remove Old Flanges — Clean Pipe and Floor for New Installation
Part of project
How to Remove an Old Toilet Flange · Step 7 of 7
In this video
After cleaning the area, the plumber removes the old flanges. He uses a specialized pipe reaming tool attached to a drill to cut out the inner PVC flange from inside the waste pipe. Next, he uses a pry bar and hammer to break and chisel away the old, rusted metal flange rings. This process fully exposes the rotted subfloor underneath.
Goal: Toilet Removal (Standard)
- Stuff a rag into the drain pipe opening to block sewer gases and prevent tools or debris from falling in while you work. Remember to remove it before installing the new toilet.
Used in this video
- Drill (brand: Milwaukee, Drill Type: Cordless drill) — Powering the pipe reamer to cut out the old PVC flange.
- Pipe Reamer/Cutter (brand: Lenox) — Cutting the old PVC flange from inside the drain pipe.
- Pry Bar (brand: Unknown) — Prying up and breaking apart the old metal flange rings.
- Hammer (brand: Unknown, Hammer Type: Claw hammer) · optional — Assisting the pry bar in breaking the old flange.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to remove an old toilet flange, and how long should I expect it to take?
Removing an old toilet flange is generally considered an intermediate-difficulty DIY project. Expect it to take 2-4 hours, though this can vary significantly based on your experience, the flange material (cast iron is more challenging), and how easily the old fasteners come out. Patience and the right tools are key.
What are the essential safety precautions I need to take when removing a toilet flange?
Safety is paramount for this project. Always wear safety glasses and work gloves to protect against debris and sharp edges. Ensure the water supply is shut off and the toilet is completely drained before beginning. If working with cast iron, be cautious of flying fragments and use appropriate hearing protection when chiseling.
Do I absolutely need specialized tools like an inside pipe cutter or a cold chisel and sledgehammer for this project?
Yes, for PVC/ABS flanges, an inside pipe cutter (like The Plumber's Choice 1242R) is highly recommended to make a clean, safe cut without damaging the main drain pipe. For cast iron flanges, a cold chisel (e.g., Dasco Pro G419) and sledgehammer (like Estwing MRF3LB) are often necessary to break the brittle material without damaging the subfloor or surrounding pipe.
What's the most common mistake DIYers make when removing a toilet flange, and how can I avoid damaging the drain pipe?
The most common and costly mistake is damaging the drain pipe itself while removing the flange. To avoid this, always exercise caution and precision. When cutting PVC/ABS, ensure the inside pipe cutter is properly adjusted to cut only the flange. When breaking cast iron, direct your force carefully with the chisel to fracture the flange, not the underlying pipe or subfloor.