Cutting and Gluing PVC Pipe — Remove PVC/ABS Flange
Part of project
How to Remove an Old Toilet Flange · Step 5 of 7
In this video
The user cuts a piece of PVC pipe to size using a ratcheting PVC cutter. He then dry-fits the drain line components and makes alignment marks with a pencil. He protects the sink surface with a cloth and begins gluing the pipes. He applies purple primer to both the pipe end and the inside of the fitting, followed by all-purpose cement. He pushes the pieces together firmly with a quarter turn to set the joint. He repeats this process for the entire drain line section.
Goal: Plumbing Pipes Installation (Standard)
- Purple primer is nasty and will stain everything it touches.
- A ratcheting PVC cutter provides a perfectly clean cut with minimal effort.
- Make pencil marks on dry-fitted pipes to ensure proper alignment when gluing.
Used in this video
- Ratcheting PVC Cutter — Cutting PVC pipe cleanly.
- Pencil — Making alignment marks on pipes.
- Cloth/Rag — Protecting surfaces from primer and cement.
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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.
Cutting and Gluing PVC Pipe — Remove PVC/ABS Flange
Part of project
How to Remove an Old Toilet Flange · Step 5 of 7
In this video
The user cuts a piece of PVC pipe to size using a ratcheting PVC cutter. He then dry-fits the drain line components and makes alignment marks with a pencil. He protects the sink surface with a cloth and begins gluing the pipes. He applies purple primer to both the pipe end and the inside of the fitting, followed by all-purpose cement. He pushes the pieces together firmly with a quarter turn to set the joint. He repeats this process for the entire drain line section.
Goal: Plumbing Pipes Installation (Standard)
- Purple primer is nasty and will stain everything it touches.
- A ratcheting PVC cutter provides a perfectly clean cut with minimal effort.
- Make pencil marks on dry-fitted pipes to ensure proper alignment when gluing.
Used in this video
- Ratcheting PVC Cutter — Cutting PVC pipe cleanly.
- Pencil — Making alignment marks on pipes.
- Cloth/Rag — Protecting surfaces from primer and cement.
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.