Should the Toilet Flange Sit On Top of Tile, Subfloor, or Floor?

If you’re planning to replace the toilet flange or add a new one, you might wonder whether to put the same on top of the tiles or the floor.

The flange of a toilet bowl should sit on top of the tile. It is attached to the tile by a wax ring. This connection between the bowl and the lower-level pipe will prevent the water from leaking. 

Placing the flange below the floor or tiles can cause issues with drainage. You don’t want your bathroom flooded with dirty water.

A toilet flange is a pipe used to secure the bowl to the underground plumbing. In this post, we’ll talk about installing a toilet flange.

Should the Toilet Flange Sit On Top of Tile, Subfloor, or Floor?

Getting the hang of a new toilet can be challenging, especially if you don’t know how it works. Also, installing the toilet flange can be a bit difficult. It is because various factors go into the placement of the pipe.

Place the toilet flange above the floor tile to keep the wax ring and the toilet flange as close as possible. It ensures that the wax ring and the toilet are in the same position.

If you have a tile floor in your bathroom, then you might want to install a toilet flange underneath it, which could cause issues with the drainage system of your toilet and bathroom.

As a result, you might want to fix the very costly leaks. Having a leaky bathroom is not ideal since it can affect the efficiency of your bathroom.

Getting the flange below the tiles is not a practical idea since it requires the removal and re-installation of the tiles. It can also be very costly. Since the toilet flange usually sits on top of the tile, it doesn’t get in the way of the floor’s flow.

How High Should Toilet Flange Be Above Floor?

The height of the toilet flange should be the right one to allow it to work correctly. If you’re planning on installing a new toilet, make sure that the height of the flange is at least 14 inches above the finished floor of the bathroom. It will allow you to install a more robust wax ring to hold the bowl securely.

Sometimes, you might not have enough clearance between the tile floor and the toilet flange. You can fix this issue by using a toilet flange extender. These are available in different sizes.

You can choose between two different toilet flange extensions to fit your bathroom. These are both made with long steel bars designed to secure the flange. The easy-to-use installation process of these extensions also helps.

To determine the correct height of the toilet flange, remove the bowl and take out the entire surface of the flange. Doing so will allow you to measure its clearance.

How Do You Install a Toilet Flange on Tile?

Although it seems like a challenging task to install a toilet flange, it is pretty simple. You must ensure that the screws are correct and that the flange covers the wood underneath the tile. If your floor is concrete, then you might want to use tapcon screws.

You will need various tools and equipment to complete the project, such as screws, drill machines, glue, tape measures, and safety glasses. Masks and gloves are also required when working.

Cut Through the Tiles

If there are extra-large tiles on your pipes, you should cut them first. Doing so will allow you to attach them to the drain pipe easily. Also, make sure that the bottom of the flange has enough space. It will enable you to mount it outside the drainpipe.

Stick the Toilet Flange

Before working on the toilet, make sure that the pipe and the flange are clean. Also, glue the drain pipe and the inside and outside of the flange. Finally, attach the drainage pipe to the flange. There is a slot in one of the sections.

Mount the toilet on the floor. The back part of the flange should be parallel to the wall. To put the glue on, allow it to sit for a few minutes.

Put the Screws

To install a tile and screws together, use a drill machine. You will usually drill around three or four holes. You will use a 12×2-inch bolt to attach the tile to the conditioned area.

Install the toilet’s flange using screws. You can do this method using slotted parts, which are not as strong as those used with nuts. To secure the bolt, make sure that you install it firmly.

How to Level a Toilet Flange?

You should install the toilet flange at the correct height. If installed too low or high in the attic, it will not fit properly.

Before using your new toilet, ensure that the flange installs correctly. If it’s above the floor’s surface, it’s too high. Also, it should be below the tiles or parallel to the floor.

Replace the old one with a new one if you can’t use it. You can also block the drainpipe with a piece of cloth or paper to prevent sewage from escaping.

If the toilet flange is too high, it’s time to level it down. Using a circular saw, cut the excess pipe, which should be parallel to the floor. After that, you can also carve some tiles and replace the toilet flange.

But when the toilet flange is below the level, it will cause issues. After removing the old one, make sure that it’s level before you start working on it. It’s most likely that a broken tile causes the issue.

Before installing the new toilet flange, you must first fill the upper part of the subfloor. After that, you should level the device and make sure you place it on the finished floor or the tiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should You Tile Around a Toilet?

Of course! You should tile around the toilet. Everyone has an idea that tile is the best choice for bathroom flooring.

It can make the room look more organized and quickly put together. Also, if the wax seal gets broken, the tiles can prevent water buildup. They can also create a sub-flooring arrangement between the flange and the floor. This tension-type is another way to hold the toilet’s components together.

Should You Caulk Around a Toilet Flange?

There is not a lot of research on caulking around the toilet, but it can be beneficial to have it done correctly. It can help secure the bottom of the toilet bowl. Although professionals do not recommend using the second type of sealant, you can use it to hold the toilet in place.

Where Is the Toilet Flange Located?

Most toilets have a flange above the floor, connecting to the underground pipe. It is evident even after seeing the toilet bowl after installation. It is around 1/2 to 1/2 of an inch above the tiles. The toilet flange places below the bowl’s base. It has a wax ring that’s connected to the floor.

Conclusion

You should place the toilet flange on top of the tile. Its outer flange should be attached to the tile using a wax ring. Placing the tile or flange below the floor can cause issues with drainage. Doing so could cause your bathroom to flood.

Getting a new toilet is not an easy task, especially if you need to consider the proper positioning of the toilet flange. Many people are also concerned about this issue. Should the toilet be placed on top or below the tile?

It should be one inch above the finished floor to allow convenient drainage and sealing. You can also use a thicker wax ring or an extension to improve the ground clearance.