How to Fix a Rusted Toilet Flange

Rusted toilet flanges are not uncommon. Constant exposure to water will cause significant degradation of the metal and eventually lead to leaks. While you can remove the beginnings of rust, once the metal flange has started to leak, you should replace the entire rusty toilet flange.

Step 1: Use the toilet's shut off valve to stop the water supply by turning it counterclockwise.

Step 2: Remove the water currently in the toilet. Flush to drain the water from the bowl and tank as much as possible. Then use a cup, and then a sponge to remove the remaining water and place it into a bucket.

Step 3: Remove the water line using an adjustable wrench to untwist the nut holding the line to the toilet.

TIP: The water line is the hose connected to the shut off valve and connects to the bottom of the toilet tank.

Step 4: Remove the caps from the bolts that hold the base of the toilet onto the flange. These decorative pieces of plastic often snap off. Untwist the nuts and remove the washers that hold the toilet unto the bolts.

TIP: Often the rust on the bolts will make the nuts impossible to remove. Use a penetrating oil to aid you in removing the nuts, or use a hack saw to remove nuts and the tops of the bolts.

Step 5: Pick up the toilet and carefully set it aside. Clean the bottom of the toilet, removing any residue from the previous wax seal. Use a putty knife and mineral spirits as necessary for this step.

TIP: It's easy to chip or break a toilet, which is made of brittle porcelain. For this reason, you should be careful when moving the toilet.

Step 6: Remove the screws holding the rusted toilet flange to the bathroom floor. Using a small pry bar or a flat head screwdriver, pry up the old rusted toilet flange. Discard the rusty toilet flange. Place a balled up rag into the pipe to prevent sewer gasses from escaping.

TIP: If the new toilet flange is the same size and shape as the rusted toilet flange, trace around the flange with a pencil or marker before removal.

Step 7: Clean the pipe and the area around the flange thoroughly. Place the new flange around the pipe.

Step 8: Screw the new flange into floor. Slide the new anchor bolts into place on the toilet flange. Place the new wax seal over the flange.

Step 9: Lift the toilet and put it into place, making sure to align the holes in the base of the toilet with the anchor bolts on the toilet flange.

TIP: Keep in mind that once the toilet is in place it cannot be removed without damaging the wax seal.

Step 10: Twist on the nuts that secure the toilet to the anchor bolts, making sure to also use the washers provided. Tighten the nuts loosely and carefully to avoid cracking the toilet base. Use the hack saw to shorten the bolts. Add the decorative plastic caps over the nuts.

Step 11: Reattach the water supply line with the adjustable wrench. Turn the shut off valve clockwise to restore water to the toilet.