An offset toilet flange is plumping equipment, which mainly makes a connection between the base of the toilet and the drain pipe.
Though offset toilet flange is the only sophisticated option in some cases, you may face some offset toilet flange problems while using or installing it.
Compared to other toilet accessories, offset toilet flange is a little bit tricky to install. Incorrectly installing them may lead to several problems that will pop up over time.
Let’s see what issues you can experience from this piece of pipe fitting and how to fix it.
Can Offset Toilet Flanges Cause Problems?
Like other toilet accessories, you can also experience problems using offset toilet flanges irrespective of whether you have a single or dual-flush toilet.
Don’t think the manufacturers make the product in a way that leads to problems. In fact, standard toilet flanges pop up issues if you fail to handle them correctly. So, why do you encounter various problems when using offset toilet flanges?
At first, you need to make sure you’ve purchased a well-designed offset toilet flange. Otherwise, it won’t serve the purpose.
Secondly, you’ve to choose the right type of ring. The best option is choosing Stainless steel rings as they’re easily compatible with most offset toilet flanges.
Also, you’ve to ensure your flange is tightly sealed to avoid leakage issues in the future.
What Causes an Offset Toilet Flange?
There are a few key things that commonly cause a toilet flange to become offset:
Improper Installation
Many offset flanges are the result of the flange being installed incorrectly in the first place. Common mistakes here include:
- Not setting the flange evenly with the floor level when installing on a new drain pipe.
- Not taking the time to ensure the flange bolts line up perfectly with the toilet bolt holes before finishing the installation.
- Cracking or breaking the flange during installation and failing to replace it.
Movement of the Drain Pipe
Drain pipes can shift and move over time due to foundation settling, earthquakes, or other vibrations. If the drain pipe moves, it will cause the attached flange to move with it. This most often occurs with older drain pipes that may have settled.
Rotting or Rusting Flange
Like any other metal materials, flanges will eventually start to rust and corrode after prolonged exposure to water and moisture. As the flange corrodes over many years, sections can rot away causing offsets and uneven surfaces.
Damage During Floor Repairs
If floors around the toilet are re-tiled or replaced, the work being done can easily crack, bend, or otherwise damage an existing flange and cause offsets. Using a flange protector prior to floor repairs can help prevent this.
Common Problems With Offset Toilet Flange
Here’re the two common problems you’re most likely to experience after installing offset toilet flanges.
- Leakages
If you fail to fix the toilet to the ground correctly, it may cause leakage issues. Also, it must be appropriately sealed to ensure no leakage issues.
- Clogging
Have you tightened the offset toilet flange properly? If not, your toilet met show clogging issues.
Check whether you’ve connected the flange with the pipe to the toilet seat appropriately.
- Weak Flush
The rocking and lack of stability also prevent the toilet from fully sealing when flushed. This allows water to escape, resulting in a very weak flush that fails to fully siphon down waste.
- Loose Toilet
No matter how tightly you bolt down the toilet, the instability of the offset flange prevents the toilet from being fully secure. It will continue to shift around, coming loose over time.
- Difficult Removal
If you need to remove the toilet for repairs or replacement, an offset flange makes this much more difficult. The instability causes the toilet to resist being pried up and lifted off the flange.
Does Offset Flange Clog?
You may encounter clogging issues after using offset flange for a particular time. So, why does blockage occur?
When you fail to secure a proper connection between the flange and the toilet pipe, wastes may struggle to get inside it.
However, this problem also occurs if your sewer line has damage or plumbing vents have some obstructed items. Or, there are some un-flushable items in the toilet pipe.
Mistakes People Make For Offset Toilet Flanges
Offset toilet flanges are also known as closet flanges. Generally, most manufacturers use cast iron or PVC materials to make them.
The main task of this connecting pipe is to make a connection between the toilet and drainpipe.
- Choosing Wrong Type Offset Toilet Flanges
Offset toilet flanges are available in good quality and inferior quality. Using inferior products will lead to several issues.
So, how you’ll know which offset toilet flanges are good and which one is not? A decent offset toilet flange has an angular fitting. It will perfectly seal when you install it on your toilet. They have a round appearance for the upper part of their body.
On the other hand, a bad offset toilet flange has a bowl-like shape and a non-round opening. This type of connecting pipe is difficult to seal as most of them are not compatible with a standard wax ring.
So, what to do in such a scenario? You have first to secure the metal ring to the floor appropriately. Some people think the seal is with the metal, but it’s not.
Instead, plastic is the main objective, which can help you to seal it. Always follow the American Standard while buying instead of ProFlo or others.
- Failing To Shift Toilets in Difference Directions
An offset toilet flange allows you to move the toilet in various directions by approximately 2 inches. You can shift it in both sideways as well as back and forth.
However, you may fail to adjust its position conveniently when you or the plumber you hired didn’t install it appropriately or installed the wrong size.
In such a situation, you’ve no other option but to remove the old offset toilet flange and install a correct size based on your toilet type. If you’re not installing it, getting a professional plumbing service is the best.
How to Install an Offset Toilet Flange The Right Way?
Installing an offset toilet in the right way will prevent problems in the future. Make sure you know your toilet’s drainpipe size and choose an offset flange based on it. Most drainpipes have 3 inches in diameter.
Additionally, it’s necessary to get toilet mounting bolts as well as a standard wax ring to install the offset closet flange in your toilet.
Though the setup process of an offset toilet flange is a little bit tricky, it’s similar to a standard toilet flange. Here’re the steps to follow.
- At first, you need to shut down the water system and remove water from the old toilet bowl and tank.
- Now detach the old toilet from its location carefully. Keep it aside in a secure place.
- Next, you want to take out the old wax ring and throw it in the dustbin.
- Finally, detach the faulty or old toilet flange from the connecting toilet area.
- Afterward, you need to attach the new offset toilet flange to the connecting area.
- Ahead, install the new wax ring. Don’t forget to secure its position by using toilet mounting bolts.
- At last, install the toilet. Now, you can turn on the water supply.
Now, watch this 24 minutes long instructional video to get it done right the first time!
How Do You Rough-In Offset A Toilet Flange?
At first, you will take off the old closet from the toilet. Next, you need to keep an old fabric on the entrance part of the pipe. This will ensure no escaping of sewage gases.
Your next task is determining the perfect location for your toilet seat. To get the optimal adjustment, you’ll have to get an accurate measurement for offset flange in different directions.
Keeping the toilet seat 10 to 14 inches away from the back wall is essential. Otherwise, you won’t have the proper adjustment.
Measure it appropriately from left, ride, front and back sides. You should take a measurement of 15 inches or more in all directions from the toilet position to figure out the center point. Mark the area.
Now, you want to keep the offset toilet flange at the center where you’ve marked it. Take off the old fabric from the pipe opening and use PVC cement to secure its position firmly on the floor. Attach the four screws on the four sides of the flanges.
If there is an open space between the flange and the ground, you can put foam insulation into this space. This will prevent leakage issues.
Finally, after making the correct adjustment, seal the toilet properly without giving any loose-fitting. Everything should be properly tightened. That’s all!
Tips for Offset Toilet Flange Repairs
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when tackling an offset toilet flange in your home:
- Always turn off the water supply and flush the toilet before repairing the flange. This prevents leaks and water damage.
- Inspect the condition of the wax seal whenever you have the toilet removed. Replace if any cracks or damage are present.
- Use a closet flange spacer to ensure the new flange is positioned at the ideal height above the floor surface.
- File plastic flanges carefully to avoid cracking them and make gradual height adjustments.
- With metal flanges, watch for sharp edges and wear gloves when filing.
- When shimming, use high-quality shims specifically for toilets to prevent future settling.
- Make sure flange extender or offset flange bolts are fully tightened to prevent rocking.
- Test toilet stability before completing repairs. Sit on toilet fully to check for any wobbling.
- Apply a new bead of caulk around the toilet base once secured to prevent leaks.
Taking the time to properly fix an offset toilet flange now can save you from much larger problems down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions About Offset Toilet Flanges
If you’re dealing with an offset toilet flange issue, chances are you have some questions about what causes them and how to fix them. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
In most cases, a 1/4 inch offset flange won’t move the position of the toilet more than 1/2 inch from its original ideal position. Offsets of 1/2 inch may shift the toilet up to 1 inch over. Larger offsets can move the toilet 2 inches or more out of alignment.
Small offsets under 1/4 inch are fairly common and don’t usually cause major functioning issues. However, any larger offset will lead to leaks, instability and other problems that should be corrected. Ignoring a significant offset could allow leaks and damage to get worse over time.
There are no specific plumbing codes that prohibit using an offset flange. However, larger offsets that cause the toilet to not sit stable or lead to major leaks may violate general codes requiring leak-proof plumbing. Some local codes limit offset flanges to 1/4 or 1/2 inches before replacement is required. Check local regulations for any specific rules.
You have a few options when it comes to sealing an offset flange toilet:
1. Use extra wax ring sealant to fill larger gaps under toilet.
2. Try a foam seal versus a standard wax ring for more flexibility.
3. Install plastic shims around flange to make up space from offset.
4. Replace with specialty offset flange that flexes to seal despite offset.
The key is using flexible, forgiving sealants that can conform around an uneven flange surface. Extra sealant is often required.
Conclusion
When you know the perfect way to use and install an offset toilet flange, you’re not supposed to face any offset toilet flange problems.
But people generally face issues as they think they should apply the same technique for offset toilet flanges and regular flanges.
However, it’s true that you need to be more cautious and have minimum plumbing skills to install offset toilet flanges correctly. If you’re not an expert in fixing plumping equipment, handing it over to a professional plumber is a better option.
