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. Additionally,
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.
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!
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.
