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Does Toilet Flange Go on Top of Tile or Flush? (Explained)

A toilet flange connects the toilet and drain pipe to the floor and holds the toilet in place. In the case that you are new to this fitting, you should be able to figure out where the toilet flange goes, whether it is on top of the tile or flush. 

Does the toilet flange go on top of tile or flush?

The Toilet Flange should always be installed on top of the tile. It should be installed at a minimum of 1/4 inch above the finished floor surface. However, flushing it or putting it in a recessed way is the incorrect procedure. This may result in leakage and drainage issues.

Toilets are heavy, bulky objects. They exert a lot of pressure when we sit on them. The toilet must be mounted tightly to withstand the weight and pressure. It is first necessary to attach the toilet flange to the floor drain before mounting it. 

Then tighten it with screws. Next, the toilet is mounted with the toilet flange. It is usually necessary to use a wax ring to reinforce the connection.

The toilet flange should be installed on the main floor. Except for this, if it is placed under the tiles or parallel to them, It might be a problem. Examples include water leaks, drainage troubles, odor leaks, and other problems.

Should the toilet flange be flush with tile? Is the toilet flange supposed to be flush with the floor?

If this is your first time installing a toilet. Ensure that the Toilet Flange does not go over or under the tile. The toilet flange must be on top of the tiles for this to work. There’s no way to flush it out with tiles.

It is not a good idea to flush the toilet flange with the floor. Most bathroom floors are tiled. On the other hand, the toilet flange will remain on the main floor or finishing floor regardless of the flooring type selected. 

You will have problems later on if you flush the Toilet Flange with the floor during installation.

4 reasons why does toilet flange goes on top of the tile

It is important to get the advice of experts before undergoing any type of installation. Toilet flanges should be installed on top of tiles, without flushing with the tiles. Here are some reasons why experts suggest installing this way.

There is no better way to do it:

In the opinion of experts, the only proper way to install a toilet flange is to place it on top of tiles. You can’t flush with toilet flange tiles even if you want to, since other methods are wrong. If the toilet has been installed incorrectly, then there may be leakage. 

This will pose a serious problem.

Toilet and Toilet Flange reside on the same floor:

It is important to follow the regulations for installing a toilet flange when installing a toilet. That is, since the toilet flange is situated above the tiles, the toilet will also sit on top of the tiles. When installed on the toilet flange tiles, a 1/4 inch space is created on the upper side. 

Typically, this space contains a toilet. Therefore, the toilet’s bottom edge touches the tiles or bottom surface exactly.

Designed for Strong mounting:

The toilet has to carry a lot of heavyweights. As we sit on the toilet, it has a lot of weight on it. If it is to hold the weight, it must be mounted in a strong structure. For tight mounting, it is important to place the toilet flange on tiles.

To prevent leaks:

If the toilet flange is mounted slightly above the floor, the toilet flange and the drain pipe can break. Alternatively, if it is placed under the tiles, it can lead to water leaks. The only way to solve this issue is to install it on top of a finished floor or tile to eliminate this problem.

How do you install a toilet flange on tile? 

Installing a toilet flange is not as difficult as it seems. You have to screw in the flange. As long as you are putting it on the tiles and there is wood underneath the tile, you should use a normal screw. However, you must use tapcon-screws if your subfloor is concrete. 

You will need screwdrivers, screws, drill machines, toilet flanges, glue, tape measures, safety glasses, etc. to complete the whole process well. You should use a mask, safety goggles, and a pair of gloves when working.

Cut throughout the tiles:

In the case of extra-large tiles on pipes, they should be cut first. Be sure to cut the bottom of the toilet flange evenly. This will make it easier to attach the flange to the drain pipe. The flange will be mounted outside of the drainpipe, so clean the area around it.

Glue the toilet flange:

Clean the flange and the pipe of the toilet. Be sure to remove all dust. Now glue the toilet flange on the inside and the drainpipe on the outside. Lastly, attach the drainage pipe to the toilet flange. There is a slot in one part of the flange. 

This is where the toilet is mounted. The back part of the flange must be parallel with the wall. Allow the glue to set for a few minutes. This should not take more than two minutes.

Screw the flange into the floor:

Use a drill machine to drill the tile and screw parts together.  Usually, there will be three or four holes to drill. Take a 12 by 2-inch screw and screw it into the drilled area.

Mount the toilet:

The next step would be to install the toilet with its flange, which is accomplished using bolts. Bolts are sometimes fitted with slotted parts instead of bolts. Install the slotted part in its place. In case you need to use bolts, make sure they are securely installed.

Where is the toilet flange located?

A toilet flange is used to mount the toilet to the floor. This means that if you look under the toilet, you will find the toilet flange. The toilet seat was attached to the toilet with a ring, so if you remove it, you will see the ring. 

This ring is known as the toilet flange. Others refer to it as the closest flange. Both PVC and metal are used to make it.

How to level a toilet flange? 

The toilet flange must be installed at the correct level. In either case, the toilet will not fit well if installed high or low in the attic.

Check the condition:

Take a look at the toilet flange you have installed. If it is above the surface of the floor then it is too high. If the toilet flange is parallel to the subfloor e or below the tiles, it is too low.

Remove the old toilet flange:

To install the new toilet flange, first, remove the old one. Reuse it if possible. However, if you can’t, get a new one. Experts recommend switching to new uses. Block the drainpipe with a piece of paper or cloth. This will prevent sewage gas from escaping.

Level down the flange:

If the toilet flange is kind of high, remove the excess first drain pipe. Now, using a circular saw, cut away the excess pipe. And make sure to cut it parallel to the subfloor. Then, around the drainpipe, cut some tiles. Then clean the area and replace the toilet flange.

Level up the toilet flange:

The issue will be more complicated if the toilet flange drops below the level. Upon removing the old toilet flange, you will need to check the level. Most likely, the reason for the flange going below level is a broken tile in that part. 

So it is necessary to fill the upper part of the subfloor that is especially damaged. After that, you should level the toilet flange. Be sure to install the device on the finished floor, or tiles, and make sure that it is situated adjacent to it.

Final Thought

As a rule, the toilet flange should be at the top of the tile. To be precise, the toilet flange must be leveled with the finished floor. You cannot install a toilet flange flush with the tiles. Experts recommend installing the toilet flange over the finished floor or tiles.