The toilet rim extender is a very important part during the installation of a toilet. This story gives instructions on installing a flange extender.
Aparna Jadhav
While assembling a toilet, there has to be a certain coordination between the various parts for the drainage system to function properly. During the replacement of an old toilet or the installation of a new one, a toilet flange is required to drain the water into the drain pipe built under ground.
When there are defects in plumbing, the toilet flange starts leaking and eventually needs replacement. To keep the flange in working condition, there is a requirement for installing a toilet flange extender. The function of an extender is to provide a seal to the flange and keep it away from leakage.
This flange is also known as the closet flange and it is usually placed at a level above the drainage pipe. The extender is, however, placed above this closet flange to give it an additional height for the required dimensions.
Installation
The toilet rim extender is round in shape, has the same diameter as the toilet flange, and looks like a gasket. It is usually made up of plastic, but there are other materials which are used to make these.
There are four holes in the extender around its circumference through which the closet flange bolts are passed. Because the extender is installed for providing additional height to the flange, more than one can be used.
Thus, it is a very important part in cases of flange repair, as you have to install an extender to leak-seal it and add height. In every toilet assembly, the extender has to be installed after flange installation is complete.
Materials Required
Adjustable wrench
Flange extender
Flat-head screwdriver
Gloves
Needle-nose pliers
Open-end wrench
Plumber's putty
Rag
Sponge
Two pairs of slip-joint pliers
Wax seal
Directions
To start with the installation process, you need to turn off the main water supply of the house. Make sure you are equipped with many towels and napkins, since you are doing a messy job.
To drain all the water from your toilet, flush it and wipe the rear section with towels. Don't use any more water, and keep the area as dry as you can to avoid any leakage during the installation process.
Remove the caps of the toilet off the base, and unscrew the nuts with a screwdriver. With the help of a wrench, extract the toilet tube and expose the flange.
Lift the toilet above the floor, and make sure the already existing seal of the earlier extender is broken. If you are not strong enough to break the seal, drag the toilet off the surface and use a sharp object to break the seal.
Once the toilet flange is completely exposed, you will have to clean the dirt off from the flange surface. Don't use any water for this, instead use towels to wipe it dry. The surface has to be dry so that when you put the putty on, it sticks and stays put and is unaffected by water.
Apply plumbers caulk around the flange circumference, and place the extender on top of it. Let the surface dry thoroughly, and then assemble the toilet back together with all the parts in place.
After the surface is dry, place the toilet back on the clean surface of the extender and connect the toilet supply tube to it. Turn on the water supply and gradually check if there are any chances of leakage around the base of the toilet.
Your plumbing problems are very easy to repair. With the right knowledge you can fix them yourself without waiting for a plumber. Having a flange extender is a very essential part in toilet installation, so make sure you have it installed.