Toilet Flange 1/2 Above Floor? (Read This)

A toilet flange, the component that connects a toilet to the waste pipe, should sit about ¼” above the finished floor for the stability and proper seal of the toilet. 

But what if you end up with a toilet flange 1/2 above floor?

In this post, I will go over the implications of that scenario, and show you what to do.

I’ll also shed some light on why this happened to you.

What Causes A Toilet Flange To Be Too High?

Let’s have a look at why your toilet flange ended up too high:

Errors Made While Installing 

One of the main reasons for a toilet flange to rise above the floor level is not measuring it out properly before installing.

Also Read: Toilet Flange Not Level

The thickness of the kind of tile or wood used for the floor and the thickness of the motor bed has to be taken into consideration before installing the flange.

Installing the flange before finishing the floor can lead to this problem too.

A toilet flange should only be installed when the floor is finished. 

Renovating the Floor With Thinner Tiles or Wood

Another thing that can make a toilet flange rise above the floor level is renovating an existing floor with thinner tiles or wood.

This exposes more of the flange.

The flange may have had the right amount of clearance above the floor with the old tiles or wood, but with the new, thinner ones it sits too high above.  

Problems Caused By A High Toilet Flange 

A toilet flange that sits too high above the finished floor can cause several problems:

Rocking and Leaking Toilet

With the flange above the floor, the toilet won’t sit flush and solid on the floor. 

The higher elevation, along with its weight and the weight of the user, will cause a torque.

So, it can rock back and forth, causing cracks and leaks.

Plus, the gap between the base of the toilet and the subfloor caused by the elevated flange can prevent the bolts and wax ring from securely holding the toilet in place.

Also Read: Large Gap Between Toilet And Floor

This too can lead to the toilet shifting or rocking, and cause leaks around the base of the toilet. 

Messy Wax Ring

When a toilet flange is positioned 1/2″ above the floor, it can lead to issues with the wax ring seal. 

The standard wax toilet ring requires proper compression between the toilet and the flange to create a secure seal.

If there is a gap due to the flange being higher than usual, the excess wax can get squeezed out. 

This will cause a really messy situation.

Stress On Internal Connections

When the toilet flange sits too high above the floor, it can also increase stress on the internal connections of the toilet.

With less support underneath due to the elevated flange, all the weight and movement of the toilet are concentrated on the internal gasket and bolts.

This excessive pressure can cause these components to loosen or fail over time.

Also Check Out: Compact Pulse Smart Electric Toilet with Dual-Flush Technology

What To Do If Toilet Flange ½ Above Floor?

There are a few ways to fix a toilet flange that’s ½ above floor:

Fill the Gap

One of the easiest and most affordable solutions is to simply fill the gap under the toilet with a material to build up the floor height.

Here are three different ways to fill the gap:

Using Plywood

Measure the area and cut plywood pieces to fit tightly under the toilet base. You can secure the plywood pieces with glue or screws.

After that, set the toilet on top and check if it’s rocking now.

Using Grout

You can also use grout to fill the gap between the floor and the flange too.

Mix and apply a grout paste around the toilet base, using shims to level it.

After that, allow the grout to fully dry for about 24 hours. Then remove the shims and fill the remaining gaps.

Now reinstall the toilet and check it out.

Using Cement Boards.

Another option for filling the gap is to use cement boards. 

Cut out a middle hole in cement boards to fit around the toilet base, and lay the boards in wet cement and secure them with screws.

Then put tiles on top using construction adhesive for a finished look.

That’s it. Just be sure to carefully level and secure the toilet after installation.

Raise The Entire Floor

For a more permanent, polished repair, you can raise the entire bathroom floor by installing thicker flooring materials.

This is best done if you have been planning to renovate the bathroom anyway.

1. Measuring the height needed by adding the old floor’s thickness to the gap size.

2. Removing the old floor, toilet, and fixtures.

3. Installing new, thicker flooring materials to the desired height to make the toilet level.

While effective, this is obviously a much bigger & costlier project to take on versus filling the gap.

Replace the Flange

The last resort is cutting and grinding down the toilet flange itself until it is flush with the floor, then installing a new flange at the proper height.

1. Remove the old flange by carefully breaking it away from the drain pipe. 
2. Grind or cut the drain pipe down until level with the floor.
3. Installing a new, appropriately sized flange. 
4. Set and secure the toilet on the new flange.

Keep in mind that replacing the flange is a more complex plumbing job.

So calling in a professional may be advisable if you are uncomfortable doing it yourself.