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The inner workings of a toilet are a mystery to most people but a plumbing service can explain all of it. Have you ever heard of a toilet flange? Toilet flanges are sometimes called closet flanges and are the connections between the toilet and the floor, as well as to the drain pipes that take waste to the sewer.
If you live in McKinney, TX, or the surrounding area and are searching for a plumbing service, you may like to contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain. The company offers a wide variety of plumbing services and can fix any toilet issues you may be having. They are also available for an emergency plumbing service.
Toilet flanges are circular components with holes that allow them to be bolted onto the restroom floor and to the toilet. Fitting a toilet is a job for professionals, and if your toilet flanges have started to come loose, it’s best to call in the help of a plumbing service. There are several varieties of toilet flanges available in different materials. Let’s look at the most common types of toilet flanges.
What’s a Toilet Flange?
A toilet flange is used to ensure that the toilet remains securely bolted to the floor. It’s a pipe fitting that also connects the toilet to the drainpipe, making it water-tight and secure.
In the past, toilets were called water closets, and the flanges were referred to as closet flanges. You may still hear this term being used today. In the past toilet, flanges were most commonly made from cast iron. More modern flange fittings are now made from PVC.
Toilet flanges have four screws that are used to hold them to the floor. Each toilet flange has two slots opposite each other to hold the bolts. The toilet also has holes on its base where the bolts are inserted. Nuts and washers keep the toilet tightly in place, and a wax ring is installed to create an air seal that makes the toilet watertight.
The toilet flange helps to stop water from leaking from your toilet. If you have recently noticed some water pooling around the bottom of your toilet, this indicates an issue with the toilet flange or the wax ring. You should call in the help of a plumbing service if you are experiencing such problems with your toilet.
Types of Toilet Flanges
Toilet flanges are made from a variety of different materials, including various metals and PVC.
Plastic Toilet Flanges
The most common material used in modern times to create toilet flanges is Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This plastic is used to produce many other plumbing fixtures. Some toilet flanges are made entirely from PVC. Others are a combination of PVC and metal. These types of flanges have been designed to fit onto a three or 4-inch drainpipe. PVC is a very affordable material.
Toilet flanges can also be made from ABS plastic as this material is highly rigid. ABS is an excellent material as it’s more economical than PVC and is also resistant to environmental factors such as water, heat, and even shock. ABS flanges are also used on three- and four-inch drain pipes and help to reinforce the strength of the piping. Sometimes an extra metal ring is required with an ABS toilet flange.
Copper Toilet Flanges
Copper toilet flanges are less common but provide many benefits. The main one being that they have a higher resistance to corrosion than other metals. Copper is a relatively soft metal that can be bent easily to fit a variety of plumbing needs. It can be molded into pipes during plumbing installation. Copper flanges are very rigid and often used with elbow joints to be fitted into drainpipes.
Cast Iron Toilet Flanges
In the past, cast iron was a common material used to create toilet flanges and other plumbing fittings. Some older homes may still have cast iron toilet flanges. Cast iron is a relatively expensive material, but the benefit is that it’s very durable.
Cast iron flanges are available in various sizes and can fit different sizes of drain pipes. They are often used on drain pipes that have been installed low down as they have been designed to extend down into the pipes.
Aluminum Toilet Flanges
Another material that’s used to create toilet flanges is aluminum. The benefit of aluminum is that it’s lightweight and is less likely to suffer from corrosion. They are also very strong, durable, and long-lasting.
Stainless Steel Flanges
Stainless steel flanges are less common but are likely to be installed on older toilets. They are very durable and long-lasting. Another benefit of stainless steel is that it’s very resistant to corrosion and less likely to become affected by oxidation.
Brass Toilet Flanges
If you’re searching for a long-lasting toilet flange solution, you may like to consider asking your plumbing service to install brass toilet flanges. They are available either as a regular toilet flange as well as offset toilet flanges and deep seal toilet flanges. Some brass toilet flanges also come with an elbow joint so that they can be connected to the drain pipes. A wax ring will be used between the flange and the toilet to create a tight seal.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain, Plumbing Service
If you live in McKinney, TX, or the surrounding area and are searching for a plumbing service, don’t hesitate to contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain. The company is composed of professionals who provide high quality workmanship as well as friendly customer service and excellent value for money. They are available for 24/7 emergency call out.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North East Dallas can be contacted on 972-483-2583 for more information about toilet flanges and to stop your toilet leaking.
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