Get matched with top toilet pros in Beaverton, MI

A standard toilet flange should fit snugly into the outflow pipe and sit level with the subfloor. Installing a new one without first removing the old one will make it impossible to form a seal and keep the toilet bowl bolted securely in place. 

However, if you’re dealing with leakage or wobbling because you’ve installed a new type of bathroom tile (making the floor taller), you may be able to avoid fully replacing the flange by opting for a toilet flange extender. Extenders typically come in kits for easy DIY installation, fit over the existing flange, and bring the drain connection higher.

Yes, frozen pipes can cause a toilet to stop working correctly. If the pipes are frozen, water cannot flow, which can lead to two main problems. First, the supply line to the toilet tank may be frozen, which prevents the tank from refilling with water after you flush. Second, the drain pipe itself can freeze, blocking water from flushing away. As a temporary solution for a non-refilling tank, you can manually add water, but this is not a long-term fix. To clear a frozen drain pipe, you can try pouring warm water into the toilet bowl or tank and then flushing, as the warm water may help thaw the ice blockage. Ultimately, the best course of action is to unfreeze the affected pipes to restore your toilet to full functionality.

Yes, an ambitious homeowner could decide to replace their own toilet. A person attempting to do a DIY toilet installation should keep in mind that the average toilet weighs between 100 and 120 pounds. That means that you'll need to be comfortable lifting and carrying your old toilet and replacement toilet during both phases of the project. Additionally, homeowners will need to have basic plumbing knowledge to avoid plumbing problems that could result in messy, expensive water damage in their bathrooms. Hiring a plumbing pro from the get-go can help you avoid damaging your plumbing or your new toilet.

No, the pink ring in your toilet bowl isn’t a hard water stain but a type of bacteria called Serratia marcescens. This bacteria can also cause pinkish stains in other areas of your bathroom, like around your tub, shower curtains, and faucets. Thankfully, it’s considered to be harmless. However, if you or anyone in your household is immunocompromised, it can cause issues like urinary tract infections. You can clean the pink ring with bleach and a plastic brush. Wear gloves and goggles when using bleach, and always work in a well-ventilated room.