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The toilet flange anchors to the subfloor, usually with wood screws or cement screws, but most of it should sit above floor level at full height. When a flange is flush with the subfloor or below it, it can lead to the creation of leak paths.

Dry rot or severe water damage may warrant a replacement, but you don’t always need to replace damaged subflooring. If your subfloor has warped because it was installed incorrectly, you can sometimes shim the panels (in other words, add a thin, wedge-shaped piece of wood to level the surface). If your subfloor bows upward, you may be able to sand it down at the joist so it’s level, depending on the extent of the damage.

No, thick carpet padding isn’t necessarily better than thinner padding. The appropriate padding thickness will depend on the type of carpet and the amount of foot traffic in the area. 

For example, thick padding works well in low-traffic areas, like bedrooms, where you have soft and plush carpeting. However, thick carpet padding can damage low-pile carpet, which is used in the busiest parts of your home (like hallways and entryways). For that reason, it’s best to use thinner, heavier padding underneath carpet in high-traffic areas.

While it is possible to install carpet yourself, it is a challenging DIY project that requires precise measurement, proper cutting skills, and knowledge of correct installation techniques. The process involves multiple steps, including removing old flooring, installing underlayment and tack strips, and stretching the carpet to prevent wrinkles, which can take several days to complete.

Before starting, consider these factors:

• Warranty: Many manufacturers' warranties are voided if the carpet is not installed by a professional.

• Tools: You will need to buy or rent specialized equipment like a knee kicker, carpet stretcher, and seam roller.

• Complexity: DIY installation is most suitable for simple, straightforward rooms. Projects involving stairs or floor vents are significantly more difficult.

• Cost: While you can save on labor, the cost of tools plus the risk of expensive mistakes—which may require re-installation—can make hiring a professional more cost-effective in the long run.

Given the potential for errors, voided warranties, and the need for special tools, hiring a local carpet installer is often recommended to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.