Offset toilet flange problems with a complete guide of possible fixes

As the toilet is our necessary everyday equipment, there is no need to elaborate on how essential the toilet flange is. It is a connection between the commode and the drainage system of the toilet. When is an offset flange needed?

  • Move the toilet some extra inches.
  • If the rough-in is not matched with the toilet,
  • If the drain is too close to the wall,
  • Reduce plumbing costs for the redesign.

The toilet flange can be damaged or broken. It may also be leaked anytime. So you do not need to worry. In this article, you will get an idea about some problems with an offset toilet flange. You will also get some ways of solving the toilet flange problems. 

What Is An Offset Toilet Flange?

The offset toilet flanges are curved in different shapes. The flange’s shape is systemized for cleaning them efficiently. The flanges’ size helped them attach to the commode and the drainpipe better than the straight flanges. 

Regular sizes:

Bottom: 3-inch diameter
Top: 4-inch diameter
Opening Diameter: 4 inches
Hub Depth: 1.5 inches
Angle: 45-degree
Offset Distance: 1.5 inches
Ring Diameter: 7 inches
Mounting Hole Centers: 6 inches

Material: PVC & ABS

The flange location is on the drain pipe connecting with the toilet. There are some screws attached to the flange to stick it to the toilet floor. The efficiency of the good plumbers is collaborative of the flange for setting them at the perfect position of the toilet’s floor. 

The offset flange is an off-center flange for smoothly setting it with the toilet. You can fit the toilet about 2/3 inches far from the point and fit with the flange. Thus you can shift the toilet and fit it with the flange without changing the present flange. 

How does the toilet offset flange work?

The main difference between the standard flanges and the offset flanges is the position of centering. The standard flanges are centered on the waste pipe. On the other hand, the offset toilet flanges are off-centered. You can adjust the flanges with your toilet by moving left, right, front, or back. You can easily shift the toilet position some inches. Offset flanges can easily adjust your toilet in any position that may be impossible for the standard flanges. 

The Common Problems of An Offset Toilet Flange

Now offset closet toilet flanges are highly used flanges worldwide. It prevents pipe leaks. But, the water leakage, flush problems, and considerable expense are the cons of the offset toilet flange.

Problem 01: Slow And Poor Draining

If you want to extract your toilet’s garbage fast, you must desire an attractive drainage system. But, the offset toilet flange is curved, and it can be a restriction against good drainage of your toilet. The garbage can not be extracted fast through the curved toilet flange. As a result, your toilet’s drainage system can be affected.

Problem 02: Flushing Problems

Suppose you bought an excellent toilet with a cyclone-flushing system. But, you are noticing that the flushing is affecting gradually. Can you find out the actual reason for the flush problem? Efficient toilet flushing depends on the toilet quality and the toilet flange’s position. So, when the toilet is in a higher or lower place, you will get a complicated toilet flushing system. It will cause overflow or underflow and lose the consistency between the flushing and the water flow. toilet flushing problems

Problem 03: Leakage of Water

The flange must properly align with the pipe and fit with the pipe. Sometimes the curved toilet flange is responsible for the water leakage. The wastewater falls down the floor and creates a disorder in the bathroom. 

Problem 04: Rusting The Curved Position

The offset toilet flanges are curved. The center position of the curved toilets is reliable for rusting. While being used, it can save some water and remain wet. As a result, the small amount of water saved can cause rust and spoil the flange. 

Problem 05: They Are Expensive

The cost of buying offset flanges is a significant problem. The offset curved flanges are very expensive. They are costly but not robust. But the standard straight flanges are cheap and more durable. The offset flanges start to leak quickly and become unable to use after some time. So, it is a big problem to have durable materials within budget. 

Solutions to All the Offset Toilet Flange Problems

The consequences of the offset flanges problems are not at the end. There are some solutions also. When you are deciding that you will abstain from getting the offset flanges 

  • Install A New Flange

It is a bitter truth that when you can not fulfill your necessity with the offset flange, you must change it and replace it with a new flange. You have to care about the alignment of the flange with the drain pipe. As the offset flanges are less durable, you have to consider the sustainability of the new one. How to Install a New Toilet Flange

  • Shifting The Toilet Position

When you prefer the offset flanges to the normal ones, you can take another initiative to keep the offset flanges. You can change the position of your toilet set. Keeping the toilet set in the correct place will work more efficiently without changing the flange.  

  • Repair or Replace The Damaged Flange

If you face any problem with your flange, you can repair it with an efficient plumber. If you think it is problematic and unable to improve, you can replace the flange. It may be a disgusting matter for you, but when the flange is unable to be used, you have to make the decision fast. Remember that getting better service is more necessary than considering the expense of money.

Related: Fix a low toilet flange problem
toilet flange replacement

  • Use A Spacer

The spacer works for moving the flange to your toilet set. It will be better than moving the toilet set. If you can make more space with an efficient plumber and set the flange perfectly with the toilet, it will be good for preventing the leak or any other issue with the flange. Using the spacer will be profitable by using the same flange and using it for a long time.

How to install a new offset toilet flange in concrete?

The concrete slabs are harder and more sustainable. So, concrete is popular worldwide. You can easily install a new offset flange on a concrete floor. The following steps will help you to complete the work perfectly. 

  • First, remove the toilet and cut off the old flange. 
  • Collect the old bolts. If the bolts are in good condition, match them with the new flange.
  • Set the new flange in place and join the T-bolts. 
  • Position the toilet flange at the appropriate measurement. Check the position carefully as it fits with the commode. 
  • Mark the position of the screw with a pencil. Drill the pencil markings and make holes in the concrete.
  • Fit the screws and tighten them with the help of a screwdriver. 

The concrete slab will be more durable than the general floor. Your flange is also safe and keeps the toilet in a good position. 

Conclusion

Toilet flanges are such products that are essential in every house. A toilet extraction is impossible without a flange. Human waste, including liquid and solid, must go smoothly through the flange. So, the flanges must be effective in working. The offset flanges help fulfill the demand of the toilet users by setting easily with the toilet set. Their performance is also excellent and admirable. But, the flushing issues, water leaking, higher cost, etc., made it more problematic. Before buying a flange, you must verify the flanges and take the best one. The process will be much more suitable for giving you comfort in using a toilet.

FAQ’s

What will happen if I do not replace the damaged flange quickly?

The damaged flanges can cause many issues with your toilet. Significantly, the offset flanges are reliable for hampering the bathroom fast. Water leakage and backups are the most harmful results of spoiled flanges that need to be conditioned or replaced. If it is possible to repair it, you must restore the flange quickly.

What is the central importance of an offset flange?

Although the offset flange is problematic for many issues, it has significant positivity. The flange is eligible for setting with the commode in any position. Approximately 2 or 3 inches far is not a complicated matter of fitting the offset flange. You can use an offset flange to fulfill your demand whenever you need to shift the toilet position towards the right, left, front, or back. 

Are offset toilet flanges against code?

Sometimes the offset toilet flanges can go against the toilet plumbing codes. Some flanges can not match the toilet sets and the pipes. It can cause some problems and make the toilet arrangement problematic. So, The offset flanges make the water extraction complex and go against the code. 

How far can you move an offset toilet flange?

The most desired thing from an offset flange is their placing opportunity anywhere. You can move the curve flanges quickly when you notice that their position is not matching with your toilet set. Moving one or two inches on every side (left, right, front, or back) is possible for an offset toilet flange. 

Can you replace the 10-inch to 12-inch offset flange adapter?

When your flange and adapter are not equal in size, you have to replace the flange and take the same size for setting with the adapter. But, the offset toilet flanges are slightly different. As they can fit by placing two inches right or left, they can also fit a 12-inch adapter if they are 10 inches.

Hi, this is Robert Crossan, the owner of this website, has 17 years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of toilets and plumbing systems. After completing the Level 2 Basic Plumbing course in 2005, I started working in both domestic and commercial buildings as a professional plumber. So I can figure out the core difference between different toilet models and brands. It also helped me monitor their work performance and setbacks.

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