I recently had a vinyl floor installed in a bathroom, and removed the toilet beforehand. Now it's time to replace the toilet, but I am not sure what to do about the flange. It's intact, but slightly uneven. The back portion is just above the vinyl flooring, but the front dips down very slightly (less than 1/2") and is just underneath the vinyl floor. I am not sure if I need to install some sort of extender, or if the wax ring with be fine to deal with the unevenness.
I also removed the existing screws that affix the flange to the floor because they were rusty. Now should I install slightly larger diameter screws, and what material should they be made of?

Show us a picture but flange should be all right. Use stainless screws. If possible place small shims under the front of flange before screwing flange to floor.

Would an extra tall wax ring help? I bought one at Home Depot and it worked. But I'm one of those dangerous DIYers.

Hi Kat cee

There is no need for an extender. Instead, install a wax gasket with neoprene insert... this will easily accommodate the change in tilt on the flange.

Mark

Is it OK if the flange isn't totally above the floor line?
Where will I find wax gaskets with neoprene? I have spent a lot of time in the plumbing aisle at Lowe's, and didn't see anything like that. What do you think of the "wax less" gaskets? I believe they are all neoprene.

Btw, I am a single mom with grown kids that is attempting this myself!
Thank you for your response.

Two types of wax rings. One is just ring of wax. Other has black ring in center. All in the same area of the store. Looks like this. Comes in different thickness. Get a thick one. After screwing down the toilet flange put in the toilet hold down bolts. Place that little plastic washer on the bolts, it just pushes on and holds the bolts up while you work. Place wax ring on the flange. Press down slightly to make it stick in place. Press outward from the center. Then remove plastic cover. Sit toilet in place. Sit down on toilet for a few minutes and take a break. That should press the wax ring down and seal.. Put on the toilet bolt cover (cap) washer, then the metal washer, then put nut on the bolt. If bolt wants to turn lift up on bolt while you screw nut on.
If you are also replacing toilet hold down bolts, get the type shown. After toilet is installed, the ends of bolts can be broken off if they are to long for caps to fit over. Easier than trying to cut the bolts off if they are to long.

If you have adult children, tell then to do it and you supervise.

There are many kinds of gaskets for toilets nowadays:

1) Regular wax gasket

2) Wax gasket with horn (see Harold's image)

3) Wax gasket with horn and neoprene reinforcement (recommend for this job)

48421

4) Foam gasket

48422

5) Waxless gasket (only for new toilet installation in my opinion)

48423

And, they now make FAST SET toilet bolts... no need to cut them anymore!

48424

Use a neoprene reinforced gasket for this job... guarantees successful installation.

Mark

I agree with the above posts: Fat, flanged, wax ring will take care of the unevenness of the closet ring

Advice: I would caulk the edge of vinyl, as it is cut around the closet ring. Caulk will prevent possible moisture from getting under the vinyl.

Milo

OK, so I'm old and outdated.