Tighten the Closet Bolts — Secure Toilet and Check for Leaks

Beginner

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How to Install a Toilet Flange Extender · Step 6 of 6

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Pry off the plastic caps that cover the bolts on each side of the toilet base. Use an adjustable wrench to gently tighten the nut on each bolt. Alternate between the left and right sides to ensure even pressure. Be very careful not to over-tighten, as you can crack the toilet's porcelain base. If the nut is loose, a few turns should be enough. Also, inspect the washer underneath the nut to ensure it is not bent or damaged.

Goal: Secure the Toilet to the Floor

Do not overtighten the nuts, as this can easily crack the porcelain base of the toilet.

Used in this video

Adjustable Wrench (Tool Type: Hand Tools, Wrench Type: Adjustable wrench) — Tightening the nuts on the closet bolts.

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Lowe's Home Improvement

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FAQs

Why is a toilet flange extender needed, and what's the typical time commitment for this beginner-level project?

A toilet flange extender like the Oatey 1/4 in. PVC Toilet Flange Spacer is needed when new, thicker flooring causes your existing flange to sit below the finished floor level, preventing a leak-proof seal. This project is considered beginner-friendly, mainly requiring basic hand tools and careful attention to detail. Expect to dedicate 1-2 hours for the installation once the toilet is removed and the area is prepped.

Which specific tools and materials are most critical for successfully installing the flange extender and ensuring a leak-proof seal?

Key tools include a Husky 10 in. Adjustable Wrench for bolts, an HDX 6-in-1 Screwdriver, and a JES 10 oz. 12:1 Caulk Gun for the silicone sealant. Crucial materials are the Oatey 1/4 in. PVC Toilet Flange Spacer itself, an Everbilt Extra Thick Toilet Wax Ring with Plastic Horn, and Everbilt 1/4 in. x 2-1/4 in. Toilet Floor Bolts for securing everything.

What are the biggest mistakes to avoid during installation to prevent future leaks?

The most common mistakes are failing to thoroughly clean and dry the existing flange before applying silicone, or neglecting to dry-fit the extender to ensure it's flush with the finished floor. Always use a fresh, high-quality Everbilt Extra Thick Toilet Wax Ring and ensure the closet bolts are tightened evenly without over-tightening, which can crack the toilet base.

What essential safety steps should I take before and during the flange extender installation?

Always begin by shutting off the water supply to the toilet and flushing to empty the tank and bowl completely. Wear FIRM GRIP Pro Cleaning Disposable Nitrile Gloves for hygiene and protection. Be mindful of lifting the toilet, which can be heavy, and ensure a stable, dry work area to prevent slips.

Transcript

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So the first thing we want to do is we're just going to take off our caps here and there's going to be one on each side that we're just going to take our wrench down here, tighten this down a little bit. Now don't tighten it too much because you could potentially crack the porcelain. Now I usually just give it a couple of revolutions if it's not too loose. If it's real loose, that could be a sign of another issue, but you could just tighten it down a little bit. All right, so the other thing we look at is the washer. At this point we're just making sure it's not bent. If it has you're just going to want to take the nut off and replace it. All right, so we've tightened our bolts down and unfortunately that has not fixed the problem.

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