When installing or replacing a toilet, one of the most crucial aspects of the job occurs before the toilet is even set: selecting the correct toilet flange.
What Is a Toilet Flange?
A toilet flange, also called a closet flange, is a pipe fitting that connects a toilet to the home’s or building’s drainage system through an approved connection method. The flange is also securely anchored to the subfloor with rust-resistant screws, ensuring stability and preventing movement.
A wax ring mounted on the closet flange creates a watertight seal between the bottom of the toilet and the closet flange, preventing any leaks, odors, or sewer gases from escaping the fixture. T bolts—or as Oatey calls them, "Johni-Bolts"—are used to connect the toilet (via slots) to the toilet flange.
Choosing the Right Flange
Today’s market offers a variety of flange types based on material composition and installation configurations. Among the options are plastics (PVC, ABS), cast iron, brass, or variations tailored to specific application needs.
The right flange depends on three factors:
- Pipe material of the drainage or sanitary system (PVC, ABS, or cast iron) and connection method
- Floor height
- Application type (new install, repair, offset for tight spaces, etc.)
Before heading to your local supply house or hardware store to purchase a toilet flange, let’s explore the different types to ensure you choose the correct one for your specific application. This guide walks you through the major toilet flange categories by material and design — so you can select the best option for your project.
For step-by-step installation instructions, refer to our guide on < href="https://www.oatey.com/resources/project-guides/install-toilet-flange">How to Install a Toilet Flange.
Toilet Flanges by Material
PVC or ABS Flanges
PVC flanges are the most common choice for new installations and are also a reliable option for complete replacements. They are solvent-welded to PVC pipe using PVC cement, and should sit on top of the finished floor, creating a secure, watertight connection between the toilet and the drain line.
ABS flanges (a black plastic) are used with ABS drain systems. They involve the same installation method as PVC, but are chemically different, so they must be solvent-welded with ABS cement.
PVC and ABS flanges are durable, easy to work with, and compatible with all standard toilets.
Key Oatey PVC or ABS flange options include:
- Oatey® Level Fit Closet Flanges: These plastic flanges are available in both PVC and ABS and are an excellent option when replacing an existing flange or installing a new one. Each flange features six screw holes for easy installation and includes a durable metal ring that provides added strength, rotating 360 degrees to allow precise bolt and screw alignment. The Level Fit design installs inside 3-inch Schedule 40 DWV pipe, over 3-inch pipe, inside 4-inch pipe, or over 4-inch pipe. Inside-pipe installation is particularly beneficial in basement or commercial applications, where concrete often surrounds the drainpipe before the toilet is installed.
- Oatey® Easy Tap® Closet Flanges: This plastic flange is another reliable option, available in both PVC and ABS. It features a knockout test cap that breaks out cleanly, preventing debris from dropping into the drain. These flanges are available with stainless steel, metal, or plastic rings and fit either over a 3-inch pipe or inside a 4-inch pipe. Easy Tap is ideal for new plumbing systems that require testing or for remodels where it’s essential to contain sewer gases during installation.
Cast Iron Flanges
Cast iron flanges are often found in older homes and commercial buildings, and they remain a reliable choice for heavy-duty applications.
Instead of cutting out old cast iron, you can repair it with a drop-in option, such as the Oatey® Twist-N-Set® Replacement Closet Flanges. These are designed to replace broken cast iron closet flanges with a gasket that expands to fit inside service weight, heavy weight, and no-hub pipe. The replacement flange installs easily without tools and features a smooth, unrestricted flow design.
Oatey offers several cast iron flange options designed for strength and ease of installation.
The Oatey® Cast Iron Closet Flanges are designed for use on plastic pipe or heavyweight, service weight, or no-hub cast iron soil pipe. They install over either a 3-inch or 4-inch pipe without requiring access from below. Installation is simple and caulk-free, as each flange comes complete with the body, brass ring, bolts, gasket, and a pre-installed test cap.
For installations where the pipe is recessed or the finished floor is raised, the Oatey® Cast Iron Deepset Closet Flange offers a 4-inch, deep-set barrel while maintaining all the same design features as the standard version.
To install an Oatey Cast Iron Closet Flange:
- Place it over the pipe so the gasket secures to the pipe.
- Tighten the integrated fasteners to the pipe to secure the closet flange.
- Use fasteners to secure the flange to the subfloor
- Add the closet bolts to secure the toilet fixture.
Brass Toilet Flange
In older homes, it is common to find plumbing connections that utilize a lead bend. A skilled tradesperson should carry out the installation of these connections, as it requires the traditional lead-and-solder method.
The connection is made by peening the lead into the flange and securing it with solder. However, repairs can be quite challenging because the lead material often deteriorates over time, necessitating a complete replacement of the lead bend.
Oatey® Brass Closet Flange Replacement Ring can be used when you are repairing a lead bend. It would involve the peening of the lead and soldering to create the seal.
The Oatey® Twist-N-Set® Replacement Closet Flange can be used to replace a brass toilet flange with a gasket that expands to fit inside of service weight, heavy weight and no hub pipe. The replacement flange installs easily without tools and features a smooth, unrestricted flow design.
Specialty Toilet Flanges for Job-site Challenges
Oatey offers a range of specialty flanges that provide flexibility for various job-site scenarios and challenges.
Offset Closet Flanges:
The Oatey® Level Fit Offset Closet Flange, designed for PVC or ABS applications, shifts the toilet’s position about two inches to accommodate obstacles such as floor joists or misaligned drainpipes. Its 360-degree swivel ring allows precise bolt and screw alignment, while the metal ring provides added strength and crack resistance. UPC and ASTM D2661 listed, the flange helps keep the toilet centered, even when the waste pipe cannot be centered.
Wondering whether to use an offset flange? Read more here.
45° Closet Flanges:
When clearance issues prevent a vertical installation, the Oatey® 45° Closet Flange provides the perfect solution. Available in both ABS and PVC, this flange directs the hub off the bottom at a 45-degree angle, allowing installation where obstructions exist beneath the toilet.
The flange solvent-welds over 3-inch or inside 4-inch Schedule 40 DWV pipe and features a no-restriction throat that complies with IAPMO IGC 67-2014el. The product comes with either a plastic or stainless steel ring: The plastic option offers corrosion resistance, while the stainless steel ring provides 360-degree swivel adjustability and superior strength.
Cast Iron Repair Flanges:
For cast iron repairs, the Oatey® Twist-N-Set® Replacement Closet Flanges remains a top choice. This drop-in design expands inside the existing pipe, eliminating the need to remove the old flange. Ideal for remodels and slab construction projects where pipe access is limited, this flange features a smooth, unrestricted flow design.
Street Fittings (Fast Set™ Spigot Fit Closet Flange)
Fast Set™ Spigot Fit Closet Flanges—also known as street fittings—are designed for both PVC and ABS systems and can be cemented directly into the hub end of a fitting. These flanges are ideal when the waste pipe sits close to the finished floor and there isn’t room to add additional pipe, such as near a 90-degree hub.
Each Fast Set flange includes eight countersunk holes and two toilet bolt slots for a secure floor connection. A Cleanbreak™ Test Cap minimizes the chance of the knockout falling through and shattering down the drainpipe.
Your Quick Guide to Different Types of Toilet Flanges
| Flange Type | Use Case | Pipe Material | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oatey® Level Fit Closet Flange | New install | PVC or ABS | Installs inside or over 3-inch or 4-inch pipe; rotating metal ring for precise bolt alignment; strong, watertight fit |
| Oatey® Cast Iron Closet Flanges | Repair or retrofit | Cast iron | Installs over 3-inch or 4-inch pipe without access below; includes test cap; no caulking needed; deep-set version available |
| Oatey® Brass Closet Flange Replacement Ring | Older lead connections | Lead/brass | Replaces corroded flange rings; installs easily into cast iron pipe; secure fit with countersunk screw holes |
| Oatey® Level Fit Offset Closet Flange | Tight spaces/obstacles | PVC or ABS | Shifts toilet ~2 inches; 360° swivel ring for alignment; metal or stainless ring adds strength |
| Oatey® 45-Degree Closet Flange | Obstruction clearance | PVC or ABS | 45° angled hub for limited clearance installs; solvent-welds to 3-inch or 4-inch pipe; available with plastic, metal, or stainless ring |
| Oatey® Twist-N-Set® Replacement Closet Flanges | Repairs | Cast iron | Drop-in design expands inside existing pipe; no cutting or tools required; smooth, unrestricted flow |
| Fast Set™ Spigot Fit Flange | Limited clearance hub | PVC or ABS | Street-fitting style cements into hub; includes eight countersunk holes and two bolt slots; test cap prevents knockout fall-through |
Toilet Flange Repair Kits
Oatey offers a variety of accessories and repair solutions that make it easy to fix or adjust toilet flanges without the need for major plumbing work. Whether you’re replacing a damaged cast iron flange, repairing a cracked ring, or adjusting the flange height after new flooring, these kits provide reliable, easy-to-use options for every situation.
Replace a Broken Cast Iron or PVC/ABS Flange
For broken cast iron or plastic flanges, the Oatey® Twist-N-Set® Replacement Closet Flanges is a durable and convenient solution. Its expanding gasket design fits snugly inside heavyweight, service weight, or no-hub cast iron pipe, allowing for a secure seal without removing the existing flange.
The Twist-N-Set can also be used on PVC or ABS systems, making it versatile across different installations. This drop-in replacement is ideal for repairs in slab or basement applications where pipe access is limited, providing a long-lasting, watertight fix without the mess of caulking or solvent welding.
Your Quick Guide to Different Types of Toilet Flange Repair Options
| Flange Repair Type | Use Case | Pipe Material | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oatey® Twist-N-Set® Replacement Closet Flanges | Replace broken or damaged flange | Cast iron, PVC, or ABS | Expanding gasket fits inside existing pipe; no pipe removal; drop-in design for quick repairs |
| Oatey® Fix-It® Repair Ring | Repair cracked or broken flange ring | All flange types | Installs over existing flange with four screws; universal fit for any floor type; no cement or special tools required |
| Oatey® Set-Rite® Toilet Flange Extension Kit | Adjust flange height to finished floor | PVC, ABS, cast iron, or stainless | Raises flange quarter-inch to 1-⅝ inches; watertight seal; includes four stackable spacers, gasket, and screws for secure installation |
These repair kits provide flexible solutions for some of the most common problems encountered during toilet installs or remodels. Whether it’s a broken flange, a damaged ring, or a flange sitting too low after new flooring is added, Oatey offers a solution to help you finish the job with confidence.
For installation tips, check out these Five Best Practices When Installing a Toilet Flange. You’ll also want to pair the flange with the right seal, such as a standard or extra-thick wax ring (see guide).
No matter your project—new install, repair, or remodel—Oatey offers a full range of toilet flanges to match your pipe material and space requirements. With the right flange, you’ll secure a long-lasting, leak-free seal and install your toilet with confidence.